Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike Gear List for 2023

This is the 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!
Somethings might change, but for now this seems to be the set up that is most comfortable/lightweight for me.
Lighter Pack List: (always changing) lighterpack.com/r/i5kpmp
#pacificcresttrail #thruhiking #gearreviews
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Big Three & Sleep Accessories
9:20 - Bear Bag
10:19 - Electronics
12:23 - Clothing
16:45 - Ditty Bag
21:21 - Trekking Poles, Water Filter, Shoes
Let me know if you are looking for something specific gear wise in the video, and I will send the link!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yes, I said "super" more times than I could count dont know why lol, but I am actually headed off to Japan on the 16th like this comment if you would like to see a short video on that. Thought about making one just for fun (swear I wont turn into a travel vlog) thanks for watching as always yall... see you on the next one!

[@cynthiajack3279]

Very informative. Looks like you’ll be set for the long journey. Excited for you😁

[@MJG70]

Love gear Vids!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thanks Martyn! I’ll be dropping a lighter pack list as well soon!

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Great video.Very interesting. Have a great hike. Hope to see more from your Channel. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching 🤝

[@Swissnomads]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward following your journey. We've hiked the PCT in 2022. Can't wait to virtually hike with the PCT Class of 2023. Good luck and happy trails.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thanks for coming along :) can’t wait to share it with you

[@j3hikes444]

well planed equipment list...keep the vids coming

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Will do!

[@longsnowbros]

Hell yeah man! I’ll be starting on May 14th going NOBO. Super stoked!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Stoked for you! I didn’t get a permit this round so hoping Jan ends up different for me maybe I should donate something to the PCTA 😂

[@whtrenda]

I got a permit for May 13th! Hopefully, I’ll see you out there.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@whtrenda dude nice! I am still working on mine wish me luck!

[@bethhhrachel]

Hey Jack, I think you have great content and enjoy your videos! I am starting mid May- I hope to see you out there!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

thanks for watching Beth, I appreciate that. I'm sure we will cross paths at some point. Just keep your ears open for a flying turkey call you can't miss us

[@BoofSquank]

Love the Stealie coaster

[@HitTheTrailJack]

That thing is the best Amazon purchase I’ve made so far

[@gaylewalker4239]

I wish you the best of luck. Keep trekking. 😀

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thank you Gayle! Will do 😊

[@Wanderandhike]

you are ready man! Gear looks dialed in, and seems like that would be the most overwhelming part

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Definitely not the easiest part lol

[@meganswinney262]

I'll be on the PCT next year too. Let's go three sock gang!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

3 sock gang is the only way.. couldn’t change my mind about that. Wishing you luck on the permit and this new system!

[@ryanpennings7019]

Definitely keep the butt paste! That is GOLD on a long distance thru hike. Thanks for posting your gear vid!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah I figured I might need it! Thanks for watching Ryan! 🙏🏼

[@morevananything7183]

Great gear list! Excited to see what works on the trail! Best of luck with prepping for your thru hike! I will say that my wife and I use the Hammock Gear 55in wide 20F quilt and the temp rating on Hammock Gear stuff is VERY accurate. HG runs 15% off sales (like right now) pretty often so its a lot cheaper than Enlightened Equipment. We have never even busted out the straps to cinch it down since the quilt is so wide there's hardly a way to get a draft. I've been overly warm in 30 degrees with it. So that might be a good option for the Sierras where you're bound to get to the limits of the Zen Bivy system. But obviously, you know what works best for you! Just trying to put in my two cents to help :)

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Always open to gear suggestions and I’m sure if I took the zen bivy all the way it would be pushed to its temp limits! I’ll be sure to check that out! 🍻

[@russellzauner]

@@HitTheTrailJack If you haven't checked into the Vibram FiveFinger V-Trail 2.0/Alpha/Spyridon shoes for average/light/heavy trail duties, they're magical if you have the right shape feet. I do but my wife doesn't, however, Vibram also has other "barefoot" type shoes and boots in their "Furoshiki" style that she enjoys; they are a flat sole/wrap design (I wouldn't recommend for thru-hiking at all but they are comfy, durable, and have Vibram soles, of course). Vibram actually makes a broad variety of footgear; they're more than just waffle stompers. The obvious advantage is that you can carry 2-3 pairs in a smaller footprint and about the same weight as your average trail sneaker; they're even lighter than most minimalist shoes but the soles wear like, well, a Vibram sole. Disclosure: I'm not an affiliate but it's all I wear...I like being barefoot and I've been wearing them for over 5 years now so I can personally attest to never getting a single blister from them as well as how durable and puncture resistant the hyper-flexible outsoles are. If anything my feet have gotten stronger by moving to them.

[@MikeHacker]

That head lamp is huge

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah.. it was one I got in the military haha I’ll most likely use my energizer one, way smaller and compact

[@zoegagnon3651]

Quip sells a reusable floss pick that you just reload with the floss for each use. Less waste and less weight than the disposables

[@HitTheTrailJack]

That’s going to be the move! Thank you!

[@tl1086]

Mg and creatine is a great idea!

[@Carabiner.D.Mexican.Backpacker]

I have the Nemo Disco 15 and love it but definitely on the heavy side. Went with Zpacks classic hybrid 20. I looked into the Zpacks packs but pros and cons I stuck with my HMG Southwest 3400. Fits bear canister inside nicely also. Love my Duplexand went for the thicker dyneema even if it’s heavier a bit but more resistant to stress marks like I’ve seen some get. I should be starting March 15 as long as application is approved which I don’t see why it wouldn’t be approved. What date are you trying to start?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I am looking to start anytime they will let me! I got a realllly late time for this first round and all the slots were full! Hoping the Jan round goes differently for me!

[@FgtRtd]

I'm wondering if that top sheet would work with other quilts 🤔 I hate traditional hook and loop strap systems , that one looks so much better especially with the draft hoid

[@HitTheTrailJack]

As long as your quilt has hooks I could see it working, but it might end up spacing it out weird unless the hook system has them to the point where you could adjust? I do love the design though it was very creative and works very well

[@trexinvert]

hey, since you have a support van following take full advantage. maybe pick one extreme. superlight or go heavy. then make adjustments as you go.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Not a bad idea! I am somewhere in between and I love it now, but I know there will be changes along the way

[@toddherman2020]

Good vid. I start March 13. Sounds like you start later? With the snow levels probably being greateer, any changes?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Not sure how I’ll change up for that yet. My hope is that the snow stops falling in late march like it usually did when I lived there giving it time to melt down. Worst case scenario I’ll flip flop!

[@middleearthchronicles2269]

It looks like your headlamp is a Pelican 2620 HeadsUp Lite, those are about 4.8 oz not including any extra batteries you have to worry about. There is a reason so many hikers go for the NITECORE NU25 UL, it's usb c rechargeable with the powerbank you are already carrying and it only weighs 1.59 oz. There is your extra socks in weight savings. Pick one up Black Friday/Cyber Monday for a great deal. Best of luck. 👍

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Great point! I have just been using it since it was free 😂 you’re right though, every oz counts! Appreciate the tip and kind words

[@middleearthchronicles2269]

I am all about that free life and using something till death do you part (RIP Black Diamond ReVolt 🙏) but I have never been happier between my NU25 and my RovyVon Aurora A5/A8. Maybe ask Santa this year. 🤔

[@quinnabiigail]

Hey I would love your links!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

What piece of gear are you looking for? I’ll try and send the best place to find the items!

[@quinnabiigail]

@@HitTheTrailJack hey Im looking for a pack as well as a tent and quilt

[@HiddenHollowOutoors]

“Give it a shot” no pun intended

[@HitTheTrailJack]

😂😂

[@STEPS-THRU-MOUNTAINS]

Enjoying watching you getting ready for your PCT thru hike, I have a suggestion, which is just my observation your music that plays throughout the entire video is at the same volume as your voice in the very beginning especially. I trying to listen to you!, not the easy going music. 🤪Wishing you well on your upcoming adventure.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thank you for that! Always open to feedback and will do better with the audio next time! Thanks for watching!

[@kingdonjhawes7622]

I would recommend using the double female adapter for your Sawyer filter and your water bladder. Trust me on this you will never regret this.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Really? I will have to check that out then!

[@zoegagnon3651]

@@HitTheTrailJack I use two CNOC 2l, one for clean and one for dirty, and connect the sawyer between them for filtering. Lots of pressure for filtering, and lots of back-pressure for flushing the filter

[@kindofallovertheplace]

Hey I'm a '23er too! Are you nobo? Digging your set up.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Appreciate that Jenna! I am, or at least that’s the plan I need to get this permit in a few days or I’ll be forced to try SOBO or do it permit by permit. Are you nobo?

[@kindofallovertheplace]

@@HitTheTrailJack I’m nobo, yeah, with a 3/2 date. Good luck to you guys, and keep us updated!!

[@XA1985]

Is Sierra the coldest part and if so how cold does it get nighttime?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I’d say so. Depending on when you get there but I have heard it can get into the high 20s. Hopefully hiking Colorado has prepared me but we will see!

[@SpaceTravel1776]

With the Arc Haul, I'd get your Bear Vault situation planned and tested before you leave. It will fall off if you try to strap it on top. It must go inside your pack, and thus displaces a lot of your gear.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Good point. I was curious how strapping it to the top would work

[@PhoenixGenesis]

@@HitTheTrailJack A lot of PCT hikers empty the bear can before strapping it on top and put the food inside the pack. You can try this and see if it works. BTW, we don't use fluoride toothpaste either.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

That’s what I’m talking about fluoride free 🤝

[@albertfinney1272]

@@HitTheTrailJack I've strapped mine to the top many times and keep just what I need for the day in it whilst all my food is at the bottom of my pack during the day. I install a tiny safety leash so it won't roll away down a mountain if it falls off, but after 6 pct thru hikes, it's never fallen off.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@albertfinney1272 sweet! so you find that to be adequate enough?

[@jacquijahn7827]

I think you have been preparing for the PCT for the last 8+ months, I think you are more than prepared ;)

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Haha you would know better than anyone else ❤️

[@kentrails]

Hey man, what kind of magnesium creatine do you use?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I take magnesium glycinate, and creatine hcl! Both very easily absorbed by the body!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Jack, Marmalade here (PCT class of 2019). Since you’re using the night core battery pack (I have it too), I’d definitely consider the nitecore NU 25 headlamp and get there string option for the headband instead of the wind head band. Weighs 1.7 ounces and is easily the best headlamp I’ve ever used. Rechargeable so no need for batteries, holds a charge forever and is one of the only headlamps that will actually work while charging in case you’re doing a long night hike. I started with gloves but found I never used them. I subbed and look forward to following your adventure. In case you want to watch more trail videos I vlogged every single day on the trail and am a San Diego local so I know the southern part of the desert by heart. You can find it in my playlist if interested. Btw what date did you get for your permit? I started early on march 26. Cheers

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thanks for the gear recs always appreciated. I’ll be checking out your videos for sure! I unfortunately didn’t get a permit the first round, so I’m hoping I’ll get one in Jan! I don’t mind whatever start date just want a permit!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@HitTheTrailJack yeah a few of my friends had the same issue. If you don’t get one after the second round, the pcta online takes request for partial permits so if someone is doing at least 500 miles and/or going through the Sierra. I’ve done that the last two years so the day after the second round is over go on there and let’s say request a permit from Kennedy meadows south up to Canada and then just get the few permits you need for the desert. The forest service give the PCT 1,400 permits which include the sierras to give out after the second round is over for pct thru or section hikers. If you end up doing that, just figure out when you want to start at campo and how long it will take to get to KM and choose that date as your start date at Kennedy meadows. I hope that helps brotha.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Dude so helpful! I plan on going regardless, but seems like the trail is getting more and more popular as time goes on. Makes sense.. but I can’t believe this many people wanna walk that far 😂

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@HitTheTrailJack I know but it's the "Wild affect". That movie came out in 2013 and it's gone bonkers ever since after that. I know somebody that went in 2013 and less than 400 people/permits started the whole season. At 50 permits a day that means that many people go now in 8 days... truly insane... I think they need to give more permits because I have heard and know of many many people who take full permits intentionally even though they may be planning to only do a certain section. after the second round there's unlimited permits for that but people don't know that. I think the PCTA needs to start vocalizing and educating people of that. Probably 1/4 of all the full permits are people taking them for big section hikes. Also generally only 1/2 to 3/4 of each days permits even show up and sign in at the southern terminus... Think about how many people never get to experience their thru hike because of these yahoos?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah I don’t know whether to blame the PCTA or the people who really shouldn’t be taking permits who don’t plan to dedicate themselves to the hike because there are people who really wanna do the whole thing who don’t even get a chance.. I agree tho that movie really put the pct on the map

[@joejim4207]

Link for gloves?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

www.amazon.com/Cycling-Gloves-Touch-Screen-Winter/dp/B07VGT7L5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=2XBC5LF09V62H&keywords=gloves+for+men&qid=1668322877&sprefix=gloves%2Caps%2C543&sr=8-6 Closest ones I could find to the ones I got!

[@DanielOutdoors]

Well I havent used Creatine in years. I was activly using that at least from 2002-2012. It will surely help for re-generation. But really, its not needed for hiking. You can also get Mgn, with energy drinks or food. At least thats my exp over my 39 years. Where 30 of them is in the outdoors. Like otherwise Creatine would be a thing to see. Mental Health does not only come from Mgn. It comes for at least 21 factors sorrounding persons personalilty and interesst from an academical way. Adobe Podcast, throw your video there if your not using mic, the sound quality will improve. Its free too.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Thanks for watching Daniel! Yeah that’s just what has worked for me or so I feel! Haha definitely forgot the mic on this one but the audio won’t be slacking next time! Good suggestion too! I have the adobe suite so I need to use it!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I got 2:50pm PST for my permit time tomorrow.... Yikes.. Let me know what time you got if you are planning on hiking the PCT!

[@inthedirt3224]

don't worry about it - if it doesn't work out tomorrow, you can keep checking any day after that. People drop out. Worse comes to worse its possible to do it on local permits. But honestly, if you really want a good permit, I don't think it will be an issue.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@inthedirt3224 thanks for the kind words. I plan to go regardless.. I can figure it out on local permits. So they actually free up permits and you can check on people who cancel later on?

[@inthedirt3224]

​ @HitTheTrailJack if its like the previous two years then yes you can check the permits after they assign them. Even if you get a permit tomorrow...they allowed people to change the date if another one was available. But I think they wouldn't allow a re-schedule if the person printed out their original permit. Or something like that. Anyway maybe all of this won't be necessary if a good date is available tomorrow.

[@Henning_Rech]

@@HitTheTrailJack Poor guy - I got 2:22 but just do a test run this year (for a possible hike in 2024), so there is at least one less in front of you ;) - Some more hints: for the Sierra there is (was at least until this year) a non-quota permit available from KM south to KM north (Sonora Pass). You have to apply from Inyo Forest, and they go on line only 2 weeks before. You could do the procedure fully online this year, just need to find a printer to print out the document (you need to carry a signed paper copy). If the january date also has only bad options I would apply then for a section hiking permit starting July north of the Sierra to Canada, to complement the local permits on the first 1000 miles.

[@Henning_Rech]

Sorry for both of you, last permit went away 2:31 pm. When I had access (2:22 pm) only late May permits had been available. Wish you more luck for the January lottery!

[@AWalkOnDirt]

Here is what I don’t understand. If you have gear that makes blankets more like bags then why not just get a bag. I am hiking in 2024 and looking into buying a sleeping system. Right now I have a 32 Big Agnes and this is for the desert. Planning on buying a 20 degree for after Kennedy Meadows.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I don’t mind bags. In fact, I loved my Nemo disco but it wasn’t very packable and it weighed about 1.1lb more than my quilt. Generally bags are just heavier but gotta do whatever makes you the most comfy!

[@DanielOutdoors]

Dental floss is important on trail.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Yeah I’ll have the floss pickers with me for sure

[@ironhorsealpha]

Which branch brother?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Army and air force 4 split between em both! Wbu?

[@ironhorsealpha]

@@HitTheTrailJack 2nd Tank Battalion, Marine Corps. Dig the videos brother. I only recently (within the last 2 years) discovered backpacking but have since fallen headlong into it

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@ironhorsealpha hell yeah man, thanks for your service brother! Marine Corps aint an easy road that's for sure. Glad you enjoy them. Backpacking has brought me a lot of peace sounds like it had the same effect on you love to see it

[@jeffg3895]

Dude. You’re assuming you’re going to get a permit. I tried the last two years and wasn’t able to secure one. You’re a step ahead of yourself.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Can’t say you’re wrong there Jeff. I am definitely counting on getting one, but if I don’t then I have a backup plan. 😎

[@jeffg3895]

@@HitTheTrailJack I’m going to apply this year too. Fingers crossed the new system gives us a better chance.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@jeffg3895 yeah I think they are doing it this way so people don't spam the system with multiple browsers. Which makes total sense to me. I hope you get your permit brotha! what start date you shooting for?

[@jeffg3895]

@@HitTheTrailJack I just got an email today from the PCTA. My randomized time is not until 2:55pm. Grr!

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@jeffg3895 I 100% feel your pain mine is 2:50pm.... we got the absolute worst times lol

[@inthedirt3224]

Most of the time duplex can be set low if necessary... But in really high winds its useless and comical trying to set the duplex up. People opt for cowboy camping in those situations - like near Tehachapi where it is extremely windy Everyone with a duplex figures it out by then. Thankfully I had no rain in those situations.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Oh yeah learned this lesson on the timberline trail… wind is it’s fatal flaw, but nonetheless I love the duplex

[@HypnoseBerlin]

Why would you take such a heavy sleeping pad with such an extremely low R-value?

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Terrible lower back. That’s one of the only sleeping pads that has helped me get really good sleep. I do have a thermarest Uber light and a Nemo tensor but I probably won’t use them unless it gets unusually chilly. I don’t plan on doing the sierras until aug

[@HypnoseBerlin]

@@HitTheTrailJack Fair enough. Did you try the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated? It's very comfy and weight and warmth are a bit better. You also look quite young for having a terrible back that can't be fixed with proper training.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I haven’t but I’ll look into that one. Well, to explain in more detail I’ve just had a herniated L5-S1 disc twice now. I grew up skateboarding/snowboarding heavily young and then the military on top of heavy lifting for years didn’t help

[@HypnoseBerlin]

@@HitTheTrailJack I had great success with the Kneesovertoesguy programs. The training principles are sound and it is all about gaining back pain free ability.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

I’ve definitely heard good things. I’ll check that out because adding mobility and auxiliary strength is what I need

[@DizzyDad]

You lost me from the start. I can't afford $650 tent, $300 sleep bag, and $400 pack (for no real reason), and the Nemo pad over 200. I'm still researching but focusing in on what should be a more comfortable, higher quality $200 Osprey pack that's 1-lb extra but has belt pouches etc. with more support. We are miles apart if your budget has no limits. I don't want to bash too much. I am also planning backpacking trip upcoming spring probably in Yosemite. Be sure to post updates for the trip you definitely have an excellent gear setup.

[@HitTheTrailJack]

Hey Travis, definitely don’t mean to make it sound like “this is the gear” you have to use. I just have found this stuff has worked reallly well for me. I just decided to invest heavily into backpacking because it became my favorite hobby! Maybe I’ll make a video of some quality, lighter, budget friendly options in the future assuming that would be helpful to you?

[@Henning_Rech]

Travis: such a thruhike costs much more than just the gear. A total budget of 10 grands seems to be a good approach. And 6 months without earning a buck. So 2000 $ for equipment isn't unreasonable...