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The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2022 Survey

By Mac

In the second installment of this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the PCT. 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 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, the most common gear, base weights, gear advice, and more.

The gear covered here includes backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, rain jackets, fleeces, shoes, socks, stoves, water treatment, trekking poles, ice axes, traction systems, bear canisters, satellite messengers/PLBs, fitness trackers, luxury items, and more.

I will be publishing additional articles 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.

This year, I’ve changed up the layout a bit and I think I’m happy with the results. Hopefully, the article flows a bit more smoothly and the data is a bit more accessible. The goal is for this to be a useful resource for PCT hikers, so if there’s anything that you think is missing, please leave a comment below.

I hope you enjoy this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide brought to you by the PCT Class of 2022.

Table of Contents
1 Notes on the Data
2 Data Labels
3 Most Common PCT Gear
4 Highest-Rated Gear List
5 Backpacks
6 Shelters
7 Sleeping Bags & Quilts
8 Sleeping Pads
9 Insulated Jackets
10 Shells
11 Fleeces
12 Shoes
13 Socks
14 Stoves
15 Water Treatment
16 Bear Canisters
17 Trekking Poles
18 Satellite Messengers/PLBs
19 Ice Axes
20 Traction Systems
21 Fitness Trackers
22 Highest-Rated vs Most Common Gear
23 Base Weights
24 Other Gear Carried
25 Luxury Items
26 Gear Advice
27 Support the Survey
28 Pacific Crest Trail Survey Collection
Pinterest - 2022 PCT Hiker Survey - Gear Guide

Notes on the Data

  • This year has 953 completed surveys – a 38% increase versus last year and the most ever completed in a single season
  • Some responses are sorted and colored to make the data friendlier – e.g. northbound or southbound. More on this below.
  • The Pacific Crest Trail and thru-hiking in general come with a lot of acronyms and jargon you’re likely unfamiliar with if you’re new to the world of border-to-border foot travel. If you find anything unclear, the thru-hiker glossary may be of use. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to drop a comment and let me know.
  • I refer to survey respondents collectively as this year’s “class“. Remember, this is a sample (albeit a large one) and not a comprehensive survey of every person on the PCT this year.
  • This survey invokes some math. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the words average, median (M), and standard deviation (σ) if you’re looking to get the most out of your time here.
  • All weights for products below are for products in a size medium and/or regular unless otherwise noted.
  • Backpacks use capacities closest to 55 liters (if multiple options are available) based on this year’s average of 54 liters.
  • Sleeping bags and quilts use the highest fill power available and the temperature rating closest to 20°F/-6°C (if multiple options are available) based on this year’s average of 18°F/-8°C
  • Ice axes use the length closest to 60 cm (if multiple options are available).
  • For the highest-rated gear, I only considered gear used and rated by at least ten hikers.
  • All ratings listed are the average (on a scale of 1 to 10) from each hiker who rated the piece of gear.
  • More detailed posts focused on breakdowns of women-specific gear and couples’ gear, PCT Resupply, PCT Demographics, PCT Horror Stories, and PCT Advice are in the works. If you would like to be notified of new surveys, click here.

Data Labels

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

Most Common PCT Gear

I ask each survey respondent about the gear they used during their Pacific Crest Trail hike. With this information, we can easily see what the most popular pieces of gear were on the trail. Here’s what this year’s “Most Common PCT Gear List” backpack had in it – and what that theoretical backpack was.

  • Backpack: ULA Circuit (2.29 lbs | 1.038 kg | $280)
  • Shelter: Zpacks Duplex (1.19 lbs | 539 g | $699)
  • Sleeping bag: Enlightened Equipment Enigma (21.2 oz / 601 g | $345)
  • Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (12.5 oz / 354 g | $200)
  • Insulated jacket: Enlightened Equipment Torrid – Men’s/Women’s (8.4 oz / 238 g | $185)
  • Shell: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 (8.8 oz / 250 g | $25)
  • Fleece: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (12.2 oz / 346 g | $78)
  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak – Men’s/Women’s (22 oz / 624 g | $150)
  • Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight – Men’s/Women’s (2 oz / 57 g | $20)
  • 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 / $200)
  • PLB: Garmin inReach Mini (3.5 oz / 100 g | $350)
  • Ice axe: C.A.M.P. USA Corsa (8.2 oz / 232 g | $120)
  • Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11 oz / 312 g | $75)
  • Fitness tracker: Garmin Fenix (2.79 oz / 79 g | $700)

Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 4.8 lbs / 2.164 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 5.55 lbs / 2.504 kg

All gear (outside Sierra): 7.95 lbs / 3.591 kg (this does not include ice axe, traction, bear canister, trekking poles, shoes, socks, or fitness tracker)
All gear:
11.71 lbs / 5.297 kg (this does not include trekking poles, shoes, socks, or fitness tracker)

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 17.6 lbs / 7.983 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? $2,909 (with one pair of shoes and one pair of socks); I did not include the $700 price tag of the Garmin Fenix. The average thru-hikers spent on gear prior to beginning their hikes? $1,563 (M = $1,200 | σ = $1,230).

Below, is a detailed look at the most common 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, traction systems, and fitness trackers.

Highest-Rated Gear List

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 also used the results to construct a top-ten list for each of the categories surveyed.

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

  • Backpack: LiteAF Gear Curve Full Suspension (28.5 oz | 808 g | $345)
  • Shelter: Tarptent Double Rainbow (39.7 oz / 1.125 kg | $319)
  • Sleeping bag/quilt: Katabatic Gear Alsek (22.2 oz / 630 g | $430)
  • Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (17 oz / 482 g | $230)
  • Insulated jacket: Feathered Friends Eos – Men’s/Women’s (10.8 oz / 306 g | $409)
  • Shell: Zpacks Vertice – Men’s/Women’s (7 oz / 198 g | $299)
  • Fleece: Senchi Designs Lark (5 oz / 142 g | $95)
  • Shoes: Brooks Cascadia – Men’s/Women’s (19.1 oz / 542 g | $130)
  • Socks: Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew ($24)
  • Stove: MSR WindBurner (15.3 oz / 434 g | $170)
  • Water treatment: Aquamira (3 oz / 85 g | $15)
  • Bear canister: Bearikade Expedition (36 oz / 1.201 kg | $424)
  • Trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock (20.81 oz / 590 g / $160)
  • PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 2 (3.5 oz / 100 g | $400)
  • Ice axe: C.A.M.P. USA Corsa Nanotech (8.9 oz / 252 g | $160)
  • Traction: Hillsound Trail Crampons (15.7 oz / 445 g | $75)
  • Fitness tracker: Garmin Fenix (2.79 oz / 79 g | $700)

Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 5.65 lbs / 2.561 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 6.71 lbs / 3.043 kg

All gear (outside Sierra): 9.5 lbs / 4.308 kg (this does not include ice axe, traction, bear canister, trekking poles, shoes, socks, or fitness tracker)
All gear: 13.68 lbs / 6.206 kg (this does not include trekking poles, shoes, socks, or fitness tracker)

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 17.6 lbs / 7.983 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the MSR WindBurner, includes the weight of a pot.

The total price of all this gear? $3,682 (with one pair of shoes and one pair of socks); I did not include the $700 price tag of the Garmin Fenix. The average thru-hikers spent on gear prior to beginning their hikes? $1,563 (M = $1,200 | σ = $1,230).

Below, is a detailed look at the highest-rated 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, traction systems, and fitness trackers.

Backpacks

One thing everyone definitely (probably?) needs if they’re going on an extended backpacking trip? A backpack.

A backpack can do a lot to define a hiker and you can usually tell a lot (or at least you can sometimes think you can tell a lot) about a hiker by simply taking a look at their pack. In this first section, we’ll look at some backpack stats as well as the most common and highest-rated backpacks among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year.

Here is the average backpack size used by thru-hikers.

THRU
54.2
(M = 55 | σ = 10.6)

THRU-1
54.2
(M = 55 | σ = 9.8)

THRU-0
54
(M = 55 | σ = 11.9)

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 complaints about the durability of packs.

Most Common PCT Backpacks

The ULA Circuit was the most common backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail this year – for the third 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 (for the second consecutive 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 Ultra Backpack
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra
#BACKPACKRATINGPRICEWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOAD
1ULA Circuit8.63$2802.29 lb | 1.038 kg6835 lb | 16 kg
2Gossamer Gear Mariposa7.95$2851.79 lb | 814 g6035 lb | 16 kg
3Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest8.68$3792.00 lb | 896 g5540 lb | 18 kg
4Osprey Exos8.22$2602.84 lb | 1.288 kg5835 lb | 16 kg
5Zpacks Arc Haul7.70$3991.30 lb | 590 g5040 lb | 18 kg
6Osprey Eja8.06$2602.82 lb | 1.280 kg5835 lb | 16 kg
7Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction8.35$3792.00 lb | 896 g5540 lb | 18 kg
8REI Co-op Flash8.77N/A2.64 lb | 1.191 kg5530 lb | 14 kg
9Atom Packs Atom+9.14$2561.49 lb | 675 g 5030 lb | 14 kg
10ULA Catalyst8.43$3002.92 lb | 1.324 kg7540 lb | 18 kg

Highest-Rated PCT Backpacks

The LiteAF Gear Curve Full Suspension was the highest-rated pack on the PCT this year. This is the pack’s first appearance on the top PCT packs. It’s a highly customizable pack that weighs 28.5 oz / 808 g (although this varies based on configuration) and costs $345. The maximum recommended load for this pack is 35 lbs / 16 kg.

LiteAF Gear Curve Full Suspension Backpack
LiteAF Gear Curve Full Suspension
Atom Packs Atom+
Atom Packs Atom+
ULA Circuit
ULA Circuit
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
REI Co-op Flash
REI Co-op Flash
#BACKPACKRATINGPRICEWEIGHTLITERSMAX LOAD
1LiteAF Gear Curve Full Suspension9.29$3451.78 lb | 808 g4035 lb | 16 kg
2Atom Packs Atom+9.14$2561.49 lb | 675 g 5030 lb | 14 kg
3SWD Rugged Long Haul8.80$3452.02 lb | 913 g5050 lb | 23 kg
4Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider8.78$3791.98 lb | 1.191 kg5540 lb | 18 kg
5REI Co-op Flash8.77N/A1.98 lb | 1.191 kg5530 lb | 14 kg
6Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest8.68$3792 lb | 896 g5540 lb | 18 kg
7ULA Circuit8.64$2802.29 lb | 1.038 kg6835 lb | 16 kg
8Atom Packs Mo8.58$2722.01 lb | 910 g5042 lb | 19 kg
9SWD Ultralight Long Haul8.57$3551.89 lb | 856 g5050 lb | 23 kg
10ULA Ohm8.55$2602.11 lb | 958 g6330 lb | 13.6 kg

Shelters

Shelters – basically the umbrella term for tents since there are also options such as bivy sacks, tarps, pyramids, and lean-tos – are another essential piece of equipment on the Pacific Crest Trail.

A consideration for hikers when choosing their shelter is whether they would like said shelter to be freestanding. What is a freestanding shelter? It’s a shelter that needs only the tent body and its poles to be set up – no stakes or superfluous tie-outs required. An example of this kind of shelter is the year’s third-highest-rated shelter, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

Shelters that are not freestanding require that they be staked or tied out to be set up. These types of shelters typically (but not always) use trekking poles instead of the more traditional tent poles to be set up – something to be considered when looking at shelter weights and prices. An example of this kind of shelter is the year’s most common shelter, the Zpacks Duplex.

Lastly, a semi-freestanding shelter is one that (typically) uses tent poles and can stand on its own, but that requires stakes or tie-outs to be completely set up. An example of this kind of shelter is the year’s third-most-common shelter, the NEMO Hornet 2P.

The following is a breakdown of how many hikers were using a freestanding shelter (I counted semi-freestanding shelters as 0.5 in the calculation).

The percentage of hikers using each type of shelter on the Pacific Crest Trail this year.

  • 54.0% – Not freestanding
  • 24.5% – Freestanding
  • 21.5% – Semi-freestanding
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Freestanding Shelters

Of the top ten most common shelters, just two (the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3) are freestanding. Three others (the NEMO Hornet 2P, Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, and Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2) are semi-freestanding. This means they can stand on their own without stakes, but they require stakes to be set up fully/properly. The other five are not freestanding.

Most Common PCT Shelters

The Zpacks Duplex was the most common shelter on the PCT this year (for the third year in a row). It’s a $700, two-person, side-entry, 19 oz / 539 g shelter that requires two trekking poles to set up. 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
Zpacks Triplex
Zpacks Triplex
#SHELTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFLOORFREESTANDINGCAPACITY
1Zpacks Duplex8.56$6991.19 lb | 539 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²No2
2Gossamer Gear The One8.10$3001.11 lb | 503 g15.8 ft² / 1.5 m²No1
3NEMO Hornet 2P8.77$4002.38 lb | 1.08 kg27.5 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
4Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL28.33$4501.88 lb | 853 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
5Zpacks Triplex8.39$7991.37 lb | 622 g37.5 ft² / 3.5 m²No3
6Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL29.06$5502.69 lb | 1.22 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
7Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL27.75$4001.94 lb | 879 g28 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
8Durston X-Mid 1P9.25$2401.92 lb | 875 g20 ft² / 1.85 m²No1
9Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo8.65$2501.63 lb | 740 g 26 ft² / 2.4 m²No1
10Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL39.00$6003.5 lb | 1.58 kg41 ft² / 3.81 m²Yes3

Highest-Rated PCT Shelters

The Tarptent Double Rainbow was the highest-rated shelter on the PCT this year. It’s a two-person, side-entry, shelter that weighs 36.4 oz / 1.032 kg and needs to be staked out to properly set up. Despite being a two-person shelter, it was used frequently by solo hikers. There is also a one-person version, the Tarptent Rainbow, available.

Tarptent Double Rainbow
Tarptent Double Rainbow
Durston X-Mid 1
Durston X-Mid 1
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3
Tarptent Notch Li
Tarptent Notch Li
#SHELTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFLOORFREESTANDINGCAPACITY
1Tarptent Double Rainbow9.30$3192.48 lb | 1.125 kg30.5 ft² / 2.83 m²Optional2
2Durston X-Mid 1P9.25$2401.92 lb | 875 g20 ft² / 1.85 m²No1
3Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL29.06$5502.69 lb | 1.22 kg29 ft² / 2.7 m²Yes2
4Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL39.00$6003.5 lb | 1.58 kg41 ft² / 3.81 m²Yes3
5Tarptent Notch Li9.00$6291.26 lb | 570 g15.7 ft² / 1.46 m²No1
6Durston X-Mid 2P8.90$3002.21 lb | 1.01 kg33.2 ft² / 3.1 m²No2
7NEMO Hornet 2P8.77$4002.38 lb | 1.08 kg27.5 ft² / 2.6 m²Semi2
8Zpacks Soloplex8.76$5990.87 lb | 395 g20.6 ft² / 1.91 m²No1
9Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL38.70$5002.62 lb | 1.19 kg38 ft² / 3.53 m²Semi2
10Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo8.65$2501.63 lb | 740 g 26 ft² / 2.4 m²No1

Sleeping Bags & Quilts

Is there a generic term for sleeping bags and quilts? Sleeping sacks? Insulation-filled backpacking tortillas? Writing sleeping bags/quilts is a bit excessive/unnecessary feeling (and just annoying). Suggestions welcome.

Quilts have become exceedingly popular in recent years and they have become the unofficial standard in thru-hiker kits; four of the top five most common insulation-filled backpacking tortillas (trying it out) were quilts. That said, many quilts come in a variety of temperature ratings and with a large number of customizable options.

Individual hiker temperature needs can vary greatly. How warm of a sleeper are you? Which sleeping pad do you have? Do you sleep in your clothes? With another person? In a small tent? A big tent? With a dog? Bigfoot?

The typical range for PCT sleeping bags and quilts is between 10°F and 20°F (-12.2°C to -6.7°C). Which bag will be best for you will depend. Here’s what this year’s class had.

THRU
17.5°F
-8.4°C
(M = 20°F/-6.7°C | σ = 7.9)
Average sleeping bag temperature

THRU
60%
Percentage of hikers using a quilt instead of a traditional sleeping bag

THRU
20.7°F
-6.3°C
Average temperature of bag/quilt of hikers who said they were too cold at night

Most Common PCT Sleeping Bags

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

Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10
Enlightened Equipment Enigma
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
Katabatic Flex
Katabatic Flex
REI Co-op Magma 15
REI Co-op Magma 15
UGQ Bandit
UGQ Bandit
#BAG/QUILTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTTEMPFILLFILL WEIGHT
1Enlightened Equipment Enigma9.72$41019.3 oz | 547 g20°F / -6°C950 duck13.8 oz / 392 g
2Enlightened Equipment Revelation9.62$41020.9 oz | 593 g20°F / -6°C950 duck14.4 oz / 408 g
3Katabatic Flex9.89$42022.8 oz | 646 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose14.3 oz / 405g
4REI Co-op Magma9.73$39928.2 oz | 799 g16°F / -9°C850 goose15.9 oz / 451 g
5UGQ Bandit9.55$34519.2 oz | 544 g20°F / -6°C950 goose13 oz / 369 g
6Western Mountaineering Versalite9.83$67032 oz | 907 g10°F / -12°C850 goose20 oz / 565 g
7Western Mountaineering UltraLite9.68$58030 oz | 850 g20°F / -6°C850 goose16 oz / 454 g
8Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag9.71$44918.8 oz | 533 g20°F / -6°C900 goose14.5 oz / 411 g
9Katabatic Alsek9.93$43022.2 oz | 629 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose13.4 oz / 380 g
10Zpacks Solo Quilt9.89$42918.3 oz | 520 g20°F / -6°C900 goose13.7 oz / 388 g

Highest-Rated PCT Sleeping Bags & Quilts

The Katabatic Alsek Quilt was the highest-rated sleeping bag or quilt on the PCT this year. With 900 fill-power HyperDry goose down, it weighs 22.2 oz / 850 g, uses 14.1 oz / 400 g of fill, is rated down to 22°F / -5.5°C, and retails for $430. It comes in three sizes and two widths.

Katabatic Alsek Quilt
Katabatic Alsek Quilt
Zpacks Solo Quilt
Zpacks Solo Quilt
Katabatic Flex
Katabatic Flex
Western Mountaineering Versalite
Western Mountaineering Versalite
REI Co-op Magma
REI Co-op Magma
#BAG/QUILTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTTEMPFILLFILL WEIGHT
1Katabatic Alsek9.93$43022.2 oz | 629 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose13.4 oz / 380 g
2Zpacks Solo Quilt9.89$42918.3 oz | 520 g20°F / -6°C900 goose13.7 oz / 388 g
3Katabatic Flex9.89$42022.8 oz | 646 g22°F / -5.6°C900 goose14.3 oz / 405g
4Western Mountaineering Versalite9.83$67032 oz | 907 g10°F / -12°C850 goose20 oz / 565 g
5REI Co-op Magma9.73$39928.2 oz | 799 g16°F / -9°C850 goose15.9 oz / 451 g
6Enlightened Equipment Enigma9.72$41019.3 oz | 547 g20°F / -6°C950 duck13.8 oz / 392 g
7Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag9.71$44918.8 oz | 533 g20°F / -6°C900 goose14.5 oz / 411 g
8Western Mountaineering UltraLite9.68$58030 oz | 850 g20°F / -6°C850 goose16 oz / 454 g
9Enlightened Equipment Revelation9.62$41020.9 oz | 593 g20°F / -6°C950 duck14.4 oz / 408 g
10Western Mountaineering Alpinlite9.58$64531 oz | 880 g20°F / -6°C850 goose19 oz / 540 g

Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads are another must-have item on the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers essentially have two options: an inflatable sleeping pad or a foam sleeping pad.

There are pros and cons to both. Foam pads can’t pop, can be easily deployed, aren’t noisy when rolled around on, and make acceptable LARPing weapons; inflatable pads pack down small, have higher R-values (i.e. they’re warmer), can (sometimes) be lighter, and make acceptable rafts.

Which sleeping pad is best for you depends on your personal needs and, in some cases, how much durability you’re willing to sacrifice to save weight. The overwhelming majority of PCT hikers used inflatable sleeping pads with 43% of hikers using some version of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (either the regular, small, or women’s version).

The percentage of hikers using each style of sleeping pad on the Pacific Crest Trail this year.

  • 86.9% – Inflatable
  • 13.1% – Foam
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Sleeping Pads

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 12.5 oz / 354 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 fifth-most-common pad on the trail this year and the small version was the fourth most common.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
NEMO Tensor Insulated
NEMO Tensor Insulated
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 XLite8.11$20012.5 oz | 354 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
2Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's8.40$20012.5 oz | 354 g5.42.5 in / 6.4 cm
3Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm8.93$23017 oz | 482 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm
4NEMO Tensor (Insulated)8.17$19014.5 oz | 411 g4.23 in / 7.6 cm
5NEMO Switchback7.85$5514.5 oz | 415 g20.9 in / 2.3 cm
6Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated7.96$15016.9 oz | 480g3.12 in / 5 cm
7Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small8.44$1808.3 oz | 235 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
8Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol8.57$5514 oz | 397 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
9Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite7.63$2208.8 oz | 250 g2.32.5 in / 6.4 cm
10Exped SynMat HL6.94$16912.3 oz | 349 g3.32.8 in / 7.1 cm

Highest-Rated PCT Sleeping Pads

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm was the highest-rated sleeping pad from the PCT this year. The 30D-nylon pad has an R-value of 6.9, is 2.5 in / 6.4 cm thick, weighs 17 oz / 482 g, and retails for $230. It comes in regular and long lengths and there is a wide version available of the regular.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Short)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Small)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
#PADRATINGPRICEWEIGHTR-VALUETHICKNESS
1Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm8.93$23017 oz | 482 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm
2Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol8.57$5514 oz | 397 g20.75 in / 1.9 cm
3Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated8.53$18916.6 oz | 470 g3.24 in / 10 cm
4Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Small8.44$1808.3 oz | 235 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
5Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - Women's8.40$20012.5 oz | 354 g5.42.5 in / 6.4 cm
6Therm-a-Rest NeoAir ProLite8.20$11018 oz | 510 g2.41 in / 2.5 cm
7NEMO Tensor (Insulated)8.17$19014.5 oz | 411 g4.23 in / 7.6 cm
8Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite8.11$20012.5 oz | 354 g4.22.5 in / 6.4 cm
9Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated7.96$15016.9 oz | 480g3.12 in / 5 cm
10Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX7.91$24019 oz | 539 g6.92.5 in / 6.4 cm

Insulated Jackets

Something to keep the top half of your body warm – whether this is a base layer, a fleece, or an insulated jacket – is something else every Pacific Crest Trail hiker should have with them. Of this year’s class, 95.5% of hikers had an insulated jacket – meaning 4.5% of hikers said they didn’t bring one.

Besides the question of whether to bring an insulated jacket (insulated jacket because “down jacket” isn’t accurate since not all jackets use down insulation and because the word “puffy” isn’t quite official – also I want to spell the plural “puffys” because “puffies” looks weird and I’m never quite sure which to use), hikers need to decide whether they want their jacket to have a hood.

Many of the most popular insulated jackets have both hooded and non-hooded versions available. Typically the hoodless versions are called “jackets” while the hooded versions are called hoodies (e.g. Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket vs. Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody).

The percentage of hikers using hooded and not hooded (unhooded?) jackets on the Pacific Crest Trail this year.

  • 84.3% – Hooded
  • 15.7% – Not hooded
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Jacket Hoods

Most Common PCT Insulated Jackets

The Enlightened Equipment Torrid (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common jacket among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year. The 8.4 oz / 238 g jacket uses 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD APEX synthetic insulation and is available with either a 7D or 10D nylon shell. You can get it customized in a variety of colors and there’s a pullover version (Men’s/Women’s) available as well.

Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket
Enlightened Equipment Torrid
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100
Men’s/Women’s
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
Men’s/Women’s
#JACKETRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHOODPOCKETS
1Enlightened Equipment Torrid (M/W)9.01$1858.4 oz | 238 gYes2 hand
2Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W)9.27$3258.8 oz | 249 gYes2 hand
3Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (M/W)8.91$29910.7 oz | 303 gYes2 hand | 2 drop
4Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 (M/W)8.82$9010 oz | 284 gYes2 hand
5Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (M/W)8.88$3008.3 oz | 235 gNo2 hand
6Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody (M/W)9.58$40010.2 oz | 290 gYes2 hand
7Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (M/W)8.52$22911.9 oz | 337 gNo2 hand | 1 internal chest
8Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket (M/W)8.54$27910.5 oz | 298 gNo2 hand | 2 drop
9Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody (M/W)9.36$27912.8 oz | 363 gYes2 hand | 1 internal chest
10 Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (M/W)8.57$3756.7 oz | 189 gYes2 hand

Highest-Rated PCT Insulated Jackets

The Feathered Friends Eos (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated insulated jacket among PCT hikers this year. The jacket uses 4. oz / 112 g of 900+ fill goose down with an elastic drawcord hem, Pertex Quantum brushed nylon shell with DWR, and two zippered hand pockets. It weighs 10.8 oz / 306 g and retails for $409.

Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket
Feathered Friends Eos
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie
Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Down Sweater
Patagonia Down Sweater
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
#JACKETRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHOODPOCKETS
1Feathered Friends Eos (M/W)9.73$40910.8 oz | 306 gYes2 hand
2Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody (M/W)9.58$40010.2 oz | 290 gYes2 hand
3Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody (M/W)9.57$25913.2 oz | 375 gYes2 hand
4Patagonia Down Sweater (M/W)9.44$27913 oz | 369 gNo2 hand | 1 internal chest | 2 drop
5Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody (M/W)9.36$27912.8 oz | 363 gYes2 hand | 1 internal chest
6Montbell Plasma 1000 Jacket (M/W)9.36$3294.9 oz | 138 gNo2 hand
7REI Co-op Magma 850 (M/W)9.33$21913.8 oz | 391 gYes2 hand | 1 chest
8Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody (M/W)9.27$3258.8 oz | 249 gYes2 hand
9Montbell Superior Down Jacket (M/W)9.23$2197.1 oz | 200 gNo2 hand | 1 internal chest
10Enlightened Equipment Torrid (M/W)9.01$1858.4 oz | 238 gYes2 hand

Shells

Shells, or rain jackets, aren’t something that Pacific Crest Trail hikers will be using every day, but they are also not something that should be completely overlooked. Weather on the PCT can be unpredictable and getting caught out on the trail unprepared in a storm could quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.

Most Common PCT Shells

The Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 was the most common rainwear on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. I hesitate to prescribe it the title or jacket or shell since it’s as much an emergency poncho as it is a rain jacket, but it’s popular nonetheless. That said, it has the lowest rating of any piece of rain gear used by PCT hikers this year. I try to remain objective in these guides, but feel it worth mentioning that if you are looking for something that will actually keep you warm/dry during periods of extended rain, there are far better (albeit more expensive) options available.

Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2
Outdoor Research Helium II
Outdoor Research Helium
Men’s/Women’s
Montbell Versalite
Montbell Versalite
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Torrentshell
Patagonia Torrentshell
Men’s/Women’s
Enlightened Equipment Visp
Enlightened Equipment Visp
Men’s/Women’s
#SHELLRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPS
1Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 27.09$255.5 oz | 156 gThree-layer polypropyleneNo
2Outdoor Research Helium (M/W)7.27$1596.3 oz | 179 g2.5-layer Pertex Shield (Nylon)No
3Montbell Versalite (M/W)8.73$2496.4 oz | 182 g2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium WindstopperYes
4Patagonia Torrentshell (M/W)8.33$17914.1 oz | 400 g3L 3.5-oz 50D ECONYL Recycled NylonYes
5Enlightened Equipment Visp (M/W)8.74$2105.95 oz | 169 g7D nylon + PU membrane + tricot liningYes
6Marmot PreCip (M/W)8.07$10010.3 oz | 293 gNanoPro 100% NylonYes
7Arc’teryx Beta (M/W)8.56$40010.6 oz | 300 gGORE-TEX w/ GORE C-KNIT backerYes
8Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket7.95$1256 oz | 170 g20D Ripstop PolyesterYes
9Arc’teryx Norvan LT Hoody (M/W)8.87$4006.7 oz | 190 gGORE-TEX + GORE C-KNIT backerNo
10Black Diamond StormLine Stretch (M/W)8.80$17011.29 oz | 320 gBD.dry2.5L w/ DWRYes

Highest-Rated PCT Shells

The Zpacks Vertice (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 7 oz / 198 g jacket made with 7D nylon and treated with a water-repellent finish. It has a single chest pocket, pit zips, and an elastic hem.

Zpacks Vertice
Zpacks Vertice
Men’s/Women’s
Arc'teryx Norvan LT Hoody
Arc’teryx Norvan LT Hoody
Men’s/Women’s
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch
Men’s/Women’s
Enlightened Equipment Visp
Enlightened Equipment Visp
Men’s/Women’s
Montbell Versalite
Montbell Versalite
Men’s/Women’s
#SHELLRATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICPIT ZIPS
1Zpacks Vertice (M/W)9.54$2997 oz | 198 g3-layer w/ 7D NylonYes
2Arc’teryx Norvan LT Hoody (M/W)8.87$4006.7 oz | 190 gGORE-TEX + GORE C-KNIT backerNo
3Black Diamond StormLine Stretch (M/W)8.80$17011.29 oz | 320 gBD.dry2.5L w/ DWRYes
4Enlightened Equipment Visp (M/W)8.74$2105.95 oz | 169 g7D nylon + PU membrane + tricot liningYes
5Montbell Versalite (M/W)8.73$2496.4 oz | 182 g2-layer GORE-TEX Infinium WindstopperYes
6Arc’teryx Beta (M/W)8.56$40010.6 oz | 300 gGORE-TEX w/ GORE C-KNIT backerYes
7REI Co-op XeroDry GTX (M/W)8.55$16912.5 oz | 354 g2-layer GORE-TEX PACLITENo
8Patagonia Torrentshell (M/W)8.33$17914.1 oz | 400 g3L 3.5-oz 50D ECONYL Recycled NylonYes
9Marmot PreCip (M/W)8.07$10010.3 oz | 293 gNanoPro 100% NylonYes
10Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket7.95$1256 oz | 170 g20D Ripstop PolyesterYes

Fleeces

Many hikers opt to carry a fleece either in addition to or instead of an insulated jacket. They’re typically more comfortable to hike in (if you’re using your extra layers for more than just staying warm at camp) and can offer a bit more versatility than a puffy depending on the situation.

It was a pretty even split among hikers on whether they had a fleece; 51.5% of hikers brought a fleece.

The following breakdown shows the percentage of PCT hikers who brought only a fleece, brought only an insulated jacket, and those who brought both.

  • 50.2% – Insulated jacket and fleece
  • 47.3% – Insulated jacket only
  • 2.4% – Fleece only
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Puffy v Fleece

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. Know what goes through (past) Leadville? The Continental Divide Trail – if you needed a sign you should hike the CDT, here it is.

Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Patagonia R1 Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Patagonia Micro D 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
Decathlon Quechua MH100 Fleece
Decathlon Quechua MH100
Men’s/Women’s
#FLEECERATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICZIP
1Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie9.27$7812.1 oz | 343 g (L)PolyesterNone
2Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W)8.98$13911.7 oz | 332 g93% Recycled Polyester, 7% SpandexQuarter
3Patagonia Micro D Fleece (M/W)8.58$699.1 oz | 258 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
4The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip (M/W)9.40$597.6 oz | 215 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
5Decathlon Quechua MH100 (M/W)9.07$207.5 oz | 213 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
6Senchi Designs Lark9.64$955 oz | 142 gPolartec Alpha Direct 90Quarter
7KUIU Peloton 979.54$995 oz | 142 gTORAY Karuishi FleeceQuarter
8Appalachian Gear Company Fleece Hoodie (M/W)9.40$15811 oz | 312 gAlpaca FiberNone

Highest-Rated PCT Fleeces

The Senchi Designs Lark Hoodie was the highest-rated fleece on the PCT this year. It’s made with Polartec Alpha Direct 90 insulation, has a half-zip, a hood, and no pockets. It retails for $95 and weighs 5 oz / 142 g. The biggest problem with the Lark? You may have trouble getting your hands on one as they’re frequently out of stock.

Senchi Designs Lark Hoodie
Senchi Designs Lark Hoodie
KUIU Peloton 97
KUIU Peloton 97
The North Face TKA Glacier Quarter-Zip Pullover
The North Face TKA Glacier Quarter-Zip Pullover
Men’s/Women’s
Appalachian Gear Company Fleece Hoodie
Appalachian Gear Company Fleece Hoodie
Men’s/Women’s
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie
#FLEECERATINGPRICEWEIGHTFABRICZIP
1Senchi Designs Lark9.64$955 oz | 142 gPolartec Alpha Direct 90Quarter
2KUIU Peloton 979.54$995 oz | 142 gTORAY Karuishi FleeceQuarter
3The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip (M/W)9.40$597.6 oz | 215 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
4Appalachian Gear Company Fleece Hoodie (M/W)9.40$15811 oz | 312 gAlpaca FiberNone
5Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie9.27$7812.1 oz | 343 g (L)PolyesterNone
6Decathlon Quechua MH100 (M/W)9.07$207.5 oz | 213 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter
7Patagonia R1 Pullover (M/W)8.98$13911.7 oz | 332 g93% Recycled Polyester, 7% SpandexQuarter
8Patagonia Micro D Fleece (M/W)8.58$699.1 oz | 258 gRecycled PolyesterQuarter

Shoes

Shoes are perhaps one of the most important gear choices for Pacific Crest Trail hikers as they’re what’s literally moving you up the trail. They’re also one of the most individual-specific pieces of gear.

The shoes that work, which may be the objectively best choice for one person, could easily be the objectively worst choice for another person. Some shoes may be more popular while others may be of higher quality materials, but ultimately the “best shoes” are the ones that work best for the individual.

You shouldn’t be afraid of trying on multiple models from multiple brands to find the most comfortable shoe for your foot. That said, the most common shoes, the Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s), were used by just over 35% of PCT hikers.

The overwhelming majority (over 99%) of hikers used low-top trail runners. Similarly, only a fraction of a percent of hikers used waterproof versions of shoes.

The following breakdown shows the percentage of PCT hikers who changed their shoe size during their hike.

  • 50.1% – Did not change shoe size
  • 48.1% – Sized up their shoe during hike
  • 1.9% – Sized down their shoe during hike
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Shoe Size

For more on hiking shoes, check out the Best Shoes for Thru-Hiking.

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 sixth year in a row. They cost $150 per pair, have a 0 mm heel-toe drop, and weigh 22 oz / 624 g per pair. On average, thru-hikers burned through five of these on the trail (4.9 to be exact). Altra (typically) releases a new version of the Lone Peak every year; at the time of publication, the latest version is the Lone Peak 7.

Altra Lone Peak 7 Trail Runner
Altra Lone Peak
Men’s/Women’s
Altra Olympus 5 Mens Orange
Altra Olympus
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
Men’s/Women’s
Topo Ultraventure
Topo Ultraventure
Men’s/Women’s
Brooks Cascadia
Brooks Cascadia
Men’s/Women’s
#SHOESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROP# USED
1Altra Lone Peak (M/W)8.39$15022 oz | 624 g0 mm4.90
2Altra Olympus (M/W)8.22$18024.6 oz | 697 g0 mm4.89
3HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat (M/W)8.75$15520.6 oz | 584 g4 mm5.02
4Topo Ultraventure (M/W)8.15$15021 oz | 595 g5 mm4.35
5Brooks Cascadia (M/W)9.13$13019.1 oz | 542 g8 mm4.84
6Topo Ultraventure Pro (M/W)8.52$15020.8 oz | 590 g5 mm5.17
7Topo Terraventure (M/W)8.50$13020.4 oz | 578 g3 mm4.75
8Altra Timp (M/W)7.87$16021.8 oz | 618 g0 mm4.18
9Merrell Moab Ventilator (M/W)9.00$11023.2 oz | 658 g11.5 mmN/A
10HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR (M/W)8.79$17023.4 oz | 663 g5 mm5

Highest-Rated PCT Shoes

The Brooks Cascadia (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated shoe on the PCT this year. It’s a trail runner that weighs 19.1 oz / 542 g and costs $130 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. Brooks releases new versions of this shoe regularly; at the time of publication, the current version is the 16.

Brooks Cascadia
Brooks Cascadia
Men’s/Women’s
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
Merrell Moab
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR
HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR
Men’s/Women’s
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
Men’s/Women’s
Salomon X Ultra Hiking Shoe
Salomon X Ultra
Men’s/Women’s
#SHOESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHEEL-TOE DROP# USED
1Brooks Cascadia (M/W)9.13$13019.1 oz | 542 g8 mm4.84
2Merrell Moab Ventilator (M/W)9.00$11023.2 oz | 658 g11.5 mmN/A
3HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR (M/W)8.79$17023.4 oz | 663 g5 mm5
4HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat (M/W)8.75$15520.6 oz | 584 g4 mm5.02
5Salomon X Ultra (M/W)8.54$12025.4 oz | 360 g11 mmN/A
6Topo Ultraventure (M/W)8.15$15021 oz | 595 g5 mm4.35
7Topo Terraventure (M/W)8.50$13020.4 oz | 578 g3 mm4.75
8Altra Lone Peak (M/W)8.39$15022 oz | 624 g0 mm4.90
9Altra Olympus (M/W)8.22$18024.6 oz | 697 g0 mm4.89
10Salomon Speedcross (M/W)8.18$14021 oz | 596 g10 mmN/A

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

Socks

After shoes, the socks of a Pacific Crest Trail hiker probably take the most (if not more) damage from the daily grind of the trail. The standout sock brand among hikers – occupying four of the top five most common spots and three of the top five highest-rated spots – is Darn Tough.

Hikers love these socks not only for their comfort and durability but because they’re “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life”. Basically, wear a hole in your sock(s) while hiking and you can get a new pair (reasonable exceptions apply such as fire damage or animal tearing apart). Over 68% of PCT hikers had Darn Tough socks on the trail.

For more on hiking socks, check out the Best Socks for Thru-Hiking.

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, and 2% spandex, they have a medium cushion, cost $20 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. The second most common sock was the crew length of this same sock.

Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
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
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Men’s/Women’s
#SOCKSRATINGPRICEFABRICCUSHIONHEIGHT
1Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)9.13$2060% merino wool, 38% nylon, 2% spandexMediumAnkle
2Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)9.14$2561% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% spandexMediumCrew
3Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W)8.89$2052% nylon, 44% merino wool, 4% spandexLightAnkle
4Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (M/W)8.90$2354% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% spandexLightCrew
5Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew (M/W)8.48$1658% nylon, 39% CoolMax polyester, 3% spandexMediumMini-Crew
6Injinji Liner Crew8.52$1275% CoolMax polyester, 21% nylon, 4% spandexLightCrew
7Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight (M/W)8.70$2764% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% spandexMediumCrew
8Injinji Run Midweight Mini-Crew8.09$1567% nylon, 30% CoolMax polyester, 3% LycraMediumMini-Crew
9Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew (M/W)9.33$2456% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastaneLightCrew
10Smartwool Hike Full Cushion Crew (M/W)8.53$2656% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastaneFullCrew

Highest-Rated PCT Socks

The favorite sock among Pacific Crest Trail hikers this year was the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew
(Men’s/Women’s). These have a light cushion and are made of 56% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, and 2% elastane. The second-highest-rated sock was the ankle version (Men’s/Women’s) of this same sock.

Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew
Men’s/Women’s
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle
Men’s/Women’s
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight
Men’s/Women’s
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
#SOCKSRATINGPRICEFABRICCUSHIONHEIGHT
1Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew (M/W)9.33$2456% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastaneLightCrew
2Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle (M/W)9.25$2256% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastaneLightAnkle
3Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (M/W)9.14$2561% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% spandexMediumCrew
4Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight (M/W)9.13$2060% merino wool / 38% nylon / 2% spandexMediumAnkle
5Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (M/W)8.90$2354% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% spandexLightCrew
6Darn Tough Light Hiker Quarter (M/W)8.89$2052% nylon, 44% merino wool, 4% spandexLightAnkle
7Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight (M/W)8.70$2764% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% spandexMediumCrew
8Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show (M/W)8.64$1854% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% spandexLightNo Show
9Smartwool Hike Full Cushion Crew (M/W)8.53$2656% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastaneFullCrew
10Injinji Liner Crew8.52$1275% CoolMax polyester, 21% nylon, 4% spandexLightCrew

Stoves

Hikers have a wide variety of stoves and fuel sources to choose from when selecting their backpacking stoves. Fuel sources include denatured alcohol/HEET, solid fuel, liquid fuel, isobutane/propane (aka gas canisters), and even old-fashioned wood.

The overwhelming majority (98.3%) of hikers carried stoves that use isobutane/propane gas canisters.

That said, there were still a number of hikers who were stoveless (that is, they did not carry a stove with them on the trail) and others who changed their minds as the trail went on. Here’s a breakdown of what that looked like.

  • 78.1% – Carried stove for the entirety of hike
  • 9% – Stoveless
  • 8.1% – Began with stove and then went stoveless
  • 3.7% – Began stoveless and then got a stove
  • 1.2% – Alternated multiple times between stoveless and carrying a stove
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Hiker Stoves

Most Common PCT Stoves

The MSR PocketRocket 2 was the most common stove on the Pacific Crest Trail this year (for the second year in a row). It’s a 2.6 oz / 74 g canister stove that requires a lighter to ignite (i.e. no push-button ignition). The push-button start version, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, was the fourth-most-common stove (also for the second year in a row). 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
#STOVERATINGPRICEWEIGHTINTEGRATED POTFUEL
1MSR PocketRocket 28.81$502.6 oz | 73 gNoIsobutane canister
2BRS 3000T8.35$300.9 oz | 25 gNoIsobutane canister
3SOTO Windmaster9.35$652.3 oz | 65 gNoIsobutane canister
4MSR PocketRocket Deluxe9.15$802.9 oz | 83 gNoIsobutane canister
5JetBoil Flash9.40$11513.1 oz | 371 gYesIsobutane canister
6SOTO Amicus9.27$452.9 oz | 81 gNoIsobutane canister
7JetBoil Stash9.61$1457.1 oz | 201 gYesIsobutane canister
8Snow Peak GigaPower 2.09.06$502.9 oz | 81 gNoIsobutane canister
9JetBoil Zip8.57$9511.8 oz | 335 gYesIsobutane canister
10JetBoil MiniMo9.69$15514.6 oz | 414 gYesIsobutane canister

Highest-Rated PCT Stoves

The MSR WindBurner was the highest-rated stove on the PCT this year. It’s a modular personal stove system that includes a stove, pot, stand, and bowl – essentially everything but the gas can. It weighs 15.3 oz / 434 g, has a simmer control, and will boil a liter of water in 4.5 minutes. You can leave the pot and stand behind to save a small amount of weight.

MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System
MSR WindBurner
Jetboil MiniMo
Jetboil MiniMo
Jetboil Stash Cooking System
Jetboil Stash
Jetboil MightyMo
Jetboil MightyMo
Jetboil Flash
Jetboil Flash
#STOVERATINGPRICEWEIGHTINTEGRATED POTFUEL
1MSR Windburner9.73$17015.3 oz | 434 gYesIsobutane canister
2JetBoil MiniMo9.69$15514.6 oz | 414 gYesIsobutane canister
3JetBoil Stash9.61$1457.1 oz | 201 gYesIsobutane canister
4JetBoil MightyMo9.50$603.3 oz | 94 gNoIsobutane canister
5JetBoil Flash9.40$11513.1 oz | 371 gYesIsobutane canister
6SOTO Windmaster9.35$652.3 oz | 65 gNoIsobutane canister
7SOTO Amicus9.27$452.9 oz | 81 gNoIsobutane canister
8MSR PocketRocket Deluxe9.15$802.9 oz | 83 gNoIsobutane canister
9Snow Peak GigaPower 2.09.06$502.9 oz | 81 gNoIsobutane canister
10MSR PocketRocket 28.81$502.6 oz | 73 gNoIsobutane canister

Water Treatment

Despite what a small vocal minority of hikers may tell you, water treatment is essential on the Pacific Crest Trail. Pooping your pants on the trail (or in town) because you have contracted giardia is not a fun time. On that note, be sure to sanitize your hands frequently and to keep your hands out of bags of food – especially other people’s – pour that delicious snack into your hand instead.

Hikers have many options available when it comes to water filtration – hollow fiber membrane squeeze filters, pump filters, UV filters, and chemical treatments (e.g. bleach or iodine) to name a few.

The hollow membrane squeeze filter is by far the most popular choice among PCT hikers with a reported 93.5% of hikers using a hollow membrane squeeze filter. Four of the top five most common water treatments fall into this category, as do four of the five highest-rated. These filters are typically inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use, but they can also clog quickly and are susceptible to freezing (and breaking), so it’s important to properly care for them on the trail.

The most common hollow membrane squeeze filter (and the most common water treatment overall), the Sawyer Squeeze, was used by nearly 68% of hikers.

Most Common PCT Water Treatment

The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common Pacific Crest Trail water filter this year – for the fifth 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 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
Aquamira
Aquamira
#TREATMENTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMEDIUMREMOVES
1Sawyer Squeeze8.77$393 oz | 85 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
2Katadyn BeFree8.00$452.3 oz | 65 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
3Platypus QuickDraw8.82$452.2 oz | 63 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
4Sawyer MINI7.50$232 oz | 57 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
5Aquamira9.25$153 oz | 85 gChlorine dioxideProtozoa / bacteria / viruses

Highest-Rated PCT Water Treatment

Aquamira was the highest-rated water treatment on the PCT this year. It’s unique from the other top treatments because it’s a chemical treatment – chlorine dioxide to be exact. The $15 system consists of two bottles, used together to treat water, and a single kit can treat up to 30 gallons / 113 liters of water. It’s best used on clear water as it does not remove any suspended particulate matter in the water nor does it work immediately (you’ll need to wait between 20 and 35 minutes to completely treat each liter).

Aquamira
Aquamira
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter
Platypus QuickDraw
Sawyer Squeeze
Sawyer Squeeze
Katadyn BeFree
Katadyn BeFree
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
Sawyer MINI
#TREATMENTRATINGPRICEWEIGHTMEDIUMREMOVES
1Aquamira9.25$153 oz | 85 gChlorine dioxideProtozoa / bacteria / viruses
2Platypus QuickDraw8.82$452.2 oz | 63 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
3Sawyer Squeeze8.77$393 oz | 85 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
4Katadyn BeFree8.00$452.3 oz | 65 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria
5Sawyer MINI7.50$232 oz | 57 gHollow fiberProtozoa / bacteria

Bear Canisters

A highlight of the Pacific Crest Trail for many hikers is California’s Sierra Nevada. Marked by stunning scenery, high passes, long stretches without roads/signs of civilization, and a propensity for snow, another feature of this section of the PCT is the legal requirement that hikers carry bear canisters.

Bear canisters are essentially bear-proof (not scent-proof) canisters made from plastic or carbon fiber where you store all of your food and attractants (anything with an odor). The idea is to prevent bears from being able to access your food and becoming food-conditioned (because once this happens bears typically become greater threats to humans and are subsequently euthanized).

To the seven hikers who carried their bear canisters the entirety of the trail, good on you; and to the one hiker who reported hiking the entire Sierra without a bear canister, shame on you.

Most Common PCT Bear Canisters

The BearVault BV500 was the most common bear canister on the Pacific Crest Trail this year – for the sixth 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 the canister measures 12.7 x 8.7 in / 32 x 22 cm.

BearVault BV500
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV450
BearVault BV450
Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Expedition
Bearikade Expedition
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
#CANISTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTCAPACITYMATERIAL
1BearVault BV5007.57$9341 oz | 1.162 kg11.5 LPolycarbonate
2BearVault BV4507.32$8133 oz | 935 g7.2 LPolycarbonate
3Bearikade Weekender9.00$35931 oz | 879 g10.6 LCarbon fiber
4Bearikade Expedition9.50$42436 oz | 1.021 kg14.7 LCarbon fiber
5Garcia Bear-Resistant Container7.25$8143 oz | 1.219 kg10 LABS polymer

Highest-Rated PCT Bear Canisters

The Bearikade Expedition was the highest-rated bear canister on the PCT this year (for the second year in a row); it’s also insanely expensive at $424. It’s made of carbon fiber, has a 14.6 L capacity, and weighs 37 oz / 1.049 kg. A notable difference between the Bearikades and other bear canisters is that the Bearikade’s lid does not completely come off.

Bearikade Expedition
Bearikade Expedition
Bearikade Weekender
Bearikade Weekender
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV500
BearVault BV450
BearVault BV450
Garcia Bear-Resistant Container
Backpacker’s Cache
#CANISTERRATINGPRICEWEIGHTCAPACITYMATERIAL
1Bearikade Expedition9.50$42436 oz | 1.021 kg14.7 LCarbon fiber
2Bearikade Weekender9.00$35931 oz | 879 g10.6 LCarbon fiber
3BearVault BV5007.57$9341 oz | 1.162 kg11.5 LPolycarbonate
4BearVault BV4507.32$8133 oz | 935 g7.2 LPolycarbonate
5Garcia Bear-Resistant Container7.25$8143 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 also must be used south of Bridgeport – accessible via Sonora Pass. The additional places they must be carried are in Lassen Volcanic National Park (but only if you plan on camping in the park) and in Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe (if you plan to camp within the wilderness boundary).

For more on where bear canisters are required on the Pacific Crest Trail, check out: PCT Bear Canister Requirements.

Trekking Poles

Not all hikers carry trekking poles and not all hikers who carry them do so for the entirety of the trail (careful not to leave your trekking poles behind – especially in a hitch). That said, with over 97% of hikers using trekking poles, they’re certainly worth considering if you’ve never tried them out. Here are the most common and highest-rated from this year’s PCT class.

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 weigh 17.1 oz / 485 g (per pair), have a carbon fiber shaft, cork grips, external lever lock, and collapse down to 24 in / 61 cm.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z
Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance FLZ
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Trail
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
#POLESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHANDLESHAFTCOLLAPSED LENGTH
1Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork9.03$21015.8 oz | 447 gCorkCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
2Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork9.14$20017.1 oz | 485 gCorkCarbon fiber24 in / 61 cm
3Black Diamond Trail8.19$12017 oz | 482 gFoamAluminum25 in / 64 cm
4Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber8.21$7515.6 oz | 442 gCorkCarbon fiber26 in / 65 cm
5Black Diamond Distance FLZ8.38$17015.7 oz | 445 gFoamAluminum16 in / 40 cm
6Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z9.03$21015.8 oz | 447 gCorkCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
7Gossamer Gear LT58.25$1959.8 oz | 278 gFoamCarbon fiber23.5 in / 60 cm
8REI Co-op Flash Carbon8.23$14913.6 oz | 386 gFoamCarbon fiber25 in / 64 cm
9Leki Corklite8.89$16019.1 oz | 542 gCorkAluminum24.4 in / 62 cm
10Leki Micro Vario Carbon9.37$20017 oz | 482 gFoamCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm

Highest-Rated PCT Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock was the highest-rated trekking pole 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 Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z
Fizan Compact 4 Foam Trekking Poles
Fizan Compact 4 Foam
#POLESRATINGPRICEWEIGHTHANDLESHAFTCOLLAPSED LENGTH
1Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock9.42$16020.8 oz | 590 gFoamAluminum26 in / 65 cm
2Leki Micro Vario Carbon9.37$20017 oz | 482 gFoamCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
3Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork9.14$20017.1 oz | 485 gCorkCarbon fiber24 in / 61 cm
4Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z9.03$21015.8 oz | 447 gCorkCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
5Fizan Compact 48.93$8012 oz | 340 gCorkAluminum19.3 in / 49 cm
6Leki Makalu FX Carbon AS8.92$23018.8 oz | 533 gFoamCarbon fiber26.8 in / 68 cm
7Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork9.03$21015.8 oz | 447 gCorkCarbon fiber15.7 in / 40 cm
8Leki Corklite8.89$16019.1 oz | 542 gCorkAluminum24.4 in / 62 cm
9Leki Legacy Lite8.44$10018 oz | 510 gCorkAluminum26 in / 65 cm
10Black Diamond Distance FLZ8.38$17015.7 oz | 445 gFoamAluminum16 in / 40 cm

Satellite Messengers/PLBs

I am a huge proponent of carrying a satellite messenger or PLB in the backcountry. Honestly, recreating – at least thru-hiking – without one is borderline irresponsible (at best). Fortunately, these devices are becoming more popular; over 85% of PCT hikers carried a satellite messenger or PLB on the trail.

What’s the difference between a PLB and a satellite messenger? Essentially, a PLB is a device without a subscription and with a singular function – to send an SOS in an emergency. PLBs generally use a different satellite network than satellite messengers and are (at least widely thought to be) more reliable. However, this is not to say that satellite messengers are unreliable.

A satellite messenger (generally) offers two-way communication and additional features such as real-time tracking or maps. Satellite messengers usually require a subscription to remain active.

For more on satellite messengers and PLBs, check out the Best Satellite Messengers for Thru-Hiking.

Most Common PCT Satellite Messengers/PLBs

The Garmin inReach Mini was the most common personal locator beacon on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. The new model, the inReach Mini 2, was the second most common (and the highest rated). 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 Mini 2
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Spot Gen3
Spot Gen3
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
#DEVICERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMESSAGINGMAPS
1Garmin inReach Mini8.59$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
2Garmin inReach Mini 28.89$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
3Garmin inReach Explorer+8.63$4507.5 oz / 213 gTwo-wayYes
4Spot Gen38.23N/A4 oz / 113 gOne-way (presets)No
5ZOLEO Satellite Communicator8.57$2005.3 oz / 150 gTwo-wayNo
6SPOT Gen46.08$1505 oz / 142 gOne-way (presets)No
7ACR Electronics Bivy Stick8.11$2503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo

Highest-Rated PCT Satellite Messengers/PLBs

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 was the favorite satellite messenger on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. This is the updated version of the third-highest-rated satellite messenger, the inReach Mini. The Mini 2 has an easy-to-use mobile app, two-way messaging, tracking features, USB-C, and weighs 3.5 oz / 100 g. It requires a subscription that can be paid monthly or annually.

Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Spot Gen3
Spot Gen3
#DEVICERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMESSAGINGMAPS
1Garmin inReach Mini8.59$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
2Garmin inReach Explorer+8.63$4507.5 oz / 213 gTwo-wayYes
3Garmin inReach Mini 28.89$3503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
4ZOLEO Satellite Communicator8.57$2005.3 oz / 150 gTwo-wayNo
5Spot Gen38.23N/A4 oz / 113 gOne-way (presets)No
6ACR Electronics Bivy Stick8.11$2503.5 oz / 99 gTwo-wayNo
7SPOT Gen46.08$1505 oz / 142 gOne-way (presets)No

Ice Axes

Ice axes are not something all Pacific Crest Trail hikers will use. How much snow a hiker encounters depends on the year, the hike’s direction, and the hiker’s start date. Despite passing through the Sierra at a similar time, I saw near-zero snow in the Sierra my first time on the PCT and then hiked through the snow for multiple weeks straight on my second PCT hike.

Perhaps the most important thing to do when choosing an ice axe for the trail is to make sure you know how to use it. An ice axe is not a magical amulet of protection that you strap to your pack or carry through the mountains to ward off the ills of snow travel. It’s a tool that can assist you with snow travel and a tool that has the potential to save your life. If you don’t know what self-arresting is, that’s a good place to start.

This year, just over 35% of hikers carried an ice axe. This year was a lower-than-average snow year.

Most Common PCT Ice Axes

The CAMP 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 50, 60, and 70 cm lengths.

CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe
CAMP Corsa
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven Pro
Petzl Glacier Literide
Petzl Glacier Literide
Petzl Summit 2
Petzl Summit 2
#AXERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMATERIALSHAFT SHAPE
1CAMP USA Corsa8.68$1208.2 oz / 232 gAluminumStraight
2Black Diamond Raven8.65$10015.7 oz / 445 gAluminum, steelStraight
3Black Diamond Raven Pro8.50$13014.2 oz / 406 gAluminum, steelCurved
4Petzl Glacier Literide8.50$10011.3 oz / 320 gAluminum, steelStraight
5Petzl Summit 28.75$13013.4 oz / 380 gAluminum, steelCurved
6Grivel G18.08$8515.8 oz / 448 gAluminum, steelStraight
7CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech8.92$1608.9 oz / 252 gAluminum, steelCurved
8Black Diamond Whippet8.50$15015.9 oz / 452 gAluminum, steelStraight

Highest-Rated PCT Ice Axes

The CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech was the highest-rated ice axe on the Pacific Crest Trail this year (for the second year in a row). 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
CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe
CAMP Corsa
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Black Diamond Raven Pro
#AXERATINGPRICEWEIGHTMATERIALSHAFT SHAPE
1CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech8.92$1608.9 oz / 252 gAluminum, steelCurved
2Petzl Summit 28.75$13013.4 oz / 380 gAluminum, steelCurved
3CAMP USA Corsa8.68$1208.2 oz / 232 gAluminumStraight
4Black Diamond Raven8.65$10015.7 oz / 445 gAluminum, steelStraight
5Black Diamond Raven Pro8.50$13014.2 oz / 406 gAluminum, steelCurved
6Petzl Glacier Literide8.50$10011.3 oz / 320 gAluminum, steelStraight
7Black Diamond Whippet8.50$15015.9 oz / 452 gAluminum, steelStraight
8Grivel G18.08$8515.8 oz / 448 gAluminum, steelStraight

Traction Systems

Similar to ice axes, traction systems are not something that every Pacific Crest Trail hiker will need every year. If you’re unfamiliar with what these are, they’re essentially the younger sibling to a crampon – spikes on your feet to make travel across snow and ice easier. Most attach to your shoes via a stretchy harness and have spikes on the bottom below your heel and forefoot for traction.

This year, just over 68% of hikers carried a traction device. This year was a lower-than-average snow year.

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
Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Pro
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
Black Diamond Contact Crampons
#TRACTIONRATINGPRICEWEIGHTSPIKES
1Kahtoola MICROspikes8.71$7511 oz / 312 g12
2Snowline Chainsen Light8.95$708.6 oz / 243 g12
3Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon8.72$659.1 oz / 257 g12
4Hillsound Trail Crampons9.00$7515.7 oz / 445 g10
5Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons8.21$15028.5 oz / 808 g10
6Black Diamond Distance Spikes8.73$1008.11 oz / 230 g14

Highest-Rated PCT Traction Systems

The Hillsound Trail Crampons were 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 15.7 oz / 445 g with 11 carbon steel 2/3 inch / 1.69 cm spikes. Attachment to your shoe or boot is achieved via a velcro strap across the foot and an elastomer harness. They are available in five sizes and two color options (black or red).

Hillsound Trail Crampons
Hillsound Trail Crampons
Snowline Light Chainsen Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Light
Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device
Black Diamond Distance Spike
Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon
Snowline Chainsen Pro
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola MICROspikes
#TRACTIONRATINGPRICEWEIGHTSPIKES
1Hillsound Trail Crampons9.00$7515.7 oz / 445 g10
2Snowline Chainsen Light8.95$708.6 oz / 243 g12
3Black Diamond Distance Spikes8.73$1008.11 oz / 230 g14
4Snowline Chainsen Pro Crampon8.72$659.1 oz / 257 g12
5Kahtoola MICROspikes8.71$7511 oz / 312 g12
6Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons8.21$15028.5 oz / 808 g10

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers are not something every hiker uses and are typically overlooked as a piece of thru-hiking gear but they can be useful on the trail. Just under 30% of PCT hikers had a smartwatch or fitness tracker with them on their hikers to collect that sweet hiking data (or maybe to just tell them the time). Here are the most common and highest-rated (yes, the lists are exactly the same).

Most Common PCT Fitness Trackers

The Garmin fenix was the most common fitness tracker/smart watch on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s a fully-featured tracker that can provide stats such as speed, altitude, heart rate, weather, sunrise and sunset, storm warnings, maps, and more. It can also be loaded with music, paired via Bluetooth, and is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Garmin fenix 7 Multisport GPS Watch
Garmin fenix
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch
Garmin Instinct
Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit Charge
Garmin Forerunner 255
Garmin Forerunner
Garmin vivoactive 4
Garmin vivoactive
#DEVICERATINGCOSTBATTERYALTIMETER
1Garmin Fenix9.03$700Smartwatch: 18 days
GPS: 57 hrs
Expedition: 40 days
Pressure-based
2Garmin Instinct8.47$450Smartwatch: 28 days
GPS: 30 hrs (48 with solar)
Pressure-based
3Fitbit Charge9.00$150Smartwatch: 7 days
GPS: 5 hrs
Satellite-based
4Garmin Forerunner8.42$600Smartwatch: 2 weeks
GPS (w/out music): 36 hrs
Pressure-based
5Garmin Vivoactive8.23$350Smartwatch: 8 days
GPS: 6 hrs
Pressure-based
6Apple Watch7.50$800Standard: 36 hrs
Extended: 60 hrs
Workout: 12 hrs
Pressure-based

Highest-Rated PCT Fitness Trackers

The Garmin fenix was the highest-rated fitness tracker/smart watch on the Pacific Crest Trail this year. It’s a fully-featured tracker that can provide stats such as speed, altitude, heart rate, weather, sunrise and sunset, storm warnings, maps, and more. It can also be loaded with music, paired via Bluetooth, and is water-resistant to 100 meters. And yes, the most common and highest-rated lists are exactly the same.

Garmin fenix 7 Multisport GPS Watch
Garmin fenix
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch
Garmin Instinct
Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit Charge
Garmin Forerunner 255
Garmin Forerunner
Garmin vivoactive 4
Garmin vivoactive
#DEVICERATINGCOSTBATTERY
1Garmin Fenix9.03$700Smartwatch: 18 days
GPS: 57 hrs
Expedition: 40 days
Pressure-based
2Garmin Instinct8.47$450Smartwatch: 28 days
GPS: 30 hrs (48 with solar)
Pressure-based
3Fitbit Charge9.00$150Smartwatch: 7 days
GPS: 5 hrs
Satellite-based
4Garmin Forerunner8.42$600Smartwatch: 2 weeks
GPS (w/out music): 36 hrs
Pressure-based
5Garmin Vivoactive8.23$350Smartwatch: 8 days
GPS: 6 hrs
Pressure-based
6Apple Watch7.50$800Standard: 36 hrs
Extended: 60 hrs
Workout: 12 hrs
Pressure-based

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*$3,682$2,909
Total weight – Big 35.65 lb / 2.561 kg4.80 lb / 2.178 kg
Total weight – Big 46.71 lb / 3.043 kg5.55 lb / 2.518 kg
All PCT gear (outside Sierra)**9.50 lb / 4.308 kg7.95 lb / 3.605 kg
All PCT gear***13.68 lb / 6.206 kg11.71 lb / 5.311 kg

Note: Neither the most common shelter nor the highest-rated shelter is freestanding (although the latter can be if you have trekking poles longer than 54 in / 137 cm) and require stakes – and in the case of the former trekking poles – (i.e. additional weight) to be set up. Additionally, the most common stove does not include the weight of a pot.

*This does not include the price of a fitness tracker
**This does not include an ice axe, traction, bear canister, poles, shoes, socks, or a fitness tracker
***This does not include poles, shoes, socks, or a fitness tracker

GEARHIGHEST-RATEDMOST-COMMON
BackpackLiteAF Gear Curve Full SuspensionULA Circuit
ShelterTarptent Double RainbowZpacks Duplex
Sleeping BagKatabatic Alsek QuiltEnlightened Equipment Enigma
Sleeping PadTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XThermTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Insulated JacketFeathered Friends Eos
(Men’s/Women’s)
Enlightened Equipment Torrid
Men’s/Women’s
ShellZpacks Vertice (Men’s/Women’s)Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2
FleeceSenchi Designs Lark HoodieMelanzana Microgrid Hoodie
ShoesBrooks Cascadia (Men’s/Women’s)Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s)
SocksSmartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew
(Men’s/Women’s)
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight
(Men’s/Women’s)
StoveMSR WindBurnerMSR PocketRocket 2
Water TreatmentAquamiraSawyer Squeeze
Bear CanisterBearikade ExpeditionBearVault BV500
Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Trail Pro ShockBlack Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
PLBGarmin inReach Mini 2Garmin inReach Mini
Ice AxeCAMP USA Corsa NanotechCAMP Corsa
Traction SystemHillsound Trail CramponsKahtoola MICROspikes
Fitness TrackerGarmin fenixGarmin fenix

Base Weights

Base weight. The thing that completely defines some hikers, that others have difficulty defining, and that others don’t care about at all. Simply put, it’s how much your backpack weighs when fully loaded with your gear, minus the weight of food, water, and/or consumables (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
START16.99 lb / 7.707 kg16.27 lb / 7.380 kg18.29 lb / 8.296 kg
END15.32 lb / 6.949 kg14.73 lb / 6.681 kg16.33 lb / 7.407 kg
CHANGE-1.67 lb / -758 g-1.54 lb / -699 g-2.44 lb / -1.107 kg
% CHANGE-10.3%-9.9%-11.3%

Other Gear Carried

The items broken down above in detail are not the only items in PCT hiker backpacks. There’s a lot of gear that while not completely necessary (shoes, for example), is still carried by many PCT hikers. If you think any of these should be added to the detailed breakdown please let me know (headlamps are one I’m considering including in the future).

  • 90.5% – Trowel
  • 86.6% – Gloves
  • 80.8% – First-Aid Kit
  • 79.8% – Bottom Baselayer
  • 71.2% – Top Baselayer
  • 66.7% – Neck Gaiter (aka Buff)
  • 55.0% – Gaiters (Shoes)
  • 53.5% – Rain Pants
  • 26.4% – Wind Jacket
  • 22.3% – Wind Pants
PCT Hiker Survey 2022 Graph Other Gear

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.

In the thru-hiking community, the term “luxury item” can mean a lot of different things depending on who you’re talking to. Essentially, it’s anything not necessary for your trip. However, what’s considered to be necessary can change a lot depending on who you’re talking to.

Here are the most popular “luxury items” on the trail this year.

  • 93.8% – Battery Pack
  • 59.3% – Pillow
  • 51.8% – Camp Shoes
  • 34.7% – Massage Ball
  • 31.3% – Towel
  • 26.0% – Sleeping Bag Liner
  • 21.3% – Journal
  • 18.9% – Town Clothes
  • 9.6% – Deodorant
  • 9.4% – Kindle
  • 5.5% – Cards/Game
  • 5.3% – Book
  • 2.2% – Down Pants
  • 1.5% – Fishing Pole
  • 0.8% – Ukulele/Guitar
  • 0.4% – Frisbee
  • 0.4% – Harmonica
Pacific Crest Trail 2021 Survey PCT Luxury Items

Battery Packs

It should be noted that a lot of hikers yelled at me about including battery packs in the “luxury item” category. Perhaps they’ve now officially become a standard piece of backpacking equipment? Feel free to yell at me in the comments and let me know if battery packs should have their own detailed item breakdown in future surveys.

THRU
14,162 mAh
Average battery pack size
(M = 10,000 | σ = 7,008)

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.

  • A down jacket in a buff makes a great pillow! Also if you want to optimize your tiny first aid kit, get your Wilderness First Responder so you know what you’re prepared for (you should probably get your WFR anyways before thru-hiking). That said, it doesn’t matter what you’re carrying as long as you’re having fun, so do your own thing and don’t listen to other people too much!
  • Certainly do your research and make informed choices but know that gear may change once you’re on the trail. Don’t feel like you have to have everything dialed in and perfect before starting the trail.
  • Practice with your gear, I was shocked by the number of people who carried an ice axe, but had NO CLUE how to use it, or more importantly WHEN to use it.
  • A fleece is really nice to have on cold mornings in the Sierra and Washington. I found one in a hiker box in Kennedy Meadows. Buy a new filter before trail; I used my old one from start to finish but wished I’d brought a new one. Splurge on a warm sleeping pad!
  • Beware the race to ultralight. You need to be comfortable and safe on the trail.
  • Be mentally and financially prepared for things starting to break and tear as the trail goes on. In particular, get tent zips fixed at an alteration place in town ($30 for two zippers) instead of fiddling around with it for weeks in mosquito country.
  • Do not underestimate how much gear you will need to replace/swap out. I did not expect to go through 7 pairs of shoes, but they kept falling apart after only 300/400 miles (483/644 km). I had tested all my kit extensively but the trail threw me into new situations, where things did not perform as I expected them to. Take the desert sun seriously and strongly consider starting with a sun hoodie and sun gloves. Even if you are a staunch anti-trekking pole person as I was, I would recommend starting with some and saving your knees from the repetitive beating of day-in-day-out hiking.
  • Frogg Toggs suck when a storm actually hits. Get an actual rain jacket.
  • Don’t worry about base weight nearly as much as online comments would have you believe you should. A lighter pack will make your life easier, but if an item you want to carry will make or break your happiness on your hike, it’s probably worth the weight. My base weight was high the whole hike and it was occasionally annoying, but there wasn’t anything in my pack I wanted to do without, so I didn’t. Rather than cutting weight based on internet comments, determine if the item is really worth the weight to carry it and be willing to reevaluate while you’re on your hike and send things home/ leave them behind, or even just send them ahead so you can have them back if you change your mind.
  • It feels to me that “thru-hike” and “ultralight” are becoming synonymous. However, I certainly don’t feel as though this needs to be the case. Being “ultralight” is not a requirement to complete a thru-hike. Many hikers on trail and strangers in town would comment on my large pack. But hey, I absolutely LOVED my down pants, my big ass battery bank (so I could watch The Office in my tent at night), and nightly Hostess Cupcakes (those babies took up a decent amount of room in my food bag). I didn’t carry excess items that I didn’t use, but I also didn’t hesitate to carry items that brought me joy and made my hike more enjoyable. While my pack was certainly heavier than most, I still carried that sucker from Mexico to Canada and it never slowed me down.

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.

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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
  • Advice for Future Hikers
  • Discrimination on the Trail
  • All PCT Hiker Survey Posts

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.

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!

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