The Ultimate Pacific Crest Trail Packing List

Backpack

Shelter

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

Insulated Jacket

Rain Jacket/Shell

Top

Bottom

Shoes

Socks

Head Net

Gloves

Rain Pants

Base Layer (Top)

Base Layer (Bottom)

Neck Gaiter

Neck Gaiter

Warm Hat

Hat

Gaiters

Sunglasses

Sunglasses Retainer

Camp Shoes

Trekking Poles

Fanny Pack

Fanny Pack Strap

Stove

Pot

Water Treatment

Headlamp

Pack Cover

Food Storage (Outside Sierra)

Bear Canister (Sierra)

Satellite Messenger/PLB

Stuff Sack (Sleeping Bag)

Utensil

Tent Stakes

Tent Stakes

Water Bottle

Massage Balls

Gear Repair

Trowel

Repellent

Pre-Trail Repellent

Anti-Chafe Balm

Anti-Blister Balm

Hand Sanitizer

Lip Balm

Sunscreen

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Wet Wipes

Toilet Paper

Power Bank

Headphones

Phone Case

Wall Charger

Camera

Camera Clip

Camera Cover

Backpack: ULA Circuit

The ULA Circuit is one of the most popular and best-reviewed packs for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a 68-liter pack that easily fits the BV500 and other bear canisters with up to 35 pounds (16 kg) of gear. It has a 1.2 oz / 34 g carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop with an internal foam frame and a single aluminum stay for support and can be ordered with a 12″ to 18″ adjustable harness system. Best of all, it comes in green, black, red, orange, blue, teal, grey, or purple. I am also a huge fan of the multiple and very stretchy mesh pockets.

41 oz / 1.162 kg
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction

Osprey Exos

Gossamer Gear Mariposa

Shelter: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

It’s true, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a two-person tent, but I would recommend you consider a two-person shelter (for a single person) unless you’re trying to make up for some weight you spent elsewhere in your pack (the one-person version or the Fly Creek HV UL1 are options). This shelter is freestanding (does not have to be staked down to set it up – but it helps), has two side-entry doors, and has two vestibules.

45 oz / 1.276 kg
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SlingFin SplitWing

Zpacks Duplex

NEMO Hornet 2P

Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering UltraLite

When you hear about someone splurging on a sleeping bag, it’s probably a Western Mountaineering bag they ended up getting. The UltraLite is a 20°F / -9°C bag that will keep you warm (without a liner) no matter the conditions on the PCT (so long as you’re not a crazy winter thru-hiker). If you want something a bit warmer, check out the 10°F / -12°C Western Mountaineering Versalite instead.

29 oz / 822 g
Detailed review
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Enlightened Equipment Revelation

Katabatic Alsek Quilt

Western Mountaineering Versalite

Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Regular)

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite from Cascade Designs is one of the lightest full-length sleeping pads on the market. It sports an impressive 3.2 r-value (that’s the insulation rating), and it packs up quite small and doubles as a raft (or even a sled). The only problems are that it takes a while to inflate/deflate and it can be noisy, so be considerate to your neighbors. Read my detailed Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite review here.

12 oz / 340 g
Detailed review
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NEMO Equipment Switchback

Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

Top: Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie – Men’s/Women’s

Long sleeves and a hood are the way to go, and the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie is one of the only lightweight merino options still available to hikers. Why companies are killing off their lightweight merino hoodies, I don’t know. This hoodie gets it and has us covered (get it!? Because the long sleeves and the hood cover you? And “covered” also means like taken care of? AHAHAHAHAHA). This lightweight hoodie is, quick-drying, odor-resistant, breathable, and even has funky thumb loops. It keeps you cool in the sun and warm in the cold – what more could you ask for?

9 oz / 255 g
Detailed review
Find out more – Men’s/Women’s

Shorts: Brooks Sherpa 2 in 1 Shorts 5in Inseam

These shorts are sexy as hell. However, shorts can change a lot from person to person so these definitely aren’t for everyone. That being said, they’ve got a built-in brief liner (so you won’t need underwear with these) and they’ve got three stretch pockets and a zipper pocket. I can fit a large phone into the zippered pocket attached to the brief inside.

3.9 oz / 111 g
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Shell: Zpacks Vertice (Men’s/Women’s)

Although I hate the rain, a five-month hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is bound to have some days of shitty weather (I’m looking at you late-season Washington). The Zpacks Vertice is a lightweight shell that’s popular with PCT hikers. It has a chest pocket, adjustable cuffs, and pit zips.

7 oz / 198 g
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Insulated Jacked: Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket (Men’s/Women’s)

This is not the down jacket I have, but this is certainly the down jacket I want (and the one I would bring on the PCT if it magically appeared in front of me). The Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket has a full-length zipper, two hand-warmer pockets, a hood, an adjustable hem (that’s the waist), and lycra around the cuffs and hood. It’s filled with ethically-sourced 900+ fill power goose down and is made in Seattle, Washington (in case there’s another Seattle I don’t know about). The shell is made with Pertex Quantum (with DWR) and the fill weight (that’s the weight of all the feathers inside) is 3.7 oz / 105 g.

10.6 oz / 300 g
Detailed review
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Shoes: Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s)

Personally, I prefer the HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat or Moab Ventilators (because they come in wide sizes), but most thru-hikers wear Altra Lone Peaks on the trail. What? No hiking boots? That’s right, no hiking boots. Boots are generally considered far too heavy and not breathable enough for long-distance days. Also, they take far longer to dry when you inevitably get them wet. Remember that you can order shoes online and have them shipped ahead to yourself somewhere on the trail instead of having to buy them all ahead of time (good if you end up needing the change shoes or sizes). Note: buy whatever shoes are most comfortable for you – everyone is different.

10.5 oz / 298 g (each)
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HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat

Brooks Cascadia

Merrell Moab Ventilator

Socks: Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks (Men’s/Women’s)

By the end of the PCT, nearly everyone was wearing Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks. They’re comfortable, made with merino wool, have a lifetime guarantee, and offer great cushion. You will never want to buy another brand of socks. I buy these as presents all the time because you know why? Because they’re awesome. There’s no better feeling on the trail than a new pair of socks.

2.2 oz / 62 g (pair)
Detailed review
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Head Net: Sea to Summit Head Net

You guys, I know that wearing a head net makes you look like a complete tool (and if this is how you had to find out, I am sorry). However, when you’re trudging through mosquito country (and trust me, if you’re hiking the PCT you will come to know this country well), you are not going to care about how dumb you look – only how many mosquitoes are not currently in and/or on your face. The Sea to Summit Head Net is a lightweight solution with an adjustable hem that you should probably bring an extra one of because you’ll be able to sell it for ten times the price to some sucker caught out without one.

1.2 oz / 34 g
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Gloves: Patagonia R1 Daily Gloves

Gloves, as with tights, are a necessary part of my early-morning backpacking kit. Patagonia R1 Daily Gloves are lightweight enough that I can stand to wear them for an extended period without my hands getting too hot (I run hot). They do a decent job of blocking moderate wind but aren’t great for rain. They do (at least for now) work well with my phone’s screen.

1.3 oz / 37 g
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Rain Pants: Vertice Rain Pants (Men’s/Women’s)

Rain pants are not considered an essential item by all hikers. That said, if you do decide to bring rain pants, the counterpart to the Zpacks rain jacket, Vertice Rain Pants, are a solid choice. They weigh just 3.2 oz / 90 g and they have wide ankles that will fit over most shoes. Rain pants are also great for the dewy morning hours when you might find yourself hiking through wet and overgrown brush.

3.2 oz / 90 g
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Base Layer (Top): Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight – Men’s/Women’s

Personally, when I’m on the PCT during the “normal” hiking season, I don’t bring a base layer, but plenty of hikers do. Some people hike in them, some sleep in them, some wear them around town, and others do all of the above. I have become a big fan of Ridge Merino and their Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight is a great option.

8.3 oz / 235 g
Find out more – Men’s/Women’s

Base Layer (Bottom): Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight – Men’s/Women’s

I love both my shorts and waking up and hiking early. However, some mornings those early-morning chills are sometimes at odds with my shorts and so leggings become a nice thing to have. How do I put these on and take them off when I use shorts with a liner? Get naked, obviously. As with the top base layer, it’s not something I would generally carry on the PCT, but I’m not everyone. If you’re looking for. a solid (and not overpriced) base layer, then I encourage you to check these out.

6.2 oz / 176 g
Find out more – Men’s/Women’s

Neck Gaiter: Buff CoolNet UV+

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

1.2 oz / 34 g
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Neck Gaiter: Polar Buff

If you don’t own a buff, then don’t be like me and resist buying one for way too long. They’re great. The polar buff is the original buff, but with 9 in / 22.8 cm of fleece at the end making it a bit warmer and more versatile. If you stuff your down jacket (or extra clothes) inside it at night, it also makes a great pillowcase. If you’re looking for something more simple, check out the original buff.

2.29 oz / 65 g
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Beanie: Patagonia Everyday Beanie

Personally, I’ve started using a polar buff instead of a beanie (also included on this gear list), but there’s nothing wrong with preferring a beanie; I won’t judge you. The Patagonia Everyday Beanie is a comfortable, lightweight choice for a beanie. That said, there are plenty of beanies out there. Wear/bring whatever works for you.

3.4 oz / 96 g
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Hat: Patagonia Fitz Roy Trucker Hat

This is a hat. I have this hat. I like this hat. That said, hats are hats. This is less a suggestion of what the “best” hat is (although I really do like this hat and you can also get it with either a bison or a fish), and more a reminder that you need a hat. Some people will be wearing full-brim hats, some will be wearing silly hats that have a built-in shade mullet, some hiker bros will be wearing visors, and some people might not have any hat at all. Wear whatever hat you want – just wear a hat. And if you’re not keen on wearing a hat, I would suggest that you reconsider this for the desert (either that, or bring an umbrella).

3 oz / 85 g
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Gaiters: Altra Trail Gaiters

If you’ve never used gaiters before or are at all confused by what they’re for or what they do, let me be the first to inform you that they are definitely something you should try out. They basically serve to keep rocks, dirt, poop, etc. out of your shoes while hiking. It might not sound like a big deal, but if you’re stopping once an hour, every hour, for five months to empty shit out of your shoe, that time adds us. It also helps prevent blisters (no more having to just ignore that little rock) and they keep your socks much cleaner. If you use Altras (shoes), you should have Altra Trail Gaiters; if you don’t, check these out instead.

1.73 oz / 49 g
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Sunglasses: Ombraz

As was the case with the hat, sunglasses are a personal choice. But if you want to check out a company with some revolutionary armless sunglasses, Ombraz armless sunglasses are for you. You’re probably going to want sunglasses for the desert sun, the hiking at altitude, and (if you’re lucky) the snow. Polarized sunglasses are best, and if you’ve never owned a pair of polarized sunglasses, let the PCT be your excuse to treat yourself to a pair.

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Sunglasses Retainer: Chums Original Cotton

If you’re not getting yourself a pair of Ombraz, you’re going to want to at least get yourself a pair of Chums. I guess the official name for this thing is an “eyewear retainer”, but we all know that just makes it sound even lamer than it already is. But I ask you, friend, to look past your judgments as to the coolness of eyewear retainers and accept that in the context of a thru-hike, they are incredibly useful. I have tried a couple of different eyewear retainers and have found this one to be the most durable (if you use one of the ones with prints on a piece of neoprene, the print will fall off eventually). Just don’t lose it in the wash and you’ll be fine.

0.6 oz / 17 g
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Camp Shoes: Batman Sandals

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

6 oz / 170 g

Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Not everyone uses trekking poles (though a majority of thru-hikers do) and I have been back and forth on using them for a while now (I’m currently in a “not using” phase). If you fall into the “using” camp, Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles are an excellent option for a thru-hike. They are lightweight carbon poles with cork grips and collapse down to 24 in / 61 cm. They use an external lock to adjust which I’ve found to be preferable to the poles you need to twist to adjust (not a good description, I know, but if you’ve used poles like these, you know what I’m talking about).

17.1 oz / 485 g
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Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber

Gossamer Gear LT5

Black Diamond Trail

Fanny Pack: Thrupack Summit Bum

Now that I’m getting further down on this list, there are a lot of things that thru-hikers use that wouldn’t be very cool in everyday life outside the context of hiking. Add the Thrupack Summit Bum to that list (although I shamelessly use it off the trail and receive nothing but complimentary stares from everyone). This lightweight fanny pack revolutionized my hiking and is now where I keep all of my snacks for the day, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lighter, etc. It has an exterior pocket that can fit a large cell phone, two interior pockets, and it’s water-resistant. Not to mention its huge sex appeal.

2.5 oz / 71 g
Detailed review
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Strap: Thrupack Comfy Strap

The Thrupack Summit Bum comes with a strap, but if you want an upgrade on both your comfort and your awesomeness, then a Comfy Strap is well worth the investment. This strap comes in a variety of prints, but most importantly it is stretchy (and comfy). It’s totally not necessary, but I am happy I have one.

2.2 oz / 62 g
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Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2

I’ve been back and forth on bringing a stove or not on thru-hikes, but I think the best idea (unless you are already 100% certain you don’t want a stove) is to bring one and then send it home if your relationship with hot food and water doesn’t work out. The MSR PocketRocket 2 is a lightweight and compact canister stove designed for use in the backcountry. The average boil time for one liter of water is 3.5 minutes and it requires no priming, preheating, or pressurizing.

3 oz / 85 g
Detailed review
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SOTO WindMaster

Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0

Jetboil Flash

Pot: TOAKS Light Titanium 650ml Pot

If you’re using a stove like the MSR PocketRocket 2 (and not something like the Jetboil Flash), then you’re going to need to get yourself a pot (unless your stove is just for making the fire). The TOAKS Light Titanium 650ml Pot is big enough for a single person to make everything from delicious ramen to delicious mac and cheese to disgusting instant mashed potatoes. You can also fit both a small gas canister and stove inside the pot. It comes with a small stuff sack, but I prefer to just use a rubber band to keep the lid while it’s packed.

2.8 oz / 79.4 g
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Water Treatment: Sawyer Squeeze

Although I’m not 100% sold on any filtration system, I would bring the Sawyer Squeeze along on a PCT thru-hike. Yes, it can be annoying to use if you don’t maintain it, but it’s reliable, versatile, and lightweight. I used one of these on the Continental Divide Trail and while hiking in both Tasmania and New Zealand. They are reliable so long as you clean them regularly and do not let them freeze. There’s also the Sawyer Micro which doesn’t really make up for its weight savings on a long-distance hike – stick with the original.

3 oz / 85 g
Detailed review
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Katadyn BeFree

Platypus QuickDraw

Aquamira

Headlamp: BioLite HeadLamp 200

BioLite recently upgraded its headlamp lineup and I’m a fan of the BioLite HeadLamp 325 (the replacement for the HeadLamp 200). If you need something a bit brighter, there’s also the BioLite HeadLamp 425. For even more light, there’s the BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro – this is what I used for my ultramarathon and it burned bright all night long. The only downside? It’s still a micro USB plug. Where’s the USB-C, BioLite?

1.76 oz / 50 g
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Food Storage: Ursack Major Bear Bag

A bear bag is not required nor is it necessary on the Pacific Crest Trail, but I like using one because it gives me peace of mind when storing my food. I use the Ursack Major Bear Bag more as a measure against rodents than I do bears, but it’s nice to know that bears won’t be able to get at my food either (because there are bears on the PCT outside the areas you’re required to carry a bear canister). This bag holds 10.7 L and comes in white or black. I would get a black one because the white one gets incredibly dirty. If you’re not into carrying a heavy hear bag to store your food, just use a lightweight stuff sack for your food (or just pour it loosely into your backpack around all your other gear).

7.6 oz / 215 g
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Bear Canister: BearVault BV500

The one piece of gear that every thru-hiker wishes they didn’t need to carry, the bear canister is a requirement for hiking in the Sierra (or if camping in Lassen National Park). I own, use, and would bring the BearVault BV500 with me on another PCT thru-hike. It has an 11.5-liter (700 cu. in.) capacity and doubles as an excellent stool (perhaps its most redeeming quality). Plus, it stops the bears. It requires you to push down two tabs while turning the lid (one after another) to open and does not require any tools (although it can be more difficult if it’s cold and your fingers are frozen. If you’re going to be taking less food or plan on less time between your resupplies, then definitely check out getting the BV450 instead.

41 oz / 1.162 kg
Find out more | Detailed review

BV450

Garcia Bear-Resistant Container

Bearikade Expedition

Satellite Messenger/PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 2

If you want to bring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that’s going to actually get you found, then you want something like the Garmin inReach Mini 2. This has become almost the default thru-hiking PLB as it’s lightweight, offers two-way texting (in addition to SOS and weather functions), and also tracking. It requires a subscription to use (even if you don’t intend to use it for texting) which can be purchased on a month-to-month or annual plan. And in case you’re wondering, “What about the Spot?” The Spot is an okay device with absolutely garbage customer service and questionable reliability.

3.5 oz / 99 g
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Stuff Sack (Sleeping Bag): Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-top

Even if you have a waterproof backpack, a pack cover, and/or a pack liner it’s probably a good idea to keep your sleeping bag in a dry sack (because your sleeping bag very often literally keeps you alive at night). A Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-top will do the trick. These stuff sacks are incredibly lightweight. They are not designed for submersion, but using one inside of your pack will keep your sleeping bag dry. These stuff sacks have roll tops and come in four different sizes (food bag, anyone?).

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Stakes: Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook Stakes

These are tent stakes. These stakes are made from titanium, are lightweight, and have orange heads to make them easier to find when stuck in the ground. Having titanium tent stakes will not make your hike any better or more successful. They are just tent stakes. You aren’t on a mountaineering expedition. You’re hiking the PCT. You should probably just use the tent stakes that come with your tent. That said, if you want to spend more on some fancy tent stakes, these are nice.

0.28 oz / 8 g (each)
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Stakes: MSR Groundhog Stakes

That’s right, after all that business about tent stakes being tent stakes, here I am with more tent stakes. If you are looking for something a bit more heavy-duty than the Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook Stakes, take a look at MSR Groundhog Stakes. There is also a ‘mini’ version available, but I found those to be too small to be reliable in loose ground.

0.5 oz / 14 g (each)
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Utensil: Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Sure, you could get a plastic spoon from McDonald’s, but if you want a utensil that’s going to last forever (so long as you don’t lose it), then get a Snow Peak Titanium Spork. It won’t melt, it’s easy to clean, and it’s mother fucking titanium (which means that you can use it to fight off wild animals). Eat your trail meal like the champion you are. But also, look like a total loser because you have a titanium spork.

0.6 oz / 17 g
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Water Bottle: Smartwater 1L Bottle

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

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Massage Balls: RAWLOGY Cork Massage Balls

You might hear the term “luxury item” gets thrown around a lot by thru-hikers when talking about their PCT gear and the term “luxury item” might make you think of something like a folding chair or a hardback atlas of the Western United States. However, luxury items do not have to be heavy, overkill items that nobody would ever deem appropriate to have on a PCT thru-hike. They can be lightweight, useful, awesome items that will make everyone jealous of you – like the RAWLOGY Cork Massage Balls. These cork balls measure 2.5 in / 6.35 cm across and weigh 1.4 oz / 40 g each. Not light enough for you? There is also a 1.9 in / 4.82 cm version that weigh 0.9 oz / 25 g each. Best to bring the pair so that you can give one to your new best friend on the trail.

1.4 oz / 40 g
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Tape: Gorilla Tape

Tape. An often overlooked, but incredibly useful thing to have with you on a thru-hike. Tear your down jacket? Tape! Rip your tent? Tape! Need to shut up your hiking partner? Tape! Just don’t bring an entire roll. Either fold the tape around itself, around an old card, or around your trekking poles (good for differentiating yours from everyone else’s). You can always get more if you end up using all of what you have. I like Gorilla Tape because it’s incredibly sticky, waterproof, and thick. I’ve used this to patch a hole in my shorts before and the tape didn’t come off even after multiple washes. That said, get whatever tape you want – just bring some (because you can’t have any of mine).

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Trowel: Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool

I’ve talked a lot about pooping in the woods and packing out your toilet paper in the past, and I will probably continue to do so in the future. Backcountry poops aren’t glamorous, but they are a reality of trail life. A lot of people don’t bring a trowel saying that a shoe, a rock, a trekking pole, or whatever will serve as a substitute. Yes, sometimes this will be the case, but other times you are not going to be able to dig a proper cat hole (that’s a hole for pooping in). Enter the Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool. It’s a lightweight trowel that will help ensure you are practicing proper backcountry pooping techniques. It can be a bit tricky to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, all will be right in the world of your poops.

1.2 oz / 34 g
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Repellent: Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent

Unless you’re very lucky, at some point on the PCT, you’ll pass through a place known as mosquito hell. The location of this place changes with the time of year and how good your karma is, but when you enter it, you had best be ready. If you’re not ready to suit up in your rain gear (aka mosquito armor) for these sections, then you need to get some DEET or, even better, some Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent. Picaridin repels insects and it doesn’t stink (or melt plastic) like DEET.

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Repellent: Sawyer Products Permethrin (not carried)

I really hate bugs. Even gazing at a beautiful photo of your hike can be tormented by memories of mosquito swarms. That’s why, in addition to carrying repellent, I treat my clothing with Sawyer Permethrin before hitting the trail. One treatment lasts up to six washes or six weeks. It would be worth treating your clothing/gear before entering mosquito territory (could be the Sierra, Northern California, or Oregon depending on your timing). Just don’t use it to insect-proof your cat (it’s toxic to cats in its liquid form – but safe after it dries and binds to your clothing).

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Anti-Chafe: Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm

Forget being eaten by an animal, being attacked by insects while you poop, or being struck by lightning, the worst thing on the Pacific Crest Trail is chafe (and more specifically, ass chafe). Thankfully, there is Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm to alleviate your suffering. Simply apply it to your chafe-prone areas before hitting the trail and walk worry-free through the wilderness (just be sure that your friends have their own because…that’s gross). There’s also a “For Her” version that appears to be the exact same thing but it’s also “rich in vitamins A, B, E, and F”. What? Man skin doesn’t like vitamins?

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Anti-Blister: Bodyglide Foot Glide

No matter what I try – different shoes, different insoles, different socks, liners – blisters are an inevitable part of the trail. Bodyglide Foot Glide is just like the Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm, but for your feet…and for blisters. Probably not a bad idea if you’re prone to blistering or you’re trying out or breaking in some new shoes on the trail.

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Lip Balm: Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm

If you use lip balm on a regular basis, chances are you’ve heard of (and possibly even use) Burt’s Bees. However, on the PCT you’re going to want a lip balm with SPF which the original Burt’s Bees does not have. Instead, you’re going to want Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm. The desert sun, the high elevation in the Sierra, and (if you’re lucky) the snow will ravage your luscious lips if you aren’t careful taking care of them. It doesn’t matter which lip balm you get, so long as you get one with SPF.

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Sunscreen: Coppertone SPORT SPF 50

As with your lip balm, it doesn’t matter which brand your sunscreen is, so long as it meets a few key criteria. Your sunscreen should be broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), it should be designed to not run off when you sweat (because yes, you will sweat), and it should ideally be SPF 50 (above SPF 50 provides only very marginal additional protection and it’s often much more expensive). I like the consistency of Coppertone SPORT SPF 50 (I don’t really like Banana Boat), but again, get whatever you’re happy with (just make sure you remember to put it on).

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Hand Sanitizer: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer

This may come as a shock to you, but you’re supposed to wash your hands after using the bathroom. The same rule applies in the backcountry. It may be difficult to find proper hand-washing facilities after taking care of your business, so most thru-hikers use the next best option, hand sanitizer. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer is a lavender-scented spray-on hand sanitizer that will leave your hands both clean and clean-smelling. You’re probably going to want to use this any time you’re going to be handling food. And a word to the wise, do not shake people’s hands in the backcountry; the appropriate hiker handshake is a fist bump (for obvious reasons…poop).

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Toothbrush: Folding Travel Toothbrush

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

1 oz / 28 g
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Toothpaste: Dr. Bronner’s Travel Toothpaste

In case you were unaware, there are small versions of toothpaste available. You do not need to bring a huge tube of toothpaste on the PCT. You can get something like Dr. Bronner’s Travel Toothpaste. When you run out, get whatever is available in town along the trail or send yourself another one. Bring whatever makes you happy.

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Toilet Paper: Charmin Ultra Soft

Perhaps the most important decision of any PCT thru-hike, what is your favorite toilet paper? Granted, it may be difficult to come by toilet paper at times and you may have to resort to stealing toilet paper from gas station bathrooms, but if you get the chance to restock on the good stuff, you’re going to want Charmin Ultra Soft to minimize your butt chafe and maximize your poo-free-ness on the PCT. It’s probably worth it to just pack out an entire roll at the start (just remember to pack out your used toilet paper).

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Wet Wipes: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes

Friends, even if you have the softest Charmin in your pack, you’ll still do well to pack yourself some Sea to Summit Wilderness Wet Wipes. In addition to ensuring the cleanest of bums following a backcountry waste disposal, they can be used to clean your disgusting feet to help keep them blister-free, they can be used to clean your disgusting face before bed, or they can be used to clean your disgusting hands before eating. As with your toilet paper, just remember to pack them out.

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Power Bank: Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank

I am a fan of not needing to worry about charging my electronics on the trail, so I bring the largest battery pack I can. Right now the lightest/largest battery pack I’ve found is the Charmast Slim 26800 Power Bank. It weighs almost a pound, but it is necessary if I expect to be able to charge my phone, camera, headphones, and headlamp for the entirety of each section. There are three USB ports and a USB-C port (used to both charge the battery pack and a device). It also has pass-through charging which means you can charge devices while you also charge the battery.

15 oz / 425 g
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Headphones: Pixel Buds Pro

It took me a while to finally get earbuds without a wire. I liked being able to drape my headphones around my neck when I wasn’t using them. I also feared dropping and forever losing an expensive earbud down the side of a mountain. But now I’m a big fan of the Pixel Buds Pro. As a bonus, they have their own little battery pack case which means more juice in my large battery pack for my phone and camera.

1 oz / 28 g
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Phone Case: OtterBox Defender Series

I don’t use a cellphone case to make my phone more aesthetically pleasing; I use a cellphone case to protect my phone. The OtterBox Defender Series does exactly that. It’s not waterproof, but my phone is apparently water-resistant. The OtterBox does a great job protecting against drops and the elements.

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Wall Plug: Anker Nano II 65W

When you get to town you’re going to need a way to recharge your things (unless maybe you’re a Luddite). I look for three things in a wall charger and the Anker Nano II 65W has all of them. What are they? 1) more than one output, 2) a quick charge compatible USB-C input, and 3) a folding plug (to avoid accidentally stabbing a hole in or tearing your gear inside of your pack). There are lots of wall chargers that fit this description, but as with the case with the headphones, Anker customer service has been good to me in the past so I’m sticking with them for now.

4.6 oz / 130 g
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Camera: GoPro HERO11 Black

I’ve gone back and forth on carrying a GoPro with me in addition to my camera, but the image stabilization has gotten so good in the GoPro HERO11 Black, that I’ve decided it’s worth it since I’m trying to take more video out on the trail. I keep my GoPro in my fanny pack and bust it out whenever I’m feeling inspired. I have found myself definitely using it enough to justify having it along.

5.4 oz / 154 g
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Camera Attachment: Peak Design Capture Clip

If you’re carrying a camera that won’t fit in your hip belt, fanny pack, or pocket, then you need the Peak Design Capture Clip. It makes carrying your camera. The Clip attaches to practically any strap and takes the hassle out of having to store or camera in your pack or having it hang annoyingly from a strap around your neck. There’s also an attachment for a GoPro if you want some POV video (or a dashcam for your impending wild animal attack).

3 oz / 84 g
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Camera Cover: Peak Design Shell

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

2.4 oz / 68 g
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