• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Halfway Anywhere

Halfway Anywhere

  • About
  • Blog
  • PCT
  • CDT
  • Hikes
    • Arizona
      • Arizona Trail
      • Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon
      • Royal Arch Loop
    • Australia
      • Outback Bicycle Tour
      • New South Wales
        • The Coast Track
      • Tasmania
        • Federation Peak
        • Frenchmans Cap
        • Mount Anne Circuit
        • Overland Track
        • Western Arthurs Traverse
    • California
      • Cactus to Clouds
      • Kings Canyon High Basin Route
      • Southern Sierra High Route
      • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Brazil
    • Japan
      • Alps Traverse
      • Fuji Area
      • Hokkaido
      • Hokuriku
      • Kansai
      • Kita Alps
      • Kyushu
    • Nepal
      • Everest Base Camp
      • Three Passes Trek
    • New Zealand
      • Ball Pass Route
    • Oregon
      • Timberline Trail
    • Washington
      • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
    • Current Gear List
    • Gear Reviews
    • Gear Lists
    • PCT Gear
    • Best Backpacking Quilts
    • Best Satellite Messengers
    • Best Sun Hoodies
    • Best Thru-Hiking Shoes
    • Best Thru-Hiking Socks
    • Deals & Discounts
  • Surveys
    • PCT Survey
      • PCT Survey Results
      • PCT Gear Guide
      • PCT Resupply Guide
      • Women’s Gear Guide
      • Couples’ Gear Guide
      • Demographic Breakdown
      • PCT Horror Stories
      • PCT Hiker Advice
      • PCT Social Issues
      • All PCT Survey Articles
      • PCT Survey Sign-Up
    • CDT Survey
      • CDT Survey Results
      • CDT Gear Guide
      • CDT Resupply Guide
      • CDT Horror Stories
      • CDT Hiker Advice
      • All CDT Survey Articles
      • CDT Survey Sign-Up
    • JMT Survey
      • JMT Survey Results
      • JMT Gear Guide
      • All JMT Survey Articles
      • JMT Survey Sign-Up
  • Contact
    • Say Hello!
    • Support

The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2021 Survey

By Mac

In the second installment of this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hiker Survey, we dive into PCT hikers’ gear. Pacific Crest Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers and (spoiler alert) it’s impossible to find a perfect PCT gear list. That said, we can try.

I’ve organized this post in a way that I hope will give a comprehensive picture of what gear PCT thru-hikers are using. This post covers the highest-rated gear, most common gear, gear statistics based on different groups of hikers, the lowest-rated gear, hiker comments on gear, and finally, gear advice. The gear covered here includes backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, rain jackets, stoves, water treatment, trekking poles, ice axes, traction systems, bear canisters, shoes, socks, fleeces, and PLBs.

I will be publishing separate posts breaking down the women-specific gear and the gear used by couples hiking the PCT. I am sure that some of you will come up with comparisons you would like to see that I have overlooked. I hope to make this a useful resource for PCT hikers, so if there’s anything that you think is missing, please leave a comment below.

That said, I hope you enjoy this year’s PCT Gear Guide brought to you by the PCT Class of 2021.

Table of Contents
1 Notes on the data
2 Highest-Rated PCT Gear
2.1 Highest-Rated PCT Gear List
3 The Most Common PCT Gear
3.1 The Most Common PCT Gear List
4 Highest-rated vs. Most Common Gear
5 Base Weights
6 Gear Stats
7 Luxury Items
8 Gear Advice
9 Support the Survey
10 Pacific Crest Trail Survey Collection
Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Pack Patches
Cool patches, but can you tell me more about your base weight?

Notes on the data

  • This year’s survey boasts 654 completed surveys – a 41% increase vs. last year.
  • Some responses are sorted and colored to make the data friendlier (e.g. northbound vs. southbound).
  • I ask that respondents do their best to accurately respond to the survey. Not every person answers every question and not every answer is guaranteed to be 100% accurate (e.g. someone may mistakenly report 11 instead of 12 zero days).
  • I refer to survey respondents collectively as this year’s “class“. Remember, this is a sample and not a comprehensive survey of every person on the PCT.
  • This survey does invoke some math. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the words average, median (M), and standard deviation (σ).
  • For stats requiring the length of the PCT for a calculation (e.g. mileage/day), I use 2,660 mi / 4,280 km.
  • More detailed posts focused on PCT Gear (including breakdowns of women-specific gear and couples’ gear), PCT Resupply, PCT Demographics, PCT Horror Stories, and PCT Advice in the coming weeks. If you would like to be notified of new surveys, click here.

Labels differentiating hiker segments:

  • THRU: Thru-hikers (all)
  • THRU-0: Thru-hikers who did NOT complete the PCT
  • THRU-1: Thru-hikers who completed the entire PCT

If no label has been appended to a data point, then I used all data collected (i.e. it also includes section hiker data).

Highest-Rated PCT Gear

In addition to asking each Pacific Crest Trail hiker what gear they used, I ask hikers to rate each piece of gear. No point in doing what everyone else is doing if none of them are happy with their choices, right? I’ve used the results to construct a top ten list for each of the categories surveyed.

NOTES ON THE DATA:

  • All weights (and for backpacks, capacity) for products below are for products in a size medium and/or regular unless otherwise noted. For ice axes, I used whichever available length was closest to 60 cm.
  • I only included items here that were used by at least ten hikers. Why ten? Because that’s the number I arbitrarily decided on – I already told you, this isn’t scientific. If you’re interested in more common gear, you can find it below.

Highest-Rated PCT Gear List

Here’s what this year’s “Highest-Rated PCT Gear List” backpack had in it – and what that theoretical backpack was.

  • Backpack: ULA Catalyst (2.92 lbs | 1.324 kg | $300)
  • Shelter: Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 (1.94 lbs / 879 g | $370)
  • Sleeping bag: Western Mountaineering UltraLite (30 oz / 850 g | $525)
  • Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite – Women’s (12 oz / 340 g | $200)
  • Insulated jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie – Men’s/Women’s (10.9 oz / 309 g | $379)
  • Shell: Enlightened Equipment Visp – Men’s/Women’s (5.6 oz / 158 g | $200)
  • Fleece: Arc’teryx Delta LT Zip Neck – Men’s/Women’s (7.8 oz / 221 g | $115)
  • Shoes: Oboz Sawtooth II Low – Men’s/Women’s (31.2 oz / 885 g | $115)
  • Socks: Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight – Men’s/Women’s ($19)
  • Stove: SOTO WindMaster (2.3 oz / 65 g | $65)
  • Water treatment: Platypus QuickDraw (2.2 oz / 63 g | $35)
  • Bear canister: Bearikade Weekender (31 oz / 879 g | $333)
  • Trekking poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z (15.8 oz / 448 g / $190)
  • PLB: Garmin inReach Explorer+ (7.5 oz / 213 g | $450)
  • Ice axe: CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech (8.9 oz / 252 g | $160)
  • Traction: Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon (9.1 oz / 257 g | $65)

Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 6.74 lbs / 3.055 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 7.49 lbs / 3.395 kg

All gear (outside Sierra)*: 9.72 lbs / 4.409 kg
All gear^: 12.78 lbs / 5.866 kg
*This does not include ice axe, traction, bear canister, poles, shoes, or socks
^This does not include poles, shoes, or socks

In addition to the items noted above, these total base weights (a backpack’s weight minus food, water, and consumables – like poop paper) are missing a few pieces of gear (headlamp, extra clothing, electronics, etc.). It brings us over halfway to the year’s average starting base weight of 17.07 lbs / 7.743 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the SOTO WindMaster, does not include the weight of a pot.

The total price of all this gear? $3,442 (this includes one pair of shoes and socks). The average hikers spent prior to beginning their hikes? $1,435 (M = $1,200 | σ = $1,098).

Now, a detailed look at the highest-rated gear in each of the following categories: backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, shells, stoves, water treatments, fleeces, shoes, socks, bear canisters, trekking poles, PLBs, ice axes, and traction systems.

Highest-Rated PCT Backpacks

The ULA Catalyst was the highest-rated pack on the PCT this year. It has a 75-liter capacity, weighs 2.92 lbs | 1.324 kg, can carry a maximum load of 40 lbs . 18 kg, and costs $300. It’s somewhat customizable and you can even have your name embroidered for an extra $15.

ULA Catalyst
ULA Catalyst
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
ULA Circuit
ULA Circuit
Osprey Aura AG
Osprey Aura AG
REI Co-op Flash
REI Co-op Flash
#BACKPACKRATINGPRICEWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOAD
1ULA Catalyst8.95/10$3002.92 lbs | 1.324 kg7540 lbs | 18 kg
2Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest8.78/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
3ULA Circuit8.64/10$2802.29 lbs | 1.038 kg6835 lbs | 16 kg
4Osprey Aura AG8.66/10$2404.18 lbs | 1.896 kg5040 lbs | 18 kg
5REI Co-op Flash8.59/10$2002.64 lbs | 1.191 kg5530 lbs | 14 kg
6Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction8.50/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
7Gossamer Gear Mariposa8.37/10$2701.79 lbs | 814 g6035 lbs | 16 kg
8Zpacks Arc Blast8.31/10$3751.24 lbs | 565 g5535 lbs | 16 kg
9Osprey Exos8.24/10$2202.71 lbs | 1.230 kg5840 lbs | 18 kg
10Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider8.07/10$3201.87 lbs | 848 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
Highest-Rated PCT Shelters

The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 was the highest-rated shelter on the PCT this year. It’s a two-person, front-entry, semi-freestanding shelter that weighs 1.94 lbs / 879 g. Despite it being a two-person shelter, it was used frequently by solo hikers.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Solution-Dyed
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Tarptent Aeon Li
Tarptent Aeon Li
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Zpacks Duplex
Zpacks Duplex
Zpacks Triplex
Zpacks Triplex
#SHELTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFLOORFREESTANDINGCAPACITY
1Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL29.00/10$3701.94 lbs | 879 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
2Tarptent Aeon Li9.00/10$5691.21 lbs | 549 g18 ft² / 1.7 m²No1
3Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL28.89/10$5002.69 lbs | 1.22 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
4Zpacks Duplex8.81/10$6991.19 lbs | 539 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²No2
5Zpacks Triplex8.80/10$7991.37 lbs | 622 g37.5 ft² / 3.5 m²No3
6Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL28.69/10$4001.88 lbs | 853 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
7Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL18.45/10$4001.79 lbs | 814 g20 ft² / 1.9 m²Yes1
8NEMO Hornet 2P8.42/10$4002.38 lbs | 1.08 kg27.5 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
9Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL38.42/10$5502.71 lbs | 1.23 kg41 ft² / 3.8 m²Yes3
10MSR Hubba Hubba NX8.40/10$4802.87 lbs | 1.30 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
Highest-Rated PCT Sleeping Bags

The Western Mountaineering UltraLite was the highest-rated sleeping bag on the PCT this year. It weighs just under 2 lbs / 0.91 kg at 30 oz / 850 g, uses 16 oz / 454 g of 850-fill goose down, is rated down to 20°F / -6°C, and retails for $525. It comes in three sizes, short, regular, and long.

Western Mountaineering UltraLite
Western Mountaineering UltraLite
Katabatic Flex
Katabatic Flex
Western Mountaineering Versalite
Western Mountaineering Versalite
UGQ Bandit
UGQ Bandit
Feathered Friends Egret UL
Feathered Friends Egret UL
#BAG/QUILTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTTEMPFILLFILL WEIGHT
1Western Mountaineering UltraLite9.58/10$52530 oz / 850 g20°F / -6°C850 goose16 oz / 454 g
2Katabatic Flex9.57/10$41022.8 oz / 646 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose14.3 oz / 405g
3Western Mountaineering Versalite9.48/10$60532 oz / 907 g10°F / -12°C850 goose20 oz / 565 g
4Underground Quilts Bandit9.09/10$36519.4 oz / 550 g20°F / -6°C950 goose13 oz / 369 g
5Feathered Friends Egret UL9.09/10$54027.2 oz / 771 g20°F / -6°C950 goose17.3 oz / 491 g
6Katabatic Alsek9.00/10$43021.9 oz / 621 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose13.4 oz / 380 g
7Feathered Friends Flicker UL8.90/10$45925.2 oz / 715 g20°F / -6°C950 goose14.7 oz / 417 g
8Enlightened Equipment Revelation8.88/10$28020.9 oz / 593 g20°F / -6°C950 duck14.4 oz / 408 g
9Enlightened Equipment Enigma8.86/10$31519.3 oz / 547 g20°F / -6°C950 duck13.8 oz / 392 g
10REI Co-op Magma8.63/10$39928.2 oz / 799 g16°F / -9°C850 goose15.9 oz / 451 g
Highest-Rated PCT Sleeping Pads

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s) sleeping pad was the highest-rated sleeping pad from the PCT this year. The 30D-nylon pad has an R-value of 4.2, is 2.5 in / 6.4 cm thick, weighs 12 oz / 340 g, and has a sticker price of $200. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (not the women’s version but the regular(?) version) was the sixth-highest-rated sleeping pad this year.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated
Exped SynMat HL Sleeping Pad
Exped SynMat HL
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
#PADRATINGPRICEWEIGHTR-VALUETHICKNESS
1Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's9.00/10$20012 oz / 340 g5.42.5 in / 6.4 cm
2Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm8.88/10$23017 oz / 482 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm
3Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat8.67/10$14916.9 oz / 480 g3.12 in / 5 cm
4Exped SynMat HL8.31/10$16912.3 oz / 349 g3.32.8 in / 7.1 cm
5Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol8.31/10$5514 oz / 397 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
6Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite8.21/10$20012 oz / 340 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
7Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small8.07/10$1808.3 oz / 235 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
8Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, Small8.07/10$4010 oz / 284 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
9NEMO Switchback7.94/10$5514.5 oz / 415 g20.9 in / 2.3 cm
10NEMO Tensor (Insulated)7.88/10$16014 oz / 410 g3.53 in / 7.6 cm
Highest-Rated PCT Insulated Jackets

The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated jacket among PCT hikers this year. The jacket uses 850-fill goose down with a hip-length back, nylon shell, and two zippered hand pockets. It weighs 10.9 oz / 309 g and retails for $379.

Arc'teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie
Men’s/Women’s
Montbell Superior Down Jacket
Montbell Superior Down Jacket
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
Men’s/Women’s
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
#JACKETRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHOODPOCKETS
1Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W)9.44/10$37910.9 oz / 309 gYes2 hand
2Montbell Superior Down Jacket (M/W)9.36/10$1797.3 oz / 208 gNo2 hand
3Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W)9.32/10$2498.3 oz / 235 gNo2 hand | 2 drop
4Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W)9.24/10$1758.4 oz / 238 gYes2 hand
5Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W)9.16/10$3258.8 oz / 249 gYes2 hand
6Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W)9.07/10$3756.7 oz / 189 gYes2 hand
7Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W)8.90/10$2999.3 oz /264 gYes2 hand | 2 drop
8Montbell Plasma 1000 Jacket (M/W)8.76/10$3294.8 oz /135 gNoNone
9Patagonia Down Sweater (M/W)8.70/10$22913.1 oz / 371 gNo2 hand | 1 internal chest
10Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody (M/W)8.60/10$24912.8 oz / 363 gYes2 hand | 1 internal chest
Highest-Rated PCT Shells

The Enlightened Equipment Visp (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated shell (that’s a fancy name for rain jackets) among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year. It’s a 5.6 oz / 158 g jacket made with 7D nylon + PU membrane + a tricot lining. It’s got pit zips, and there are no pockets.

Enlightened Equipment Visp
Enlightened Equipment Visp
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Zeta FL
Arc’teryx Zeta SL
Men’s/Women’s
Montbell Versalite
Montbell Versalite
Men’s/Women’s
LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket
LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket
#SHELLRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPS
1Enlightened Equipment Visp (M/W)9.60/10$2005.6 oz / 158 g7D nylon + PU membrane + tricot liningYes
2Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (M/W)9.52/10$42512.7 oz / 360 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusYes
3Arc’teryx Zeta FL (M/W)9.18/10$29910.9 oz / 309 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusNo
4Montbell Versalite (M/W)8.88/10$1996.4 oz / 182 g2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium WindstopperYes
5Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket8.50/10$1156 oz / 170 g20D Ripstop PolyesterYes
6Patagonia Torrentshell (M/W)8.26/10$14913.9 oz / 394 g3-layer H2No Performance StandardYes
7Marmot PreCip (M/W)8.14/10$10010.3 oz / 293 gNanoPro 100% NylonYes
8Zpacks Vertice (M/W)8.07/10$2996.5 oz / 184 g3-layer w/ 7D NylonNo
9REI Essential Rain Jacket (M/W)7.32/10N/A8.8 oz / 250 g2.5-layer NylonNo
10REI Co-op Drypoint GTX (M/W)7.30/10$24910.5 oz / 298 g3-layer GORE-TEX ActiveNo
Highest-Rated PCT Fleeces

The Arc’teryx Delta LT was the highest-rated fleece this year – a half-zip, hoodless, fleece with a sleeve pocket (not sure what you put in here) that runs $115 and weighs 7.8 oz / 221 g. That said, just 40% of people on the Pacific Crest Trail this year brought a fleece.

Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip-Neck Fleece Pullover
Arc’teryx Delta LT Zip-Neck Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
The North Face TKA Glacier Quarter-Zip Pullover
The North Face TKA Glacier Quarter-Zip Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
#FLEECERATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICZIP
1Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Neck (M/W)9.86/10$1157.8 oz / 221 gPolartec Classic 100Quarter
2Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie9.52/10$7812.2 oz / 346 g (L)PolyesterNone
3Patagonia Micro D Fleece (M/W)9.18/10$599.1 oz / 258 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
4Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W)8.88/10$12911.7 oz / 332 g93% Recycled Polyester / 7% SpandexQuarter
5The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip (M/W)8.50/10$8910 oz / 284 gRecycled PolyesterFull
Highest-Rated PCT Shoes

The Oboz Sawtooth II Low (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated shoe on the PCT this year. They are halfway between a boot and a trail runner and weigh 31.2 oz / 885 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers burned through five pairs of these on the trail. There’s a waterproof version available if you’re into that, and a high-top version as well.

Oboz Sawtooth II Low
Oboz Sawtooth II Low
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
Men’s/Women’s
Topo Ultraventure Pro
Topo Ultraventure Pro
Men’s/Women’s
Topo Ultraventure 2
Topo Ultraventure 2
Men’s/Women’s
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
Men’s/Women’s
#SHOESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROP# USED
1Oboz Sawtooth II Low (M/W)9.50/10$11531.2 oz / 885 g15 mm5.50
2HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (M/W)8.75/10$14521.6 oz / 612 g4 mm4.89
3Topo Ultraventure Pro (M/W)8.62/10$15020.8 oz / 590 g5 mm4.89
4Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W)8.59/10$13520.8 oz / 590 g5 mm4.57
5Salomon XA Pro 3D (M/W)8.57/10$13024 oz / 680 g11 mm4.00
6Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (M/W)8.44/10N/A21 oz / 595 g0 mm5.37
7Altra Olympus 4 (M/W)8.24/10$17021 oz / 595 g0 mm4.66
8Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W)8.14/10$13018.4 oz / 522 g0 mm4.58
9Brooks Cascadia 15 (M/W)8.11/10$13022 oz / 624 g8 mm4.89
10Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator (M/W)8.08/10$10031 oz / 879 gN/A3.80

Shoe Notes: Even if you knew for certain that each pair of your shoes would last you 700 mi / 1,125 km, buying yourself four pairs of shoes at the start of the hike would be a risky decision – what if the shoes aren’t as comfortable as you thought? What if your feet swell? What if you die?

Remember, you can buy shoes using this thing called the internet and have them mailed ahead on the trail (to a post office, hotel, local outfitter, trail angel, etc.) once you know that you’re going to need a new pair. If you encounter an emergency situation, you can always buy locally or simply wait around for your shoes to show up in the mail.

Many shoe companies (Altra and Brooks, in particular) release a new version of their shoes on an annual basis. The current version of the Altra Lone Peak is the 6, the current version of the Altra Olympus is the 4, and the current version of the Brooks Cascadia is the 16.

Highest-Rated PCT Socks

The favorite sock among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year was the Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight (Men’s/Women’s). These have a light cushion and are made of 52% nylon, 44% merino wool, and 4% spandex. The second-highest-rated sock was the crew version (Men’s/Women’s) of this same sock.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight Hiking
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion
Men’s/Women’s
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Men’s/Women’s
#SOCKSRATINGPRICEFABRICCUSHIONHEIGHT
1Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W)9.54/10$1952% nylon / 44% merino wool / 4% spandexLightAnkle
2Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking (M/W)9.31/10$2254% nylon / 43% merino wool / 3% spandexLightCrew
3Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)9.09/10$1960% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandexMediumAnkle
4Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)8.90/10$2461% merino wool / 36% nylon / 3% spandexMediumCrew
5Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W)8.27/10$1858% nylon / 39% polyester/ 3% spandexMediumAnkle
Highest-Rated PCT Stoves

The SOTO WindMaster was the highest-rated stove on the PCT this year (for the second year in a row). It’s a 2.3 oz/ 66 g canister stove with a push-button start and optional pot support. The reported boil time for 2 cups / 473 ml of water is under 2.5 minutes.

SOTO WindMaster
SOTO WindMaster
SOTO Amicus
SOTO Amicus
MSR PocketRocket 2
MSR PocketRocket 2
Jetboil MiniMo
Jetboil MiniMo
MSR-MicroRocket-500x500
MSR MicroRocket
#STOVERATINGPRICEWEIGHTINCLUDED POT1L BOIL TIME
1SOTO Windmaster9.43/10$652.3 oz / 65 gNo4 min
2SOTO Amicus9.20/10$452.9 oz / 81 gNo4 min
3MSR PocketRocket 29.11/10$502.6 oz. / 73 gNo3.5 min
4JetBoil MiniMo9.00/10$15514.6 oz / 414 gYes4.5 min
5MSR MicroRocket8.92/10N/A2.6 oz. / 73 gNoN/A
6MSR PocketRocket Deluxe8.76/10$802.9 oz / 83 gNo3.3 min
7BRS 3000T8.57/10$170.9 oz / 25 gNo5 min
8JetBoil Flash Lite8.50/10$801.25 lbs / 567 gYes5 min
9JetBoil Zip8.38/10$8811.8 oz / 335 gYes5 min
10Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium8.13/10$601.9 oz / 56 gNo4.5 min
Highest-Rated PCT Water Treatment

The Platypus QuickDraw was the highest-rated water filter on the PCT this year. It’s a $35, 2.2 oz / 63 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Platypus bags (specifically designed to lock into the QuickDraw filter) or with 28mm PET soda/water bottles.

Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Platypus QuickDraw
Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
Sawyer MINI
Katadyn BeFree
Katadyn BeFree
Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System
Sawyer Micro
#TREATMENTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMEDIUMREMOVES
1Platypus QuickDraw9.23/10$352.2 oz / 63 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
2Sawyer Squeeze8.76/10$393 oz / 85 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
3Sawyer MINI8.31/10$232 oz / 57 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
4Katadyn BeFree8.09/10$452.3 oz / 65 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
5Sawyer Micro7.78/10$302.5 oz / 71 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
Highest-Rated PCT Bear Canisters

The Bearikade Weekender was the highest-rated bear canister on the PCT this year (for the second year in a row); it’s also insanely expensive at $333. It’s made of carbon fiber, has a 10.6 L capacity, and weighs 31 oz / 879 g. One difference between the Bearikades and other bear canisters is that the Bearikade’s lid does not completely come off.

Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Expedition
Bearikade Expedition
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV450
BearVault BV450
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
#CANISTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTCAPACITYMATERIAL
1Bearikade Weekender9.47/10$33331 oz / 879 g10.6 LCarbon fiber
2Bearikade Expedition8.93/10$39536 oz / 1.021 kg14.7 LCarbon fiber
3BearVault BV5007.73/10$9341 oz / 1.162 kg11.5 LPolycarbonate
4BearVault BV4507.51/10$8133 oz / 935 g7.2 LPolycarbonate
5Garcia Bear-Resistant Container7.00/10$1843 oz / 1.219 kg10 LABS polymer

Bear canister notes: Bear canisters must be carried north of Lone Pine, but most hikers begin carrying them at Kennedy Meadows. Bear canisters have to be used south of Bridgeport – accessible via Sonora Pass. One additional place they must be carried is in Lassen Volcanic National Park (but only if you plan on camping in the park).

Highest-Rated PCT Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z were the highest-rated trekking poles on the PCT this year. They have a carbon fiber shaft, cork handles, Black Diamond’s Z-Pole Speed Cone locking mechanism, weigh 15.8 oz / 447 g, and collapse down to 15.7 in / 40 cm. These poles are the foldable kind – not the collapse into themselves kind (hopefully, this most excellent description makes sense to you).

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec
Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS
Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
#POLESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHANDLESHAFTCOLLAPSED LENGTH
1Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z9.28/10$20015.8 oz / 447 gCorkCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
2Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork9.13/10$19017.1 oz / 485 gCorkCarbon fiber24 in / 61 cm
3Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec9.00/10$10017.2 oz / 488 gCorkAluminum39.4 in / 100 cm
4Leki Makalu Lite Cor-Tec AS9.00/10$14017.4 oz / 493 gCorkAluminum26.8 in / 68 cm
5Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork8.92/10$14018 oz / 510 gCorkAluminum27 in / 69 cm
6Gossamer Gear LT58.88/10$1959.8 oz / 278 gFoamCarbon fiber23.5 in / 60 cm
7Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock8.83/10$16020.8 oz / 590 gFoamAluminum26 in / 65 cm
8Leki Micro Vario Carbon8.74/10$20017 oz / 482 gFoamCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
9Black Diamond Trail8.43/10$11017 oz / 482 gFoamAluminum25 in / 64 cm
10REI Co-op Flash Carbon8.37/10$13913.6 oz / 386 gFoamCarbon fiber25 in / 64 cm
Highest-Rated PCT Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Not all hikers carry personal locator beacons (or satellite messaging devices), but most probably should. The Garmin inReach Explorer+ was the favorite on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It has an easy-to-use mobile app, two-way messaging, offers tracking features, and weighs 7.5 oz / 213 g. It requires a subscription that can be paid monthly or annually.

Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini
Spot Gen3
Spot Gen3
SPOT Gen4
SPOT Gen4
SPOT Gen X
SPOT Gen X
#PLBRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMESSAGINGMAPS
1Garmin inReach Explorer+8.99/10$4507.5 oz / 213 gTwo-wayYes
2Garmin inReach Mini8.69/10$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
3Spot Gen38.33/10$2204 oz / 113 gOne-way (presets)No
4SPOT Gen45.43/10$1505 oz / 142 gOne-way (presets)No
5SPOT X4.86/10$2507 oz / 198 gTwo-wayNo
Highest-Rated PCT Ice Axes

The CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech was the highest-rated ice axe on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s an 8.9 oz / 252 g axe with a curved anodized aluminum shaft and a steel adze. It comes in three sizes (50, 60, and 70 cm). This was a low snow year and just 23.6% of thru-hikers used an ice axe.

CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech
Petzl Summit 2
Petzl Summit 2
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven Pro
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven
CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa
#AXERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMATERIALSHAFT SHAPE
1CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech9.83/10$1608.9 oz / 252 gAluminum, steelCurved
2Petzl Summit 28.43/10$12013.4 oz / 380 gAluminum, steelCurved
3Black Diamond Raven Pro8.10/10$12014.2 oz / 406 gAluminum, steelCurved
4Black Diamond Raven7.78/10$9015.7 oz / 445 gAluminum, steelStraight
5CAMP USA Corsa7.53/10$1208.2 oz / 232 gAluminumStraight
Highest-Rated PCT Traction Systems

The Snowline Chainsen Pro was the highest-rated traction system on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s an over-the-shoe, spikes-on-the-bottom system that weighs 9.1 oz / 257 g with 12 points of contact. It comes in five sizes and has stainless steel spikes.

Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Pro
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Snowline Light Chainsen Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Light
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
#TRACTIONRATINGPRICEWEIGHTSPIKES
1Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon9.33/10$659.1 oz / 257 g12
2Kahtoola MICROspikes8.79/10$7511 oz / 312 g12
3Snowline Chainsen Light8.68/10$708.6 oz / 243 g12
4Hillsound Trail Crampons8.60/10$6915.7 oz / 445 g10
5Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons6.88/10$15028.5 oz / 808 g10

The Most Common PCT Gear

Now that we’ve looked at which pieces of gear hikers liked best, let’s examine what gear was the most commonly used by Pacific Crest Trail hikers. Remember, this is the most commonly used gear – simply because something was common, this does not necessarily translate to it automatically being the “best” (or even good). That said, it probably does translate into it being cool – so there’s that.

The Most Common PCT Gear List

  • Backpack: ULA Circuit (2.29 lbs | 1.038 kg | $280)
  • Shelter: Zpacks Duplex (1.19 lbs | 539 g | $699)
  • Sleeping bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation (20.9 oz / 593 g | $280)
  • Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (12 oz / 340 g | $200)
  • Insulated jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (Hooded) (M/W) (8.8 oz / 250 g | $325)
  • Shell: Outdoor Research Helium (M/W) (6.3 oz / 179 g | $159)
  • Fleece: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (12.2 oz / 346 g | $78)
  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W) (21 oz / 595 g | $130)
  • Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W) (2 oz / 57 g | $19)
  • Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 (2.4 oz / 68 g | $50)
  • Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze (3 oz / 85 g / $39)
  • Bear canister: BearVault BV500 (41 oz / 1.162 kg | $93)
  • Trekking poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (17.1 oz / 485 g / $190)
  • PLB: Garmin inReach Mini (3.5 oz / 99 g | $350)
  • Ice axe: CAMP USA Corsa (8.2 oz / 232 g | $120)
  • Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11 oz / 312 g | $70)

Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 4.79 lbs / 2.171 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 5.54 lbs / 2.511 kg

All gear (outside Sierra)*: 7.8 lbs / 3.537 kg
All gear^: 11.56 lbs / 5.244 kg
*This does not include ice axe, traction, bear canister, poles, shoes, or socks
^This does not include poles, shoes, or socks

In addition to the items noted above, these total base weights (a backpack’s weight minus food, water, and consumables – like poop paper) are missing a few pieces of gear (headlamp, extra clothing, electronics, etc.). It brings us over halfway to the year’s average starting base weight of 17.07 lbs / 7.743 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the MSR PocketRocket 2, does not include the weight of a pot.

The total price of all this gear? $2,882 (this includes one pair of shoes and socks). The average hikers spent prior to beginning their hikes? $1,435 (M = $1,200 | σ = $1,098).

Now, a detailed look at the most common pieces of gear in each of the following categories: backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, shells, fleeces, shoes, socks, stoves, water treatments, bear canisters, trekking poles, PLBs, ice axes, and traction systems.

Most Common PCT Backpacks

The ULA Circuit was the most common backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail this year – for the second year in a row. It is a 2.29 lb / 1.038 kg pack capable of carrying up to 68 L and 35 lbs / 16 kg of gear. The Circuit was the third-highest-rated pack by PCT hikers this year.

ULA Circuit
ULA Circuit
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Osprey Exos
Osprey Exos
Zpacks Arc Haul
Zpacks Arc Haul
#BACKPACKRATINGPRICEWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOAD
1ULA Circuit8.64/10$2802.29 lbs | 1.038 kg6835 lbs | 16 kg
2Gossamer Gear Mariposa8.37/10$2701.79 lbs | 814 g6035 lbs | 16 kg
3Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest8.78/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
4Osprey Exos8.24/10$2202.71 lbs | 1.230 kg5840 lbs | 18 kg
5Zpacks Arc Haul7.50/10$3491.39 lbs | 627 g6240 lbs | 18 kg
6Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider8.07/10$3201.87 lbs | 848 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
7Granite Gear Crown28.05/10$2002.19 lbs | 992 g6035 lbs | 16 kg
8Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction8.50/10$3201.88 lbs | 853 g4040 lbs | 18 kg
9ULA Catalyst8.95/10$3002.92 lbs | 1.324 kg7540 lbs | 18 kg
10REI Co-op Flash8.59/10$2002.64 lbs | 1.191 kg5530 lbs | 14 kg
Most Common PCT Shelters

The Zpacks Duplex was the most common shelter on the PCT this year. It’s a $700, two-person, side-entry, 19 oz / 539 g shelter that requires two trekking poles to set up. This was also the most common shelter on the PCT last year. It’s made from .51 oz/yd² Dyneema Composite Fabric and required eight stakes to be set up (not included in the $700 price tag).

Zpacks Duplex
Zpacks Duplex
Gossamer Gear The One
Gossamer Gear The One
NEMO Hornet 2
NEMO Hornet 2P
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1
#SHELTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFLOORFREESTANDINGCAPACITY
1Zpacks Duplex8.81/10$6991.19 lbs | 539 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²No2
2Gossamer Gear The One8.07/10$3001.11 lbs | 503 g15.8 ft² / 1.5 m²No1
3NEMO Hornet 2P8.42/10$4002.38 lbs | 1.08 kg27.5 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
4Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL28.69/10$4001.88 lbs | 853 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
5Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL18.45/10$4001.79 lbs | 814 g20 ft² / 1.9 m²Yes1
6Zpacks Triplex8.80/10$7991.37 lbs | 622 g37.5 ft² / 3.5 m²No3
7Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL28.89/10$5002.69 lbs | 1.22 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
8Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL29.00/10$3701.94 lbs | 879 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
9NEMO Hornet 1P7.75/10$3602 lbs | 905 g23.3 ft² / 2.1 m²Semi1
10Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo7.40/10$2501.63 lbs | 740 g 26 ft² / 2.4 m²No1
Most Common PCT Sleeping Bags

The Enlightened Equipment Revelation was the most common sleeping bag (quilt) on the PCT this year. The Revelation is highly customizable and comes in a variety of lengths, widths, temperature ratings, fill-powers, and colors. What’s the difference between the Revelation and the Enigma? The Enigma has a sewn footbox (i.e. the Revelation can be laid completely flat).

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10
Enlightened Equipment Enigma
REI Co-op Magma 15
REI Co-op Magma 15
Katabatic Flex
Katabatic Flex
UGQ Bandit
UGQ Bandit
#BAG/QUILTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTTEMPFILLFILL WEIGHT
1Enlightened Equipment Revelation8.88/10$28020.9 oz / 593 g20°F / -6°C950 duck14.4 oz / 408 g
2Enlightened Equipment Enigma8.86/10$31519.3 oz / 547 g20°F / -6°C950 duck13.8 oz / 392 g
3REI Co-op Magma8.63/10$39928.2 oz / 799 g16°F / -9°C850 goose15.9 oz / 451 g
4Katabatic Flex9.57/10$41022.8 oz / 646 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose14.3 oz / 405g
5Underground Quilts Bandit9.09/10$36519.4 oz / 550 g20°F / -6°C950 goose13 oz / 369 g
6Western Mountaineering Versalite9.48/10$60532 oz / 907 g10°F / -12°C850 goose20 oz / 565 g
7Hammock Gear Economy Burrow8.41/10$19024 oz / 680 g20°F / -6°C800 duck14.5 oz / 411 g
8Zpacks Sleeping Bag8.6/10$40918.8 oz / 533 g20°F / -6°C900 goose13.7 oz / 388 g
9Katabatic Alsek9.00/10$43021.9 oz / 621 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose13.4 oz / 380 g
10Western Mountaineering UltraLite9.58/10$52530 oz / 850 g20°F / -6°C850 goose16 oz / 454 g
Most Common PCT Sleeping Pads

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite was the most common sleeping pad among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year. This air pad has an R-value of 4.2, weighs 12 oz / 340 g, packs down to 4.1 x 9 in / 10 x 23 cm, and is 2.5 in / 6.4 cm thick. The Women’s version was the third-most-common pad on the trail this year and the small version was the fifth most common.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
NEMO Tensor Insulated
NEMO Tensor Insulated
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Small)
#PADRATINGPRICEWEIGHTR-VALUETHICKNESS
1Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite8.21/10$20012 oz / 340 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
2NEMO Tensor (Insulated)7.88/10$16014 oz / 410 g3.53 in / 7.6 cm
3Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's9.00/10$20012 oz / 340 g5.42.5 in / 6.4 cm
4Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm8.88/10$23017 oz / 482 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm
5Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small8.07/10$1808.3 oz / 235 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
6NEMO Switchback7.94/10$5514.5 oz / 415 g20.9 in / 2.3 cm
7Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol8.31/10$5514 oz / 397 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
8Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat8.67/10$14916.9 oz / 480 g3.12 in / 5 cm
9Exped SynMat HL8.31/10$16912.3 oz / 349 g3.32.8 in / 7.1 cm
10Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite6.55/10$2208.8 oz / 250 g2.32.5 in / 6.4 cm
Most Common PCT Insulated Jackets

The Mountain Hardwear Hooded Ghost Whisperer 2 (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common jacket among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year – for the second year in a row. The 8.8 oz / 249 g jacket uses 800-fill goose down with a hip-length back, nylon shell, and two zippered hand pockets. The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (without a hood) took the fifth-most-popular spot this year.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (Hooded)
Men’s/Women’s
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
Men’s/Women’s
#JACKETRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHOODPOCKETS
1Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W)9.16/10$3258.8 oz / 249 gYes2 hand
2Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (M/W)9.24/10$1758.4 oz / 238 gYes2 hand
3Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W)9.44/10$37910.9 oz / 309 gYes2 hand
4Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody (M/W)8.60/10$24912.8 oz / 363 gYes2 hand | 1 internal chest
5Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (M/W)8.54/10$3008.3 oz / 235 gNo2 hand
6Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W)9.32/10$2498.3 oz / 235 gNo2 hand | 2 drop
7Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (M/W)8.45/10$19911.9 oz / 337 gNo2 hand | 1 internal chest
8Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W)8.90/10$2999.3 oz / 264 gYes2 hand | 2 drop
9REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (M/W)8.70/10$10011 oz / 312 gYes2 hand
10 Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W)9.07/10$3756.7 oz / 189 gYes2 hand
Most Common PCT Shells

The Outdoor Research Helium (Men’s / Women’s) was the most common shell (i.e. rain jacket) on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s a 6.4 oz / 182 g jacket made with a 2.5-layer Pertex waterproof breathable laminate. There aren’t pit zips, and you have just a single zippered chest pocket. It was also the lowest-rated rain jacket besides the second-most-common shell, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 which is hardly in the same league as the rest of the jackets. But hey, do what makes you happy.

Outdoor Research Helium II
Outdoor Research Helium
Men’s/Women’s
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2
Montbell Versalite
Montbell Versalite
Men’s/Women’s
Marmot PreCip Eco
Marmot PreCip
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid
Men’s/Women’s
#SHELLRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPS
1Outdoor Research Helium (M/W)7.27/10$1596.3 oz / 179 g2.5-layer Pertex Shield (Nylon)No
2Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 27.09/10$255.5 oz / 156 gThree-layer polypropyleneNo
3Montbell Versalite (M/W)8.88/10$1996.4 oz / 182 g2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium WindstopperYes
4Marmot PreCip (M/W)8.14/10$10010.3 oz / 293 gNanoPro 100% NylonYes
5Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid (M/W)9.52/10$42512.7 oz / 360 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusYes
6REI Essential Rain Jacket (M/W)7.32/10N/A8.8 oz / 250 g2.5-layer NylonNo
7Patagonia Torrentshell (M/W)8.26/10$14913.9 oz / 394 g3-layer H2No Performance StandardYes
8Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket8.50/10$1156 oz / 170 g20D Ripstop PolyesterYes
9Zpacks Vertice (M/W)8.07/10$2996.5 oz / 184 g3-layer w/ 7D NylonNo
10Arc’teryx Zeta FL (M/W)9.18/10$29910.9 oz / 309 gN40r GORE-TEX + Paclite PlusNo
Most Common PCT Fleeces

The most common fleece on the Pacific Crest Trail, for the second year in a row, was the Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie. Despite only being available locally at their store in Leadville, Colorado, most hikers with a fleece had a Melly – a 12.2 oz / 346 g pullover with a hood and a kangaroo pocket in the front.

Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
The North Face TKA Glacier Quarter-Zip Pullover
The North Face TKA Glacier Quarter-Zip Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip-Neck Fleece Pullover
Arc’teryx Delta LT Zip-Neck Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
#FLEECERATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICZIP
1Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie9.52/10$7812.2 oz / 346 g (L)PolyesterNone
2Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W)8.88/10$12911.7 oz / 332 g93% Recycled Polyester / 7% SpandexQuarter
3Patagonia Micro D Fleece (M/W)9.18/10$599.1 oz / 258 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
4The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip (M/W)8.50/10$8910 oz / 284 gRecycled PolyesterFull
5Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Neck (M/W)9.86/10$1157.8 oz / 221 gPolartec Classic 100Quarter
Most Common PCT Shoes

The Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common shoe on the feet of Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year – for the fifth year in a row. They cost $140 per pair, have a 0 mm heel-toe drop, and weigh 21.2 oz / 601 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers burned through 5.04 of these on the trail.

Altra Lone Peak 5
Altra Lone Peak 5
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Lone Peak
Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Olympus
Altra Olympus
Men’s/Women’s
Brooks Cascadia 15
Brooks Cascadia
Men’s/Women’s
#SHOESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROP# USED
1Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W)8.14/10$13018.4 oz / 522 g0 mm4.58
2HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 (M/W)8.75/10$14521.6 oz / 612 g4 mm4.89
3Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (M/W)8.44/10N/A21 oz / 595 g0 mm5.37
4Altra Olympus 4 (M/W)8.24/10$17021 oz / 595 g0 mm4.66
5Brooks Cascadia 15 (M/W)8.11/10$13022 oz / 624 g8 mm4.89
6Topo Ultraventure Pro (M/W)8.62/10$15020.8 oz / 590 g5 mm4.89
7Topo Ultraventure 2 (M/W)8.59/10$13520.8 oz / 590 g5 mm4.57
8Altra Timp 2 (M/W)8.00/10$14031.2 oz / 885 g0 mm4.69
9HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR (M/W)7.88/10$17023.4 oz / 663 g5 mm5.50
10Altra Timp 3 (M/W)7.60/10$14022 oz / 624 g0 mm4.25

Shoe Notes: Even if you knew for certain that each pair of your shoes would last you 700 mi / 1,125 km, buying yourself four pairs of shoes at the start of the hike would be a risky decision – what if the shoes aren’t as comfortable as you thought? What if your feet swell? What if you die?

Remember, you can buy shoes using this thing called the internet and have them mailed ahead on the trail (to a post office, hotel, local outfitter, trail angel, etc.) once you know that you’re going to need a new pair. If you encounter an emergency situation, you can always buy locally or simply wait around for your shoes to show up in the mail.

Many shoe companies (Altra and Brooks, in particular) release a new version of their shoes on an annual basis. The current version of the Altra Lone Peak is the 6, the current version of the Altra Olympus is the 4, and the current version of the Brooks Cascadia is the 16.

Most Common PCT Socks

Darn Tough dominated Pacific Crest Trail hikers’ feet this year with the Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (Men’s/Women’s) being the most commonly used model. They are made of 60% merino wool, 38% nylon, 2% spandex, have a medium cushion, cost $19 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion
Men’s/Women’s
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight Hiking
Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter
Men’s/Women’s
#SOCKSRATINGPRICEFABRICCUSHIONHEIGHT
1Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)9.09/10$1960% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandexMediumAnkle
2Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking (M/W)9.31/10$2254% nylon / 43% merino wool / 3% spandexLightCrew
3Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)8.90/10$2461% merino wool / 36% nylon / 3% spandexMediumCrew
4Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W)8.27/10$1858% nylon / 39% polyester/ 3% spandexMediumAnkle
5Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W)9.54/10$1952% nylon / 44% merino wool / 4% spandexLightAnkle
Most Common PCT Stoves

The MSR PocketRocket 2 was the most common stove on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s a 2.6 oz / 74 g canister stove that you need a lighter to ignite. The push-button start version, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, was the fourth-most-common stove. The reported boil time for one liter of water is 3.5 minutes.

MSR PocketRocket 2
MSR PocketRocket 2
BRS-3000T
BRS-3000T
SOTO WindMaster
SOTO WindMaster
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
Jetboil Flash
Jetboil Flash
#STOVERATINGPRICEWEIGHTINCLUDED POT1L BOIL TIME
1MSR PocketRocket 29.11/10$502.6 oz. / 73 gNo3.5 min
2BRS 3000T8.57/10$170.9 oz / 25 gNo5 min
3SOTO Windmaster9.43/10$652.3 oz / 65 gNo4 min
4MSR PocketRocket Deluxe8.76/10$802.9 oz / 83 gNo3.3 min
5JetBoil Flash Lite8.50/10$801.25 lbs / 567 gYes5 min
6JetBoil MiniMo9.00/10$15514.6 oz / 414 gYes4.5 min
7SOTO Amicus9.20/10$452.9 oz / 81 gNo4 min
8JetBoil Zip8.38/10$8811.8 oz / 335 gYes5 min
9MSR MicroRocket8.92/10N/A2.6 oz. / 73 gNoN/A
10Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium8.13/10$601.9 oz / 56 gNo4.5 min
Most Common PCT Water Treatment

The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Pacific Crest Trail water filter this year – of the fourth year in a row. It’s a $39, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with the Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or with compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers). The Sawyer comes in two smaller sizes as well, the Sawyer Micro and the Sawyer MINI.

Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer Squeeze
Katadyn BeFree
Katadyn BeFree
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Platypus QuickDraw
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
Sawyer MINI
Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System
Sawyer Micro
#TREATMENTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMEDIUMREMOVES
1Sawyer Squeeze8.76/10$393 oz / 85 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
2Katadyn BeFree8.09/10$452.3 oz / 65 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
3Platypus QuickDraw9.23/10$352.2 oz / 63 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
4Sawyer MINI8.31/10$232 oz / 57 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
5Sawyer Micro7.78/10$302.5 oz / 71 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
Most Common PCT Bear Canisters

The BearVault BV500 was the most common bear canister on the Pacific Crest Trail this year (for the fifth year in a row). It has an 11.5 L capacity and is made from polycarbonate (transparent blue plastic). The lid can be removed without any tools (or coins) and measures 12.7 x 8.7 in / 32 x 22 cm.

BearVault BV500
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV450
BearVault BV450
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Expedition
Bearikade Expedition
#CANISTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTCAPACITYMATERIAL
1BearVault BV5007.73/10$9341 oz / 1.162 kg11.5 LPolycarbonate
2BearVault BV4507.51/10$8133 oz / 935 g7.2 LPolycarbonate
3Garcia Bear-Resistant Container7.00/10$1843 oz / 1.219 kg10 LABS polymer
4Bearikade Weekender9.47/10$33331 oz / 879 g10.6 LCarbon fiber
5Bearikade Expedition8.93/10$39536 oz / 1.021 kg14.7 LCarbon fiber

Bear canister notes: Bear canisters must be carried north of Lone Pine, but most hikers begin carrying them at Kennedy Meadows. Bear canisters have to be used south of Bridgeport – accessible via Sonora Pass. However, one additional place they must be carried is in Lassen Volcanic National Park (but only if you plan on camping in the park).

Most Common PCT Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork was the most common trekking pole on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. They have a carbon fiber shaft, cork grips, an external lever lock, weigh 17.1 oz / 485 g (per pair), and collapse down to 24 in / 61 cm.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Trail
Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance FLZ
#POLESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHANDLESHAFTCOLLAPSED LENGTH
1Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork9.13/10$19017.1 oz / 485 gCorkCarbon fiber24 in / 61 cm
2Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork8.92/10$14018 oz / 510 gCorkAluminum27 in / 69 cm
3Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber8.28/10$6515.6 oz / 442 gCorkCarbon fiber26 in / 65 cm
4Black Diamond Trail8.43/10$11017 oz / 482 gFoamAluminum25 in / 64 cm
5Black Diamond Distance FLZ8.24/10$14015.7 oz / 445 gFoamAluminum16 in / 40 cm
6Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z9.28/10$20015.8 oz / 447 gCorkCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
7Gossamer Gear LT58.88/10$1959.8 oz / 278 gFoamCarbon fiber23.5 in / 60 cm
8Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec9.00/10$10017.2 oz / 488 gCorkAluminum39.4 in / 100 cm
9Leki Micro Vario Carbon8.74/10$20017 oz / 482 gFoamCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
10REI Co-op Flash Carbon8.37/10$13913.6 oz / 386 gFoamCarbon fiber25 in / 64 cm
Most Common PCT Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

The Garmin inReach Mini was the most common personal locator beacon on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. The smaller, lighter version of the Explorer+, the mini is an awesome piece of equipment that can be used for two-way messaging, navigation, tracking, and as an SOS device. It weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g and requires a monthly (or annual) subscription to function at full capacity.

Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Spot Gen3
Spot Gen3
SPOT Gen4
SPOT Gen4
SPOT Gen X
SPOT Gen X
#PLBRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMESSAGINGMAPS
1Garmin inReach Mini8.69/10$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
2Garmin inReach Explorer+8.99/10$4507.5 oz / 213 gTwo-wayYes
3Spot Gen38.33/10$2204 oz / 113 gOne-way (presets)No
4SPOT Gen45.43/10$1505 oz / 142 gOne-way (presets)No
5SPOT X4.86/10$2507 oz / 198 gTwo-wayNo
Most Common PCT Ice Axes

The CAMP USA Corsa was the most-commonly found ice axe on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s the lightest ice axe on the list at 7.2 oz / 204 g and has an all-aluminum construction. The $120 axe has a straight shaft and comes in lengths of 50, 60, and 70 cm.

CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven Pro
Petzl Summit 2
Petzl Summit 2
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe
CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech
#AXERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMATERIALSHAFT SHAPE
1CAMP USA Corsa7.53/10$1208.2 oz / 232 gAluminumStraight
2Black Diamond Raven7.78/10$9015.7 oz / 445 gAluminum, steelStraight
3Black Diamond Raven Pro8.10/10$12014.2 oz / 406 gAluminum, steelCurved
4Petzl Summit 28.43/10$12013.4 oz / 380 gAluminum, steelCurved
5CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech9.83/10$1608.9 oz / 252 gAluminum, steelCurved
Most Common PCT Traction Systems

The Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System was the most common traction system on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s an over-the-shoe, spikes-on-the-bottom system that weighs 11 oz / 312 g. It comes in four sizes and has stainless steel spikes.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Snowline Light Chainsen Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Light
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Pro
#TRACTIONRATINGPRICEWEIGHTSPIKES
1Kahtoola MICROspikes8.79/10$7511 oz / 312 g12
2Snowline Chainsen Light8.68/10$708.6 oz / 243 g12
3Hillsound Trail Crampons8.60/10$6915.7 oz / 445 g10
4Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons6.88/10$15028.5 oz / 808 g10
5Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon9.33/10$659.1 oz / 257 g12

Highest-rated vs. Most Common Gear

How do the highest-rated and most common Pacific Crest Trail gear lists stack up? As with previous years, it appears most hikers opted for lighter gear, but those who carried heavier gear were often happy with their choices. The eternal struggle between comfort and weight in the world of thru-hiking marches forward.

PCT GEARHIGHEST-RATEDMOST COMMON
Total cost$3,442$2,882
Total weight – Big 36.74 lbs / 3.055 kg4.79 lbs / 2.171 kg
Total weight – Big 47.49 lbs / 3.395 kg5.54 lbs / 2.511 kg
All PCT gear (outside Sierra)*9.6 lbs / 4.354 kg7.8 lbs / 3.537 kg
All PCT gear^12.81 lbs / 5.810 kg11.56 lbs / 5.244 kg

NOTE: The most common shelter requires two trekking poles and eight stakes to be set up (not included in the base weight). The highest-rated shelter is semi-freestanding and does not require trekking poles.

*This does not include ice axe, traction, bear canister, poles, shoes, or socks
^This does not include poles, shoes, or socks

GEARHIGHEST-RATEDMOST-COMMON
BackpackULA CatalystULA Circuit
ShelterBig Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2Zpacks Duplex
Sleeping BagWestern Mountaineering UltraLite Enlightened Equipment Revelation
Sleeping PadTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite – Women’sTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Insulated JacketArc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody (M/W)Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded (M/W)
ShellEnlightened Equipment Visp (M/W)Outdoor Research Helium (M/W)
FleeceArc’teryx Delta LT Zip Neck (M/W)Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
ShoesOboz Sawtooth II Low (M/W)Altra Lone Peak 5 (M/W)
SocksDarn Tough Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight (M/W)Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)
StoveSOTO WindMasterMSR PocketRocket 2
Water TreatmentPlatypus QuickDrawSawyer Squeeze
Bear CanisterBearikade WeekenderBearVault BV500
Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Alpine Carbon ZBlack Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
PLBGarmin inReach Explorer+Garmin inReach Mini
Ice AxeCAMP USA Corsa NanotechCAMP USA Corsa
Traction SystemSnowline Chainsen Pro CramponKahtoola MICROspikes

Base Weights

Base weight. The thing that completely defines some hikers, that others have difficulty defining, and that others still don’t care about at all. Basically, how much your backpack weighs when fully loaded with your gear, minus food, water, and/or consumable weight (like your poopy paper).

Some hikers will tell you the best gear is the lightest gear and that there’s no benefit to carrying any “unnecessary” weight in your pack. Others will tell you ultralight gear is little better than badly-sewn-together garbage and that having quality gear (without regard to weight) is the only way to live your best trail life. They’re both right and they’re both wrong. The “right gear” is the gear that works for you (and that you’re happy with).

Ultimately, yes, carrying a lighter pack is more enjoyable than carrying a heavy pack. However, not having the proper gear if/when you need it can quickly eliminate any benefit realized from having a lighter pack. The base weight for you is the one you’re the happiest carrying. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise has no business telling you so.

BASE WEIGHTSTHRUTHRU-1THRU-0
START17.6 lbs / 7.983 kg17.07 lbs / 7.743 kg19.28 lbs / 8.745 kg
END15.25 lbs / 6.917 kg14.77 lbs / 6.7 kg16.84 lbs / 7.639 kg
CHANGE2.35 lbs / 1.066 kg2.3 lbs / 1.043 kg2.44 lbs / 1.107 kg
% CHANGE-13.35%-13.47%-12.65%

Gear Stats

We’ve gone over the highest-rated gear, most-common gear, and the base weights of hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail this year, and now we’re going to talk a bit about some gear specifics.

Average Backpack Size

First, a bit about backpacks. Hikers’ most common complaints when it came to backpacks this year? Packs were uncomfortable with heavy loads, packs were too heavy (as in the packs themselves), and chafing at the hips. How can you avoid these same woes on the trail? Probably the best advice you can give anyone preparing for a thru-hike – get out there with your pack on and hike (with a heavy load).

THRU
53.9
(M = 55 | σ = 10.3)

THRU-1
53.6
(M = 55 | σ = 10.2)

THRU-0
53.9
(M = 55 | σ = 13.1)

Hikers Using Fully Freestanding Shelter

What’s a freestanding shelter? It’s a shelter (i.e. tent) that needs only its poles to be set up – no stakes required. This year’s highest-rated shelter, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2, is semi-freestanding. What does that mean? It means it can stand on its own (without being staked down), but it requires at least a few (in this case, two) stakes to be set up all the way.

This year’s most common shelter, the Zpacks Duplex, is not. It requires two trekking poles and eight stakes to be set up correctly. Here’s the breakdown of which percentage of hikers were using a freestanding shelter (I counted semi-freestanding shelters as 0.5 in the calculation).

THRU
32%

THRU-1
33%

THRU-0
26%

Sleeping Bag Temperatures

All of the highest-rated and most common sleeping bags (and quilts) on the Pacific Crest Trail this year were between 10°F and 20°F (-12.2°C to -6.7°C). Which bag will be best for you depends on a lot – how warm of a sleeper are you? Which sleeping pad do you have? Are you sleeping in your clothes? With another person? In a small tent? Big tent? With a dog? Sasquatch? Here’s what this year’s class had.

THRU
16.8°F
-8.4°C
(M = 20°F/-6.7°C | σ = 8.2)

THRU-1
16.4°F
-8.7°C
(M = 20°F/-6.7°C | σ = 7.9)

THRU-0
17.9°F
-7.8°C
(M = 20°F/-6.7°C | σ = 9)

Stoves on the PCT

It may come as a shock, but not all hikers on the trail carry stoves. Yes, cheese, tortilla, and Sriracha combinations may be all you need to power your hiking machine (yourself) on the trail. Here’s what hikers did as far as stoves this year.

  • 70.2% Carried a stove
  • 12.2% Stoveless the entire trail
  • 10.9% Started with a stove but went stoveless at some point
  • 4.9% Started stoveless but got stove on hike
  • 1.7% Alternated
Pacific Crest Trail 2021 Survey Stoveless Hikers

Luxury Items

Pacific Crest Trail hikers obsess over their gear lists and what goes into their packs, but most everyone has something that could be considered a luxury item by someone else. Some people believe their phone to be an essential and multifunctional piece of gear while others may scoff at the idea of using one to take photos, listen to music, and use GPS in the wilderness. Here are the most popular “luxury items” on the trail this year.

  • Battery pack 90%
  • Pillow 53%
  • Camp shoes 52%
  • Massage ball 30%
  • Town clothes 24%
  • Sleeping bag liner 23%
  • Journal 23%
  • Towel 21%
  • Deodorant 10%
  • Playing cards 7%
  • Book 6%
  • Kindle 5%
  • Down pants 2%
  • Fishing pole 2%
  • Harmonica 2%
  • Ukulele 1%
  • Frisbee 1%
Pacific Crest Trail 2021 Survey PCT Luxury Items
Battery Packs

Since battery packs are brought by most hikers (this is the second year I’ve asked about them and the second year that 90% of hikers reported having one), I decided to delve a bit deeper into how big of battery packs hikers were bringing along.

THRU
13,650 mAh
Average battery pack size
(M = 10,000 | σ = 6,230)

Gear Advice

To wrap up this portion of the gear breakdown (posts on couples’ gear and gear broken down by gender are on the way), I have advice from this year’s PCT Class on gear choices and gear lists for future PCT hikers.

  • Be prepared/budget for switching out gear during your hike. The daily rigors we put gear through cannot be simulated by a shakedown hike. Things will fail or just not make you happy.
  • Didn’t think rain pants were necessary until Washington (northbound). Got soaked through to the bone in my Helium rain jacket in a storm, so then I got my Arc’teryx back which kept me very dry in rain but with an increased weight penalty. Having just used my Arc’teryx in the past, I didn’t realize that these lighter weight rain jackets don’t perform as well (I know this sounds obvious in retrospect). I just mention it because everyone seems to push the Frog Toggs and Helium but I didn’t realize when these were recommended to me that the tradeoff of the lighter weight is significantly worse performance. I literally had to stop hiking one day and set up my shelter because I got so wet and cold despite having my lightweight rain gear on.
  • The UV Buff is a great multifunctional piece of gear.
  • I was really concerned about finding the perfect gear before trail, but the reality was that it was much easier to switch out gear (many gear shops along the way) or order and mail myself gear from home than I thought. I would have stressed about it less now.
  • If you have the funds, the most ideal carry would be to have redundant gear specific to each section to swap out. No sense in struggling through the cold with a light sleeping bag or jacket, or carrying something too heavy when you don’t need it.
  • Kula Cloth is amazing! (more on this in the women-specific gear post)
  • Reach a mental compromise with yourself regarding pack weight and equipment. I saw many ultralighters suffer in cold, wet, and wind. Take what you want to be comfortable and to enjoy your hike. It may weigh a little more but it’s worth it.
  • Wind pants are awesome lightweight cold and bug protection.

For more on gear, check out the Ultimate Pacific Crest Trail Packing List.

Support the Survey

I get a lot of people asking every year how to support the surveys and beyond sharing them with your close-knit bubble of weird hiker friends, the best way to support the survey is to contribute via Patreon. You’ll get access to exclusive posts, discount codes, live streams, and super extra cool stickers so that everyone will know how cool you are.

If you’re not into Patreon, that’s cool, you can instead Venmo @halfwayanywhere, Cash app $halfwayanywhere, or PayPal [email protected]

This is not expected. The data collected in the survey will always be free and accessible to everyone who wants/needs it. That said, your support is very much appreciated and helps to pay the website (and survey) bills.

Venmo QR Code
Halfway Anywhere Cash App
Halfway Anywhere Zelle

If there is anything you can think of that would make this information more useful (or any more gear-related cross-referencing you would like to see), then please leave a comment below and let me know.

Pacific Crest Trail Survey Collection

  • Pacific Crest Trail Survey Results
  • Gear Guide
  • Women’s Gear Guide
  • Couples’ Gear Guide
  • Thru-Hike Resupply Guide
  • Hiker Stat Breakdown
  • Hiker Horror Stories
  • Hiker’s Lowest Moments
  • Advice for Future Hikers
  • Discrimination on the Trail
  • All PCT Hiker Survey Posts

This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links. This helps to pay the bills and keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!

You'll Like These Too:

Pinterest - 2021 PCT Survey Gear

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on Email

Gear,  Pacific Crest Trail PCT Gear,  PCT Planning,  PCT Survey

8 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Recent Posts

  • Women’s Gear Guide for the Pacific Crest Trail (2022 Survey)
  • The Best Thru-Hiking Shelters for Couples (2022 PCT Survey)
  • Hayduke Trail Gear List: Everything You Need to Hike Across Utah
  • Continental Divide Trail Hiking Advice for 2023 (& Beyond)
  • Continental Divide Trail Horror Stories (Class of 2022)
Backpacking Gear Pacific Crest Trail Continental Divide Trail Mac's Backpack

Footer

STAY IN TOUCH

You've made it this far, you're either into this site or you're still looking for something. Either way, best to sign up for my newsletter, yeah?

NAVIGATION

  • Recent Posts
  • Backpacking Gear
  • Continental Divide Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail
  • Brazil Trekking
  • Japan Trekking
  • Nepal Trekking
  • New Zealand Trekking
  • Tasmania Trekking

LEGALESE

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · Halfway Anywhere