How I Packed My Gear - Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike - 2021

[@christophrehse]

And many a bow to your supportive family. I remember showing a PCT documentary to my wife two years ago. During the presentation I noticed her looking at me of and on. When the last scene rolled by she stated: "I saw it in your eyes. I know you have to go ... and that you will finish". I can't fully describe how much these words meant to me. Such freedom, such sacrifice - it was like I had walked some of the PCT already. So greetings to your wife and kids.

[@JayFAdventures]

Thank you, Christopher! it’s such an awesome feeling to have a supportive family and I am happy to hear that you do, too!

[@helpfulcommenter]

Wow I’m single and going this year at age 44 and feeling rough about it haha - can’t imagine doing it with kids and fam at home. I honor you good sir

[@JayFAdventures]

@@helpfulcommenter I started a week after I turned 50 and have no regrets. There were a few other hikers around my age representing the gray beards well!

[@55Aarronneedham]

Hey! Great to see a new video!

[@JayFAdventures]

Thanks, A.J.!

[@mikedebbiecannon5960]

Thank you Jay. Good info. I start 4/17 and can’t wait.

[@JayFAdventures]

You're very welcome, Mike! I'm so excited for you and I wish you all the best on your journey!!!

[@helpfulcommenter]

You should make a video like "Top Ten Tips for new PCT thru-hikers" i bet it would get a lot of hits right now

[@JayFAdventures]

Just getting back home after being gone for a bit....I'm building my plan for that exact video, my friend....and hope to have it out this coming week. Thanks!

[@LordQuiche]

🖖

[@helpfulcommenter]

Subbed when you brought out the Tenkara rod

[@christophrehse]

I watched everything you produced so far, Jay. I really loved your updates, reflections, and insights. You seem to be a consciously positive person. The more of you, the better the world. I am too a husband and father and cannot wait to follow in your footsteps in 2025/26 at the age of 43.

[@JayFAdventures]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris. That really means a lot. Focusing on the positive always helps get me through challenging things....and makes my heart, mind, and soul feel good! I wish you all the best in your PCT journey, Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help as you prepare!

[@quigleyoutside]

The four pack jobs ! Remarkable !! Learned so much from you, Jay !!! Thanks and best...

[@JayFAdventures]

Thanks, Dale!

[@helpfulcommenter]

I like that strategy of keeping your food bag down in your pack but partition your day's food in advance in a separate bag. This is also keeping you from eating too much food throuhgout the day thereby maintaining a more calculated calorie amount and keeping you from running out early.

[@JayFAdventures]

Thanks, Cappy! Excellent points, too...spot on!

[@hikerJohn]

Pretty darn close to what I do but all my clothes go in a bag and my pillow goes in it as well. I use the clothes bag for a pillow and partially inflate the pillow depending on how much is in the clothes bag. Took me two years to start doing it that way. I use to just leave the pillow inside the sleeping bag.

[@jamessorenson2272]

What's next for you?

[@JayFAdventures]

Colorado Trail late this summer!

[@jamessorenson2272]

@@JayFAdventures that's awesome, I'm looking forward to watching your journey. God bless you and your family!

[@JayFAdventures]

@@jamessorenson2272 Thank you, my friend!

[@shanksmare]

I have enjoyed all your videos, this one is no exception. Don't know how you get along with so little gear, but you seem to do OK.

[@JayFAdventures]

Thanks, Shank's Mare! I like to keep it as light as I can!

[@BenMcmillen]

Nice setup!

[@JayFAdventures]

Thanks, Ben!

[@hikerJohn]

I cut my Frogg Togg rain pants off to make shorts out of them. I think I only wore them two or three times in 2500 miles

[@marcusloffler8232]

Hi Jay, thanks for your videos. I just have a question about the size you chose for the Waymark thru 40 pack. Did you pick that size according to the sizing information given by Waymark (measure torso length) or did you simply go by pack volume because you wanted the larger capacity? Planning my thru attempt for the pct in 2024 and am looking for options regarding packs. Do already have the evlv pack but I don't think it will be a good idea to carry a bv500 with it. Thanks in advance and cheers from Germany. Marcus

[@JayFAdventures]

You're very welcome, Marcus...and thank you, too! I picked my Thru based on my torso length and found Waymark's sizing to be accurate. I agree that the the Evlv would not be the best option to use when you have to carry the BV500...it fits in the pack but there is very little room left for the rest of your gear. I wish you the best on your 2024 PCT journey!

[@pct2025]

Did you notice a significant difference in your ability to walk more miles with a lighter setup, Jay? Or it wasn’t a major factor in the end. I’ve never done a thruhike but I’m hoping to do the PCT in ‘23 or ‘24 and I think I’ll try to find more comfortable gear instead of everything UL as I get a few back issues and sleeping on inflatable pads doesn’t help. Been looking at the thermarest trail pro self inflating mattress. 3 inches thick and should offer more back support, albeit at 2 pounds it ain’t lite.

[@JayFAdventures]

It was a huge difference for me, Mark. Not only more miles....but less pain from injuries in my past, less fatigue, more enjoyment, etc. I think you're on the right path with starting with more comfortable gear and then slowly progressing to things that still work for you but may be lighter. I have seen hikers that focus on/purchase UL gear and end up being miserable. There really is a balance there to achieve....and it takes time.

[@reinman3]

I think you from Washington. Right? I'm from Spokane heading out May 8. Thinking of doing longer stretches like 7/8 day food carrys.. is that too much food to fit in a small pack - zpacks nero - 30+8?

[@JayFAdventures]

I'm not familiar with the zpacks nero...or how comfortably it would carry 7/8 days worth of food plus your gear.....but that certainly sounds like too much in my opinion. I recommend testing that load well before before you hit the PCT. A shakedown hike will allow you to get your gear, load, etc. dialed in.....and it will allow you time to adjust your resupply/logistics plan if you need to before heading out. It's much easier that way than having to adjust your plan while you are on the trail.

[@simpurelife]

Nice video! Would you be interested to check out a gravity water filter? We'd be more than happy to send you one for a trial!

[@helpfulcommenter]

My only question about your desert setup is... only 2 liters of water capacity? How did you pull that off?

[@JayFAdventures]

Kept the 2L CNOC water bag and the 2L water bag (I mentioned was in my food bag) full. Had some temporary smart water bottles I carried for short stretches in the desert, too.

[@mikedebbiecannon5960]

You said you changed resupply strategy, how so?

[@JayFAdventures]

I cover that in my post-thru hike video, Mike. Basically smaller (2- to 3-day) food carries, more frequent resupply stops, but covering more miles in between because I was lighter and able to go farther and faster than when I was carrying more food. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4CqXoiDfcd8nck

[@christophrehse]

Can I somehow get in touch with you via email? KZbin is blocking my comments offering you mine.

[@JayFAdventures]

[e-mail]