PCT Gear List from a recovering Ultralighter 11.3 lbs

[@2muchToSoon]

Hey nice list. I did the PCT a few years ago and I have a few tips: 1) My Duplex got "micro" holes on the top and bottom. I do not know when exactly because the only rain got was in Washington and during my last week on the trail. The holes let water into my tent and I woke up in a puddle every morning, thankfully my sleeping pad kept me elevated off the water. I was pretty hard on my duplex and used it as a ground sheet to cowboy camp. I do not know if the holes came from the wrinkling action from stuffing, but on my next thru I plan on washing my new tent once in a while on a zero day, I suspect dirt on the tent created some extra friction against itself when packing it away. 2) Prescription sunglasses-in case you lose or damage your glasses they can serve as a nice back-up versus clip-ons. I fell in a creek crossing in the Sierras and lost my glasses and my Rx sunglasses saved my ass. 3) I entered the Sierras early and had to deal with snowfields for hours, I bought a hat sun cape that I wore backwards to cover my face. Almost everyone I knew without a face covering or sunscreen got sunburns on their face from the UV reflecting off the snow.

[@StephenOutside]

This is coming at the perfect time, I'm about to enter the Sierra! 1) my Duplex tent has had 5 pinhole tears in it already. I think cowboy camping on it caused the first 2 but I'm also not sure what caused the others... 2) I hadn't thought about losing my glasses in river crossings. I have a backup at home ready to send out, but I'd need to get to the next town and wait for it to arrive. Not ideal... 3) Using a sun hat flap as a face shield is genius hahah. I love that idea! I'll try it out if I can

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Had the same thing happen with mine.Mine came from one night of wind. F Zpacks. haha

[@walkyourdog6584]

I use a 3lb Hilleberg. Only issue has been condensation. it is easy to get wet just from touching the inner tent in morning. So now I bring a light dish cloth to soak up any moisure before getting up.. But the tent is 25 years old and never 1 drip inside from rain.

[@flea1216]

Woahh, hey, man! Crazy to run across you on KZbin. Haven't seen you since college 🤯. Awesome. Look forward to seeing your adventures

[@joshscott9905]

Good stuff! Looking forward to your thru-hike videos!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Former thru hiker here.. I think a lot of the gear is used bc of KZbin influencers. The condensation in the duplex is terrible!!! It’s tough to pitch when the ground is hard and no rocks around. Freestanding and double wall is better. Thermarest pads are so noisy, you can’t sleep. Plus they aren’t near as comfortable as Nemo or S2S or BA pads. As for quilts, the dangly straps to connect it to the pad is a nightmare when you’re tired and just want to sleep. I personally don’t need to be the lightest; I would rather enjoy my time and be comfortable!!! I feel it’s become a trend to try to go super ultralight, but everyone likes different things. HYOH. These are just things I’ve realized and now will carry the extra weight to be more comfy.

[@StephenOutside]

A lot of gear is getting to the point where you have to sacrifice a ton of comforts, especially in the sleep system. It's exciting to see people add lightweight comforts back into their packs. Yeah, the pressure to hike huge miles is so strong. I love taking my time and enjoying nature if I can, even with a minimalist setup.

[@TheTrailDancer]

@@StephenOutside me too… lol

[@ChrisKerel]

Hey man! Thanks a lot for the video, loads of nice info in there. Maybe a useful tidbit in case you are unaware: Anker makes batteries that are a bit heavier and more expensive but charge at 100+ watts, pulling in 20000-30000 MaH in about an hour. Like I said heavier and more expensive but for some situations it can really be worth it to just quickly pull in a bunch of power and move on. I'm a bikepacker myself so the weight is less of an issue ;)

[@StephenOutside]

WHAT!? I have to look that up, that's insane hahah. Thanks for letting me know!

[@ChrisKerel]

@@StephenOutside Yeah I found them when researching a mobile power system to power a laptop. Examples are the PRIME or 737 batteries

[@ChristyHikes]

Awesome gear list and best wishes on your hike

[@andrewnunns2438]

that knife is the bear slayer 2000

[@dajo2824]

Helpful video. Very thought out.

[@ericb.4358]

Very interesting gear list. Thanks.As a geezer backpacker (over 80) I know there are lighter framed packs than my 1.) Osprey EXOS 58 but i like it because it is COMFORTABLE. My 2.) Tarptent NOTCH Li solo DCF tent is capable or handling a freak shoulder season snowstorm I have an overstuffed (to 20 F.) Western Mountaineering Megalite that I love for 3 season use. For cooking I sometimes use a 3.) Trail Designs titanium Caldera Cone with ESBIT tablets or a BTUNTON CRUX folding canister-top stove. (Thinking of getting a FIRE MAPLE Blade 2 to use an inverted canister for cold mornings. Very light remote canister stove (but "China")

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

You should try the one wind poncho. They are cheap and very packable. It will keep you and your backpack dry. Also the are cooling with the air flow.

[@StephenOutside]

I haven't heard of that, it looks interesting. I'll admit I've debated tarp camping for a long time now and combining it with a poncho would be even better

[@KevinAdams06]

Love the board game selection. Moving to AZ in June, cannot wait to explore. If you are traveling with 4 people, I highly recommend euchre.

[@StephenOutside]

Oh thanks! I love learning new games. Have fun exploring AZ!

[@davide2268]

Coal tar shampoo works great on dandruff. Helped me a bunch

[@sagelee181]

Would love a deeper dive into your trail games, so fun!

[@StephenOutside]

Yeah they were really fun to make! Hahah ok I'll think about it

[@bertman4]

Nice posters on the wall. +1 on Love Letters.

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

That PD power adapter isnt 45W, but 40... and if you use both ports that power gets split. Just something to keep in mind. If you want even lighter cards that are also plastic so they're waterproof check out Cascade Goods, I have a deck of theirs in my pack and it weighs just 33 grams whereas the Air Deck is 70g

[@StephenOutside]

Oh I forgot the power splits, that kinda sucks.. Wow those cards are half the weight, that's awesome thanks!

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Bah Duplex... Tarp-Tent is much better, and Durston is good too, still prefer the Tarp-Tent. My Uberlite sleeping pad did the CDT across Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and the TA in NZ. If ya wanna ditch the crinkly pad. I also use the GG pad under my air mattress.

[@StephenOutside]

@@toocleanpappas5397 I've been really tempted to get the Tarp-Tent ProTrail Li for a few years now. I think I'll get that or a Durston. The new NeoAir pads are less crinkly now!

[@toocleanpappas5397]

@@StephenOutside I have the Duo Dipole Li and the Solo Dipole Li, the foot and head with the little carbon fiber poles are amazing. Being able to sit up and not hitting your head. Or having your 0 degree big puffy sleeping bag not touching your footbox. My only slight complaint is I wish the vestibules were larger. Otherwise. Damn close to my perfect tent.

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video!

[@NVIK5]

On your previous 37l backpack, some people use this size as a daypack. The extreme discomfort that comes with ultralight backpacking, especially at my age is just makes for a miserable experience.

[@SherriffInTown]

Then don’t do ultralight backpacking if you can’t handle it. For many it’s actually enjoyable.

[@Touchin-Grass]

​@SherriffInTown I agree . It's not like we are forcing people to be ultralight. Personally I'd rather have the lightest pack possible because what's important for me is enjoying the trail with the least amount of weight. I could care less for site luxuries other than my site sandals and sit pad.

[@walkyourdog6584]

I am 66 and just started backpacking after 25 year hiatus. It is a balance. Because carrying a super heavy pack is really uncomfortable, especially as you get older. I am going on 2 week trip (last 2 weeks October) elevations up to 6000 feet. My pack weighs 50lb. But it will lighten as I use up fuel and food. I always plan mileage and elevation gain and loss accordingly.

[@NVIK5]

I like the light stuff, but many people take it to ridiculous levels: not having a proper shelter, taking a pad only for your torso, etc. I have an Atompacks Mo 55l bag, a Big Agnes Copper Spur and Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, but this is not that light of a setup.

[@Theycallmegoc]

Great video man! Question about the backpack as apart of your sleeping pad, what do you do if your backpack is soaking wet?

[@StephenOutside]

That's a great question. When it rained on my last backpack, the mesh front pocket and shoulder straps would be damp but the rest would be dry. I would either just sleep on it or put my rain jacket on top. It didn't make a difference to my sleep quality, so it works pretty well

[@MR-hb5mu]

Howdy partner. Where did you get those posters?

[@StephenOutside]

@@MR-hb5mu Howdy! They're from a website called "National Park Posters" by artist Rob Decker. It's a little pricey but they tend to do sales around the holidays

[@studiopiko]

Nice vid! Do you have a link to the dance pants? Very curious to give them a try now. :)

[@StephenOutside]

Yeah I love them!! I got them off of Amazon by searching "dance pants" and they cost around $25. These are the ones I got a.co/d/4n9pLzO

[@studiopiko]

@@StephenOutside thanks! Do they let any air in?

[@StephenOutside]

@@studiopiko They act more like wind pants than rain pants. They're somewhat breathable but I wouldn't want to sweat in them. I've had to roll them up a few times hahah

[@studiopiko]

@@StephenOutside getting them ;)

[@pikaoutdoors7414]

Looks like you could use some Summit Suds 😉

[@StephenOutside]

Hahah yeah it might be a good idea to add some soap!

[@keraleak3990]

Surprised there was no trowel. Was it just missing this day?

[@StephenOutside]

Ah good catch, it was missing. I use the deuce of spades

[@higler.]

Castile soap will ruin your hair unless you balance the ph with lemon juice or some sort of rinse. Dr Bronners has a good write up on it and even sells a rinse.

[@StephenOutside]

Oh yikes, thanks for letting me know. It's probably best if I went to a dermatologist at this point, I've been struggling with it for a while

[@higler.]

@@StephenOutside Yeah I used it to wash my hair for a good while too before I learned haha. I used to have some bad dandruff, and what worked for me is to wash my hair less often(I know..). Hope you find something that works! Shit sucks lol

[@Andy-Mesa]

@@StephenOutside it's pretty simple, stop messing with your hair. Don't put anything in it, not even shampoo or soap. Let your body reset and you'll almost certainly find it fixes itself.

[@StephenOutside]

@@Andy-Mesa Not gonna lie, I basically tried this during the pandemic and went feral hahah. Sadly it didn't work for me, so I had to add something else to my routine. I've been working on finding a routine that works at home and for backpacking since 2021

[@Andy-ku3jy]

Yes yes, but are you now on the trail, presuming you’re actually hiking the trail 2024 ?

[@StephenOutside]

Yep! It's been awesome

[@intothefoxhole7985]

The jacket is not made of foam.

[@StephenOutside]

Ah, good point. It's "continuous filament insulation". Maybe I should start scripting these haha

[@intothefoxhole7985]

Synthetic insulation says it all. Its a good distinction to make. Remains accurate and presents so.

[@StephenOutside]

@@intothefoxhole7985 thanks, I appreciate it

[@JasonSnailer]

lol I was about to make the same comment and then write EE a letter

[@boredandagitated]

@@StephenOutsideyou could use the word batting to refer to the raw insulation too. I get what you meant on how it’s one piece of insulation so no baffles needed. I’m pretty sure batting refers to that sheet

[@TheREALMuad-dib]

If you're going to use oils in your hair, try coconut oil as it is more vitamin rich and I've noticed protected me more from the sun while ultra running through the Mojave for 9 years. Also try joshu tree climbing balm, that was the best result I had running 50 mile days for 21 days in a row on the PCT in 22. -Muad'dib

[@meandmerat8744]

I won't use any pack put a Gregory Baltoro.

[@StephenOutside]

Yeah, whatever gets you out into nature!

[@obvNameLess]

I love my 75 liter Baltoro but if I ever did a thru hike I would probably buy a 55 liter like the durston kakwa

[@antistaticandi]

Dude. A "breathable jacket" is usually made with pit zip construction - which you are to use to vent your heat occasionally and stay cooler and drier inside when it's really soaking. They are also usually designed to be windproof, so you only need the one layer, not two. You literally cited the fact that they don't breathe in heavy rain (they do breathe in light rain) as a reason not to use it, and then decided instead to use a rain jacket that is physically, always, incapable of breathing and that you reduce your activity level to be able to use it. Your system is inferior in literally every way.

[@StephenOutside]

I chose to buy a rain jacket that will last probably 20 years because of its 100% waterproof, extremely durable but non-breathable material (it has pit zips to compensate). The thing is a swap if you push too hard but I love it. It's an ultralight emergency item at 7.4oz which is just as light and functional as many expensive breathable jackets. My wind breaker jacket is super useful and it only weighs 3.7oz (105g)! I wear it on cold mornings to keep body heat inside, when it's sprinkling because it has DWR, and obviously when it's windy. For 3.7oz it's so worth bringing! For me the wind jacket is way more useful than a rain jacket. It's more breathable than any rain jacket on the market, and until then I'll probably be bringing two. It's all about moisture management in the end Edit: One thing my comment didn't make clear is that all breathable rain jackets will wet out at some point while mine won't. And breathable rain jackets will have worse breathability in wind, light rain, and cold mornings making you damp - these are the three uses I would use it most for

[@Andy-Mesa]

- Synthetic insulation is affected by moisture, just not as much as untreated down. This is an old myth, and the difference with hydrophobic down is negligible, especially on something like the PCT. I hike in down in the PNW. - GORE's Shakedry and Columbia's OutDry are two breathable fabrics that don't wet out. - Your lighterpack weights seem off. Your wall plug is listed as 1oz, when I have the same one and it's 3oz. Your battery bank has no weight at all, but I'm guessing it's at least 12oz. There's also other unspecified and doubtful weights in there. - That BRS is pretty garbage in cold and windy conditions (of which there are many on the PCT). At minimum I would recommend a windscreen, though it won't fix the garbage performance in cold weather. - I'm a professional board game developer and never once have I found an opportune time to play a game on trail. Hopefully you have better luck than I ever have.

[@StephenOutside]

Thanks, I really appreciate this detailed reply and I learned some things. - I can't believe I forgot to put the weight of my battery, that's gonna make a huge difference. Luckily the only thing with my base weight is the title so I can update that. - It sounds like I put placeholders for some weights and didn't remember to update them. - yeah the BRS is really inefficient and blows out all the time. I sometimes use my thinlight pad to block the wind, but most of the time I just cold soak my meals even when it's not windy. - And I love that you're a board game developer, that's really cool! I'll leave my felt games at home then, thanks for the heads up

[@Andy-Mesa]

@@StephenOutside I mean maybe you hook up with a cool tramily that wants to and has the time to play games. I just never have. You do you.

[@Andy-Mesa]

@@StephenOutside How'd it go?

[@StephenOutside]

It was awesome!! I made a lot of friends and the trail itself is so special. The JMT section was stunning and probably my favorite. It was a great experience, thanks for asking!

[@Andy-Mesa]

@@StephenOutside nice, did you get to play any games?

[@weka6533]

Trevor’s story is awful. If there isn’t already, a program where you buy your ice axe, send it to be store at where it will be needed and then when you have finished, you can send it back to that place for the next person for either free or small hire charge (to fund the program). Often it’s cost that’s the reason why people don’t have the right gear. And if you only need it for a small section, then it’s more likely to not be purchased.

[@StephenOutside]

Oh that's a great idea, I totally agree! Triple Crown Outfitters does a bear car rental through the Sierra section and you drop it off at the north location. If they did the same with ice axes that would be amazing

[@Bill_tyler]

A “turkey basting bag”? Eww….. “budget gear”

[@StephenOutside]

Lmao, yeah whatever works!

[@JasonSnailer]

Opsak is trash. Just grab mylar instead