My 15lb JMT Gear List

[@andod68]

Finally found a place that gives advice on hiking and does it well!

[@Ray_Here]

Good luck on the JMT! I just started backpacking. In fact, last night was my first solo outing. I appreciate you providing all the details around your gear selection and why you selected each individual piece. You've helped me gain some knowledge!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Rmarvids Welcome Rmarvids! You are very welcome. I'm glad it's been of help!

[@GruntProof]

Outstanding

[@markjacobs6294]

Very nice kit. My backpacking days are over but I do day hike and Dirt/Adventure ride motorcycles. My kit on the bikes is almost the same but I carry tools and a bigger First Aid kit and am at 22lbs. All the guys on 600lb BMW GS's with three cases, a huge duffel and a tankbag....TAKE NOTES!!!!

[@BadHikers]

This was so helpful!! We just got our SOBO permit for this year so we have been trying to learn as much as possible!

[@karmaclanton5544]

Can't wait to see you out there!!! very interested to see how the solor panel works out. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Karma Clanton Thanks Karma

[@kempenglish]

Awesome selections - cannot wait to follow your hike.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Kemp English Thanks Kemp!

[@BrianJ1]

I bought and have been testing the Renogy solar panel. Here's the review I wrote for it on Amazon. Thought it might be interesting to anyone considering it: Under the most ideal conditions, it is able to charge a battery pack (for me) at 0.17amps at 4.48volts. Real life conditions and the charge rate is too low to detect. I got this for this for long distance hiking where I would like to charge a battery to give my phone a full charge every 4 days or so; thinking that I could place it nearly optimally for several hours per day. After testing it at home, I think for non-novelty uses, just carrying heavier batteries with higher capacity will yield far better results. The build seems very good - the carabiner clips are surprisingly lightweight (~3grams each). The device does work, but not at the rate I would see as a reasonable for serious outdoor reliance.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Brian J. Thanks for the review Brian. I am not expecting it to fully charge my complete iPhone each day with it being a single 5w panel but was hoping to get a little more than you are stating. We'll see how she holds up not the Trail. Luckily I am not relying on it for power.

[@BrianJ1]

Yup - I was hoping I could get a full charge worth every 4 days or so, but I think that may be optimistic based on my (albeit simple) testing. Excited for the gear review from you in real-life testing!

[@user-nd9re8vr6l]

when i do the trail in 2022 i plan to take my time i am not rushing anything, i want to enjoy the scenary

[@Johann-4354]

Well thought through items, and good choices. That's an impressive load weight for all you're bringing. Much success on the trail. Now following.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+rainbowhiker Thank you!

[@Element_lifestyle]

Hello Pie Grange, Did the Renogy Solar Charger worked ok for the JMT?

[@brentwelborn25]

#FBF- regarding the cookware. I know you wouldn't trust a random youtube comment, but I have used the lighter1 for boiling water and it works great. Just a few notes: 1) the handle is a bit unsteady for tipping to pour, so have a rag/towel to grab the top edge while pouring to keep it steady. 2) The pan boils water nicely because the surface heat exchange is better than a tall pot because the flame is covering more surface for interacting with the water. 3) the lid is quite heavy for the function--I would recommend a very simple DIY lid made from kitchen foil at home with a little grabber attached on top. 4) I would feel 100% confident in the cannister top as my water boiling pot and not bring the weight penalty of a 2nd pot if it were me.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Brent Welborn Thanks Brent! Good call on a DIY pot lid, I'll have to look into that. That pot lid is quite heavy. I'm glad it has worked for you and I could see an issue with the pot handle from a test run I did with pouring water from it.

[@alexwbanks70]

I will be following your JMT hike TinTin... ;-) I've been enjoying your channel a lot. I hope to and will do the JMT one day.

[@loram3447]

Shout out to QiWiz and the snazziest cat hole trowel on the market! I like to see more gear lists with trowels. This stuff about "using a stick" is all well and good, but I've seen enough evidence of folks not bothering to dig holes (or look for sticks) to be convinced that a trowel is not only a good LNT practice, but a good example, too.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Lora M it is snazzy!

[@millercory9242]

instablaster...

[@MstrRo]

Great gear. Thank you for sharing. Your bear can cookpot should do very well in boiling water (depending on pot thickness) but you will be sure to use a lid (although the lid that comes with it might be heavier than necessary). The greater surface area of the bear can cookpot will help preserve fuel for the altitude you will be at (when compared to your Bot). Please be careful, though, placing the larger pot on your BRS (as you know, the pot supports on the BRS are minimal in terms of stability). I will be interested to know what you think of your trekking poles when you return. Have a safe and restorative trip.

[@brentwelborn25]

I second these comments, especially about the BRS and the wide lighter1 pot size and stability which I didn't mention in my recent other comment.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+MRo Thanks MRo. I think you are spot on. After making some of my recent mistake (SHT) I didn't want to make another on a hike like that if I had issues with my cook setup. I know my gear list isn't the lightest and I'm not really going for that this time around as I am preparing for a PCT thru I hope, in the upcoming years. Thanks MRo

[@greygardens81]

I use the peppermint bronners for body/hair/teeth washing on the trail. It's important to only apply 1 small drop to your tooth brush. 1 drop tastes like peppermint. 2 drops tastes like a mouth full of soap. Its not terrible when it happens, but kinda funny. haha Wash following LNT, of course.

[@rippedtopshelf6806]

Mitten is probably a total Bigfoot fanboy, but admitting that on Reddit would be cringey.

[@greygardens81]

I think it is great he's doing what he loves but that video was a bit much and I called him out for it in the comments for it. And I stand by my comments that during and right after the traildays videos he lost a viewer. I'm enjoy his content a bit more these days, which is why I re-subscribed. If you had an issue with my reddit comments you should have commented on reddit. edit: unless you're nachosgrande, in which case you kind of did call me out.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mittencamper When I tried it I probably put a big drop on. The after taste stayed with me a long time. Perhaps I'll have to try it again with a very small drop.

[@greygardens81]

Worth a try. I think I am going to try dehydrating some toothpaste dollops for my next trip!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mittencamper I don't think that I can appeal to every person.Earlier this year I was really trying to do that and realized it's not possible and have been changing some things since. As far as the Trail Days videos go, I wanted to do a series directed to all the Hikers out there that have never been to Trail Days to give them a peek what it's like. I did as many gear vendor videos I could when I was there so I could help broadcast what's new and upcoming in the gear world that is a big part of Trail Days (vendor booths). I actually wouldn't change anything i did in that series as I received a lot of positive comments from folks that have never been there and got a chance to live it a little in that series. I'm sure there are people that criticize each and every video outside of YT with all the social media platforms we have out there. I don't mind criticism as it makes me better.... except for the very few that just like to troll or bitch and bring no value as they never offer any practical solutions to what they are addressing. I love doing what I do on here because I feel like I am making positive contributions to this amazing Hiking Community. I want to be a positive role model for this community in hopes I can help influence others to take care of the Trail, each other and find ways to give back (which doesn't mean just giving money or donating time).

[@markbaker8849]

Very amazing you can get all that gear to 15lbs

[@flashmanv3260]

Thanks for sharing your list, very excited for you about this hike,. I'm sure you can't wait. I have used bronners for years, I love it. Hand sanitize is fast and easy, but I find I go through it faster then a drop of soap and some water. Will that bear can fit in your pack?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+flashman V Thanks Flashman. The canister does fit in the pack and that's probably how I'm going to pack it, at least when it's full. The pack seems very top heavy to me when I have that on top and it's full of food.

[@vincevoyna4504]

One of the best gear videos. ever. I mean it. Great job. A small correction: One URL in description is wrong - you say Patagonia Thermal Bottoms (Cap 4) - but point to Amazon for Patagonia Lightweight bottoms (Cap 1)

[@robertwood4783]

I read somewhere that those BOTS form a vacuum seal which occurs with elevation changes, and trying to open them becomes a mission.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+robert wood I have heard that too. I'll make sure I try that at the higher altitudes and see what happens to me

[@dilippatel3268]

excellent video

[@patricklacson]

Awesome gear list. What about food and water? Did you cover that in another video?

[@canyonoverlook9937]

At what temps do you hike in the Patagonia Thermal weight hoodie? You either hike in your thermal weight hoodie alone or with the Helium II or just a t-shirt and your Helium II? Or just the t-shirt. I noticed you don''t have a lightweight long sleeve shirt( underwear). It seems like you are missing a layer, but it seems it works and is not needed.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Canyon Overlook My long sleeve is my Pat Thermal. I throw it on right over my hiking shirt typically in camp and as I start in the morning. I would say temps below 60-65 I will start with it and take it off once I start to get warmed up. I us my Helium II all the time. I use it way more as a breaker than for rain. Typically if I am in the middle of my hike and it gets chilly or have chilly winds, I will just throw my rain jacket on. When I summited Whitney a few weeks ago the temps were around 30 with wind chills that were probably sub zero.All I had on top was my hiking shirt with my rain jacket on top and it kept me warm the entire time.

[@ryanedgarbutler5121]

Given that you took maps, did you also take a compass?

[@Theantibullybully]

Wanted to give you a heads up that a few of your videos and other lightweight backpacker youtubers videos have been re uploaded by other accounts. The sound is screwed up but it's the same video. Diane Richards is the account I found yours on. Spread the word if you can. I searched ultralight backpacking and filtered the results to most recent and that's how I stumbled across them. Sorry for the long comment.

[@chadbrow]

I think that Sea to Summit spoon is anodized aluminum not titanium.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+chadbrow Yep, you're right. My other one is titanium

[@bernardhny]

No warm jacket? 14k feet in September? Might need more warmth? Just a thought.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Bernard Horowitz i will layer my thermal hoody, my rain jacket (if needed) as a hard shell and put my down hoody above that. Should be plenty. The weather in the Sierras is very consistent. I will probably see possibly low 20's when I get to Whitney. I have layered all three of those and been in much colder conditions in MN.

[@greygardens81]

Was gonna say...tshirt + thermal fleece + down jacket + rain jacket will keep you warm. Good layering system!

[@bernardhny]

I am hoping to do the JMT in 2019. My 2018 hikes are booked. I would hate to be forced off the trail due to being miserably cold just to save some weight. But I am far less experienced on long thru hikes so I defer to the experts.

[@NativeAngelino]

What about footwear for this hike?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Paul B I forgot to put it in(along with my knife). I am bringing a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam Hierros which is what i wore most of the AT. I have one pair left. I was going to bring the 3.5 Altra's but chose to go with something I know that works well for me.

[@NativeAngelino]

Follow Bigfoot cheers!

[@craigborthwick6361]

Love your videos. What footwear did you use on the JMT?

[@rjgirving]

Can you share your thought on not bringing any kind of cutting tool? Not even a small multi-tool? Not criticizing, just trying to learn.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+rjgirving I actually forgot to put it in, if you look in the top of the description box I put a blurb of what I'm bringing. I also put a link in there too

[@robertwaite9742]

Did you mean Tom Harrison Maps? ETA: I see that you added the correct link for the maps. Have a great trip!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Robert Waite yep, didn't notice that till after I uploaded it. I changed it in the description box but it is the Tom Harrison Maps

[@wenkev02]

How did the renogy solar panel charger work for you?

[@brentwelborn25]

#FBF- why did you go with the mittens instead of the possum down gloves at zpacks?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Brent Welborn No reason, well actually a stupid one. I was looking for a UL pair of gloves or mittens and when I went to Zpacks I saw the kittens and didn't even see the possum down gloves or I probably would have tried those. Do you have them?

[@brentwelborn25]

I do, but really haven't tried them at very cold temps. The appeal was the light weight, performance when wet and quick drying claims the site makes. I'd heard that mittens actually are better for warmth because the fingers next to each other help warm each other but downside is it's hard to use your hands for fine motor things.

[@mikefranks8469]

Mittens are warmer than glass es since your fingers are touching each other.

[@dhimmel]

Nice. What's the model of the hanging scale you used to weight the backpack?

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Awesome video. I continue to struggle with my gear list. But I did receive my SMD Lunar Solo LE. I look forward to your hike. God Bless

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Warren Davidson Thanks Warren!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great video my friend, thank you for sharing. Do you take a fero rod and matches as a backup to your fire starting kit? Also, do you take a Swiss army knife or a multi tool. Be safe out there. 🤗

[@1Deejay7]

U bought that $300 pack from rei huh. I was looking at that too but felt like I could make one myself lol How do you like it compared to say a Osprey pack?

[@Wristworm]

With the trouble you had with your shoes last time, I was wondering which ones you are bringing for this trip.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Wristworm I found a new pair of New Balance Fresh Foam Hierros which I hiked 1720 miles on the AT with and will be using those. They are my favorite but they stopped making them. Found a pair I stashed away for a rainy day 😊

[@loram3447]

I like the Fresh Foam as well (think the name is silly, though.) I will still encourage aftermarket insoles with them (even just a pair of Dr Scholl's)- The thin insoles included in the shoes are (IMO) meant to be replaced with something more substantial. Unless we are talking about a barefoot runner, then all bets are off.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Lora M I have never used after market insoles and have never tried, but I should sometime. I probably won't on this hike since it's so close and I don't want to have any issues with my feet if it didn't work

[@ryanyoungs8574]

Hey Bigfoot!! Just wondering did you go with the hooded ghost whisperer or no?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Ryan Youngs yes I did

[@ryanyoungs8574]

Nice! I just ordered the discontinued colors from last year. It was only 160! I feel thats a pretty good deal.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Ryan Youngs Hell of a deal!!!!

[@cheeseheadhikers8163]

Hey thanks for the great video! How did the solar charger work out for you? I'm thinking about getting one for our upcoming JMT trip this summer and this one is a decent price. Love to hear your feedback on it. Thanks!

[@andrewemerson1788]

I'd like a review as well!

[@pauldrake4295]

What brand compass do you carry?

[@markstanton2362]

So when you are not quarterbacking the Minnesota Vikings, you are backpacking in the off season, cool!!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Wish I was making that kind of money for quarterbacking the Vikes. Try to take every opportunity I can to get in the woods.

[@HelplmAlive]

Yeah the MW Ghost Whisperer is not trim fit at all. The body is very boxy compared to athletic/trim cuts from Outdoor Research and Arcteryx.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+HelplmAlive Yep, you are very right on that.

[@gregoryreffner2939]

Only a 1L water carry capacity? How do you reason this?

[@FollowBigfoot]

Where do you get 1L? I had a 1L BeFree, a 1L Smart water bottle and I can carry 1L in my BOT to make a 3L capacity.

[@gregoryreffner2939]

Oops. I missed the BOT. Thought the Be Free was for dirty water only. Great set up!

[@FollowBigfoot]

No problem. It worked out really well. There were a couple times I carried 3L before I got to camp.

[@canyonoverlook9937]

You don't bring an extra empty smart bottle and extra caps just in case? Are you going to have an umbrella demo? What about a bag for toilet paper or did I miss that?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Canyon Overlook I have 3 ways I can carry water: 1: smart water bottle 2: BeFree water filter 3: 1L bot that is water tight and can be used to carry water So I can carry up to 3L and since I can drink straight from the smart water bottle and the BeFree, an extra smart water bottle is unnecessary. The BeFree also has a standard cap, so in the event my smart water bottle cap breaks; I will transfer it over and put the broken cap on the smart water bottle. I will also send a extra one on my resupply so if it does break, I have a new one at that point. I'll send a wag bag with my resupply for the Whitney zone of the trail. I'll do a demo probably after the trail due to time and do a complete review.

[@trioultimo]

Where is your FAK. I mean wound compresses?

[@FollowBigfoot]

I am not sure I understand your question

[@trioultimo]

I mean, your First Aid Kit ( in 11:30 ) doesn`t look like it has a wound compress, which is important, when you are badly hurt, and you need to stop bleeding.

[@Besalu]

Check out: www.wild-ideas.net/ for customizable bear canister, much lighter than Bear Vaults

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Besalu They are pretty sweet, just spendy. Probably what I'll try next

[@ajledesma5402]

Great Stuff!

[@DaBinChe]

Man you carrying too much stuff, considering that most everything you have is ultralight. Back in 1997 I did the JMT and my base weight was 15lbs, everything including what I was wearing and shoes came out to 20lbs. I was carrying some heavy stuff too including a film SLR camera, Garcia bear cannister, Whisperlite International w/22oz. bottle, etc. We didn't have all the ultralight stuff back then either. Didn't do anything goofy like cut down my toothbrush...take that back I didn't bring any warmth layer or rain layer besides a poncho and wind breaker top/bottom and fingerless gloves. One thing that made my pack lighter was no tent, did bring a OR bivvy. Used a NorthFace technical "day" pack was about 2800cu.in., it only had a thin plastic sheet as a frame so that was really light at the time. I think if you lose some stuff you can get it down to 10lbs. Food for a week and water got the pack up to 35lbs. On the first day when I was fresh it was fine and as consumed it was great. But the one resupply halfway thru it felt heavy again considering that the pack had no real support so some weight on my shoulders. Anyways thanks for sharing!

[@allenbishop9154]

Strain your water with a bandanna or coffee filter and there will be less clogging in your filter.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Allen Bishop 👍

[@TheMoifel]

Thanks for the videos.Why do you carry wind pants instead of rain pants?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+TheMoifel rain pants don't breathe at all. I had a rain kilt on the AT and it worked great. With the umbrella I don't need rain pants. The wind pants are more for a quick way to cover up when it's chilly or take off when it's not without having to take my shoes off. They will pretty much act as a layer to throw over in the early morning or night. I'll also probably wear them on the airplane out to California.

[@MikeNeri1]

I don't know how you do it!

[@rippedtopshelf6806]

Man, that bear can is one unwieldy piece of gear. Can't understand why the Ursack hasn't been approved in that part of the world.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Ripped Top Shelf I know, they are working on it and YNP is actually listening and are attempting to test it from my understanding. That would be a easiest choice if that was approved.

[@rippedtopshelf6806]

Hope you have a great time on the JMT. The ridiculous amount of snow the Sierras received last winter should be more manageable now.. Looking forward to your trail vids.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Ripped Top Shelf Thanks Ripped. The only thing I have to avoid is the fire that's getting close to Yosemite I hear

[@tiennguyen-bu2vd]

Cool

[@badderthanyou]

Befree clogs with time regardless of water or cleaning.

[@champ1177]

do a sleeping bag review

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Derek Nguyen For sure. Probably won't be till late October

[@ibjameson]

You didn't count what you're wearing in your base weight? Unreal.

[@brooks3765]

Anyone else as OCD as me, and notice how many times he picked up and put down the soap? :-P

[@LtEdPell]

Picked up 8 times, put down 8 times. Touched it 34 times.

[@davidharding1732]

I also like to bring deodorant... if for no other reason than to be able to stand myself!

[@vlachyeo420]

Best way to pack out toilet paper?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Joe Vlasek I'll explain it in a video. I got a couple ways

[@MrSrtman18]

Did u say dr boner. I hope im wrong.

[@evanarmstrong6697]

Good luck in a serious emergency with that little equipment. Especially in the high country.

[@evanarmstrong6697]

Good luck in a serious emergency with that little equipment. Especially in the high country.

[@evanarmstrong6697]

Good luck in a serious emergency with that little equipment. Especially in the high country.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Had no problems. I got a little of everything... snow, rain, sleet, hail, low temps to around 18 to high temps that reached about 80. I had everything that I personally need. What would you add to this for your comfort and safety?

[@evanarmstrong6697]

Real first-aid kit, trauma kit, signal flares, more insulation layers(for emergency), bear spray, signal mirror, ect. It seams you were only prepared for best case scenario and didnt really account for more than everything going perfectly as planned! Just my opinion and experience from trekking in the high alpine in BC, maybe the JMT is different. No offence implied.

[@evanarmstrong6697]

Real first-aid kit, trauma kit, signal flares, more insulation layers(for emergency), bear spray, signal mirror, ect. It seams you were only prepared for best case scenario and didnt really account for more than everything going perfectly as planned! Just my opinion and experience from trekking in the high alpine in BC, maybe the JMT is different. No offence implied.

[@100rrh]

There are dozens of people on the JMT so none of that is necessary. If you get hurt someone will come along soon. Bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite and I believe in all of CA. The weather is pretty predictable in this part of CA, but in a true cold weather emergency you could always pull out your sleeping bag and wrap yourself in it as you hike.