Final Gear List for Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike 2023

This is the final complete list of gear I'll be taking for my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in 2023
I realize these are not the cheapest items, personally just chose to invest heavily since I'll be hiking for 2,500 miles gear is always subjective, but this is just what has worked well for me!
#pct #thruhiking #hikinggear
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Big Three
3:07 - Food Storage
3:43 - Water Filter
4:04 - Cook Set/Cold Soak
5:09 - Clothing
10:30 - Misc
11:41 - Electronics
12:55 - Toiletries
13:25 - Outro
Let me know if you are looking for something specific gear wise in the video, and I will send the link!

[@richardskypala700]

Hi, I just want to ask how often you will be uploading videos, If they will be daily vlogs or weekly... Sorry for my English😁😛

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Hey Richard! Your English is good! I will most likely be uploading when I get to resupply points so every 3 or 4 days and it will be showing my progress made so far. Then when I get back I’m going to make more refined edits with my canon camera footage!

[@jasonleavitt7193]

Great informative video, much appreciated

[@Wanderandhike]

Those waterproof socks are going to be your best investment 😂

[@wio2189]

Thanks for the video. I would do the following adjustments; -learn about and bring a vapor barrier liner (like the SOL emergency bivy). If it's that cold, dealing with moisture is the real challenge. Also a VBL is lighter and way warmer than a bag liner. Also, if your down gets wet because of a river crossing (it better not!) a VBL will keep you alive unlike a bag liner. -bring better sunglasses. You will be travelling for hundreds of miles on snow. Polarization is great but it also matters how much light they block. There's a reason glacier glasses exist. Don't risk permanent eye damage (happened before on the PCT). I would personally bring a second pair just in case you break or drop one. -forget about carrying all your food in the bear canister. You might be out there for 10+ days in the Sierra. It's not happening. In a regular year it isn't happening and up to three days of food is stored outside the bear can. Also don't bring the Ursack, they're too heavy and critters aren't a real concern on the PCT (except Hauser creek and sometimes a bit of WA - deal with it). Sleep with your food inside a food bag (get one) inside the pack liner inside your backpack. -bring a full lenght CCF pad, like the 1/8 inch from Gossamer Gear or Mountain Laurel Designs. This will add some R value bot most importantly keep you alive if you aren't able to fix a pad leak. Use it as a sit pad folded up and drop the designated sit pad. -pay the $40 for a Toaks titanium pot that weighs half of the Stanley and does the same. -mod the Ice Axe (and yes, learn how to use it). -bring a bit of wire in case the microspikes break. -It's extremely unlikely you will ever hike with the puffy. Good idea to bring a good fleece. Puffy is for static warmth like sleep and emergencies. -solar panel might be worth it this year. Attach Velcro to its backside and the NB10000 so you can charge easily. -Don't skimp on replacing shoes. An overuse injury is always more expensive than that one additional pair it takes to change them out every 400miles. -Poncho is useful as a ground sheet and can serve (to a degree) as a vapor barrier liner. If you skip a VBL, remember this. Overall, the PCT is WINDY and ponchos don't deal well with wind. You need something to block the wind from your body. Consider an EE Copperfield or Montbell wind jacket if you really want to bring the poncho. My choice was the Montbell Versalite rain jacket for both functions and I was very happy with it. Hope this helps & happy trails!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thank you for all this information! I can’t wait to get started :)

[@pilgrimtiger2023]

Thanks Jack.

[@cynthiajack3279]

Well I’m super late with my comment but just wanted to say I can see how much thought you put into your gear and in reading thru the comments there are many helpful suggestions😊

[@MJG70]

Makes sense to spend the $ on gear that will keep you safe, happy and warm. Always worth it!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Couldn’t agree more Martyn!

[@katemacintyre8379]

I suggest getting a leash for your ice axe. Also, that bug net will be useful well before Oregon. Lots of super buggy areas that no one tells you about. The mosquitoes in the Sierra were ridiculously big and annoying. Enjoy your adventure! -Baloo c/o 2017 🐻

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Good suggestion Kate, heard the mosquitoes are especially bad in high snow pack years. Congrats on doing it yourself I’m sure you’ll never forget it!

[@katemacintyre8379]

@@HitTheTrailJack I’m technically not quite done and will be picking up from where I left off at in early July. Hope to see you out there!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@katemacintyre8379 oh sweet! Yeah I hope to see you out there too, can't wait to make some new friends on trail!

[@Cheezecube101]

Trash bag jacket is 🔥🔥🔥

[@blueboats7530]

This year you are really going to need crampons. Even last year I can point to hikers' vlogs where they had only micro-spikes and then had to turn around to go back to town and pay top price and lose a day. Though it was highly variable last year, it will be much more consistent this year. In particular you will want to have them on board for the San Jacinto range.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah I’ll have them on hand. Especially with how San Jacinto peak looks this year

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Great gear list! I’ve experimented with a couple of solar panels and the one I’ve settled on is well worth the weight though I constantly keep getting told to leave it behind 😅 but it’s coming! ☀️ Ash

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Which one did you get? Mine works but the charge is mediocre at best

[@greifi7283]

Great gear list, I am very curious to see how the solar panel works out. Looking forward to your vlogs! 😃

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I am as well! It seems to do well when the phone is in airplane mode but we will see! Thanks for following along 🙏🏼

[@GenX_outdoors]

Looks great. Best of luck. Curious what sleeping bag liner you ordered?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

much appreciated Lee! I ended up getting this one mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/mountain-quilt-bag-liner/ seemed like a smaller company and I usually end up loving small companies gear, but I will report back in on how it actually performs!

[@jeffdidier3737]

Thanks for posting Jack. Whats the first aid look like: basic, anything special? Good luck and enjoy your time out there!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Appreciate you watching and your support Jeff! I haven't really decided on that as of yet. I might bring some basic bandages and things for the Sierras, but usually I am good with just medical tape and some Tylenol

[@heartattackhiker3527]

I would use the crown 60 in the Sierra's. You'll need the extra space,. Happy trails 😊

[@HitTheTrailJack]

The zpacks made it successfully and I starved using a BV 450 😂

[@heartattackhiker3527]

@@HitTheTrailJack good deal, I split the seams o my f zpacks Nero the last time I hiked in the Sierra's. I did not starve bv550

[@JaredHikes]

I love the Sierras. Though i doubt you'll need a pad with an r value over 5 unless you're hiking it in the winter. Maybe check out Klymit Static, probably smaller and cheaper. But I'm no expert. Best of luck, I'm totally jealous.

[@Jan.harvey]

SUB POP- I knew Jonathan Poneman years ago! Have fun out there!!! And just curious if you'd ever think about trying Injinjis- I think they're great even though I've heard they wear out fairly quickly.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

An old colleague of mine got me this hat and the Kurt diaries in Seattle now it’s my lucky hiking hat. Never tried the Injinijs I’ve just been stuck on darn tough. We had them in the military too I just can’t find anything wrong with em!

[@nedanother9382]

wow that seems a heavy load out - the BV450 won't be enough for the sierra. Theres a couple of stretches that in the best of weather you can't get enough food in to make the 6 or 7 days required. I have a double doctoral degree in packing `the BV's...I use them on every trip for 10 years now. Unless you fill it with dried beans and pretend you're escaping from a prison camp and live on that and water, you pretty much have to go bigger. That said the new tweener size might get you to 7 days if your careful. I repackage everything and spend an inordinate amount of time playing the food game - still haven't got it right. I'll give you one tip to rule them all - weight is absolutely everything in the sierra - there is no such thing as "I'd rather be comfortable and carry the weight than light weight and cold" its a myth. You will get wet, you will NOT stay dry, but you can still be warm. Thats a good mindset to not over pack. If you pack heavy there will only be misery there won't be a payoff. Pack what you need but it should result in about 25 lbs max ALL IN. including food bear can and a liter of water. Its possible, I do it all the time. Then you can walk all day up there. Your not going to freeze. It'll be clear and sunny (hot) most of the time. You'll be under a quilt during the coldest time - you will not be sitting around a campfire because you probably won't make it to dark before falling asleep. Finally - maybe next month will change but be prepared for a lot of rain from day one - it doesn't seem like its ever gonna stop (I'm in San Diego) take bread bags to cover your hands (they work like your poncho - very warm) they are also useful to cover pack pockets and come with free bread. Think staying warm vs staying dry - it ain't happnin. Best of luck. If I can help with any logistics - pickup drop off whatever my email is listed. Cheers.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Really appreciate all these tips Neda! Yeah I guess I meant more warm than I did dry, because you’re right it’s most likely not happening. Appreciate the support and what you have prolly done for all the hikers over the years 🙏🏼

[@GenX_outdoors]

How do you feel about your gear post-PCT? Will you do a follow up video? Thanks.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

For sure that’s going to be my next video!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

if you feel like I left something out please let me know! April is right around the corner can't wait to start!

[@goed]

Super Glue, Trekking Poles, Leukotape, tooth flush, needle and thread for sewing sings up, small lighter. Good luck!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@goed got all those items, but I need to learn how to sow haha

[@paulahavens2764]

do you need a helmet? when walking in the Sierra Mountains. Loved the packing list thanks.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Haven't ever seen a thru-hiker with a helmet but I guess I could be the first :) thanks for watching Paula

[@kristymoore7052]

Looks like a great load. I’m sure you have a headlamp, band aides and/or Luko or duct tape and I’m sure you also have a bit of cordage that you just didn’t share. :)

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Spot on Kristy :) I am bad about sharing all the tiny details but for future gear videos I’ll include that stuff. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@MarkSins]

Such an high r-value, dont you think that this is too much and you gonna sweat all night? I have the TAR uberlite and xlite and will choose between them for the Sierras. I will combine one of them with an evazote pad, bought now the exped doublemat evazote. I could use it at stops to sit or even lye on. I could sit on it on wet grounds. I could do stretching every morning on it. And i will use it as coldness protection during nights and could bend it 1 or even 2 times to increase the r-value of it from 0.6 to 1.2 or 2.4 in addition to my TAR. And it might prevent me from sliding down in my tent on uneven grounds. I am currently thinking on buying waterproof socks for the Sierra.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah I haven’t actually got that expad yet, but you’re right it would be most likely too hot my 3.3 Nemo does great even in colder temps of 25. That’s a solid idea for the pads I would snag some waterproof socks, they don’t weigh much and I’ve heard that can make a huge difference instead of trying to cycle through socks and having to dry a pair during the day

[@goobsadventures]

90% of PCT hikers I saw that started with an umbrella sent them home within the first 100 miles. I think you'll be fine with just the sun hoodie.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Appreciate that advice Goob. I was thinking the same thing to be honest. Especially with the desert being a lot cooler this year

[@bethhhrachel]

I have that exact Stanley set! I was considering switching it out because I have trouble with my food burning, I have heard its because it's tall and not wide. Do you have any tips to prevent that?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I love it, best Amazon purchase yet. Hmm I only really boil water in mine so I couldn’t give you any tips on not burning food but I would assume you just have to set the burner lower and stir quite a bit to keep the heat more even.

[@per-kjell4844]

Where you buy the water proof socks?been thinking of buying a pair but not sure

[@HitTheTrailJack]

www.amazon.com/Waterproof-RANDY-SUN-Coolvent-Windproof/dp/B07BXQVZ93/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2TP4TVQ4B0XC8&keywords=waterproof+socks&qid=1679802578&sprefix=waterproof+socks%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVk4wTU8yTUhaMkM3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTE4ODAxMjVIT08zTURMSFQ2MiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTEyNjYyM0UxUVVYNEFQUllDNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl These have worked great for me!

[@anamariaharvey725]

what brand sit pad is that? love how small it is!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

www.amazon.com/REDCAMP-Foldable-Ultralight-Sitting-Backpacking/dp/B07QXYD168/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3KJFLVUYSV1ZE&keywords=backpacking+seat+pad&qid=1680134147&sprefix=backpacking+seat+pad%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFZM0s5Tlc5UzcwSTkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NTIwNjUxMkdJWE1aSlBSWkZHJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MjAxMDRSQUFOSEdMNFhBSkcmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl This is the one! They seem to sell them in sets of two but still really cheap and durable!

[@jeffkinnersly6985]

Where did you buy the waterproof socks?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Got them from here: www.amazon.com/Waterproof-RANDY-SUN-Coolvent-Windproof/dp/B07BXQVZ93/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2TP4TVQ4B0XC8&keywords=waterproof+socks&qid=1679802578&sprefix=waterproof+socks%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVk4wTU8yTUhaMkM3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTE4ODAxMjVIT08zTURMSFQ2MiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTEyNjYyM0UxUVVYNEFQUllDNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

[@miketroutman7365]

How much was your base weight on average during the hike?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

It was around 14lbs!

[@ciscokid1999]

What’s the base weight?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

without snow gear 15.3lbs and with crampons and iceaxe 16.4lbs

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

There’s only one Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Singular. You will hike through the Sierra. Not the Sierra’s.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah, you aren’t the first to tell me this. Lol bad habit

[@danpatrick9080]

Knife?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Asking what knife i brought? Sorry I made this video awhile back!

[@RC-qf3mp]

Might’ve been helpful to take the gear out of the sacks and mention the exact brand of the gear. So you have this rain poncho you love, but we can’t see it or know the name. Gee, thanks.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Hey RC, I don't mean to intentionally be vague about the gear. It is a Longsinger Rain Poncho you can find the gear here: www.amazon.com/longsinger-Waterproof-Lightweight-Adjustable-Multifunctional/dp/B09F9GRMG9/ref=asc_df_B09F9GRMG9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=533440209002&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13866980670445564079&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014485&hvtargid=pla-1462634094212&psc=1 If there is anything you are ever curious about happy to answer with specifics and even give you my opinion, but of course gear is always subjective. I just liked this poncho because it kept me very warm and keeps my pack completely dry along with most of my body! Hope this was helpful.

[@JaredandTasha]

For R-value, it really comes down to just sleeping on Snow

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Honestly I’ve camped on snow a few times and R value of 3-4 range with a good quilt or bag and I was pretty comfy