PCT Thru Hike: My PCT Gear List

[@John_BP]

VG10 is known for its rust resistance and ease of sharpening. It takes a nice edge in my experience.

[@threat_dynamics3272]

Never thru hiked, but have done portions of the PCT while living in SoCal working in the defense industry. Did spend a lot of time in the Mojave, even living in the town of Mojave for a while. I'm fair skinned and burn easily without sunscreen but I wasn't comfortable using it for extended periods. A broad brimmed hat, white cotton long sleeved shirt, and khaki long trousers did the trick. Trust me, you'll need the Chapstick. Have my Sawyer Mini set up with a Platypus on the output. When I'm finished filtering, a quick squeeze of the "clean" container back flushes the filter so it never clogs. Of course I didn't have a filter back then (nor a cell phone or GPS). The old timers said there was water in the desert if you know where to look. Count me as one of those who didn't know where to look. Before leaving I would "super hydrate" being aware of hyponaturemia. I would carry 6 L and it never seemed to be enough but I'm a big guy, drink a lot of water, and sweat a lot although my perspiration was virtually imperceptible in the low humidity. It added weight but I always divided my water among numerous smaller containers instead of one or two. That way WHEN one leaked, I wouldn't lose half my water. Someone once told me that "the desert was full of things that stick, stink, and sting." Although she was drunk at the time, she was right. So I carried a variety of ways to remove thorns, splinters, etc. Double up on patch material for inflatable anything. Nowadays I would carry a repackaged (to save weight) Sawyer Extractor to deal with a highly likely insect sting or highly unlikely snake bite. I realize all this is too late to help you, but it's interesting nonetheless.

[@Jerkabobber]

This is an impressive, lite kit ya got here! Very inspiring, thanks for sharing

[@GeezerDust]

I like the umbrella idea. Especially using it to block ur tent/tarp entrance from rain. Just finding one lightweight/compact enough. Enjoy your PCT trip.

[@tyomen]

Convertible cargo pants. I have Maui and Sons. They are my absolute favorite for even rough trails. You can take the legs off or leave them on halfway, unzipping just enough to let air flow, but still protecting your legs from brush and sunburns. Even in the summer they are awesome. The little extra weight is worth it. Thanks for the vid!

[@michaelcorange]

can't wait to watch your journey! I'll be starting my thru-hike in 2015 and your videos have been so helpful! Hike on my man!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I bought a skirt...I tried on one from a cottage maker and did not like the restriction. I ordered another from a place in Utah and its FANTASTIC! Wow is it nice when walking through the wet brush. I would have nade my own yet I never quite got around to actually doing it...blah blah blah...

[@guido10986]

One reason why Military prefer pants and long sleeve in the hot desert is when your skin sweats the clothing will keep the sweat on your skin to help keep your skin cool and keep you hydrated for a longer time because the sweat does not just evaporate. It can be uncomfortable but say in a survival situation it can help. Might not help you in your situation but just a fyi. Good luck and have fun.

[@karukun0212]

Hope all is going well. Like most of the choices. I recommend the Montbell down jacket--5.5 ounces and terrific. Gave me some good ideas--like that rain skirt especially.

[@tysutherland651]

cool man dun pct two times now you got a good lode out but get some pants and don't use a stuff sack for your sleeping bag just stuff it in your bag to fill up the room in the pack it help keep the lode from shifting around the crown 60 is the pack I use it a grate pack p.s. look in to this for washing your close any bag will work and it works good The Scrubba Wash Bag Demonstration

[@doodhan]

We have the same electronic setup. Although I use the bigger anker model which holds 12k mAh. I purchased a 4inch lightning cable and dissasembled the lightning covering and it would fit the lifeproof nuud case. I agree that external battery chargers such as anker products works best for thru hiking rather than bringing solar panels since you can resupply every 5-8 days or so. iphone5 with lifeproof nuud case on weighs 150 grams.

[@mountainmuse]

Great vid, thanks! Have replaced my headlamp (3.3 oz) with a ThruNite Ti3e mini torch that I attached to a hairband (1.2 oz). Uniqlo has ultra light down jackets ($70 for about 7 oz)! Going to use my new titanium esbit stove (0.4 oz) instead of my titanium brs stove (gas canister) that's o.8 oz. Currently got my base weight at 16 lbs (Deuter 45+10 pack).

[@body942]

Regarding the Sawyer syringe: ditch it. You said you're going to rock Smartwater bottles, the flip n sip style lid that comes on those mates perfectly with the clean water barb on the sawyer mini. Filter into your smartwater > screw the cap back on the SW > hold the clean water barb of the filter and the SW lid snugly togther and SQUEEZE the SW bottle. I get a perfect seal and the backflush flow is equal to what I get using the syringe at home. Unrelated: not gonna try the hammock?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nice tip! Sadly there aren't enough places to hang a hammock on the southern PCT to justify taking one.

[@rmoran113]

I also have the cap 4 exped wt but mine is hoody version....you will love it!! Best purchase in a while for me ahead of my zebra light!

[@lecherojr]

Pot lid I don't know if it would save you any weight, but a 1qt paint can lid fits the Trek 700 perfectly. And they make unlined versions.

[@OnTheSound]

Very excited to follow you on your next trek!

[@flysubcompact]

Excellent low-down on the gear. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Oh, and good luck on the PCT.

[@SherpaAdventures]

I have same pack but I took out the plastic support as I use my close cell foam pad for support. My baseweight is about 10-11

[@mattisbackpacking]

Yeah now I'm looking forward to your videos. Your AT videos were awesome! Keep up the good work!

[@Jradeckjr]

Thanks for sharing. Great gear list you got. Lifeproof cases are great, just be aware that audio can be a little muffled. I found that flipping open the bottom port did the trick. Good luck.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nice tip, thanks.

[@Johann-4354]

I look forward to following your progress, again on a long trail, on my favorite trail, the PCT. The desert was hard but was my favorite area. The lid to the S.Peak 700 is stainless steel, I'm told. Like you, I think its very heavy. I use the top of an oversize tin can, now, cut off with a side-cut can opener,(no sharp edges), also called a safety opener, and made a handle for it, push pin in the middle. Much lighter. Just a concern about your I phone camera, I've never seen consistantly good quality thru-hike video taken with a smart phone. Wandering-Dot used hers the whole way, three years ago, on the PCT and her video quality was awful. Maybe you can do it right. You seem to know what you're doing with all your well thought out preparations. I envy your journey. I'd like to get back on it again, too, some time soon, in a year or two, I hope. Do you know when you're leaving?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Today!

[@Johann-4354]

Biophthera

[@Kayakwinds]

Excellent video. But please put some antibiotic cream in your kit. When you need it, you need it. Opthalmic Polysporin is a good choice.

[@Mels111]

Awesome dude !! I'll be following ! Those columbia shirts are great !! I use those a lot down here in south Florida

[@walkingthewalkpct4692]

Hey man it's LaZboy. Nice gear video man! I actually had to get off the trail at Chester. my body basically fell apart. To many injuries. Knee problem did me in. I've been home 3 weeks now and I'm still feeling pain in my feet haha. Good luck to you man!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Hey! Nice to hear from ya! Enjoy some food and movies for me. Any plans to return to trail?

[@UniverseEarthSpirit]

I keep over-looking my gear after every trip and its still so mind-boggling to think where the weight is coming from and what more could I cut, without having to spend so much money to replace gear. Twelve pound base weight is remarkable! I've calculated over and over again weight by item and still come out too heavy. I figured I could replace 5 pieces of gear and save about 62 oz (which is a lot, I know) but also very expensive. Still weighing my options.

[@aronmcinnes8313]

Did you ever build your ground sheet with bug net? Would like to see the video of what you built.

[@Memphistiger02]

Awesome man, I look forward to updates.

[@George-rz6iv]

@crazykev5 i am not positive but, I feel that he also uses the poles for his shelter. Great video! You answered a lot of my questions.

[@BackcountryBanter]

***** Yup. Thanks!

[@jhonyermo]

Thanks for heads up. I will click through amazon just as you said. Thanks for that.

[@Chasing_The_Dream]

Can't wait to follow your adventure

[@ratlefty]

Great vid good to see the evaluation of your gear

[@theis8233]

I usually just stuff my X-Lite sleeping pad in the top of the dry-bag i use for my sleeping bag. Easy to stuff and it's right there with the sleeping bag when I set up camp. Also, put your backup lighter with your toilet paper, so you can burn the paper after you're done. Works a lot better then digging it down or just leaving it. I'd add some butterfly strips to the med kit, just incase you or someone else get a bigger wound. They are super effective. Other than that. Great video and setup!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Do you just stuff it like you would a sleeping bag? I considered doing this, but I wasn't sure what the long term effects would be. Mostly I was worried about some of the baffles delaminating. If you do stuff it, how long have you been doing it for? Thanks.

[@theis8233]

Biophthera No, I roll it up (like you did) and put it in the stuff sack, then I stuff my sleeping bag on top. Been doing it for past two years. Probably 50-60 times or so.

[@theis8233]

Didn't think of that when I posted this. We don't have many of those in Norway, but yeah, don't burn down the trail.

[@dmolition123]

Would you ever consider keeping the Xlite inside of your sleeping bag/quilt and throw them at the bottom of your backpack given you have extra room?

[@Holdfast214]

Thanks for the video! Hey I work at the R.E.I in San Diego so just stop by for any of your last minute things, just ask for Victor. Also, just keep in mind that we are approaching rattlesnake season so you might want to keep that in mind #medkit

[@mikebox]

Nice video, and some great ideas, BUT, I have to question the pack cover, I would never go out without my gear in a water proof bag. those covers are about the same weight as a large single bag w/p bag.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Yeah I always use a trash compactor bag inside by pack as well.

[@hallnoats4ever942]

Joe Brewer how do you shower, how do you wipe your butt???

[@KLB5420]

hallnoats4ever ... shower under falling water, wipe your butt the same as you do at home.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Great informative video thank you. Question: you stated your batter pack was 4 Oz, but you didn't say what Brand/kind it was and maybe where to get it? Thx...

[@BackcountryBanter]

I used an anker 2nd gen astro 6,000 mah battery, but I don't think they make that one anymore. Now I'm using a larger capacity and slightly heavier one, but it was great on the CDT. Here is a link: amzn.to/2d6aoTa I've found Anker to be the best/lightest brand and the amazon reviews seem to reflect that.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you Joe, truly love all your videos whether it be on thru hikes or the gear/informative ones. I live in the San Diego area and do small portions of the PCT in the desert almost every weekend. I can't wait to thru hike the whole thing. Great job on your videos. On that note, do you mind telling me what phone and apps you use to make your great videos? Do you use the same apps to put in the titles and text? Thx

[@Welks767]

I'm new to all of this but I love your videos. Thanks for sharing all of this including the DIY videos. Still thinking how you sleep that many nights with a ... tarp? I'm missing something :(

[@Psychonaut273]

I've seen your trail videos from the AT and the PCT and the are fantastic. I wish I can hike the AT someday, too. What are your hiking plans for the future? Are there more interesting trails like the AT in america you would like to go? Or are you planning to hike them backwards?

[@ihavea4]

I'm looking forward to following you on the new trail this year man! one question, could you post the rough dimensions for your sleeping pad bag? i like the idea of having it upright in my bag, and if you've already made one there's no reason to reinvent the wheel. also where did you get the materials for that and your other DIY stuff? i'd love to start making my own gear, i just need to find the time...

[@BackcountryBanter]

For materials, check out diygearsupply and dutchwaregear. As far as the bag dimensions go, I just kind of winged it. Just measure the length and circumference of the rolled up pad and add some leeway.

[@symondo74]

Thanks for all your videos, They are inspirational and would love to be over there hiking the PCT. Quick question. You started your gear list for the AT with Salomon XA Pro shoes and have transitioned at some point to the LA Spotiva's. Just wondering what made you change. Were they what caused your ankle issues or was the lacing system too much of a concern?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Ultimately, they were too narrow And the goretex took too long to dry. The sportivas are amazing. They are the only shoe I hike in now.

[@a_h_y9558]

i love this video. it has been my inspiration for my own 1016 kit for the pct. -no long pants? did you find you wanted the option for the cold, sun, or brush?

[@nuamino]

Great gear list. One question. What's you take on cuben fiber? Why you didn't go with a pack like HMG Southwest 3400? Thank you and Happy trails! :)

[@kellys1458]

Have you done the PCT yet? I can't wait to hear how it went. Desert hiking sounds tough! I tend to backpack in the early spring when the temps are still cool. Wish I could get my pack down to 12 lbs! Do you ever ditch your stuff sacks to save weight?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm currently doing the PCT and posting videos as I go. I try to use as little stuff sacks as possible, but I've still got a few.

[@acemastermatt]

Vg10 steel is good stuff. Anti rust if I am thinking right

[@jlewis8060]

Great vid, thanks. You mentioned a Golite pack you had, do you remember which model?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! It was a GoLite Jam 50. I've done some other videos on it if you are interested. At this point though, I'd recommend the Granite Gear Crown VC 60 over the Jam (plus GoLite no longer exists).

[@jlewis8060]

Joe Brewer I have a Jam 70 I've been using for a couple years now which I like a lot. Longest trips were 6 days into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Weight wise for those 6 days was a bit beyond my comfort level and the pack's at 46lbs, 10-11 of that was food and some of my gear will get replaced with lighter versions for this season as funds allow.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Outstanding gear choices man ! Best off luck to you. Are you hiking solo ? Will be looking forward to your trek.Peace

[@BackcountryBanter]

Actually, this time I'm meeting a friend from the AT to start with.

[@ianrsigel]

Sometimes My Compassion gets the best of me. My first thought upon viewing the opening of the vid was to send food for the obviously malnourished individual on the right of the frame.

[@unnnicorn]

Haha ;D A good one!

[@ruggsyfun]

your head lamp...do you have a link for the core rechargeable pack?

[@daverocker6459]

Hey Joe, Would using a 2-wheeled luggage carrier work in desert section of PCT? Think it might be a great idea as I'm having difficulty w/ heavy pack weight due to water and sun and cold gear combined. I can't lower weight any more. they only cost $20 so could leave it if it fails and go back to pack. Got the idea from guy who hiked for 7 years continuously with something similar.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Honestly I doubt it. The desert section is surprisingly rugged and can be sandy too. You'd probably be carrying/dragging the suitcase most of the time. Give the Dixon Roller Pack a look/google. I can imagine that it would work decently.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

You could try a Dixon Roller Pack yet its technically a wheeled device and are not "allowed" in Wilderness areas. Also...not sure how they do over tight passes, river crossings, log bridges etc. Please make a video so we can all benefit fron your research!

[@daverocker6459]

didn't know wheeled devices not allowed. I completed my section and think joe is right ,the pct is too rugged,narrow, overgrown, sandy ,rocky,etc. for it to be better than good ol' fashioned backpacking. But when it did work it was great. Just not enough time using it. I'd guess 40% of the time tops. When my back pain went away I could carry pack as well as cart. Dixon roller and others like it I bet would work great anywhere but they're pricey. If you get accurate water info you can carry a lot less than I thought was needed. Also ,I hardly drank between breakfast and about 10 AM because it was cool (in Oct.)

[@toricito96son]

Did you use any of the guidebooks? Im preparing to hike the trail next spring and am trying to decide which one I'm going to use. Congrats on finishing!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Yogi's book is a good resource to read before the trail, especially if you haven't thru-hiked before. For actual on trail use though, I would stick to the half mile-maps, the half-mile app, and the guthook app.

[@spencerdunphy]

Hi Joe, Just have some questions for you about my sleep system. I have done a lot of research into lighter systems (lite single wall tents and tarp systems) and I am trying to find one that works for me. I understand that systems can change depending on geography but I am having a very hard time choosing with all the different systems out there. I am someone who loves to travel the world (and lite at that) and I am searching for a system that is equipped for thru hiking (would love to due the PCT someday) but that can also be used in my backyard of the Canadian Rockies. I guess being from a colder climate is part of my concern. Although I know that parts of the PCT end in colder climates. Do you have any advice? I know that your tarp and ground sheet option does look appealing to me.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Spencer Dunphy Though I am very happy with my system, it isn't ideal for some people in really cold conditions. It works great, but many people don't like the openness of the tarp in colder whether. One option is to use a something like a borah bivy that will give you a little added warmth and protect from splashes of rain. They can also double as a ground sheet, though I'd recommend taking both.

[@spencerdunphy]

Thanks for the advice Joe. Can't believe how light the borah bivy is as well. Not surprising most of the bigger brand bivy's are way heavier.

[@izbiz671]

Hello Joe, thank you for the videos. Do you think using the Suntactics Solar charger SC5 is a better choice than a power bank? from the specs that I see, it is approx. 7 oz.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I don't think it is a better choice, but it is a good charger from what I hear. A battery is reliably there for you when you need it, unlike the sun. I often charge my phone overnight as I sleep, so a battery is much more useful to me.

[@izbiz671]

Thanks for the reply Joe. Your videos are inspirational. More power to you and have fun.

[@davidstockbridge]

I didn't see the compressed gas cartridge in your kit. What sizes are you planning to take and do you have a useful lifespan estimate for them?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I always used the smallest size canister available. I believe it's a 100 g size. I would get about 2.5 weeks out of a single canister, sometimes more. I only cooked for dinner though. And I typically only boiled a cup of water or so.

[@bobbymiddleton420]

you seem to have it down to a science I remember watching your AT gear video once I saw your segment on your shoes...u seem to swear by that brand which is one of my questions are you going to switch out to a boot once u are in the higher altitudes were deep snow is possible ? and how many charges do you get off your little battery pack?

[@BackcountryBanter]

About three full iphone charges can be had from the battery pack. I think this year is going to be a low snow year, so I'm going to try to stick with the same shoes.

[@OlTrailDog]

Based on your pre-AT and this pre-PCT videos that you used (started with?) a hammock on the AT. Based on your AT experience would you go with a hammock or tarp on the AT if you did it again? Thanis

[@BackcountryBanter]

+OlTrailDog A hammock. It was so comfortable and easy on the AT. The other trails just don't have the trees for it unfortunately.

[@shadomane]

I think I would opt for a poncho instead of the umbrella...just my choice.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

poncho is useless in the desert sun compared to umbrella rain isnt till washington and northern oregon.... umbrella also creates a door to his tarp to keep out weather and wind a shelter from sun for breaks.. on the AT id go for a poncho but the PCT umbrella will have more uses especially the first 800 miles.

[@jhonyermo]

Agree Lint Hikes a TRIPLE, TRIPLE CROWN-ER and RAY Jardine all carry umbrellas in the desert.

[@blaize8026]

Used the mini on the AT this year. Found the flow to be really lacking towards the end of my trip. How did your mini work? I'm thinking about the PCT this coming April and I'm not sure if I just want to do aquamira or maybe try the full size sawyer. Thoughts?

[@blaize8026]

Nvm, just saw you did a review for it.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I say go with a squeeze full size.

[@noobie1890]

How would you recommend packing for a week long hike on the trail? I'm probably going to start somewhere in Northern Cali like Humboldt and ending in San Diego. Would I still run into cooler climates and snow or mostly rain and fog?

[@BackcountryBanter]

What time of the year will you be hiking?

[@noobie1890]

Late June or early July probably

[@ucantseeme33]

how much money did it take to hike these trails, could you let use know what these trails cost you to thru hike? This would really help me out.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

But...only you can answer that after you have done your meal planning, zero day locations etc...You might look on KZbin for the videos on this topic.

[@justwired]

after lost wages cost of the trip id say about 30 to 40 k

[@enlightenedlotus336]

2000-2500 dollars minus gear if you stick to the trail and are very conservative in towns. 3000-5000+ if your hike is going to just be hiking from hostel to hostel and drinking your hiker pains away in towns. Gear you can expect to spend as low as 1500 if you budget alot or already own some stuff all the way to 2500 dollars if you purchase brand new top of the line gear and dont buy anything used/from a thrift store. Hope this helped i actually just finished getting all my gear together for about 2200ish dollars (i started with nothing and invested in some ultralight gear) and have about 2700 dollars saved up for the hike itself but i hope i can get away with spending under 2500 and save the rest for emergencies.

[@cooldesertknight]

EnlightenedLotus That's quite helpful. Thanks and Salaam.

[@GODOFROCK22]

How often did you hang your food on the PCT?

[@xxbryan715xx]

I looked up that anker 6400 battery pack and it said it was around 7 ounces. Are you sure it is 4 ounces or is it a misprint on the website?

[@BackcountryBanter]

There's a new one out now. The 6000 mah one that I had was about 4.5 ounces. The new 6400 mah one looks to be about 4.8 ounces. The 7 ounces listed may be the shipping weight, it's definitely not that heavy.

[@Finn-lq5tb]

Hi, I was wondering did you take out the frame on the pack to make it lighter? Or did you leave it on?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I left it in. I actually think it really helped to disperse the weight and carry the load better. Honestly, for the minuscule weight it contributes, I think it's worth leaving in. It also helps keep back bulge from making the pack uncomfortable on your back, allowing you to be a little more lax with how you pack your bag.

[@MoniqueDiCarlo]

I just received my ultra light BRS stove it is 0.88 oz!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nice!

[@krischarlton7637]

just curious Joe, how tight is the mesh weave on the la sportiva shoes? would it be quite tight or pretty open? I'm assuming there not gore tex lined. thanks.

[@BackcountryBanter]

There are actually two layers of mesh. Combined they are tight enough to keep out everything except for very fine dust and water. The regular wildcats aren't gore tex lined, though there are some available with gore tex.

[@krischarlton7637]

Cheers Joe, happy trails.

[@olgastacyramirez9852]

pronunciation inglisforeveryon

[@moorshound3243]

My wool blanket must weigh more then your whole kit!!! I still don't know how people manage to go so light weight?

[@GaryV16]

awesome

[@krischarlton7637]

savage

[@moxtr]

I am guessing the suspension on the pack made it worth the weight.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Richard M It did. While I believe going lightweight is the best way to backpack, I also think that a slightly heavier pack with better suspension and load capacity can make a huge difference in comfort as well.

[@MeAndBoone]

What kind if battery pack is that? Thanks.

[@RedSkinPotato0]

Awesome! I will be following.

[@groundflax]

what do you think about the zebralight? (why didint you take it?)

[@BackcountryBanter]

It is a great light. I'd actually highly recommend it for distance hikes too. The only reason I'm not taking is due to the fact that my petzl light can be recharged with my backup battery's usb port. Which means If my light ever dies on the trail, I can just recharge it in the field.

[@SherpaAdventures]

Heading sobo June 15. When do u leave?

[@BackcountryBanter]

April 17th nobo. Maybe we'll cross paths somewhere!

[@JackDundee]

Best of luck!

[@isaacruthen9313]

Did you have to use a bear canister at all? If so ,which one did you choose?

[@BackcountryBanter]

You are required in certain areas and I did. I used a bear vault BV500. It's heavy, but they all are really. If you are thru hiking the PCT, you can pick one up cheap at Kennedy Meadows for about $60. The nice thing about this one is it's clear so you can see where your snickers bars are before you have to dig though the entire canister.

[@isaacruthen9313]

Joe Brewer That's the one I was looking at, thanks for the reply man. Also glad to see that backpack worked well, I'm almost positive I'm going get that one.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Isaac Ruthen I'd highly recommend it!

[@isaacruthen9313]

Joe Brewer I also wanted to ask, what was your longest point between resupply points?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Isaac Ruthen About 8 days in the Sierra.

[@MrKenny1955]

how do you hang your food bag,with no trees around?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I just slept with it.

[@shanedekin3194]

How does your stove compare to the msr pocket rocket

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Shane DeKin I like it much better. It is a little lighter, more efficient, and more stable as well.

[@EmilKamppp]

Interestingly enough, I have hed nothing but good experiences with BD customer service.

[@BackpackingStealth]

what iphone apps? nice vid

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks. I'm using the half mile app, pcthyoh, and guthooks apps. The guthook app is quite nice, it tracks your location via gps and seems to be very easy to use. For now, I'm taking half miles maps and yogis pages. Gonna try that out and if I like the combo I'll keep it up.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Great job. Thank you.

[@automaticnostatic2148]

12 pounds? I hiked it in 2007 with a base weight of 40 pounds.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

cool story bro....needs more dragons and shit..

[@jd0614]

do you reccomend wearing boots or hiking shoes?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Definitely shoes for most hiking. The difference is huge as far as comfort, foot health, and moisture control goes. Not to mention how much lighter they are, allowing you to hike farther and longer. I've actually got a video on the topic if you're interested.

[@jd0614]

thank you

[@justinoakley9115]

Joe you never tell us your trail name, what is it?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Apache.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I think he says it in one of his PCT videos...not sure. It could be a secret...dont tell anyone except your friends, family and acquaintances. Maybe complete strangers too!

[@anilkraft1479]

No fishing gear? If you're gonna hike from Mexico to Canada passing through some of the best steelhead,char, and salmon fishing ever. You might as well catch a fish.

[@krischarlton7637]

ha ha. Yeah, he could eat the head, the tail, the whole damn thing.

[@tytt4594]

How did the sleeping pad hold up on the thru hike?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It survived both the PCT and CDT! It's super durable.

[@tytt4594]

Joe Brewer sweet bro I've been back and forth with it I'm goin with it. Thanks for the videos man

[@BackcountryBanter]

Awesome! If you end up getting it thru amazon, click through this link and I'll get a little kickback. It helps support the channel for no added cost to you. Thanks! amzn.to/2CeS72y

[@tytt4594]

Joe Brewer got you bro most definitely.

[@enlightenedlotus336]

Congrats on your triple crown!

[@jordanwright4763]

Did you run into any bears on the trip?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I did. A mother black bear and 2 cubs. They quickly ran off though. You can see them in one of my PCT videos.

[@aaronsullivan3870]

Joe Brewer Can you put a link in the next comment please?

[@mtnmantim519]

what did it cost you to do the hike ?

[@BackcountryBanter]

MtnmanTim 51 ~$4500 - $5000. I'm planning to do a post or video on this eventually.

[@BackcountryBanter]

***** Mostly resupply and town restaurant food. A very small portion was spent on gear/new shoes.

[@thetommantom]

I like leki for skiing

[@trailnscaleRC]

good luck to you mate! i just gotta laugh a little cause we've all turned in to such gram weenies, and i think back in the 70's when men were men and hiked with external frame packs, boots and other non ultra-ultra-ultra light gear, and they still did the whole trail. Of course technology has allowed us to carry less on our backs and do the trail faster, but in this fast paced society are we taking in the scenery every day we hike, or is this just on our "bucket list" to say we've done it, then rush back into the concrete jungle.

[@threat_dynamics3272]

You're dead on. I started hiking and climbing in the 1970's and it was very different then. About the only things that's stayed constant with me are fuel tablet stoves, toilet paper, and maps. No GPS, no carbon fiber or silnylon, no water filters...anyone remember Halazone tablets? Smart phones were called "communicators" and we saw them on Star Trek."

[@WillowFilmz]

Did you not bring any sort of underwear?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nope. Things tend to go smoother without it... My shorts did have a nice liner though.

[@nightinsect]

1 owrd AWESOME DETAIL

[@jsksingh88]

Man !! My stuff is so heavy compared to this !!

[@briansimpkins985]

why in the world you keep on talking about sending a little pot lid home or a pair of dingy shorts, what a waste of time to send that back...wear the shorts to bed or as like boxers or something....i could never logistically do the AT or the PCT but those who do finish it all the respect in the world to you, just an incomprehensible feat....

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Um...you may have answered your own question. You do it so...you can logistically do the AT, PCT or other thru-hike. He talks about such stuff so...we all can do it...or at least try.

[@jhonyermo]

You are right. And no wonder he is a triple crowner.