PCT Thru-Hike Gear List (FINAL)

[@ryanpharr]

Thanks Snuggles for keeping the content coming while Darwin is hiking!

[@snugglesonthetrail4620]

Totally!

[@backwoodslyss1962]

Snuggles is da real MVP.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Oh, I do try!

[@stevenj6070]

Really enjoy your commentary Darwin. I really appreciate the gear segments. My wife, not so much. I spend too much money. Cheers, and hike on.

[@gabewaite7984]

dude your videos or invaluable. I'm 20 and hardly done any hiking apart from a 2 night D of E expedition. I want to hike the Pennine Trail (i'm in the UK) and this video is super super helpful. thanks!

[@ndubstar]

With inflable equipment i would always bring a small roll of 1 inch gorilla duct tape. Stops leaks.

[@backpacker3421]

I think you're going to love the UltraPod. I like strapping my to my pole and using it as a monopod or even to get low-to-the-ground shots.

[@nick_401]

All the best to you on the PCT! That's something I wanna do too when I get out of the military. I'm excited for the weekly vids!

[@themanchann5138]

Don't use the ruck bro! Trust me...

[@robertcombs8664]

Hi Darwin. I just wanted to thank you for your invaluable advice while I prepare for my 2023 PCT Thru Hike. With so MANY things to consider it's nice to keep moving forward on the list of things to do before I go. Your video's and reviews have helped a lot both logistically and motivationally! Cheers on your Hike! - Rob

[@narrow_is_the_way6170]

It was nice running into you at mile 257 and sharing some TM.

[@jonowev]

Hey man, thanks for linking all the gear in the description. Really Helpful.

[@josephsaulus7114]

good luck on hike will be looking forward of updates when your on the trail. hope you have a great safe hike

[@ChrisSchieritz]

Always super jealous of any U.S camera channel, there are so many epic places to film at whereas i'm stuck in puny Scotland where everything looks the same haha keep up the awesome work man!

[@patadedog]

Sounds crazy. Keep us updated and good luck.

[@30-06]

Duct tape on trekking pole is a great idea. I had my supply of small roll of duct tape, whatever duct tape...and I started using t-Rex or gorilla duct tapes. Those provide the strongest adhesion and also work well to feed fire if needed.

[@scottramsay335]

If your sleeping pad's already well-worn & was leaking before step one, you may have wanted to just get a new one. Of course, if it fails it won't kill you on spring nights in SoCal. Best of luck, brother!

[@laurengoldrick3482]

I'm loving all these PCT videos keep em up!!!!! Can't wait to see all your pictures on Instagram, and more videos!

[@Johann-4354]

This makes me feel good about my lowtec longtrail pack. Everything is 13#'s. Looking forward to your trail walk. The first 700 miles were my favorite.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Great video! I am planning to do the Koolau Summit Trail traverse here in O’ahu, Hawaii, and I will use many of the gear you suggested, because they work well in this sub tropical environment too! Happy Trails!

[@andrewj6231]

I'm so excited for your journey Darwin. I love what you're doing and the way you're doing it ... inspiring man.

[@b-nize9751]

You are Awesome bro. I have been watching your videos and I really love them:) it makes me appreciate nature’s beauty a lot more now:) I’m camping more and doing more outdoors with my little son and wife:) keep up the good life

Glad to see other people using the brs stove, I’ve always loved them

[@STEVENANDYJOHNS]

Thank you very much for posting this. It helped me a lot for an upcoming hike in 3 weeks. I appreciate it.

[@rudyrodriguez2205]

I've always been confused about how to feed myself on these crazy long hikes. I always assumed only rich people could afford to do something like this. But now I think I might be able to learn to do this. I never tried a long hike like this because of feeding challenges.

[@gregorydcashman1556]

thanks i'm thinking of going superlight

[@linzyweber7247]

So excited to experience this hike vicariously through your posts! Thanks for sharing!

[@enlightenedlotus336]

Gettin pretty stoked starting my thru hike in 3 days

[@miaharte9885]

EnlightenedLotus Nice! For the PCT?

[@snugglesonthetrail4620]

Good luck!

[@deeznutz2646]

EnlightenedLotus Cool! About $1k a day? Just trying to gage my next new hike.

[@holopeve]

did you live

[@SomewhereOutside]

Good gear video, didn't feel like you were trying to sell me anything as other comments have stated. Always nice to compare gear and see what might work for you so thanks for sharing and happy trails brother!

[@joanrusche6918]

Darwin, would you mind posting a video of Snuggles’ pack list? As a female, I have tried to narrow my pack list down to your items, and find I missing a few creature comfort‘s. I am interested to know what Snuggles packs.

[@DatRaccoon1215]

And bikini shot! Joking 🤣

[@williamburton307]

Excited for you, and looking forward to seeing your trail videos!

[@steveducell2158]

Cost of equipment is one consideration..... AFTER the hike, one can sell the Pack, Shelter for almost 1/2 to 3/4 of its original price on ebay. If you look on ebay sometime between November through February, you will see a number of Z Packs items up for sale.

[@dannycurtis2591]

WOW! Nice vid'! Just started following you, but have watched many of your gear reviews and progress videos. Unfortunately, I've gotten too out of shape, too old(61)to get BACK in shape, and too unhealthy(diabetes, prone to foot injuries)to under take such an adventure. So, I will be living out this way too rusty bucket list trek vicariously through your posts. Good luck from North Alabama!!!✌*Gonna try out those shoes, tho'. May be just what these "numb" feet need!!👟👟

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Hike on! Looking forward to seeing the trip! Thanks for sharing!

[@donovanroberts6219]

Hope you're able to relax in manning park when you're finished your hike in Canada!

[@daveybernard1056]

Bear canister is "must have" for Sierras. When rangers catch you w/o one, remember to enjoy the fine and being escorted out.

[@KupoKaachan]

A dreamy backpack and gear list. I wish you would have included food tho! That takes up a lot of space

[@porkbap55]

Safe travels darwin and have a blast atb matt uk

[@WeLearnMore]

Best wishes! Thanks for sharing your experience with gear (and a lot of other things).

[@southernrockiesselfreliance]

Love the concept of being as light as possible but still saying "#$&k it!". If I want it with me, I'll sacrifice the weight. Creature comforts (no matter how small) can go a long way.

[@floesh-408]

Hi from Holland, great gear and looking forward to your trail videos!

[@cammd25]

Revisiting your list after seeing your hike all the way through, I think it's pretty hilarious that you basically never needed your rain gear. That seems like almost a miracle...

[@jvalette2764]

I've been looking for such a water bladder for a long time, thanks !

[@greenfeetoutdoors2779]

Darwin, thanks for video, I always find them informative and fun. I'll be following. Take care.

[@jae.m.luna2023]

Thanks for the video! Looking forward to seeing your hike. Safe travels

[@17sepp17]

I've seen some of your videos now. And I think you leave out important specs about your reviewing products. Like weight/ names and such, so I know what to search for if iwant to buy it 🤗 Love the channel. Just a Friendly advice.

[@Gotanycheeze]

Great channel and awesome job on the gear choices!

[@melvinhowell5469]

Good luck out there, brother! Enjoy!

[@debsmith7050]

Glad trail life is good so far :) I'm with you

[@VTK72]

Have fun on the trail 🤗🤗

[@KarlMiller-DjKarl]

Hey cool... I am wanting to do some hiking... Need to hike some beginner trails first ... ☮🔥

[@GuacamoleKun]

Very well done and informative list video, thank you! I also have an old special beanie. Gotta have it!

[@GustoStCool]

"Pants suck!" used to be my motto. Now, I'm not allowed at the mall anymore.

[@c0r0y]

Why do so many hikers wear no pants? I mean there are pretty light pants out there. Pants have better protection from the sun, thorns, rocks etc. But maybe it's just me because I usually hike on trails with thick bushes and less trail. Without pants my legs would be scratched up after 100m. :D

[@boulder89984]

c0r0y - I'm with you. We went for a two nighter and a 65 year old man wore tights and shorts the whole time. It was 35 at night and 60 in the day. No way I could do that. Have worn Kuhl pants for years and could not imagine wearing anything else.

[@yung_lemon6314]

Gusto St. Cool 😎

[@skiaddict08]

Tights>pants.....what???

[@YJ-7]

@@skiaddict08 for me it all depends on what trail I'm doing . But one things for sure , whenever I wear tights I wear shorts and the tights are never too tight like some people wear . I mean HOW !?. I mostly use pants to be honest . I like the Patagonia quandary because they're two in one, stretchy , water resistant and pretty durable .

[@raimundb.5560]

Many thanks for videos and greetings from Germany.

[@Ranger24]

Hallo von den Bergen

[@moderntentcamping]

Enjoyed your videos - good suggestions organized into a short time.

[@michaelb1761]

Good luck! Maybe I'll see you in norcal.

[@jacobbatrano]

Great video!! You are Jared Letos Doppelgänger

[@txhypnotist]

Good Value Sir. Passing it on to others.

[@creynolds9273]

Love your gear videos, would like more info on the water holder on the right shoulder maybe a link to the guy who made it. Enjoy the Sierras!

[@Seqhael]

My bag weighs double and to be honest, I forget my bag is on my back most days. Ultralight is great, but I hope people dont feel like they HAVE to have this ultralight stuff to hike the pct. 10-15% of your bodyweight is a good rule to follow and still be comfortable as anyone.

[@TheMrVengeance]

Well to be fair, the weight he gives at the end of the video is w/o food and no filled bottles. Add those in and you're probably at 10-15% bodyweight.

[@redshell4u195]

You'll need an ultra lite fire extinguisher next time 😅

[@michaelrowe3421]

let me know your crossing the feather river. how you deal with the raddlesnakes.I cleared the path 15 years ago. It hadnt been cleared in 100 years.

[@EricVentures]

Great vid Darwin! I need to take the leap forward and commit to a thru hike! Soon enough I will.

[@nunes808HI]

Your an inspiration. Thank you for being you.

[@Reese842]

Can't wait to view your adventure!

[@mmathews7724]

Amazing video like all the rest. Darwin, I'm far from a pro like yourself but working my way up to do my first thru hike. I live near the Appalachian trail so do all my hiking off that terrain. I'm wondering your thoughts on rain pants. I typically will do 1 to 2 nights hike trips usually just overnighters and want to know if I should get some lightweight rain pants. I'm also getting into bike camping a lot more.

[@punkhiker389]

Good luck , a great pack weight i am impressed .

[@anthonyhodge8642]

Enjoy your journey!

[@davidmcmahan7534]

This may be a rookie question what about lifestraws no one seems to mention them

[@felixantoinetremblay]

Just drop pills in it.

[@hikerJohn]

When I saw the thumbnail on KZbin I thought I was looking at my pack, same brand, same color and even the Z-pad is the same. LOL

[@KruzerOak]

Have a great hike!

[@Hangs4Fun]

Was curious why you have your water filter in your food bag? I keep mine on the outside close to my Smart Water, so I dont have to open my bag up when topping up at the next water source. Only exception is if it is freezing out, then I keep them where I can keep it above freezing

[@ZaneTaylorMusic]

Looks like the rain jacket could use some pockets there? :P

[@jamesbadham228]

Where does a bear canister go in that pack. Horizontally on top under the flap or vertically inside on top of your tent and quilt?

[@alexhonken]

probably strapped up top. arc blast has a lot of internal volume but it looks like he packs it pretty full. can't tell from the video but it looks like he has a Y strap on top, good for attaching things externally.

[@shadowmatrix0101]

So...I've never hiked in my entire life, but I find it extremely fascinating to watch videos of all the things you need to do it. My main questions are how do you even begin your trip in the first place? If you're hiking from Mexico to Canada, do you drive your car down to Mexico and then take a plane once you get to Canada back to Mexico to pick up your car? How long does it take to hike all the way from Mexico to Canada? Do you just take off a month from your job to do this or how would you manage to do this? Thanks for any answers! Really curious.

[@505fastlife6]

It takes 5 to 6 months to finish a trail like that.

[@Canadianslinger]

Just drooling over your gear man, unfortunately way out of my budget. Beautiful kit have a good hike

[@17sepp17]

This video you mention so much lovely information/ knowledge! 👍

[@jimio8712]

Im going to get a lot of that gear! Great job.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Hi, what about a liner for the quilt?

[@pierre-yvesjobidon6704]

Hi Darwin, nice videos, I want more infos about the water bottle pouch you put on your shoulder strap please

[@glazehikes853]

I bought 2 of these on Etsy from the guy who made these- his Etsy shop is JustinsUL . They go in and out of stock so check back frequently if you don’t see them right away. Once ordered, they were produced and shipped super fast. Good luck and Happy Trails. Hope this helps

[@pierre-yvesjobidon6704]

Bill Glazer thanks!

[@rc2276]

Have a great trip!!

[@christopher_martin]

i personally would not step into the woods without a good fixed blade knife... a ferro rod....steel waterbottle and/or pot

[@zakkwallis5239]

christopher martin i always wonder, why carry a ferro rod when you can just have a bic lighter in a plastic bag...?

[@christopher_martin]

bic lighter can still get wet....run out of fluid....break dont get me wrong i would also carry a bic lighter but if i could only have one or the other it would certainly be a ferro rod

[@zakkwallis5239]

christopher martin why would you be in a situation where you could only have one or the other? The reason his pack is so light is because he doesn't pack things based on irrational fears. Bushwacking? Ferro away. But thru hiking an established trail? Leave the ferro rod and machete at home...

[@christopher_martin]

dude i dont carry a machette and i dont walk trails. my post said when i step into the woods. and by the way do you know how many people get lost and disappear on trails...if you dont wanna carry 1 no problem its not too much extra weight for me for a lil added security but do your thing

[@zakkwallis5239]

christopher martin i never said dont bring a map and compass. :b i dont know. Hike your own hike! Sorry i came off rude twas a rough day.

[@luzblumensaadt3554]

My UL GEAR LIST: 1. PACK->Osprey EXOS 58 pack & 3 L. Camelbak hydration bladder & hose (mil. grade) 2. TENT-> Moment DW solo tent (soon to be Notch Li Dyneema tent) 3. same Thermarest sit pad as above but only 1/2 of the one shown above 4 SLEEP SYSTEM->Western Mountaineering overstuffed 20 F. down bag 5. -> REI FLASH Insulated 3 season air mattress (15 oz.) & Sea to Summit inflator bag/dry bag 6. COOK SYSTEM-> Brunton CRUX canister-top stove & 3 leg canister support & medium size canister 7. ->Open Country 3 cup anodized aluminum pot & aluminum pot lifter 8. ->long handle Lexan spoon, plastic measuring/drinking cup, cut down Ziploc fridge bowl, small (2" folded) Gerber lock blade knife, magnesium fire sparker, tiny 3M scratch pad 9. down sweater or vest (Depends on weather expected. May be both if really cold weather expected.) 10. REI Kimtah eVent rain parka 11. Duluth Trading Dry-on-the-Fly polyester cargo pants 12. two polyester T shirts (one for sleeping) 13. light fleece balaclava (mainly for sleeping but also for cold mornings) 14. Katadyn chlorine dioxide tabs & Steripen H2O purifier 15. small 1st Aid kit, toilet kit, potty kit (TP & hand sanitizer) 16. Merrill Moab low trail shoes or Moab Mid GTX boots, depending on expected weather & temps W/SOLE moldable insoles 17. carbon fiber hiking poles - sometimes BD, sometimes Leki 18. OLYMPUS TG4 waterproof camera one SD card for stills, one for videos 19. wide brimmed polyester hat 20. mosquito head net 21. map, compass, GPS 22. SPOT Gen 3 rescue beacon 24. long sleeve polyester button shirt/wind shirt 25. MECHANIX synthetic gloves 26. light polyester long john bottoms (sleeping) I've come a long way from my 7 1/2 pound Dana Designs Terraplane backpack!

[@barbarasammut6786]

Why do you use bottles instead of a bladder?

[@xaninator]

My tent weighs as much as your whole base weight haha. It is also a 4p tent so I really only have to carry 1/2-1/3 of the weight since I don't go solo.

[@rkf2746]

Enjoyed the video. Would you mind speaking to why you chose your pack, vs for example, a Gregory or Osprey? Thanks!

[@BasaltGearcom]

Super helpful video. Thank you!

[@snipper1ie]

I thought I was well stripped down at 10Kgs for my Caminoing. This Kuban fibre stuff really cuts down the weight

[@benlzicar7628]

Yay... you got the ultrapod!!!

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

How do you get everything to fit in the blast! I have the haul and have very similar amount of gear to you and most of it is idential! My tent (it is the triplex, but thats only marginally bigger than the duplex) has to be attached externally to my pack as there just isnt room inside. Can you show a packing video?

[@clew072000]

How often do you change clothes on hikes ?? And how often do you wash clothes on thru hikes

[@GrizzleGear]

I've heard a LOT about the Vertice wetting out. I was about to order, and am now considering either a Montbell Versalite or a marmot bantamweight instead. How'd the Vertice do?

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@timothyeubanks32100]

Good luck man. As a personal rule, I will never backpack any place that dictates by law what gear I have to carry. Which just means I have to plan trips to those areas during colder months, or only day hike in other areas.

[@timothyeubanks32100]

Supertramp Goes Wild I live in Texas and I'm well accustomed to packing out all my water on trips. That is out of necessity, not some law requiring what I carry and where. There is no park ranger looking to fine me $$ and force me out of the park if I don't carry a specific item.

[@rudysal1429]

Sweet, hopefully not too many people from other states visit as there are enough people trying to use that land already. It is to prevent bears from being accustomed to scavenging food from humans and making them comfortable with humans. Would have to kill or remove them.

[@timothyeubanks32100]

Rudy Sal 14 again, a lack of personal responsibility. I know what the laws were designed to do. The problem is they don't work very well. People still find loopholes in the law. For example, a lot of pct thru-hikers carry the smallest bear canister possible and still don't practice the rules in regards to animal safety. I would propose other measures that would allow for more responsible people and better education for which the laws are enforced. Similar to a concealed carry permit, do a back country permit to allow for a person to stay in the backcountry overnight. People simple read "you must carry a bear canister" and they buy whatever not knowing why or being trained in proper leave no trace practices. CCL calls for a weekend class at least. Do the same with a back country permit. Weekend class teaching people the reasons for the regulations, to protect the habitat and wildlife. To protect yourself as well from predation. As well as to thwart simple minded fools simply buying a bear can, then going out without any knowledge on leave no trace, or animal and habitat preservation and safety. They simply buy a bear can, then proceed to leave trash everywhere, chop down trees, create issues within the ecosystems, just to party it up for one night out in the woods with their friends. If you really are serious about sustaining the flora and fauna within the national parks and want to enjoy them and keep them as they are to the best of your abilities, you will gladly obtain a backcountry permit for national and state parks, pay the fee, and take the class. These fees can be put right back into the parks as well. Trail maintenance, search and rescue, rangers, free maps of the area... If you just want to go out there and camp without any care in preservation, personal safety and responsibility, and party it up while wrecking the place. You probably aren't going to take the time required to obtain a permit. If you don't have a backcountry permit, you risk a hefty fine. not only does this allow for people who are serious in enjoying the national parks and preserving them as they are, it thwarts the once a year weekenders who do their best in destroying the places we real hikers, campers, and hunters love and enjoy and wish to protect. The bear canister laws are the lazy ass way out. Simple as that. No real backcountry lover needs lessons on proper leave no trace, flora and fauna protection, and personal responsibility practices within the back country. We are the ones who donate the most, protect the most, and overall care the most about preserving these lands and habitats. A bear canister law hardly does anything to thwart the fools and protect our national parks. Its a slap in the face to people who actually care and know what to do to protect these places for ourselves and others. To require we carry certain gear we don't need in order to protect the places we love from imbeciles It's bullshit and it doesn't work. Simple as that.

[@rudysal1429]

Tim Eubanks I agree that more education is needed in order for people who want to partake in such endeavors. I don't disagree that it seems a lot of pct hikers get small canisters and leave plenty of food outside of it. The CCL stuff I don't have to much experience due to not having a need for a gun. I don't hunt, but do want to try one day for respecting animals for food. I am also not scared of others or live in a dangerous place to justify the expense. CCL training has some benefits but from what I've read, still lacks the amount of training needed for a weapon of great potential. I'm not here talking about that besides I don't approve of federal attempts to force CCL for all states, states rights. We definitely need more education is the moral of the story

[@timothyeubanks32100]

Rudy Sal 14 define what a "weapon of great potential" is exactly.

[@casualpreparedness2347]

Nice gear list, thanks for the links too. Good luck on your trek.

[@cammiemck634]

What kind of crampons that are any good can you wear in those shoes and not boots?

[@ianmcmanners6357]

Did anyone else notice he tried to put his hands in the rain jacket pockets and they didn’t have any

[@user-id6pz8gy2p]

and this matters?

[@julialeslie9213]

that's some extreme trivia right there

[@michaelfirneno6686]

Good luck b safe,happy trails,peace

[@danleib9120]

Great video! Really well done. I like the pack weight! How did you deal with bear canister in Sierra's? Did you have to modify pack with additional straps, etc. Great job and very inspiring.

[@Jerry10939]

That is a light pack. I was in the army and we never went to the field with less than a 35lb rucksack Not including sleeping gear what we called a tankers roll. which had a shelter half tent poles and pegs and an extreme cold weather sleeping bag and air mattress, if issued an air mattress . all stuffed into a wet weather bag. and strapped to the ruck. Carrying a little extra weight doesn't bother me, and I don't carry what I don't need.

[@yung_lemon6314]

How do you wash your clothes/self?

[@pspicer777]

12 lbs 5 oz. Blahhh ..!!. My backpack weighs that much. Great video (like all of your reviews) - thanks.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Very Informative ,, but need a written list .. Thanks