Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiking Gear List (13.6 lb Base Weight)

Here is an example of a complete thru-hiking gear list for the Pacific Crest Trail. If you are planning to hike the entire 2,650+ mile trail from Mexico to Canada, this list includes everything I think you’ll need during the typical hiking season (Northbound: Apr-Sept) (Southbound: Jun-Nov.)

The Pacific Crest Trail passes through different zones which require specific gear (like the SoCal Desert and High Sierras.) Some items, such as clothing, will wear out and need to be replaced over the course of a 4-6 month hike. Feel free to use this template to design your own gear list.

The Big Four

Weight: 7.4 lbs


Backpack

ULA Equipment Ohm 2.0
Weight: 2 lbs
Shelter

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Sleeping Bag

Sierra Designs
BC Bed 800 (15°F)

Weight: 2.5 lbs
Sleeping Pad

Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite
Weight: 12 oz

Clothing Worn

Weight: 4.0 lbs


Shirt

Columbia Tech Trek T-Shirt
Weight: 6 oz
Pants

Columbia Silver Ridge Pants
Weight: 12 oz
Underwear

Under Armour Boxer Jock
Weight: 3 oz
Socks

Smartwool PHD Outdoor Light
Weight: 2 oz
Shoes

Merrell Moab Ventilator
Weight: 2.0 lbs
Insoles

Superfeet Green Premium
Weight: 5 oz
Hat

Outdoor Research Helios
Weight: 3 oz
Sunglasses

3M TEKK Safety Glasses
Weight: 1 oz

Clothing Packed

Weight: 3.1 lbs


Base Top

Icebreaker LW Wool Shirt
Weight: 7 oz
Base Bottom

Icebreaker LW Wool Pant
Weight: 6 oz
Insulated Jacket

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Weight: 12 oz
Rain Jacket

Marmot Precip Jacket
Weight: 11 oz
Rain Pants

Marmot Precip Pant
Weight: 9 oz
Warm Cap

Mtn Hardware Micro Dome
Weight: 1 oz
Gloves

Mtn Hardware Powerstretch
Weight: 1.4 oz
Spare Socks

Smartwool PHD Outdoor Light
Weight: 2 oz

Cooking & Hydration

Weight: 1.2 lb


Cook Stove

MSR Pocket Rocket 2
Weight: 2.6 oz
Cook Pot

MSR Titan Kettle
Weight: 4.0 oz
Pot Cozy

Home-made
Pot Cozy

Weight: 2 oz
Cup

GSI Outdoors Cascadian Cup
Weight: 1.7 oz
Spoon

Light My Fire Spork
Weight: 0.3 oz
Water Bladder

Platypus Big Zip
3 Liter

Weight: 6 oz
Water Bottle

1 Liter Aquafina Bottle
Weight: 1.5 oz
Water Filter

Sawyer Mini Filter (Inline)
Weight: 1.8 oz

Survival & Miscellaneous

Weight: 2.9 lbs


Map

Pocket Atlas
Weight: 3.0 oz
GPS Receiver

Garmin eTrex Touch 35t
Weight: 5.6 oz
Compass

Brunton TruArc 3 Compass
Weight: 1.0 oz
Light

Petzl Zipka Headlight
Weight: 2.3 oz
Knife

Swiss Army Classic
Weight: 0.8 oz
Fire Starter #1

Mini Bic Lighter
Weight: 0.4 oz
Fire Starter #2

SOL Fire Lite Kit
Weight: 0.6 oz
Whistle

SOL Slim Howler
Weight: 0.2 oz
Signal Mirror

SOL Signal Mirror
Weight: 0.6 oz
Tape

Duct Tape 50″
Weight: 0.8 oz
First Aid Kit

Adventure Medical 0.3 1st Aid Kit
Weight: 3 oz
Toothbrush

Folding Travel Toothbrush
Weight: 0.7 oz
Wash Rag

Packtowl Personal Small
Weight: 0.7 oz
Phone/Camera/Audio

Smartphone
Weight: 5.5 oz
Food Sack

Granite Gear Air Zippsack (16L)
Weight: 1.6 oz
Sleep Bag Sack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil (13L)
Weight: 1.3 oz
Clothing Sack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil (13L)
Weight: 1.3 oz
Ditty Sack

Granite Gear Air Zippsack (9L)
Weight: 1.1 oz
Wallet

Granite Gear
Hiker Wallet

Weight: 0.5 oz
Trekking Poles

Leki Ultralight Trekking Poles
Weight: 1 lb

Part-Time Gear For Specific Areas/Conditions*


Extra Water Bladder (Desert)

MSR Dromlite 4L
Weight: 5.1 oz
Shade Umbrella
(Desert)


Liteflex Trekking Umbrella
Weight: 7 oz
Bear Canister
(High Sierra)


Bearvault BV500
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Mosquito Net
(Sierra-Oregon)


Sea to Summit Head Net
Weight: 1.2 oz
Ice Axe
(High Sierra)


CAMP USA Corsa
Weight: 7.2 oz
Crampons
(High Sierra)


Kahtoola Microspikes
Weight: 11 oz
*These items are only needed for specific sections of the trail, so you won’t want to carry them all of the time. The best way to get these items on the trail is to leave them with a friend or family member back home and have them mailed to you when you need them.

Replacement Gear For A 2,650 Mile Thru-Hike*


*If you are going to hike the entire trail some items will wear out and need to be replaced as you go. The best way to get these items on the trail is to leave them with a friend or family member back home and have them mailed to you as needed. Smaller items (like socks, glasses, insoles) can be kept in your bounce box. Some replacement gear may be available to buy in trail towns along the way, but don’t count on a good selection.

Consumables

Weight: 15.5 lbs


Food

5 Days Food
(2 lbs per day)

Weight: 10.0 lbs
Water

2 Liters
Weight: 4.4 lbs
Fuel

Small Canister
(4 oz fuel)

Weight: 7 oz
Medication

Advil, Tylenol PM, Immodium AD, Bennadryl
Weight: 0.5 oz
Toothpaste

Travel Size Toothpaste
(0.8 fl oz)

Weight: 1 oz
Sunscreen

Travel Size Sunscreen
(1 fl oz)

Weight: 1.5 oz
Lip Balm

Carmex
(0.35 fl oz)

Weight: 0.5 oz
Insect Repellent

Lemon Eucalyptus (1.0 fl oz)
Weight: 1.5 oz
Toilet Paper

Toilet Paper
(1 roll)

Weight: 1 oz
Wet Wipes

5 Wet Ones Singles
Weight: 1 oz
Hand Sanitizer

Purell
(1 fl oz)

Weight: 1.5 oz
Antiseptic

Rubbing Alcohol (1 fl oz)
Weight: 1.5 oz

Weight & Cost Summary


Packed Gear
The Big Four
Clothing Packed
Cooking and Hydration
Survival and Miscellaneous (minus trekking poles)
Part-Time Gear
Replacement Gear
Weight
7.4 lbs
3.1 lbs
1.2 lbs
1.9 lbs


Pack Weight
Base Pack Weight
+ Consumables
Full Pack Weight
Weight
13.6 lbs
15.5 lbs
29.1 lbs


+ Worn & Carried Gear
Clothing Worn
Trekking Poles
Weight
4.0 lbs
1.0 lbs


Skin-Out Weight
Weight
34.1 lbs
Cost
$3,700

95 Responses to “Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiking Gear List (13.6 lb Base Weight)”

  1. lola Reply

    Hi Erik, thanks so much for all these information!!!!!!!!so useful!!!!
    i’m looking for some gear recommendation. I’m planning to thru hike the pacific crest trail and have difficulties to find a sample of a budget backpacking gear list for the pct.
    I saw you did a general budget backpacking list do you have any recommendation for the pct?
    sorry to bother I’m just struggling a bit.

  2. Maggie Reply

    Great info as i gear up for April 2018

  3. Camilla Reply

    Hi Erik, amazing page and thanks for the help with packing for PCT. What is the umbrella for? Absolutely necessary or something I could not have? thanks and regards Camilla

    • @Camilla: The umbrella is for protection from the brutal sun in Southern California. It really is much better than a just a hat. Some people use umbrellas for rain too, but I don’t really like them for that purpose since when you get up north where the rain is there are more trees and branches protruding into the trail to snag it on.

  4. Cat Reply

    Just discovered your site. Planning my first PCT hike starting April 2018. Really like your info & list. Thank you! Hope to meet many wonderful fellow hikers.

  5. Bob Reply

    Hi, any plans to republish or reprint vol 1 of your PCT guide, I asked Blackwoods but didn’t get a reply!

    Thanks
    Bob

  6. rob Reply

    Eric

    I am going to attempt the PCT next year with my son, I have been reviewing your list and I do not see any camp shoes or river crossing sandals? Do you have any recommendation? I also see you changed you shoes in 16 to a high top? I am 54 years young and concerned about rolling an ankle what are your thoughts.

    • @Rob: One of the reasons I like the Merrel Moab Ventilators so much as that they can take the place of camp shoes. They are comfortable enough to wear around camp (if you loosen the laces they are easy to slip in and out of) and work well for creek crossings too (because they let the water escape and dry pretty quickly.) I did switch to the high tops because I have been having some ankle troubles. After a lot of twisted ankles over the years I think my tendons have become stretched out and weakened, because it happens more often now than it used to. I also get some ankle pain when hiking on steep angles where my foot is not straight up and down (like along the side of a mountain). The high tops do provide more ankle support and as an added bonus, they keep a lot more of the pebbles out. I like em.

  7. Hannah Reply

    Hi! Great list! I see that you chose a dry sack instead of a compression sack for your sleeping bag. Any specific reasons why? I’m trying to decide the best way to store my sleeping bag for the PCT in my Osprey Exos 48.

    • @Hannah: I don’t use a raincover on my pack so I put my clothing and sleeping bag in dry sacks to prevent them from getting wet in rain. It’s pretty easy to compress them just by putting weight on the bag and squeezing the air out before rolling the top.

  8. Benjamin Reply

    How often do you replace insoles? Thanks for your informative website, much appreciated.

    • @Benjamin: I’ve found that my insoles usually outlast my shoes. I would guess that a pair of insoles probably lasts for two pairs of shoes (about 1,500 miles)

  9. Stuart Reply

    Erik, for the desert portion of the PCT in April and May, would you recommend long sleeves to avoid sun burn? I did the CT in short sleeves and was fine, but that desert looks like it can get nasty. If long sleeves, I assume light colored and loose fitting? What would you recommend? Your map book, along with the CT app, were golden on the CT btw.

    • @Stuart: The sun can be pretty harsh on the southern PCT. Personally I don’t like long sleeves because they make me sweat and overheat, but lots of hikers do like them. If you want to go the long-sleeve route something light-colored, loose fitting and breathable is the way to go. I prefer short sleeves combined with an umbrella for sun protection, but I’m pretty tan so I usually don’t get sunburns after the first week or so of regular sun exposure.

  10. Will P Reply

    Hi Erik,
    Really helpful blog. Im planning on starting the PCT this spring. I was curious on your pack choice. I know The OHM is ULA’s smaller backpack. I wanted to know if you thought it was to small for say the gear you are packing above. I am deciding between getting the ULA Circuit or ULA Catalyst because I am worried about the OHM not being able to handle a 35lb weight, fitting my bear canister. I wanted to ask if you have been able to compare them?

    • @Will: In my opinion the OHM has more than enough space if you are carrying lightweight compact gear like mine. I actually have room left over in my OHM when carrying my 13.5 lb base-weight gear list shown here. With five days of food and all my gear the extension collar is still completely un-used and I could fit more stuff in the outside mesh pocket and side pockets if I needed to. I do carry my bear canister externally (strapped horizontally to the top of the pack) when needed (which is only for a couple weeks on the PCT in the Sierras.) The OHM can carry 35 lbs total weight no problem. The Circuit and Catalyst are both excellent packs too, but if you are carrying similar gear to mine you won’t need the extra space.

  11. Silvan Reply

    Hi Erik,
    Great gear list, really helpfull.
    Got a question regarding future plan for PCT hike. I will support a friend of mine who will be hiking thru. I want to accompany his 1st month from border Mexico to around 400 miles north. Does it get cold at night?
    Do I need to bring thermo layers for in the sleeping bag? I have a Marmot -5 Celsius.

    • @Silvan: The PCT in Southern California gets colder than you might expect, considering how warm it is during the day, but not usually below freezing. I’d guestimate night-time temps in the Spring are usually between 35-55 (Fahrenheit) depending on the elevation.

  12. HIkerboy Reply

    Mr. Black you wrote:
    They do make navigation easier if you are traveling across snow, faint trails or trails with lots of junctions and want to be able to quickly verify that you’re in the right place.

    This is probably the most important thing I have seen on your blog.This can happen any year in Oregon and Washington.This environment will test your hypothermia skills to the max.
    Bottom line is take a GPS for safety.
    Thanks!

  13. Robert g Reply

    Thanks for the heads up. I will look at your list and continue my research. And yes i am going to go super light weight and your list really helps. rg

  14. Robert g Reply

    Great list. I am in planning stage for a pct thru hike north bound in April 2018.

    I am an avid outdoorsman and Hunter but have never back packed beyond my hunting trips. Lots of questions. To start. for a thru hike what size backpack should I buy? I really doubt I will need the large one….70+ ltr?????I’m thinking a mid sized pack, 50 ltr.

    For a thru hike 2660 miles is it reasonable to pack dehydrated meals?? breakfasts and dinners. With all I have read more people pack normal every day items, poptarts, gorp, nuttella, bagals, jerkey. My thought is to take the meals instead of some of that stuff. Boiling water into the bags cuts down on dirty pots or container. plus it’s light. Will I get enough calories per day??

    • @Robert: Resupply stops are typically 5-7 days apart on the PCT so you will need a pack that can carry that much food plus all of your gear and occasionally a little extra (like a bear canister and more food in the sierras, more water in the desert, etc.) If you carry gear similar in size and weight to what is listed in this post a mid sized 50 liter pack will do.

      Dehydrated meals are expensive and you will have to pay extra to ship them since they are not available to buy in every town. Most thru-hikers buy food as they go in grocery stores and mini-marts along the way because it’s easier to adapt to changing calorie needs and tastes as you go along.You will probably burn 4,000 – 6,000 calories a day thru-hiking the PCT. Here’s an example of the type of foods I, and most thru-hikers that I know, pack: 5-Day Backpacking Meal Plan

    • Daisy Reply

      Hi Robert, I just wanted to say hello as I am planning to thru-hike NOBO April ’18 (but am from UK, so will certainly be buying food en route!).
      Let me know if you’d like to get in touch.
      Daisy

      • Daniel botteron Reply

        Hey daisy. I. Also planning a pct thru hike starting April 2018. No hiking buddy yet. What day are u planning on starting. Are u looking for a hiking buddy. Let me know see u on the trail.

        • Tony Reply

          Hey, Seems i found 2 other UK Hikers going next year. I might start earlier around late March to avoid the desert heat a little even if that means hitting the Sierra’s early with a bit of snow. I have had Cold weather training in the Army but really hot weather is not for me. I am talking from experience lol.
          My names Tony. Seeing a few Brits on the Trail would be cool but i anyone friendly would be nice to talk to. One thing i did not see mentioned here which surprised me is no foot powder. Take it from me the stuff is a god-send to stop rubbing of the feat.

      • Cat Reply

        I,too,plan to hike PCT STARTING late April. I am single 65 female. Looking forward to meeting others & maybe find hiking buddy for parts of trail.

  15. Marcel Reply

    Excellent site!

    A few of the items appear discontinued, such as the Montbell UL Thermawrap Jacket and the Jetboil Sol.

    I noticed you list a different air mattress here compared to you “personal list”. Do you avoid the lighter Neo for yourself because of it’s “noisy”?

    Why do you recommend the MSR bladder in the “extras” section instead of another Platypus?

    Why do you recommend the Suunto compass instead of the Silva compass-thermometer from your personal gear list? Is it because the declination correction makes it easier for beginners?

    Thanks

    • @Marcel: I believe the UL Thermawrap Jacket is still available from Montbell’s website so I’m not sure if it’s discontinued just yet, but it might be on the way out. They have a new line of similar jackets and vests called the “sport” now which is of course slightly heavier. The manufacturers always seem to be updating and changing their products every year or two (and not always for the better.) I have both the Neo Air and the Exped sleeping pads. They are both pretty similar. I got the Exped first and then Neo Air for my girlfriend when we camp together. No huge difference between the two that I have noticed. The crinklyness I originally noticed in the store of the Neo Air isn’t really a problem. Unfortunately the Silva compass thermometer does appear to be discontinued or at least last time I checked I couldn’t find them anywhere.

  16. becca Reply

    Also, is there good reception on the trail to even make it worth carrying a smart or iphone and charger? Can’t you just keep it in your resupply boxes that you pick up at the post office at every stop? Many people sweat by GPS systems but I can’t stand them,I prefer a good old fashion map and tail guide. Another question is, does park service or fish wild life life, or whoever maintain the trails and put up new signs and whatnot? Personally I hate it when they “improve” the trails, I’m better at finding my own way than relying on imprinted, they just confuse me because they aren’t mentioned or marked on maps or guides.

    • @Becca: There is very little cellphone reception on the trail. If you want to use the functions on your smart phone that do not require a connection it can be useful, but anything that requires a signal is pretty much useless (including GPS apps that need to download maps off the internet in realtime.) You could bounce your cellphone between towns if you want. What I do is carry my cellphone in “airplane mode” to save on battery life and use it as a camera primarily, just to have it on hand when getting into town (useful to have in town for comparing rates, making hotel reservations, find good restaurants on Yelp, etc.) The PCT is pretty well maintained just by people traveling over it. All the foot traffic keeps it well worn. Volunteers and other people also do tail maintenance from time to time. There is not a lot of signage on the PCT. A lot of times it’s just rock cairns or footprints that point the way at junctions.

  17. becca Reply

    I’ve read several lists so far and am wondering why no one carries bear spray? I live in Montana and is a nessicity here. There’s got to be bears in this trail hence the bear canisters.

    • @Becca: I do carry bear spray in Grizzly territory like where you live. In Black Bear territory I don’t. I know black bears can be dangerous too, but my experience with them has been that they are mostly cowards and run away and the bold ones are mostly just interested in stealing camp food. I guess it just boils down to how much risk you are willing to take. I know it’s a bit of a risk, but black bears don’t really scare me very much.

  18. Kurt Reply

    Eric, this is the best presentation I’ve seen. Thanks so much for this outstanding resource! Regarding sleeping pad, I noticed you put the NeoAir X-Lite on this list. Are you still using the Exped UL7? How has it been holding up? Worth the few extra ounces? Sleep comfort is a top priority for me.

    • @Kurt: I have both the Exped and the Neo Air now. They are pretty similar honestly. My Exped has developed a slow leak which I haven’t had time to investigate yet (hoping it’s in the pad and patchable and not the valve) so I’ve been using the Neo Air lately.

  19. CJ Reply

    Check out a store called Lake of the Sky Outfitters. They receive resupply packages for PCT through hikers, and run a trail angels program. There’s always PCT hikers in there – they have a back room with a computer and snacks for them. Don’t know if they’ll do what you need but worth asking! http://lakeoftheskyoutfitters.com/
    By the way, love your blog, Erik. Getting ready to do the high sierra trail from sequoia natn’l park to whitney – appreciate all your gear lists and advice. Thanks!

  20. Nick Reply

    Great blog,

    I’ll be hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail this June starting at South Lake Tahoe and need a spot to store my extra gear while I complete the hike.

    Do you know any places in South Lake Tahoe that store gear for a week? or alternatively lockers?

    Again, thanks again for putting together this resource.

  21. Dave Reply

    I have thoroughly enjoyed your website.

    My wife sees me looking at it and has commented “what about me”. In all your travels you must have met a lady or two who could provide commentary for women. Hygiene needs, clothing, etc. I would love to see a guest blog entry for women.

    Thanks
    Dave

    • @Dave: Thanks for the suggestion. I have been so caught up with other projects that I’ve been neglecting the blog lately. But when I get back into the swing of it I will see if I can get one of my female hiker friends to give some advice from a woman’s perspective.

    • Jim Reply

      Dave,

      Checkout Erin Saver at walkingwithwired.com.She has hiked all the major trails and her website is awesome. Your wife should be able to find all she needs to know there.

      JimC

    • Heidi Reply

      I’m an OB/GYN physician and backpacker; the following is an unpublished article I wrote about Backpacking Hygiene for Women….

      “Whether you are an aspiring weekend backpacker or gearing up for a long-distance trek like the Pacific Crest Trail, women face hygiene challenges that the guys don’t. I, too, am envious of the guys’ “point and shoot” ease. And men don’t have to deal with the unpredictability of menstrual periods at all. What’s a girl to do?

      Just like women fighter pilots and astronauts need different strategies than men, women backpackers do too.

      “FEMININE HYGIENE”

      Staying clean on the trail contributes to comfort and prevents irritation. Some women take along unscented “baby wipes.” Used once or twice a day to cleans face-hands-vulva-anus in that order(!) this is a convenient way to stay clean. Of course, baby wipes must be packed out with the rest of your trash and add pack weight on longer treks. Other women use a re-usable, quick-drying washcloth that can be pinned to the outside of your pack to dry during the day.

      Women need a little more water to get clean. It’s helpful to have some ability to squirt small quantities of water on your privates to rinse, especially if you’re using a bit of soap. A Sawyer squeeze filter or a SmartWater bottle with a sipping spout makes it possible to take a mini-shower. Be sure to attend to hygiene at least 200 feet from water sources.

      URINATION

      Staying well hydrated will enhance your stamina on the trail, which invariably leads to more pee breaks. When you leave the trail to empty your bladder look for a spot with bare dirt or well-decomposed duff; the irregular contour of leaves is more likely to result in splash back. Squatting to urinate tends to “Leave a Trace” on your shoes. Try crouching instead – bending your knees, flexing at the hips so your belly rests on your thighs. By changing the angle of your pelvis you can void with a satisfying arc that lands far enough behind you to prevent backsplash.

      Another technique is a pee funnel, also known as a female urination device. You hold one of these funnel-shaped devices over the vulva, and it directs the stream of urine out in front instead of down. If you ever wanted to pee like a guy, this is the way to go! There are quite a few on the market. The Complete Guide to Female Urination Devices at backpacker.com was written by a woman who field tested various options so you can choose the one best for you. While it might be more discreet to be able to pee without dropping your drawers, having to fish a device out of your pack will create a delay when the need to go is urgent.

      A tip that I got from a 60-year old end-to-ender on Vermont’s Long Trail is to keep a “pee rag” in a zip-lock bag, readily accessible to wipe dry. Instead of drip-drying after voiding, I use an old thin washcloth or a square of flannel – this makes it easier to rinse in the evening and quicker to dry overnight. This is a great help to prevent dampness and urine odor in the crotch of my shorts.

      Sanitizing your hands is nice and desirable, but remember that urine is sterile as it leaves your body (unless you have a bladder infection). You decide how much energy you want to invest in cleanliness. Pooping is another story….

      DEFECATION

      Since everyone, female and male, needs to poop in the woods, there are a myriad of resources for hygiene techniques and “leave no trace” principles outlined elsewhere. Mike Clelland’s book, Ultralight Backpacking Tips, has cartoon-illustrated and explicit-enough-to-be-useful “Pooping in the Wilderness” instructions. Our bowel movements are full of bacteria which potentially can contaminate food or water; hand hygiene is very important after defecation. Please, please, please take the extra few minutes to bury your poop well away from the trail. Nothing ruins a walk in the woods more than someone else’s crap. Soap and water (away from water sources) or alcohol-based hand sanitizers both work well.

      MENSTRUATION

      Women in our culture have an unrealistic desire to control our uncontrollable flow, pressuring ourselves to prevent detection of our periods at all times. Hopefully, as we more fully embrace the natural world during our time in the wilderness, we also embrace this aspect of our biology.

      There is a lot of folklore about the vulnerability of menstruating women in the backcountry. Some authors write about predators stalking us with the same intensity as sharks chasing blood in the ocean. Yikes, just one more thing for the novice to be afraid of! Take a breath… I searched long and hard for credible, reliable information about menstrual odors and predators.

      A National Park Service bear biologist reviewed the scientific studies and posted an article that says polar bears are interested in menstrual blood, but that black bears and grizzlies are NOT. “There is no evidence that grizzly and black bears are overly attracted to menstrual odors more than any other odor.” As if a little menstrual blood is going to overpower the odor of our rank bodies!

      As a gynecologist, I think of menstrual hygiene in the backcountry in two ways – minimizing bleeding overall AND managing menstrual flow on the trail.

      MENSTRUAL PROTECTION –

      Common sense precautions prevail in terms of reducing odors in the backcountry that could be interesting to animals. Use unscented products, choose internal protection over pads, place double zip-lock baggies inside bear-safe storage (just like food items), and pack out used sanitary protection. Some women use duct tape or even spray paint to make their baggies opaque. And realistically, you will need more soap and water, more wipes, and more hand sanitizer when you have your period.

      Use ultralight and “Leave No Trace” principals to manage your period. It is not recommended to bury or burn used sanitary protection in the backcountry. That means “pack it in – pack it out”. If you’re going to have to pack out pads or tampons, you might want to give some more eco-friendly options a try. All of these require that you get to know your vagina better. If it helps reduce the weirdness, the vagina was formed by outside skin basically folding inside. The cervix at the top of the vagina has a very tiny opening; it is impossible for “things to get lost in there.”

      First, look at non-applicator tampons which have much less packaging to carry out. O.b. brand is available at major retailers, while LOLA, Veeda and Seventh Generation brands can be found at natural foods stores and on-line.

      While natural sea sponges can be reused and will reduce bulk and weight in your pack, there are several disadvantages including messy removal and more frequent changes to wring them out. Many women find a menstrual cup (0.5 ounces!) to be the simplest method to manage their period. These re-usable cups form a seal in the vagina to capture menstrual flow for up to 12 hours at a time. With a little practice at home before your hike, you will be able to master removing the cup without spilling. On the trail, plan to empty the cup just twice a day unless your flow is very heavy. Dump the cup’s flow into a cat hole, rinse with water, and reinsert. Dirtydiaperlaundry.com is a great site for all the practical know-how for menstrual cups. While there might be VERY rare exceptions, menstrual cups do not disrupt IUD’s nor cause toxic shock.

      REDUCING MENSTRUAL FLOW

      I treat women all the time for excessively heavy periods using hormonal birth control methods; healthy women can use the same strategies to lessen or even eliminate menstrual bleeding. Talk to your GYN provider because the following methods require a prescription or insertion in a medical office.

      REDUCING MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

      The following methods sometimes result in amenorrhea – no bleeding at all – for the duration of a long trek. I strongly recommend initiating these 6 months in advance of a big trip, because most of them cause more days of bleeding during the first 3 months of use. By starting well ahead of time, there is still the option of getting a new plan if bleeding is not well controlled.

      Birth control pills – pill users can skip the “placebo” pills and continue to take the “active” pills daily until the end of a trip. While there might be irregular spotting, total flow is usually much less than it would have been. If you’re going to monkey with your birth control pills, check with your GYN provider for specific instructions.

      Levonorgestrol Implant (a.k.a Nexplanon) is inserted under the skin on the inside of the arm in less than 2 minutes in the office. Good for 3 years of birth control too, the implant may result in complete cessation of bleeding like it did for my niece during her AT thru-hike in 2016. Big win! Unfortunately, results are highly variable. With the implant 1/3 of women experience less bleeding, 1/3 experience no change, and 1/3 experience more bleeding – not something you want to discover on a long hike.

      DepoProvera – this option frequently causes cyclic bleeding to stop altogether after an initial adjustment period. This injection must be given every 3 months. For a thru-hiker there is the logistical problem of accessing an injection at the right time. Unfortunately, a common side effect is an 8-10 pound weight gain. After all the effort you’ve put in to outfit yourself with ultralight gear, it’s counter-productive at add weight back to your frame. Other women get better results with a levonorgestrol-containing IUD (Intra-Uterine Device). There are two basic models – each has its advantages and disadvantages.

      The levonorgestrol IUD (the 52 mg version – brand names Mirena or Kyleena) reduces menstrual bleeding by 85%. And one in five women has no bleeding at all after the first 3 months. Plan for many days of spotting for 2-3 months after insertion, while the uterine lining is reorganized into a thin, quiet state. After that most women have very short, very light periods. The 5-minute office insertion can be pretty uncomfortable for women who’ve never had a baby, but there are ways to make it easier.

      Skyla is Mirena’s “little sister” – The Skyla IUD is more slender, so insertion is usually easier, but it has less medicine in it (13.5 mg instead of 52 mg). What this means is that a Skyla IUD will give you “light” periods, while the Mirena/Kyleena will give you “ultralight” periods. Frequent, annoying spotting will occur for 2-3 months after insertion of a Skyla IUD, too. Both versions of levonorgestrol IUD’s usually result in lighter menstrual periods after just one month.

      Consider adding a couple of condoms to your first aid kit. Just like bug repellent can prevent Lyme disease, condoms can prevent Chlamydia. While you might find true love on the trail, you might just discover new critters!

      CONCLUSION

      Just like backpacking involves learning to use new techniques and gear to have a good hike, you, too, can learn new techniques and try new products to stay clean and comfortable in the backcountry. Happy Trails!”

  22. Jeff Reply

    Hey Erik,

    Have you had any issues with the SPOT device or the company? I’ve heard they can be a bit of a pain (especially with the service plans) and was wondering if you thought it was worth the hassle.

    Thanks,

    Jeff

    • @Jeff: I own a SPOT, but have never had occasion to use it yet. So far it has not been a hassle. I just gave them my credit card and they bill me every year for the service and I hope that if there is an emergency it will work as advertised.

  23. D Reply

    Pretty cool list to get a idea of the PCT, thank you Erik! I’ve thru hiked the AT and enjoy this list very much for my PCT preparation. I’m coming from the mountaineering side and I wonder bout the microspikes: There are lighter (proper) crampons on the market (e.g. Camp Race 280 – 10.4 oz) or a kind of semi-crampons (e.g. AustriAlpin Grödel Diagonal 3cm – 4.6 oz). What do you think of crampons and semi-crampons for use on a PCT thru hike? Are there any practical reason for microspikes (like less snow stuck, …)?

    • @D: Thanks for the info about lighter options for crampons. Most years the snow is low enough that they are not needed so I don’t have a lot of experience in this area. You probably know better than me. The main reason I got the micro-spikes was just because they are (relatively) lightweight. If there are more effective crampons available that weigh less that might be the way to go in really high snow years.

  24. Lyn Wilson Reply

    Here is something I have found to be very useful and it weighs practically nothing. I carry it everywhere my camera goes. It’s called a Clip-Shot.
    http://www.clip-shot.com

    • Lyn Wilson Reply

      They also offer a Smart Phone accessory now.(total weight for both = 35 grams )

  25. Larry G. M. Reply

    This is great stuff! Thanks for sharing Erik! I have not done much back packing. Planning on thru hiking the P.C.T. in 5 years when I retire. Been doing a lot more walking since I made the decision.

  26. Joe Reply

    Do you actually weigh your gear or rely on manufacture specs. I noticed you listed the Jetboil fuel canister weight as 3.5 oz. That is the net weight of the fuel only, but a full fuel canister (110 g.) weighs 7 oz.

    • @Joe: The 3.5 ounces listed is the weight of the canister. The weight of fuel is consumable like food and water.

  27. Stephabie Reply

    Erik this was extremely helpful I am so glad I came across this. I am a novist and this helped so so much to prepare for my first long backpacking trip ! Thank you !!

  28. david h Reply

    Thanks for getting back.I dont plan on hiking with 30 pound pack. i have a back issue. i plan on keeping the pack between 20 to 25 lbs if possible. I been reading your blogs and it looks like i can make it happen.I been doing the math on shoe replacements. i may need 8 pairs lol. I plan on utilizing every resupply point but still crunching the numbers. Im 47

  29. david h Reply

    Eric
    I appreciate your list. I am thinking of doing the Pct. I have logged in 3000 miles of hiking last year. I used my Nike Vomero 9 running shoes. They worked great. I mainly hike Mt Woodson in San Diego. I tried Trail shoes and they just dont feel as good as my Vomero’s. Any suggestions?

    • @David: The best shoes are the ones that are most comfortable for you. It sounds like you have a lot of experience with the Nikes so they might be the best choice. It is not uncommon for PCT hikers to wear running shoes.

      A couple of things to consider:

      Pack weight – If your pack on the PCT will be much heavier than what you normally carry on your training hikes it could affect the comfort level of a particular shoe. You can test how they feel by doing some shakedown hikes with a fully loaded pack (35 – 40 lbs.)

      Durability – Running shoes typically need to be replaced sooner than trail shoes (after 400-500 miles), so you may need to buy 5-6 pairs for the entire trip.

  30. Lorie Reply

    Eric,
    Thanks for the list and love having the pictures. One small comment, I believe you overcharged yourself on the Hygiene list with $12 for 1.3 oz of purell hand sanitizer.
    Thanks for all the great tips. I am getting ready to hike the MST in NC, using your lists for guidelines!

  31. Jim Reply

    Mike – Take a look at the Backcountry Navigator App by CritterMap Software. You download the maps via your home network connection for your planned trip. then the phone uses its GPS unit to pinpoint your location on the map. I have used this App on my Galaxy S3 for four years now, for all my navigation needs.

  32. Mark Baker Reply

    Awesome list and great presentation format!

  33. Chris Reply

    Hi Erik, can you explain why one would want to carry both a GPS receiver and a map book? I would think one or the other would be sufficient though I would choose a map book as they provide useful planning information. It seems the GPS would only be necessary if you went off trail.

    • @Chris: A GPS is not really necessary on well maintained and documented trails like the PCT and JMT as long as you have a good map. They do make navigation easier if you are traveling across snow, faint trails or trails with lots of junctions and want to be able to quickly verify that you’re in the right place.

  34. Willy Reply

    Hey Erik, how do you use the Sawyer Mini Filter with the Platypus bottle and drink tube? Do you cut the drink tube into two and drink directly through the filter? I currently use the MSR Miniworks filter and have been considering switching over to the Sawyer to save some weight.

  35. Mike Kowalski Reply

    Erik–my son and I will be hiking the JMT this summer. First time we are trying something like this so I appreciate all your info on each of the pages.
    Questions–(1) Do you have a GPS App on your smart phone? (2) Do you have a recommendation for such an app for an iPhone?
    Thanks

    • @Mike: I carry a dedicated GPS unit so don’t use the GPS on the phone. I’m not sure which GPS apps are best. I believe most GPS apps require an internet connection to download maps in real-time though, which will not work on the JMT because you won’t get a cell signal. You would need to download the maps of the area to your phone before starting the hike or get an app that comes with maps pre-loaded.

      • Mike Kowalski Reply

        Thanks Erik!

    • Mike – don’t bother about relying on GPS cell app. Erik is right. You will only get cell signal at Red’s Meadow. Some report AT&T at the ferry landing at Lake Edison (we by-passed).
      For what it’s worth, I use View Ranger. It’s great and you can download 1:50 maps off their desktop.
      Enjoy, it is one of the greatest hikes in the world, albeit too many people. Go late summer/early autumn.

      • Mike Kowalski Reply

        Thanks Rob. We are going around Aug 17 and plan to finish about three and a half weeks later. Neither I nor my son have ever done something like this before, but we are so looking forward to it and appreciate sites like Erik’s for all the great tips and insights.

      • Jeff Lehman Reply

        I use a GPS regularly with my SAR duties, and anymore, I don’t carry a dedicated GPS. Unless the weather is really foul. Even then, I will often just put the phone in a waterproof case. Backcountry Navigator and Locus Pro are my favorites on the Android side of things. If you turn off the radios (except the GPS), the battery will last MUCH longer. Paired with an external battery and you could go for a week or more.

  36. Doug Layne Reply

    Thanks for the tips Rob and Erik.
    I will check on Icebreaker. Didn’t
    realize there was a difference. I have
    Mountain Hardware Hoody with the 60-40.
    I would like to find a hoody for camp time.
    Its getting to be the season.

  37. A couple of alternative items worth considering:

    Ursack: Can’t use it on the PCT, because it’s not approved in Yosemite or S/KC NP’s. But there is a change.org petition (http://tinyurl.com/k5jj6sl) that may change that. If the Ursack is approved, it will save about two pounds.

    The second alternative is the DeLorme InReach, rather than the Spot Messenger. The InReach is a satellite text messenger, in addition to an emergency beacon. I’ve used it on the JMT to stay in touch with my resupplier for weather updates and lost item replacement.

  38. David Reply

    Erik: TY! I’m 63 and returning to backpacking after about 43 years away. I appreciate in your counsel the balance with weight and utility. Also, identifying products that you have found to be good. I’m starting back with a couple weekend hikes on the AT. In Sept my plan is to hike the AT through Shenandoah National Park. Anything in your future for hiking / writing about the AT? Blessings, david

  39. Kristina Reply

    WOW!!! This is awesome!! I like all the pics and the list with prices! Best I have seen so far! Very helpful!

  40. Nahum Reply

    Erik, what do you do for rain protection in areas where u don’t carry rain pants?

    • @Nahum: I always carry a rain jacket, but only carry rain pants in areas where it rains frequently. Outside of Oregon and Washington the PCT doesn’t get much precipitation. When it does rain occasionally I hike with wet legs, which can be annoying, but is generally not dangerous. The most important thing is to keep your torso warm and dry, because that’s where the vital organs are.

  41. Doug Layne Reply

    I can not wear any wool, of any kind. Tried a 60% merino/40% poly still didn’t work. Do you still recommend the Terramar brand stuff you had in a previous gear list? Great list though. I feel good at about 11-12 lbs depending on weather conditions.
    Keep up the work and information that you provide.

    • Doug – re wool – is this a ‘medical’ issue (prickly heat etc) or just you don’t like the feel?

      Look at pure 100 percent merino – 150 weight and make sure it is New Zealand (I would say that being a Kiwi)!! Some of the “so called” merino wool used in Asian made gear is second rate.
      Our NZ company, Icebreaker distribute in USA

      There are may weights – I swear by 150 for t-shirt or half zip. I go up in weight for camp wear.

    • @Doug: I still like a silk base layer for the summer months, but have started switching to wool in the spring and fall because it’s a little warmer. If you are allergic to wool another option is synthetic fabrics (like capilene.) Synthetics aren’t quite as good as natural fabrics, but some of them are pretty close.

  42. Doc Rudy Reply

    Eric,
    Great presentation. In answer to Eric, I used Frogg Toggs for my 2000 PCT thruhike and they work very well. Got a little shredded, but duct tape patched them.

  43. Bill Reply

    Eric

    Do you have any thoughts on Frog togg stuff for the rain?

  44. Jeff Ast Reply

    Hi Erik!

    Just curious if this list includes items for resupply along the trail, or if you carry the extra socks, shoes, and fuel canister to avoid resupply trips. Seems like a lot to carry. Thanks for your great Blog!

    • @Jeff: No you wouldn’t want to carry all the extra stuff because that would be too heavy. Some of the more common items can be bought in towns as you go. Others (like shoes and socks) should be shipped to specific points along the way. The easiest way to do this is to have a person back home who will mail stuff out to you as you need it. Another thing you can do to have access to smaller items is to put them in a bounce box (a box that you keep mailing forward from one post office to the next.)

  45. Lloyd Brodniak Reply

    Great list! Thanks for the good advise. Santa was nice to me this year and got me many of the items you recommend. My pack is now 3 pounds lighter.

  46. Patrick Reply

    Erik,

    How many layover days do you recommend for PCT thru-hike. I know it depends on a lot of things but just trying to get a bead. I’ve heard some say hike 6, rest 1 then others say layover at every resupply. Appreciate your opinion above most others so hoping to hear from you.

    On a similar note and with the legion of Cheryl Stray inspired trekkers in mind, there’s a nifty site called http://www.pctplanner.com/plan that’s interesting.

    Keep up the good work!

    Patrick Morgan

    • @Patrick: I am a fan of spending one night in trail towns about once a week (if they have a good hotel available), but getting back on the trail within 24 hours. If a resupply stop is just a little outpost with no good accommodations, I’ll just pick up my box, eat some food and head back out. Zero days (days with no miles at all) are a nice occasional treat, but they usually come sandwiched in between two half days (so that one zero day ends up taking a full 48 hours off the trail.) That can get expensive and time consuming, so I might only take a full zero day once a month.

  47. Hi Erik – I agree with Andy’s comments re Zpacks gear. You could ditch a couple of KGs easy in your pack, tent, bag and shoes and still be comfortable and safe. Personal preference, I guess.
    Having said that, this is a great presentation and very thorough.
    Checkout my list at http://www.lightweightrob.com
    Cheers Rob
    PS: Used your map book for JMT a few years ago – totally recommended.

    • @Rob & Andy: I agree with you guys. This pack list could be a couple pounds lighter if you want. This is a pretty conservative list.

  48. Cubby Reply

    Do you carry spare batteries for the GPS/Headlamp? I assume you recharge the Kindle/Camera/Smartphone from the solar charger.

  49. Phil Donahue Reply

    Great list. If you use the BV500 do you change packs. I don’t think the Ohm will accommodate a bear canister but I could be wrong.

    • @Phil: I’m not sure if a bear canister will fit inside the OHM, but what I do with my CDT is strap it horizontally on top. I like this way even better than carrying it inside because the hard canister doesn’t poke you in the back. Subtracting food from inside the pack may leave a void that needs to be filled. What I like to do then is take my shelter or sleeping bag out of the stuff sack and let it unfurl in the top of the pack to fill up any unused space and create a soft cushion for the bear canister to ride on.

    • Joel Reply

      I own the Ohm 2.0 and carried a bear can (Garcia 614ci, 8.8″ diameter) through the High Sierras for a short trip last fall.

      You can fit it in the pack but it presses into your back. I ended up using extra clothes to add some padding which definitely helped.

      So though it can be done I think most people would prefer a larger pack such as the Circuit or Catalyst for bear cans.

  50. andy Reply

    A very good and organized list.
    I have a few suggestions to be 2 pounds lighter and a little more expensive:
    1 Z pack has makes a comfortable Cuben pack weighing less than 1 pound and one with bracing a little over a pound.
    2 Zpack also has Cuben tents weighting a little more than a pound.
    3 Gossamer Gear has carbon fiber poles weighting 5 oz.
    I do not use a stove and I use a polyester T shirt for a towel. I use a sponge to wash myself in cold water.

  51. Nahum Felman Reply

    Erik, this is an outstanding way of presenting the information. So helpful, love the picture and caption structure rather than just a s simple list. Thanks

  52. Justin Butler Reply

    Did you update your gear list? Any particular reason why?

    • @Justin: My personal gear list has not changed much. But some of the stuff I carry isn’t necessarily the best choice for everybody. This is a modified version of my gear list that I feel better about recommending to a wider variety of hikers, including people who are brand new to long distance backpacking. I’ve included a little larger backpack and a more traditional style of shelter in this list to make it more appealing to beginners, but most of the rest is the same.