The PCT marks my fourth long trail. I have previously hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the West Highland Way. In between these hikes, I worked three season as a backpacking guide in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All this goes to say that I feel like I have my gear pretty well dialed in at this point.
I say that with confidence, but I know that there is always potential for changes along the trail. The number one lesson I’ve learned from thru hiking is flexibility, and while I think I know exactly how to anticipate what gear will last from Mexico to Canada, I am open to making adjustments as I need.
To collect all my gear in one convent place, I made a LighterPack list. I broke out my handy kitchen scale, researched the weights of items on gear websites, and made my official gear list for the PCT.
Why is My Pack Still So Heavy?
When I began backpacking, I just bought whatever gear was cheap and convenient. Over the years I have slowly upgraded my kit and now have almost all ultralight gear. You’d think that with all ultralight equipment, my pack weight would be significantly less! I have learned what items I need to be comfortable, and I carry lightweight gear in order to accommodate more luxury items.
I also know that I sleep cold, so I tend to pack more clothes. If I was going to cut weight, I would reduce the clothes I carry and leave behind things like my sleeping bag liner. I could also ditch the Nemo Switchback pad I use as a yoga mat.
My advice to backpacking clients was always to carry whatever is going to make you happy because at the end of the day you are the one that will be carrying it. I have found what works well for me and plan to carry this set up the 2,650 miles of the PCT.
Pack
Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
I absolutely love this pack! I have carried this model on every long trail I’ve ever done and continues to impress me. It’s big enough to comfortably fit all my gear, but still considered an ultralight pack. The only issue I’m running into with it now is that I’m not quite sure what to put in the long tube pocket on the outside. On the AT I put my tent in there, but now that I hike with my husband and he carries the tent, that pocket is too big and awkward to fit much.
I am planning to stash an extra water bottle in there along with my rain gear. In the future I would be interested in trying Gossamer Gear’s Gorilla 50 pack because it’s basically the same pack, just a little smaller and with a small pockets on either side of the exterior rather than one two small pockets on one side and a long pocket on the other.
Cade will be carrying Durston Gear’s Kakwa 55 pack on the PCT. Previously he used Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Southwest 55 so we are excited to see what he thinks about this switch.
Pack cover: Osprey Cover from old pack
This is just a cover from an older pack I had. It’s nothing special but gets the job done. One downside to Gossamer Gear’s packs is that they are not waterproof. Other brands, like Durston and Hyperlite, use waterproof materials like Dyneema and UHMWPE fabric.
Shelter
A benefit to hiking with a partner is that you can split shared gear. My husband, Cade, has a base weight of 12lbs so we have decided that he will be carrying the tent on the PCT.
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Previously I have carried a Tarptent Rainbow and Cade has carried a Zapcks Duplex. Fitting two people and their gear into a two person tent can feel a little snug, so we upgraded to a three person tent. Zpacks makes some of the nicest tents in the outdoor industry, and a key factor in their popularity is how lightweight their tents are. Their tents are made from Dyneema material which is functional and weighs next to nothing. This tent uses trekking poles to stand upright, so the only additional equipment Cade has to carry is our tent stakes and ground sheet.
Ground sheet: Tyvek
We bought this off Etsy a couple years ago and it’s held up just fine. We like using a ground sheet as extra protection for the bottom of our tent. Plus we’ve written “hikers to town” and “hikers to trail” on the Tyvek so it doubles as a sign when we’re hitch hiking!
Tent stakes: 6 groundhog stakes
We use these tent stakes because they are lightweight. On the AZT we had our first experience camping in sand and did struggle to get our stakes in the ground. We learned we can use rocks or even down trees to secure our guy lines. Requiring tent stakes is a downside to trekking pole tents.
Sleep System
Sleeping Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Enigma Sleeping Quilt (850 down, 10°)
Before fall 2022, I used a variety of synthetic sleeping bags. I became familiar with sleeping quilts on the AT, it seemed like every other hiker was using an Enlightened Equipment quilt. I finally caved to peer pressure and I am so thankful I did! Quilts are expensive, but I do believe they are worth every penny just because of how light they are, especially compared to the bulky sleeping bags I had been using.
I sleep very cold, so I opted for a 10° quilt. Guiding in the Smokies and even on the AZT I’ve slept in temperatures in the teens and have been so thankful I got a 10° over a 20°. The trick I used to tell clients on backpacking trips was that the temperature rating of the sleeping bag is the temperature the bag will keep you alive at. You won’t be happy but you’ll live through the night. The actual temperature you’ll sleep comfortably in your bag is abut 10° more than the temperature rating. So for my 10° quilt, it will keep me alive at 10°, but comfortable around 20°.
My quilt came with straps to secure the quilt to my sleeping pad, and I have found those to be invaluable because I wiggle around in my sleep. I liked how my mummy sleeping bags made me feel like I was in a cocoon, but a quilt is much less tight and secure. People that can feel claustrophobic in bags could enjoy this freedom, but that is where I found the straps helpful.
Liner: Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Fabric Liner
Since I sleep cold, I almost always carry a sleeping bag liner. Being warm and cozy at night is worth the additional weight in my mind. Previously I have carried the Sea to Summit Reactor Fleece Liner, but the zipper ripped and it was time for an upgrade. I went with the fabric liner instead of the fleece just to save a little weight.
Sleeping pad: Nemo Tensor™ Ultralight Sleeping Pad- Regular Wide
I am a side sleeper and tried several sleeping pads before I found something that allowed me to sleep comfortably through the night. Nemo’s Tensor sleeping pad has been fantastic for me! I use the “Insulated Regular Wide” and it gives me plenty of room to toss and turn during the night. One of my favorite features of this pad is the fact that it comes with a pump sack so that I don’t have to huff and puff to inflate it each night.
When it comes to sleeping pads, the more insulated the warmer they will be. Sleeping pads are designed to keep you off the ground to stay warm; the ground is cold and sucks away your body heat. Sleeping pads are rated on a scale of 1-7 using R-value. The higher the number, the warmer you will be. The Nemo Tensor has a 4.2 R-value, which pretty much puts it in the middle of the road. The Tensor is considered a 3-season sleeping pad, meaning it can be used in the spring, summer, and fall but probably wouldn’t keep you insulated in the winter months.
I am add a little extra bit of insulation by stacking my Nemo Tensor sleeping pad on top of a Nemo Switchback pad which has an R-value of 2. Some hikers sleep on just a Switchback pad (sometimes called an accordion pad) to save on weight. I am not that hardcore and use my accordion pad as a sit pad and as a makeshift yoga mat in the backcountry.
Pillow: Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow
A pillow is certainly a luxury item, but it’s one I’ll always fight for! I sleep so much better using my Fillo rather than a stuff sack with spare clothes. The extra 2.9oz is worth sleeping comfortably in my book.
Hiking Clothes
Hiking shirt: Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Short Sleeve, Jack o’ the Green with Flip-Flopper Sun Sleeves
If you have followed any hikers in recent years, you have likely seen a Jolly Gear shirt. These flamboyant shirts hit the scene in 2021 when creator Jolly was on the CDT with his prototype, and in 2022 the shirts were released for public sale. Each year Jolly and his team release new patterns that center around vibrant colors and trail themed patterns. Not only are these shirts fun to look at, but they are also functional! They are a breathable sun shirt that offer SPF protection without compromising on style.
I got this shirt to use on the AZT in 2023 and chose to get a short sleeved shirt with the additional sun sleeves. In my mind it would be the best of both worlds because I thought only having long sleeves would get annoying. In hindsight I wish I had gotten the long sleeve version. I plan to start the trail in this shirt and sleeves but then will likely upgrade to one of Jolly Gear’s UL shirts further down the trail.
Hiking shorts: Avia Women’s High Rise 7” Inseam Bike Shorts
I’ve hiked in a lot of different pairs of shorts, and I’ve found that form fitting shorts with pockets work best for me. These are just a cheap pair from Walmart, but I like their length and pockets.
Underwear: ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go® Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs (1 worn, 1 extra)
I wore this brand on the AT and was liked them enough to purchase another set for the PCT. They are advertised as being made from a breathable, moisture-wicking synthetic material that also helps reduce odor. I’ve found when thru hiking, nothing can be done to minimize the stink. I liked that these underwear and matching bralettes were quick drying, and their stylish fit made it easy to be doubled as a swimsuit.
Bra: ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go® 2.0 Bralettes (1 worn, 1 extra)
Again, this is the brand of bar I wore on the AT. I liked that this bralette was lightweight and didn’t have padding, but I know for some of my well-endowed friends, a sports bra without padding is not an option. I liked that this bra and underwear duo looked pretty similar to a bathing suit, and I swam in many lakes and ponds in my undies without getting strange looks.
Shoes: Altra Olympus 5 Women’s size 9
I have only ever worn Altras since switching from boots to trail runners prior to the AT in 2021. Their iconic “foot shape” allows my toes to slay and now that I’m accustomed to the zero drop, I’m not comfortable wearing other styles of shoes. I have stuck with the Olympus over other styles because I love the amount of cushion. I went through 3 pairs of shoes on the AT and anticipate going through at least 4 or 5 pairs on the PCT.
Socks: Injinji Women’s Liner + Hiker Crew
I got horrible blisters on my feet while on the AZT and the only thing that helped prevent them were hiking in an Injinji toe sock liner. Toe socks prevent toe-on-toe friction which limits blisters. They also help to manage moisture and utilize my entire foot by allowing my toes to splay naturally. If you want a deeper dive on Injinji, you can read my recent article for The Trek: My Secret Weapon Against Blisters on Trail? Hiking in Toe Socks.
Gaiters: UltraGam Sunshine and Happiness Gaiters (pair)
I think gaiters are a must-have when hiking long distances just because they keep small rocks and twigs out of your shoes. Cade discovered UltraGam on Etsy and bought a pair of her mushroom gaiters several years ago. I found a pattern I liked at Marion Outdoors and am so excited to bring some sunshine and happiness with me on the PCT!
Hiking hat: The Trek Midnight Endurance Runner Hat
I always wear a hat while hiking, and I’m excited to rep a brand I love and sport a fun pattern. I especially like the “runner hat” style because of the ventilation and flexibility. I can shove it in my pack easily and don’t have to worry about the hat trapping in excess heat.
Additional Clothing/Sleep Stuff
Puffy: RAB Women’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
I was very hesitant to purchase a new puffy jacket for the PCT. I previously had used a REI Co-op Flash Insulated Hoodie on the AZT and thought it was fine. It didn’t keep me as warm as I had hopped, so I began to debate whether or not I should upgrade for the PCT. Ultimately I decided that if I was worried about it I should just invest in another jacket. I consulted The Trek’s Best Down Jackets for Backpacking of 2025 and settled on RAB’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket.
I have taken my new jacket on several backpacking trips around northeast TN and have been very impressed with its warmth and packability. I was a little nervous purchasing a down jacket instead of synthetic because once down is wet it no longer serves its purpose. Thankfully this jacket is utilizes Nikwax Hydrophobic Down and Pertex Quantum to ensure it is water resistant and wind proof. If anything I anticipate this jacket being too warm for the PCT!
Mid layer: LightHeart Gear Women’s Fleece Hoodie -Medium
This hoodie has a similar style to other fleece hoodies on the market, but I love this brand in particular because it’s made locally in my hometown of Asheville, NC. My favorite features are the oversized kangaroo pouch and the turtle neck collar. LightHeart Gear also just has a variety of color combinations, I of course had to choose a purple one.
Rain gear: Frog Toggs Women’s Ultra-Lite Rain Suit
During warmer weather, I don’t usually wear rain gear, but I always carry Frogg Toggs to use as an insulating layer when it’s cold. There is no so thing as waterproof, and no amount of rain gear is going to keep you totally dry. The downside to Frogg Toggs is that they are not breathable at all, which is why I don’t usually wear them while hiking. They do a fantastic job at keeping you warm, which is why I usually wear them at night as a final insulating layer or around camp, or even in town while doing laundry. You know the weather is bad if you see me actually hiking in my rain gear!
Base layer top: REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top
These base layers are heavy, but they were some of the more affordable Merino wool options. I used them previously on the AZT and they kept me warm at night, so I didn’t feel like I needed to upgrade.
Base layer bottoms: REI Co-op Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms
These base layers are heavy, but they were some of the more affordable Merino wool options. I used them previously on the AZT and they kept me warm at night, so I didn’t feel like I needed to upgrade.
Down hood: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Hood
Since I get so cold at night, I invested in a down hood to help keep me warm. This is something that I feel ridiculous wearing, but my oh my does it make me toasty! I usually only wear it in my tent, and I put it on as I lay down on chilly nights. If I wake up feeling warm it is easy to take off my hood rather than having to readjust the rest of my sleep setup.
Down booties: Goose Feet Gear Down Socks
One last piece of gear to ensure that I don’t get cold at night. My feet are often the coldest part of my body, so my brother-in-law gifted me with these down socks to sleep in. They weigh next to nothing and at worst just stay at the bottom of my pack if I don’t feel like I need them.
Clothing stuff sack: Granite Gear- small
Another controversial thing I carry are stuff sacks. I like feeling like my gear is organized, and stuff sacks enable me to keep certain items together, like my clothing or my toiletries. I keep all the clothes I’m not wearing in a stuff sack near the bottom of my pack.
Buff: The Trek PCT Neck Gaiter
I love the versatility of a Buff and have chosen to carry it instead of a beanie. I rationalized I could use it to keep my head just as warm as a beanie, and I love this fun PCT pattern from The Trek.
Gloves: Zpacks Conductive Brushtail Possum Gloves
I have used these gloves since the AZT and they worked great. According to Zpacks website, “the hair of brushtail possum is hollow, just like Polar Bear hair, which provides incredible warmth and water resistant. While typical wool gloves may stay warm when wet, they take forever to dry. If you put these gloves in water, the water shakes right out and they dry quickly.”
Food Things
Food bag: Maine Train Gear Dyneema Zippered Roll Top
My bother-in-law, Hangman, has started deigning and making ultralight gear. He made Cade and I new food bags that were modeled after Light AF’s The Original Dyneema® Flat Bottom Bear Bag. The biggest upgrade to Hangman’s design is the zipper+roll top closure instead of the button+roll top on similar products. We are excited to see how his handiwork holds up on the PCT!
Stove: BRS-3000T 25g Titanium Stove
I previously carried an MSR Pocket Rocket and loved it, but this BRS stove is teeny tiny and weighs next to nothing. It was super cheap on Amazon and has worked great since my initial purchase in 2023.
Pot: Toaks Light Titanium 550ML pot
Toaks is a really popular brand that I’ve heard nothing but good things about. It seems like this is the lightest option before ditching the pot/stove altogether and going stoveless to cold soaking. This pot doubles as my cup and cooking pot, and I like that it’s large enough for me to store a 4oz fuel container instead of.
Spoon: GSI Outdoors Essential Spoon- Long
I LOVE this spoon! Having a long handle spoon is essential to get into the bottom of bags of Knorr Rice Sides or Mountain House Meals. This spoon particularly is nice because it has a rubber lining that doubles as a pot scraper, making cleaning my pot quick and easy. Some people feel passionate about sporks over spoons, but I’ve found my spoon to work just fine.
Fuel: 4oz container
I don’t care which brand of fuel I use, I just always try to purchase the smallest canister size available so that it can fit inside my pot to save space in my food bag.
Lighter: Cheap BIC lighter
You have to have a lighter to ignite the stove. I usually carry a couple spares just in case.
Water filer: Sawyer Squeeze with coupling ring
In the fall of 2024, Western North Carolina and East Tennessee were devastated by flooding after Hurricane Helene. Sawyer donated thousands of water filters to the communities I grew up in. The Sawyer Foundation‘s mission is “to support partner organizations that share the gift of clean drinking water to under-resourced communities.” Seeing their response close to home has turned me into a Sawyer fan for life.
Dirty water bag: Sawyer/CNOC 2L bag
On the AT and AZT I used a Katadyn filter and a HydraPak 3L dirty water bag. When working as I guide, I used the PLATYPUS GravityWorks system. I truly believe that most gravity water filtration systems are similar, but I have made the switch to Sawyer because of their philanthropic work.
CNOC bags are durable and popular on long trails, and I liked the fact that I could purchase my filter and bag together. This package also came with the coupling ring which allows me to connect the filter to the bag and let gravity do the work of filtering water rather than me having to press the bag to get water to flow through the filter.
Electronics
Phone: iPhone 14
I upgraded my phone from an iPhone 7 to an iPhone 14 prior to the AZT and loved being able to take clear pictures of my time on trail. I plan to capture more pictures and videos on the PCT so I’m glad I have a phone with a decent camera.
Headphones: Cheap Walmart wired pair
I listen to a lot of music, podcasts, and audiobooks while on trail. Having a pair of headphones is a must for me, and I like using cheap pairs that are easy to replace and that I don’t worry about breaking.
Garmin SOS Device: Garmin InReach SOS device
This is an upgrade from other long trails! I have never carried a GPS device aside from when working as a guide. I didn’t feel like I needed one on the AT because the trail was so crowded and I had good cell signal throughout the trail. We hiked the AZT with a buddy who had a Garmin, so it wasn’t something I felt like we needed to purchase.
The PCT, though, feels much more remote than the AT. I am weary of the high mountain passes and fear injury when traversing snow fields. After reading about Trevor Laher’s death on the PCT in 2020 and the Trevor Spikes Program that was created in his memory, I felt lit was crucial to have a way to contact emergency responders in the worse case senecio.
I found an older model InReach for sale on Facebook Marketplace and have peace of mind knowing that we will have a connection point to the outside world. I went with Garmin because they seem to be the most popular and plan to send regular check ins to family and friends while on the trail.
Power bank: Anker 525 Power Bank
If you spend an extended period of time in the woods, you have to have some kind of power bank to charge your electronics. Especially since phone apps like FarOut are so popular, it’s important to keep your electronics charged and accessible. I bought this particular power bank from a fellow hiker on the AT and think it’s just fine. Mine is an older model and feels like a brick. In hindsight I probably should have upgraded to a lighter weight model prior to the PCT, but I didn’t want to shell out extra money for a piece of gear that is still in fine working order.
Charging cables: Phone, USB (headlamp, Garmin InReach, battery bank)
I am proud of myself for only having to carry two charing cables! Aside from my phone which has to use its own special cable, all my other electronics can be charged using a USB cord.
Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 400L Headlamp w/ UL Headband
I have used Nitecore headlamps for several years and am impressed with how luminous they are. I have the newer model ultralight version, but think I’ll carry the older model just so I don’t have to carry an additional charing cord to fit the USBC connection.
Luci Light: Luci Original Color Solar Inflatable Lantern
This is a luxury item that I absolutely love. Cade found a Luci Light on the AT that was laying on the side of the road, and I carried it from Vermont to Maine. It was extra weight but I loved having my own little lantern to write my journals each night in the tent.
For the PCT, my sweet mother-in-law got me a new Luci Light that changes colors!!! It’s solar charged so I just hang it on the outside of my pack while hiking. It brings so much joy to my adventures that I justify carrying a frivolous item.
Miscellaneous
Fanny pack: Hightail Designs The Ultralight Fanny Pack
This is the perfect piece of equipment to use as a catch-all. I keep things like my phone, pocket knife, ID, etc. in my fanny pack while I hike just for quick access. When I’m in town I like that I can use my fanny pack to keep my must have personal items handy. Hightail Designs is my favorite brand because their products are made to be waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about my electronics getting wet. Hightail Designs also has so many fun patterns, Cade picked out the avocado pattern just for me.
Sunglasses: cheap pair from Walmart
Having sunglasses is a must in the desert, and I didn’t want to carry a nice pair that I would worry about scratching up.
Trekking poles: REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact Trekking Poles
Personally, I think trekking poles are trekking poles. I don’t have a strong preference for brands on this one. I like my REI trekking poles just fine because they are carbon which makes them super lightweight. I always keep duct tape and leukotape wrapped around my trekking poles for quick field repairs.
Sunbrella: Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking (Chrome) Umbrella
I was on the fence about whether or not to bring my sunbrella on the PCT. I got it for the AZT and carried it the whole way but only used it once or twice. I could never seem to get it settled on my pack correctly. No matter what adjustments I made it always seemed to obstruct my vision so I just gave up on using it. I obviously need more practice with it, and Southern California seems like the perfect place to use a sunbrella. My friends that use them swear by them and say they are lifesavers, so I really want to be able to make this piece of gear work!
Camp shoes: Teva Original Universal Sandal– Women size 9
Previously I have carried Crocs and Xero sandals as my camp shoes. I made the switch to Teva after attending a press event for their new line of GrandView Max shoes. I fell in love with Teva as a brand and am happy to carry their shoes to Canada. I chose the Original Universal sandal because it’s light weight and will function perfectly around camp, in town, and even during water crossings.
Water bottle shoulder strap: Gossamer Gear Bottle Rocket
I’ve found that I get much more dehydrated when I don’t have quick access to water. I love the shoulder strap water bottle holders because I can grab my bottle and drink without having to stop hiking. To me, this is a better option than using a bladder bag because they take up so much space in my pack and run the risk of rupturing.
Cork ball: Rawlogy Classic
I find that rolling my feet and legs out with my cork ball makes a huge difference in my recovery. I lay out my makeshift yoga mat each night and stretch and use my cork ball while boiling water for dinner.
Sit pad/yoga mat: Nemo Switchback
Carrying my accordion pad is defiantly a luxary, but I love having a large space to lay out on during the day and use this pad a yoga mat as well. Cade is carrying Gossamer Gear’s Thinlight Foam Pad – 1/8″ folded pad to use as a sit pad and extra layer for his sleeping pad. I found this pad to be too thin to comfortably use as a yoga mat, so I decided to carry the heavier Switchback.
Pocket knife: Swiss Army Knife
Having a pocket knife is invaluable on the trail just to open random things, dig out splinters, cut cheese, etc. I like the Swiss Army knife because it has a lot of different uses and is small and lightweight.
Bug Net: Ben’s Bug Net
I’m not looking forward to all the bugs we will likely encounter in Oregon and Washington. Hopefully carrying a bug net will make a difference!
Towel: Glacial Gear Trail Rag
I’m adding a trail rag to my kit so that I can have something to wipe my face while hiking. I attach this small Merino wool rag to my shoulder straps and can easily use it as a hankie for my nose and to wipe the sweat out of my eyes while hiking.
King Tutt Towel: Light Load Towel
During the first couple of days on the AT, I met a trail angle named King Tutt who was adamant that every hiker needed to carry these Light Load towels. Since then I have jokingly called them “King Tutt Towels”. King Tutt was right, they come in very handy and pack down super small. I use them to wipe condensation out of my tent and have used them as a towel after taking a dip in the creek.
Toiletries
Toiletries bag: Maine Train Gear Dyneema Roll Top Stuff Sack
This is another piece of gear made by Hangman. I asked for a smaller bag to keep my toiletries in and he delivered! It’s a small waterproof bag with a roll top design that makes it easy to access my toiletries.
Contacts: Daily contacts
I wear single day contacts and so I choose to carry about a month’s worth of contacts with me at a time. I don’t like wearing my glasses and hate the idea of hiking in them. I put my contacts in right when I get up and don’t take them out until I’m about to fall asleep. Having the single day contacts works great on the trail because I don’t worry about them getting dirty and I can just throw them away each night. It is extra weight and requires more mail drops to get them sent to me on trail, but it’s worked well for me over the years. I’ve gotten very good at putting my contacts in without a mirror!
Glasses
I don’t like wearing my glasses but do carry a pair just in case I was to run out of contacts.
Toothbrush
I’m not hardcore enough to saw the handle off my toothbrush. I like the travel tooth brushes that fold into their own little case.
Toothpaste
I carry a travel size tube of toothpaste.
Floss
Flossing makes my teeth feel clean, especially after eating as much candy as I do while hiking.
Nail Clippers
Nothing is more aggravating than a hangnail, so I carry nail clippers to keep my nails in check and tent my hangnails.
Nail file
Kind of boujee but I do also carry a small nail file to smooth out my nails after they’ve been put.
Glasses case: Plastic Crystal Light container
I got this suggestion from Kelly Floro’s ebook How to Afford a Thru Hike. I put my glasses, contacts, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, nail clippers, and nail file all into one of these containers. They’ve kept my glasses from getting crushed for thousands of miles.
First aid supplies
In term of first aid supplies, I will be carrying Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Tylenol, Leukotape, Imodium, Ginger chews, Acetazolamide, and some bandaids. These are all items that I’ve found necessary over my years of backpacking. I got the Acetazolamide from my doctor to ensure I don’t get altitude sickness when trying to summit Mount Whitney.
Hairbrush: small foldable travel hairbrush with mirror
I have long hair that I keep in French braids while hiking. I take my hair out of the braids each time I get into town and get to take a shower. I like having a hairbrush to brush my hair out after a shower. I chose this brush because it is small and has a mirror which can be nice to have.
Hand soap: Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Travel Size)
Dr. Bronner’s doubles as my soap and shampoo while on the trail.
Handsanitizer
You have to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in the name of cleanliness.
Trowel/toliet paper: TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL Backcountry Trowel
If you spend much time in the backcountry, the inevitable will happen and you will have to poop in the woods. Leave No Trace prompts us to dispose of waste properly, meaning that human waste is buried 6-8 inches in the ground. To dig a cat hole, hikers need a way to dig! Some ultralight folks just use their trekking poles, tent stakes, or even a stick, but I’ve found it’s easier to just carry a lightweight trowel.
I think The Deuce serves its purpose just fine, and to my knowledge is one of the lightest products of this kind. Along with my trowel, I also carry toilet paper to wipe. I know a handful of people that use a backcountry bidet rather than using toilet paper, but I haven’t gotten that brave yet.
Pee cloth: Kula Pee Cloth by Kula Cloth
I love using a pee cloth because it prevents me from having to “drip dry” when I pee. Kula Cloth did a great job designing an antimicrobial pee cloth that keeps me clean and dry down there. I like the variety of patterns and the fact that it snaps to my pack for quick access.
Sun screen: Blue Lizard SPF 50 travel size
Having sunscreen in the desert is a must! I like Blue Lizard because it is Zinc based.
Bodyglide: Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm
My thighs chafe horribly when I’m hiking. The only thing I’ve found to help is to either hike in pants or carry some kind of lubricant. Hiking in pants makes me feel extra hot, so I choose to wear shorts and use Bodyglide to limit friction between my thighs.
Snow/Sierra Things
Microspikes: Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device
My plan was to purchase our microspikes and ice axes through the Trevor Spikes Program. I was able to use a ProDeal to get a cheaper discount on the gear we ultimately purchased, but I would recommend the hikers to go through the Trevor Spikes Program to get a discount as PCT hikers.
We plan to have 0ur spikes sent to us at mile 109 in Warner Springs, mainly so that we can have them while traversing San Jacinto mountain.
Bear can: BearVault BV500
Bear cans are required on certain sections of the PCT. We chose to purchase BearVaults because we were familiar with them from our work as guides and because they are the more affordable option. Our plan is to have them shipped to us in Kennedy Meadows south and carry them through the Sierra.
Ice axe: C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe
This was another purchase we could have gotten through the Trevor Spikes Program, but I was able to get a better deal using a ProDeal. I have never used an ice axe and hope to never have to use one! I wasn’t sure how to pick the right one, but I found GearLab’s article How to Choose the Right Ice Axe to be very helpful. We went with the C.A.M.P. Corsa because I could get a good deal on it and because it was one of the axes recommended by the Trevor Spikes Program.
Gear has been bought. Our bags have been packed. Now all that’s left is to start hiking.
