Complete and Final Pacific Crest Trail Gear List (Round Two)

Atom Packs Prospector

I got an Atom Packs Prospector while in England’s Lake District and am very happy with it. It held up better than expected and with a trash compactor bag liner, my gear was never wet (even during periods of extended rain at the start). This has become my new favorite bag, and I’m a huge fan of the pockets and how comfortable it is.

32 oz / 900 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 is a lightweight, two-person, dual-vestibule tent made from waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabrics. It pitches with eight stakes and two trekking poles, but since I didn’t use trekking poles I used two custom carbon fiber poles from Ruta Locura. The combined weight of these two poles is 8.49 oz / 241 g.

28 oz / 794 g | Would use again? Yes
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Western Mountaineering UltraLite

The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is my new go-to 20°F / -7°C sleeping bag. Never once was I cold in this bag – even when sleeping above 10,000 ft / 3,050 m in the still snow-covered Sierra. I also used a Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk Sleeping Bag Liner with this bag which added a bit of warmth and (more importantly) protected my bag from my filth.

29 oz / 820 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite (Regular)

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite from Cascade Designs has a 2.0 R-value and was quite comfortable. I got one puncture in it down in the desert, but I was cowboy camped in arguably my worst campsite location of the entire trail. It packs down incredibly small and weighs just half a pound. There’s a short version I may get in the future.

8.8 oz / 250 g | Would use again? Yes
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VOORMI River Run Hoodie (Desert)

Long sleeves and hood are the way to go, and the VOORMI River Run Hoodie is one of the only lightweight merino options still available to hikers. It took a while for the sleeves to loosen up enough for me to pull them up and I had a bit of wear where my backpack’s straps sat, but it help up well. No holes or tears. The thumb hole loops are a bit strange though as they are just thin pieces of elastic.

7 oz / 186 g | Would use again? Yes
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Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0

Leaving the desert, you are free to continue being awesome and using a hoodie, but I changed things up. Post-desert, I wore a Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0. You might find it strange to be wearing something described as a “dress shirt” on the trail, but I’ve used this shirt all across New Zealand, Nepal, and Europe and have been very impressed/satisfied with its performance. It’s even got a chest pocket. Function and fashion. If you want to read my detailed review of this shirt, you can find it here.

Would use again? Yes
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Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid

It rained for the entire first week I was on trail, and I am glad that I had the Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid in my pack. My only complaint is that it did not keep items in the jackets pockets 100% dry. I don’t know if this was due to condensation from my sweating or from rain seepage, but definitely something to note.

12 oz / 340 g | Would use again? Probably
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Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka

I had been hoping to get a Feathered Friends Eos before hitting the trail, but this dream never came to fruition and I instead ended up using my Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka from the Continental Divide Trail. It’s a good (but expensive) puffy that still has enough fill to keep me warm. Read my detailed review here.

8.4 oz / 237 g | Would use again? Probably
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Patagonia Strider Pro 5″

These shorts have been and still are my go-to. They’ve got five pockets (one zippered and four stretchy) and (perhaps most importantly of all) I can pee out the bottom of them (i.e. I don’t have to fumble with my hip belt and fanny pack to use the bathroom; if you’re grossed out by this, you’ve got another thing coming on the PCT – prepare for bathroom talk, and lots of it).

3.9 oz / 111 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Custom Hat

My dear friend and occasional hiking companion, Señor Moisture made me a custom hat with a patch granting me membership to the highly exclusive Bear Friend Society. Needless to say, it got me into some awesome bear-sponsored parties in the Sierra.

3 oz / 85 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Polar Buff

The polar buff is the original buff, but with 9 in / 22.8 cm of fleece at the end making it a bit warmer and a more versatile. I ended up ditching my beanie and just using this instead. Folded over on itself, it does a good job of blocking out wind, as well.

2.29 oz / 65 g | Would use again? Yes
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Buff CoolNet UV+

I use the polar buff as a beanie, but I use a Buff CoolNet UV+ on my neck/head/face/wrist during the mornings/evenings/cold parts of the day when the polar would be too warm. This buff is designed to be used in the sun and apparently doesn’t heat up as much as an original buff, but I have trouble keeping it on the entire day (I run hot).

1.2 oz / 34 g | Would use again? Yes
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Sea to Summit Head Net

You guys, I know that wearing a head net makes you look like a complete tool (and if this is how you had to find out, I am sorry). However, when deep in mosquito country I don’t care about how dumb I look – only about how many mosquitoes are not currently in and/or on my face. The Sea to Summit Head Net is a lightweight solution with an adjustable hem that it’s probably worth bringing two of because you’ll be able to sell one for ten times the price to some sucker without one.

1.2 oz / 34 g | Would use again? Yes
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Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves

Not everyone considers gloves to be an essential piece of PCT gear, but for me, it’s worth carrying a little extra weight to have gloves to get me through cold mornings or freezing rain-filled days. I used a pair of Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves and they did a good job at keeping my hands warm but only an OK job working my phone’s touchscreen. Might go back to the Arc’Teryx Venta Gloves.

2.8 oz / 79 g | Would use again? Maybe
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Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks

Thru-hiking is practically synonymous with Darn Tough at this point and the Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks are my favorite for long-distance (or really any distance) hiking. They’re comfortable, made with merino wool, have a lifetime guarantee, and offer great cushion. You will never want to buy another brand of sock. I buy these as presents all the time because you know why? Because they’re awesome. There’s no better feeling on the trail than a new pair of socks. Read my detailed Darn Tough Socks review here.

2.2 oz / 62 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Showers Pass Lightweight Waterproof Socks

Most hikers won’t have waterproof socks, but I like having a pair for the days when you know you’re feet are likely to be wet all day. I used a pair of Showers Pass Lightweight Waterproof Socks in the Sierra and was happy with their performance. The only downside is that you can’t let water go above the sock and so unless you want to take them off for major stream crossings (there’s usually at least one of these per day), things can be annoying (unless it’s not a very big snow year or you’re hiking while water levels are lower).

3.7 oz / 105 g | Would use again? Probably
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Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Low (Men’s/Women’s)

The Moab 2 Ventilators from Merrell are my favorite shoe for trekking. They’re wide enough for my fat-ass foot, water-resistant (but still breathable), and have awesome tread/laces. There’s a Gore-Tex version available, but I usually stick with the standard shoes since they’re cheaper and breathe better. I’ve yet to have a blowout with these shoes (something that I see often with Altras). Note: buy whatever shoes are most comfortable for you – everyone is different.

33 oz / 936 g | Would use again? Yes
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Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low

The Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low gaiters weren’t my favorite, but ever since Outdoor Research stopped making their Sparkplug Gaiters, I’ve been on the hunt for something new. These guys worked alright, but they’re a bit bulky/much for a thru-hiking gaiter.

1.73 oz / 49 g | Would use again? Probably not
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Ray Ban Wayfarer

As was the case with the hat, sunglasses are a personal choice. It’s not Mount Everest, it’s the Pacific Crest Trail. There’s not a “best” pair of sunglasses. However, there are good sunglasses and bad sunglasses. I’ve got these because in addition to not looking too small for my big head, I wanted polarized glasses for the desert sun, the hiking at altitude, and the snow.

1.6 oz / 45 g | Would use again? Yes
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Chums Original Cotton

I guess the official name for this thing is an “eyewear retainer”, but we all know that just makes it sound even more lame than it already is. However, in the context of a thru-hike, these are incredibly useful. I have tried a couple different eyewear retainers and have found this one to be the most durable (the ones with prints on a piece of neoprene eventually break apart and the print falls off).

0.6 oz / 17 g | Would use again? Yes
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Batman Sandals

Camp shoes are not an essential piece of gear. However, I’ve tried thru-hiking without camp shoes and the amount of utility and happiness having something easy to wear around camp or in town far outweighs the cost of carrying the extra weight. I found these Batman Sandals at a Walmart on the CDT and have had them for almost two years now. Camp shoes do not need to be fancy. Just get something cheap, light, and somewhat durable (you probably want something that won’t disintegrate if it gets wet). On the PCT, I brought along the same pair I bought on the CDT and they’re still going strong.

6 oz / 170 g | Would use again? Yes
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Thrupack Summit Bum

The Thrupack Summit Bum has become an essential piece of my hiking kit (and my not-hiking kit – I shamelessly use it off the trail and receive nothing but complementary stares from everyone). This lightweight fanny pack revolutionized my hiking and is now where I keep all of my snacks for the day, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lighter, etc. It has an exterior pocket that can fit a large cell phone, two interior pockets, and it’s water-resistant. Not to mention its huge sex appeal.

2.5 oz / 71 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Thrupack Comfy Strap

The Thrupack Summit Bum comes with a strap, but if you want an upgrade on both your comfort and your awesomeness, then a Comfy Strap is worth the investment. This strap comes in a variety of prints, but most importantly it is stretchy (and comfy). It’s totally unnecessary, but I am happy I have one.

2.2 oz / 62 g | Would use again? Yes
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Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

I’ve used the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles on hikes in the past and this year I used one of them to help me through the snow in the Sierra. I was happy to have it and think that bringing just one was the right decision (because I’ve gotten into the habit of carrying my water bottle in my hand).

17.1 oz / 485 g (pair) | Would use again? Probably
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Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System

This was a big snow year and there was lots of travel over snow. I used the Kahtoola MICROspikes for ascending and descending a number of the Sierra passes and although I hiked with some people without any traction whatsoever, I was a lot more comfortable moving over the snow and ice with these than I would have been without them.

11 oz / 312 g | Would use again? Probably
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Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiters

I brought a pair of Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiters for fear that there would be days I would just be post-holing to no end (when your foot and/or leg breaks through the snow/ice). The reality was that I never put them on once.

12.1 oz / 343 g | Would use again? Not for the PCT
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Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe (65 cm)

If I was only going to bring one piece of snow gear, it would be my Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe. This was the thing I used the most in the Sierra (unless you count my waterproof socks or trekking pole). There are some lighter options available that I have yet to try out, but I definitely like this axe and was happy to have it at points while coming down some of the passes.

14.36 oz / 407 g | Would use again? Probably
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Black Diamond Slinger Ice Axe Leash

If you’re going to use an actual leash for your ice axe and not simply a piece of floss (ultralight, bro) or no leash at all (just remember what Moist says, “an ice axe without a leash is a lost ice axe), then the Black Diamond Slinger Ice Axe Leash is a great option. It is stretchy, easy to get on and off your hand, and has a carabiner attachment for your axe.

1.9 oz / 54 g | Would use again? Yes
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Black Diamond Ice Axe Protector

The Black Diamond Ice Axe Protector saved my mesh back pocket from being torn to pieces by my ice axe (I had it attached to my pack with the spike up). It’s not necessary, but so long as you’re carrying a ton of extra gear through the Sierra, what’s another bit of safety weight?

1.38 oz / 39 g | Would use again? Yes
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Black Diamond Spike Protector

Perhaps not totally necessary, but a lightweight solution to the question of, “What if I accidentally pick up my pack and stab someone with my ice axe?” I once fell forward through the snow with my ice axe attached to my pack (spike up) and without my Black Diamond Spike Protector, the spike may have gone through my head (instead, my bear canister just nearly knocked me out).

0.46 oz / 13 g | Would use again? Yes
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MSR PocketRocket 2

I’ve been back and forth on bringing a stove or not on thru-hikes, but I’m back on the wagon for now and will be trying out my first canister stove without an integrated pot. In the past I’ve used an alcohol stove, a Jetboil, and have gone stoveless. I liked the MSR PocketRocket 2 and will probably continue to use it as my go-to stove on longer hikes (that I bring a stove on).

3 oz / 85 g | Would use again? Probably
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MSR Titan Tea Kettle

The MSR Titan Tea Kettle is nice because I can fit both a small can of gas and the MSR PocketRocket 2 inside of it (and close the lid). It has a locking position the rubber-covered handle on the lid can be placed in while cooking which makes removing it without burning yourself possible. Plus, it’s titanium which makes it super-duper cool and uber-mega-ultralight. The only bad news is that there are no measurement lines inside of the pot. Lame.

4.2 oz / 119 g | Would use again? Yes
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Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Sure, you could get a plastic spoon from McDonalds, but if you want a utensil that’s going to last forever (so long as you don’t lose it), then get a Snow Peak Titanium Spork. It won’t melt, it’s easy to clean, and it’s mother fucking titanium (which means that you can use it to fight off wild animals). With this spork I can eat my trail meal like the champion while also looking like a total loser because I have a titanium spork – win-win.

0.6 oz / 17 g | Would use again? Yes
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Sawyer Micro Squeeze

I was not impressed with the Sawyer Micro Squeeze and will probably be moving back to the original Sawyer Squeeze. It wasn’t quite as bad as the Sawyer MINI in terms of getting clogged and overall flow rate, but the minimal weight savings when compared to the Sawyer Squeeze is not worth it.

2.5 oz / 71 g | Would use again? Probably not
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BioLite HeadLamp 330

The BioLite HeadLamp 330 has a 230 lumen spot and a 100 lumen flood light (hence, 330). It’s USB-rechargeable (Micro USB) and is advertised to last 40 hours on low and 3.5 hours on high. It has four settings: white flood, white spot, red flood, and white strobe (you know, for scaring away the bears). The beam’s distance is 50 ft / 16 m in flood and ~250 ft / 75 m in spot. It weighs only 2.43 oz / 69 g and has a front profile of just 0.35 in / 9 mm.

2.43 oz / 69 g | Would use again? Yes
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Ursack Major Bear Bag (Outside Sierra)

A bear bag is not required nor is it necessary on the Pacific Crest Trail, but I like using one because it gives me peace of mind when storing my food. The Ursack Major Bear Bag holds 10.7 L and comes in white or black. I wish I had gotten the black one because the white gets incredibly dirty. Also, I learned that this bag is NOT rodent-proof. I also saw a bear destroy one. So now I’m not so sure if I’m still a big fan.

7.6 oz / 215 g | Would use again? Maybe
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BV450 (Sierra)

The one piece of gear that every thru-hiker wishes they didn’t need to carry, the bear canister is a requirement for hiking in the Sierra (or if camping in Lassen National Park). I used a BearVault BV450. It has a 7.2-liter capacity and doubles as an excellent stool. It also stops the bears. I managed to make it between resupplies with this guy and didn’t feel I needed the larger BV500.

33 oz / 936 g | Would use again? Yes
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Garmin inReach Mini

I brought the Garmin inReach Mini as my Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). It weighs just 3.5 oz /99 g and has 2-way texting (which works well), tracking (also works well), and SOS capabilities (fortunately, didn’t have to test this). The only catch is that it requires a (paid) monthly plan to function.

3.5 oz / 99 g | Would use again? Probably
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Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk Sleeping Bag Liner

I don’t think a sleeping bag liner is necessary, but I carried a Western Mountaineering Tioga Silk Sleeping Bag Liner for a couple of reasons: 1) to keep my Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag clean (because having and eventually washing a dirty sleeping bag is no fun), and 2) because most of the time I’m too warm for my bag and just sleep on top of it (with a liner).

3.6 oz / 102 g | Would use again? Yes
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Digigo/Ultamid Ultralight Stake Kit (set of 8)

These are tent stakes. These stakes are made from aluminum, lightweight, and are 8 in / 20.3 cm long. The heads are drilled to give you the option of attaching a cord to each of the stakes (I did this). Having the “best” tent stakes will not make your hike any better or more successful. They are just tent stakes. I managed to break one of these early in the hike and Hyperlite Mountain Gear did me a solid and replaced it.

0.4 oz | 12.7 g (each) | Would use again? Probably
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pillow Stuff Sack (Large)

I used the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pillow Stuff Sack to carry my extra clothes and as a pillow (with my down jacket and rain jacket inside) at night. I was usually too lazy to turn it inside out to access the felt part (the pillow part) each night, but I was happy on the nights I did.

1.69 oz / 48 g | Would use again? Probably
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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack (13L)

Even with a pack liner it’s a good idea to keep your sleeping bag in a dry sack (because your sleeping bag literally keeps you alive at night). A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack does the trick for me. These stuff sacks are both lightweight and durable. They are not designed for submersion, but using one inside of your pack will keep your sleeping bag dry. These stuff sacks have roll tops and come in six different sizes.

1.4 oz / 40 g | Would use again? Yes
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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (2.5 L)

I used a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack to keep my cables and electronic-related things organized inside of my pack. Sometimes, I use a Ziploc bag for this, but they always end up breaking and so for a thru-hike I find that having an actual stuff sack of some kind (or at least a more durable bag) helps the frustration factor.

0.4 oz / 11 g | Would use again? Yes
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Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case (Large)

On my very first day of the trail this year, a freezing rain/wind storm broke my phone. After buying a new phone, I decided that I needed a way to guarantee that my phone dry remained dry. My solution was a Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case. It’s not too hard to open and I found that I could still use my phone’s touchscreen through the plastic which was nice. That said, it is difficult to dry the inside out should you get it wet.

1.2 oz / 34 g | Would use again? Probably
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Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife

For a long time I went back and forth on carrying any sort of multitool or knife. I think I’m a solid, “yes” at the moment; I need something to cut my cheese. The Opinel No. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife was and still is my cheese cutting device and I’m quite happy with it. You can even get it in different colors. Very exciting, I know.

0.99 oz / 28 g | Would use again? Yes
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Mini Bic

Since I used an MSR PocketRocket 2, I needed to carry a lighter (I should probably carry one regardless). I carried a Mini Bic. It is like a regular Bic, but mini. You know, because ULTRALIGHT. I guess I could just carry like five matches instead and that would be even more ultralight, but I’ll stick with the lighter.

0.39 oz / 11 g | Would use again? Yes
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Noso Puffy Patch Lil’ Bits Gear Repair Kit

I discovered Noso Puffy Patches earlier this year and they’re pretty sweet. Ripped your puffy, sleeping bag, or just want to decorate your gear? Instead of some duct tape, why not fix things up with a cat? A bird? A dude riding a bucking horse? They’re a lightweight solution to hemorrhaging feathers from your gear.

0.35 oz / 10 g | Would use again? Yes
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Gorilla Tape

Tape. An often overlooked, but incredibly useful thing to have with you on a thru-hike. Tear your down jacket? Tape! Rip your tent? Tape! Need to shut up your hiking partner? Tape! Just don’t bring an entire roll. I like Gorilla Tape because it’s incredibly sticky, waterproof, and thick. I’ve used this to patch a hole in my shorts before and the tape didn’t come off even after multiple washes. That said, get whatever tape you want – just bring some (because you can’t have any of mine).

Would use again? Yes
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Smartwater 1L Bottle

You just use a store-bought plastic water bottle on the PCT? Yes. And you use it over and over again until the label has fallen off and it’s practically turned into a sock before you replace it (and, of course, you decorate it with cool stickers from everywhere you’ve been on the trail). Smartwater (and LIFEWATR) bottles are quite structurally sound compared to something like the collapsable Arrowhead bottles and they slide easily in and out of backpack pockets (if you’ve never been thru-hiking before, this may not sound important, but trust me, it is). You can also put a Sawyer Micro directly on the top and filter out of one bottle into another. That said, I’m using a plastic bottle and killing the environment so I’m going to hell.

Would use again? Yes
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RAWLOGY Cork Massage Balls

The term “luxury item” gets thrown around a lot by thru-hikers when talking about their PCT gear. One of my luxury items? RAWLOGY Cork Massage Balls. These cork balls measure 2.5 in / 6.35 cm across and weigh 1.4 oz / 40 g each. Not light enough for you? There is also a 1.9 in / 4.82 cm version that weigh 0.9 oz / 25 g each. Best to bring the pair so that you can give one to your new best friend on the trail.

1.4 oz / 40 g | Would use again? Yes
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TheTentLab The Deuce #2

I’ve talked a lot about pooping in the woods and packing out your toilet paper in the past, and I will probably continue to do so. Backcountry poops aren’t the glamorous, but they are an unavoidable reality of trail life. A lot of people don’t bring a trowel saying that a shoe, a rock, a trekking pole or whatever will substitute. Sometimes this will be the case, but other times you are not going to be able to dig a proper cat hole (that’s a hole for your poop).

0.6 oz / 17 g | Would use again? Probably
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Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

I’ve found the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion to be effective against mosquitoes in the past and so it has earned a spot in my pack for the PCT. Picaridin doesn’t stink like DEET, but I have found that this lotion washes off very easily with rain or river crossings. It’s also a bit heavy, but to keep the mosquitoes away I’ll do anything.

5 oz / 142 g | Would use again? Yes
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Proven Insect Repellent Spray (Odorless, 6oz)

Some people carry backup water filters. Some people carry backup fire starters. I carry backup insect repellant. Proven Insect Repellent Spray has the same active ingredient as the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, but I can use it on my head and shoulders when the bugs get really bad and start biting through my clothes.

2 oz / 57 g | Would use again? Yes
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Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm (0.8 oz)

The worst thing on the Pacific Crest Trail is chafe (and more specifically, ass chafe). Thankfully, there is Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm to alleviate the suffering. There’s also a “For Her” version that appears to be the exact same thing but it’s also “rich in vitamins A, B, E, and F”. Just try to remember to apply before the chafe parade starts.

2.5 oz / 71 g | Would use again? Yes
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Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm

On the PCT you’re going to want a lip balm with SPF. I enjoy Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Lip Balm. The desert sun, the Sierra elevation, and the snow (if you find any) will ravage your beautiful lips if you aren’t careful to take care of them. It doesn’t matter which lip balm you get, so long as you get one with SPF.

0.8 oz / 23 g | Would use again? Yes
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Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 (3 oz)

Sunscreen for the PCT should be broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), it should be designed to not run off when you sweat (because yes, you will sweat), and it should ideally be SPF 50 (above SPF 50 provides only marginal additional protection at an often much more expensive price). I like the consistency of Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 (I don’t really like Banana Boat). But I’ll probably just end up getting a refillable tube and stealing sunscreen from hiker boxes.

3.2 oz / 91 g | Would use again? Yes
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Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer

If there’s one thing I can say my hiking partner Mr. Appa taught me, it’s that he taught me about Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer. It’s a spray-on hand sanitizer that makes my hands smell lavender-y and (hopefully) cleans them.

2 oz / 57 g | Would use again? Yes
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Neosporin Ointment

A lot of people don’t talk about (or don’t bring) any kind of first aid, but it’s a good thing to have some antibiotic ointment around for when you slice your hand open whilst cutting off some of that sweet and delicious cheese. I carry a small tube or Neosporin Ointment to fight off the infections. Did I use it? Yes, once. So was it worth carrying? Sure.

1 oz / 28 g | Would use again? Yes
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Band-Aid Bandages

It’s not a bad idea to have a couple of Band-Aid Bandages tucked away somewhere in your pack for stopping the bleeding that will inevitably occur out of somewhere on your body during your thru-hike.

Would use again? Yes
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3M Medical Tape

Carrying a bit of 3M Medical Tape won’t cost a lot in terms of weight, but it can be very helpful should you slice something open and have a need for more than just a Band-Aid. I guess I could have just relied on my Gorilla Tape, but I’m obviously not that cool.

Would use again? Yes
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Folding Travel Toothbrush

I like the GUM Travel Toothbrush because it folds into itself for storage and packs away easily. However, once the bristles start to wear they get stuck in the brush when closing it. Still, I typically use one of these on the trail since they can fit easily in my pocket, fanny pack, or backpack.

1 oz / 28 g | Would use again? Yes
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Travel Toothpaste

In case you are unaware, there are small versions of toothpaste available. You do not need to bring a huge tube of toothpaste on the PCT. You can get something like this travel size toothpaste in many of the towns along the trail. Or you can just do the super-uber-duper-mega ultralight savage thing and not brush your teeth.

1 oz / 28 g | Would use again? Yes
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Charmin Ultra Soft (Toilet Paper)

Oftentimes I have to take what I can get in terms of toilet paper on the trail, but if I ever get the choice, it’s Charmin Ultra Soft for the win. Keeping clean will minimize butt chafe and maximize your poo-free-ness on the PCT. I’ll probably pack out an entire roll (or two?) at the start (remember to pack out your used toilet paper).

Would use again? Absolutely
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Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes

It took me awhile to come around, but damn, having some Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes (or really any wet wipes) can be life saving in the backcountry. In addition to ensuring the cleanest of bums following a backcountry waste disposal (I told you there would be lots of poo talk on the PCT), they can be used to clean your disgusting feet to help keep them blister-free. But as with toilet paper, just remember to pack them out.

Would use again? Yes
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RAVPower 26800 Power Bank

I try not to dwell too much on being super-uber-exceptionally-dooper ultralight because I know that my battery pack (almost literally a brick) will always be something I want to have with me. The RAVPower 26800 Power Bank is a 26800mAh battery with three USB ports and a USB-C port (that can be used to both charge the battery pack and also to charge a device). It has pass through charging which means you can charge devices while you also charge the battery, and since it uses a DC 5V/2A input to charge, it will charge more quickly than other comparable battery packs. I use this to charge my phone, headphones, camera, and headlamp on the trail and I literally can’t remember it running out of juice before needing to be recharged (but I’m still too scared to try a smaller battery pack).

16 oz / 454 g | Would use again? Yes
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Anker SoundBuds Curve

Sure, using headphones on a thru-hike might mean that you don’t hear that mountain lion sneaking up behind you, but not using headphones on a thru-hike means many hours of boredom. Are headphones worth the risk? Probably? If you are going to use headphones on the trail, do yourself a favor and switch to Bluetooth headphones (I took a long time to make the transition, but now I can’t go back to wires). My biggest concern with Bluetooth headphones is the battery life, and the Anker SoundBuds Curve will last nearly the entire day (if hiking from sunrise to sunset and using them the entire time) – a quick charge with lunch will make sure they last. I’ve had multiple pairs (Anker is good about replacing products that die prematurely) and am still a happy customer.

0.8 oz / 23 g | Would use again? Yes
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OtterBox Defender Series

I don’t use a cellphone case to make my phone more aesthetically pleasing; I use a cellphone case to protect my phone. The OtterBox Defender Series does exactly that. It’s not waterproof like my old case (supposedly) was, but my phone is apparently water resistant? This is why I got the Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Case as well.

3 oz / 85 g | Would use again? Yes
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Anker PowerPort II Wall Charger

I look for three things in a wall charger and the Anker PowerPort II Wall Charger has all of them. What are they? 1) more than one output, 2) a quick charge compatible USB-C input, and 3) a folding plug (to avoid accidentally stabbing a hole in or tearing your gear inside of your pack). There are lots of wall chargers that fit this description, but as with the case with the headphones, Anker customer service has been good to me in the past so I’m sticking with them for now.

5.3 oz / 150 g | Would use again? Yes
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Sony a6500

I’ve been using the Sony a6500 for a couple of years now and I’ve been very happy with it. It’s relatively lightweight, compact (fits in my jacket pocket), has in-body stabilization, 4K movie recording, and (maybe best of all) it can be recharged via USB (i.e. with my battery pack).

14.25 oz / 404 g | Would use again? Yes
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Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS

I got the Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS after bringing a prime lens on the CDT and realizing that I wanted something with a better focal length range for hiking. This lens takes beautiful photos is relatively lightweight (not full-frame compatible), but it’s still not my ideal lens. Perhaps one day I’ll have enough money to upgrade.

10.9 oz / 308 g | Would use again? Yes
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GoPro HERO7 Black

Do I really need two cameras? Three if you count my cell phone? Yes, I do. The GoPro weighs practically nothing and it takes awesome photos. It fits in my fanny pack and is great for timelapse, taking photos in the rain or in situations where my larger camera would not be practical (but when I still need a photo with quality better than my phone can deliver). Did I use this as much as I should have? No, I didn’t. Am I upset I carried it? Not really.

4.1 oz / 116 g | Would use again? Maybe
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Peak Design Capture Clip

The Peak Design Capture Clip is practically part of my backpack, I never take it off. It makes carrying my camera incredibly easy and saves me from having to open my pack to access my camera or having it hang annoyingly from a strap around my neck. There’s also an attachment for a GoPro if I decide I want some POV video (or if I need a dash cam for my inevitable fight with a bear).

3 oz / 84 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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Peak Design Shell (Small)

To me, the Peak Design Shell is an essential piece of equipment with Peak Design’s Capture Clip. The Shell comes in three sizes and is designed to keep your camera dry in the rain (in addition to protecting it from the sun, dust, would-be robbers, and snow should you be so (un?)lucky. It can be a little tricky to adjust the zoom and focus with the Shell on and I usually end up removing it each time I take a photo (I’ve become very good at removing and putting on this cover). It’s made from a stretchy fabric that will also help to prevent nicks or abrasion when you inevitably bash your camera against a rock.

2.4 oz / 68 g | Would use again? Absolutely
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