Post PCT Thru-Hike Gear List

[@emmalide6413]

Thank you for the great content, been following your journey on the PCT with my 5 year old son, who loves your videos. We took him out on his first overnight backpacking hike this summer and he loved it, even if it rained a fair bit. You are a big inspiration, sometimes at bedtime he asks if we can watch a little of your videos. :)

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

That’s Awesome! So amazing that you are getting him into the trail at an early age! Thanks for the kind words & for teaching a new generation about the trail. Hike On, Darwin

[@NatureloverCa]

Always really interesting to see what gear people actually take on these long distance trails. Thanks for letting us know what worked, what didn't and what you changed out.

[@reheaharlan336]

I really want to thank you for your channel and all the videos you post. I've been going through life changes and long distance hiking has become a large part of my life. Your videos help me prepare for my trips and select my gear but more importantly you help me let go of doubts and fears. Not just my fears and doubts but by sharing your videos I can reduce any fears or doubts for my friends and family. I choose to live a simple life because I am compelled to. If i dont let myself follow my gut, ill regret it the rest of my life and choosing to live a free-range lifestyle can be intimidating for most. The more im out there, the more at home i feel and i feel more like my self wich seems to something i had hidden away a very long time ago before getting married and having kids at age 18. I'll be taking my first true long range hike from Midwest Indiana to Tampa Bay, FLA beginning April 1st. 900 miles and I'm giving myself 3 months to accomplish it. Im not experienced enough to know how long it will take me because i expect my mileage per day to vary a bit at first. If you have any suggestions or advice I'd greatly appreciate anything you're willing to share. Keep those posts coming and good luck with you ventures this year.

[@davidoakes7782]

You’re videos have introduced me to a new world of backpacking. After stumbling upon your channel last year I went down the rabbit hole of UL gear and philosophy. Totally changed my outlook on hiking. Got my BW down to around 11 pounds and I’m taking on the PCT next year. Thanks for the inspiration and entertainment.

[@jeremiahgillam3536]

Post hike videos are the best. Thanks Darwin, we really appreciate your channel.

[@cliffp.8396]

I appreciate your candor and precision in naming make and model, this makes future decision making more efficient.

[@murrayjames2772]

From the land down under! Cheers Darwin for all you have done to help other want to walk people !

[@SoCalDaveL]

What a great adventure. Loved watching the updates and if this proves anything, its that there's no such thing as the "perfect loadout". Always adjust as needed. Great job!

[@justinemarkdajay7485]

Hi Darwin! I commented on your last video. I hope you've seen it, but if you didn't, i just wanted you to know that you have been my inspiration with hiking. Thank you so much for sharing with us your passion! Hike on!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Excellent! Glad I can help Inspire & get you out on the Trail. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@justinemarkdajay7485]

@@DarwinOnthetrail you're very welcome! I'm super excited for your next trip! Btw, can I ask if you'll continue your Q and As? I love that series and I hope you'd continue with it. It's been months, so I believe many of us are dying to have some of our new questions answered!

[@jacquesquerton2394]

Hi from France Drawin and congrats for finishing another great trail. Beside your regular vlogs, could you make another one describing how do you cope with the return to a « normal life » or to the civilization after so many weeks away in the wilderness? I’m particularly interested in the psychological effect upon your return at home/trailer.

[@kauaijohn]

Like a lot of others, I’m curious about your ditching the Vargo BOT for future hikes. Of course, that was just a really good excuse for me to go out today and buy a jar of Talenti double dark chocolate gelato! $5.99 for an awesome cold soaking jar and...FREE Gelato! You rock, brother! Congrats on completing the PCT! You’re an inspiration to all of us!

[@rb855]

Congrats of the completion of the PCT. Love the videos. !!!

[@EagleScoutPB]

Congratulations on your completion of the PCT!!! Can you please do a video of the different things you do with the trigger point ball? I'll be doing the AT in 2019 and debating on taking one. Thanks for all the videos!!!

[@Et111thompson]

I'm attempting. Thru hike of the pct early next year, I watched a bunch of your videos as part of my extensive preoperation, thank you my guy, I'll tell you how everything went after the fact.

[@DJ-rh3wh]

Thank you for sharing your packing list and going into the specifics of why you brought along each piece of gear for the PCT. This video has been super helpful as I'm currently in the process of putting together my first real thru-hiking setup after years of day hiking the AT in the Blue Mountains and dreaming about staying on the trail for extended periods.

[@chandyman3793]

Thanks Darwin. This gear list is very helpful and I really enjoyed watching that PCT series. You and Snuggles did an awesome job with the filming and the editing. Congratulations on finishing that hike.

[@XCMRM80]

These videos are great Darwin. I won't be covering the same distances as you, but I have a spinal injury so ervery ounce counts 👍

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Absolutely fantastic.... enjoyed it from start to finish. Well done...!

[@Skymouth]

I will miss your PCT vids! Always looked forward to seeing them waiting for me when I got home from work!

[@kenfrank3782]

Darwin always inspires me.

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

Hi Darwin. I just signed up for the patron. I bought most of the gear listed for my first time small section backpacking the AT. Thank you.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great video and I would like to thank you for all of your presentations and suggestions. I recently returned from an AT 57 mile section for which I purchased a Silver Ridge Lite Green Plaid, which I loved and also put instant coffee in my water bottle each morning. Thanks Again

[@FrozensAdventures]

Great to see back in front of a tree giving us info. That's not to say I didn't enjoy your PCT thru hike. Because it was awesome as well. Welcome home bro!

[@human2398]

Just found your channel randomly and I gotta say man you're a serious inspiration. I was looking into doing GDT next year and I am definitely looking up to your videos. Happy trails!

[@cgriggsiv]

Excellent video Darwin thank you for showing all the different Packs you used and the different types of gear you used

[@RXP91]

Dude, I love your theme tune. Nod along to it every episode!

[@tbsweety]

Love the setup bro, looks real comfortable as well as pretty light!

[@backpacker3421]

NICE! I lovelovelove post trail gear lists. I learn so much and get so many ideas from these. Much appreciated!

[@backpacker3421]

Looking forward to the Olympus 3.0 review. I've been a Lone Peak guy for some time. Might want to try something new...

[@BellaVista1470]

Thanks so much for this interesting and informative video. I really enjoy your reviews of gear. I am shocked that it did not rain for you during the entire trail! I am in New Zealand and our hiking is a little bit different because the bush can be fairly overgrown and there is quite often heavy rain. I admire your commitment to minimalism and keep wishing I could cut down my stuff and not carry so much! I like to bring a book to read or a pack of cards to play with a friend at camp, but they do add weight…..Cheers, Aileen

[@halibut1249]

Amazing how you got your pack weight so low!! Way to go!!

[@tangowhisky1092]

Nice wrap-up for a great adventure!

[@hemanofeternia9954]

Congrats brother! Glad to see you finished safe and sound, and I’m not gonna lie the gear review/ recap is something I’ve been excited about! Stoaked to see a review of a frameless fastpack style pack, I’ve been considering switching to one but would love some Darwin feedback! Stay golden pony boy.🤙🏼

[@J.mc.donald]

Congrats on finishing the PCT! I Thanks for the review of your final gear set!

[@ilauronen9825]

I didn't even realize you had switched to the Waymark thru 40 until now but perfect timing because I was just considering if I wanted to swap out to this pack!! Excited for that gear review :)

[@paulwetzel3.14]

I like the mellow soundtrack. As usual, great video.

[@PHIL7303]

Congratualtions on your PCT through hike! Great videos

[@Ceece20]

Thanks for the review of gear. I tend to include a pair of camp shoes (flip flops) because at the end of the day on hot days I want to get out of my hiking shoes so much. It’s a luxury item and I know it is but I also find it useful when crossing water if I don’t feel like getting my shoes and socks wet. Oh and more recent item, I tend to carry an ultra light hammock with me too. I find it useful as a good chair when there is no nice log to use nearby. I replaced the butt cushion with the hammock and honestly the weight is pretty similar. Again it’s a luxury item but it’s also really good to just relax in a hammock off of the ground and sometimes I just need that. It is also situational so there is a drawback but most of the time I can always find a spot between two trees.

[@jenocean824]

I love your gear videos. Congratulations on completing another thru hike!

[@8Throtl1]

ALWAYS a pleasure to watch! Thanks Darwin!

[@Tmv21395]

Absolutely love the vids interesting in seeing the full Waymark review

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Coming Soon! Hike On, Darwin

[@bartramdilks26]

I would like to know why you changed packs, the zpack external frame looks like a great idea. Why the Waymark?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Like I stated in the video... I just wanted to try something different. I’m a Gear Geek & I love testing New stuff in the field! Hike On, Darwin

[@bartramdilks26]

@@DarwinOnthetrail loved the Pct videos, not to be a pain, but you didn't say that. I look forward to the pack evaluation video. My reason for asking is I am looking to buy a ultralight pack and was leaning toward the zpack because you were using it.

[@tatioliveira6719]

Yes, he very clearly said that nothing was wrong with the gear he swapped out.

[@felipecastellon4740]

Awesome. Thank you for your videos. Very inspiring. I was gearing up and training for the 2019 PCT but budget got in the way. I'm also a type 2 diabetic and decided to try the ketogenic diet which works wonders for diabetes but lacks fuel for long hikes. Nonetheless I find your endeavors inspiring. Your shin splints in SoCal, my hiking grounds and pushing through after recouping. Post holing in the sierras and just a relentless focus to the finish. I also like how you try different gear although you don't need to, with the confidence that you will be okay. After all the PCT is really not just a walk in the park even though you make it look that way. Thanks again and looking forward for your next endeavor.

[@aspinamick1238]

Would love if you would do a video showing how you pack your frameless pack! I have one and am always really interested to see how people with inflatable pads pack their frameless pack since most KZbinrs with one use a super minimal foam pad. Thanks!

[@janetstarr9554]

Yay!!! Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to you geeky observations on the Waymark verses the Zpacks Congrats again! Hi! to Snuggles!

[@kevincoulter2239]

NICE gear review Darwin! Liked seeing the changes a how everything was well explained and not rushed. Surprised about the pack. Looking forward to that review. Thanks again for taking us along and love seeing the reviews again.

[@1randumbguy]

great overview! a couple things i noticed 'missing' from your setup that would be great to hear your thoughts on why: - base layer leggings for sleeping (it never got that cold? i see snow on some of your hike). - no bear canister or ursack? i'm shocked if you weren't required to have one. - where are your dirty girl gaiters? - GPS and/or emergency beacon (e.g. inreach or something similar). - bear mace. - underwear thanks for all you do!

[@tuomasd]

I think he said on earlier videos that he only carried a bear canister on sections where it is mandatory. Don't know exactly what those sections are.

[@Surfergirlmeetsmountains]

tuomasd mile 702-1017 on Pacific Crest Trail requires an "approved" bear canister.

[@Surfergirlmeetsmountains]

and 1343-1363

[@graham1034]

I didn't bring bear can, gaiters, underwear or bear mace.

[@FingersFew]

Nicely done. I cannot wait for the broken down (individual) gear reviews . Keep on hiking and stay safe.

[@mc52]

Thank you for the update about your gear!! Great PCT videos!!

[@jamesshields1969]

Great video, thank you for your thorough breakdown of the gear you ended up with and as usual you very unbiased opinions of the gear selections you make

[@markuslungen1084]

Extremely good video, thank you, and congratulation finishing the PCT. I also use the Olympus 3.5 for hiking and trail running. Very good shoes with Vibram sole. When buying make sure to order one size larger than other hiking boots.

[@markschiltz8954]

Man, so good to have you back dude! Loved all the videos of the pct but just great to see you back to reviewing stuff. You’re the best bro!🙌🏻

[@SteveBrokaw]

Nice, I’ll use some of your kit recommendations for my cross country bike trek

[@teatowel11]

That is good to know that those wind pants kept the mosquitoes from biting. I was actually going to ask that because they are so light and thin but I guess it’s more about how tight the weave is. Thanks for sharing.

[@PerfDayToday]

Because of your past reviews, I use the CNOC blatter and the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket. Thxs. 👊🏻👊🏻👍🏼

[@SpasticTom]

I know you make alot of gear lists but any chance you can make a AT specific recommended gear list? Input would be great! Thank you keep the awesome footage and info coming!

[@cjt5mith]

Great to hear you were happy with nearly all the stuff you started with. If you are looking for other topics for gear reviews, I would be really interested in hearing how the EE Torrid APEX Jacket compared to your old Ghost Whisperer. I love the look of the EE jacket and am on the point of getting one, but I wondered if the Ghost Whisperer is warmer as long as you aren't worried about getting it wet. They are about the same weight but the EE one is considerably less expensive!

[@camezcym4975]

Previous review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5nOeXWOjKd3aKc

[@JReedOutdoors]

Nice review. It’s nice to see what you ended up with. Love the tent!

[@eulagail7229]

Congrats on the hike! I love watching your videos, always makes me sleep at night. Your voice is very calming😁. Keep on hiking!

[@moneymayhem2000]

Hi Darwin, loving your videos. Would be awesome if you could make a video on food along the trail.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

In Production! Hike On, Darwin

[@moneymayhem2000]

You are awesome :D!

[@MikeProut]

Love it! Kind of like feeling closure after watching you walk all that way. Thanks for sharing 😊👍

[@lostinpark4782]

10 ls base thats impressive when i started hiking i was at 30 lb base (cheap gear and packing extra ot of worry) im down to a 15 lbs base thanks for the review hope to keep shedding lbs for a better base weight and better hike

[@skythekeeper]

10lbs... crazy! You're a rockstar man

[@liortepper3619]

He is back! Great video as always

[@byronbrown5838]

I would just like to know about the tights/pants.? I didnt see any warm layers/pants in this post video. Shorts and windpants only?

[@olivepfe]

Congratualtions on your PCT through hike! You mentioned having IT band issues and therefore getting the massage ball. Could you do a video about that? My IT band is bothering me as well and because of it I had to stop my through hike of Switzerland a few weeks ago. So I would be very interested in how you deal with that problem. Thanks!

[@P4uLch3n]

I have some problems with my IT band to. A video with a short exercise was great.

[@hawk8403]

This gear list helps me fill the save for later section of my amazon shopping cart. Now I just need a shit load of money and time and I’ll be all set. But seriously, thanks for the info!

[@kellydtth2749]

That's a light pack! Great work!

[@professorsogol5824]

I'd like to hear your comments on equipment you carried for only part of the trail. As I recall, you developed a medical condition that caused you to take several rest days while you were in the Sierra. How much tape did you use on your leg? For how many days? How much ibuprofen did you take? Why didn't you carry tape in your first aid kit after you recovered in case the problem re-occurred? What were you eating? Let's read about some of your favorite meals. You changed you water filter part way through. You said you wanted to try something different but what made you decide you needed to replace the filter you started with? And I note you did not have a back-up water treatment method. What would you have done if you filter were to have become unusable? How many pairs of shoes and socks did you wear out? Is there any other gear you carried for a few days and then shipped it home? If so, why? Is there any gear you had shipped to you for short-term use?

[@Trackhat]

Hi Darwin, thanks for your trail videos and gear reviews. They're going to be vital for me as I am using modified versions of your gear list to assembly a vol-biv kit for paragliding. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you try paragliding. It goes hand in hand with long distance hiking, and new ultralight wings mean that on top of a full set of hiking gear, you can carry, for just a few extra kgs... an entire aircraft!

[@julien7980]

new ultralight wings ? do you have references ?

[@skipandjump]

Just bought Lone Peaks for my first thru hike next month, now wondering if the Olympus are a better shout, eek! Welcome back buddy!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Awesome video my friend. Thank you so much for sharing. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos. Be safe out there. 🤗

[@greggould2457]

You can also use a lacrosse ball as a trigger point ball.

[@johneason6540]

Maybe you and snuggles can do a q&a on your post hike for more details on your day to day activities to survive the pct. Just spent 2 days with Sobo pct hikers in yosemite. And talked with three jmt hikers that ended in yosemite. Good info learned.

[@theodoreharrold]

Liking the new intro!

[@julien7980]

Thank you for this video Darwin. A big up from France where I prepare my PCT for the next year. YiYa ! 1- Goosefeet Gear Down Socks ? what is their purpose? 2- why you won't continuing with your Vargo ? 3- a reference (model) for your Hanging kit ?

[@damasovi_travels1244]

THANK YOU SOOO DARWIN SOO MUCH!!! your videos inspire me to go out and just hike!

[@powercourageandwisdom]

Hi Darwin, Thanks For your videos. They really mean a lot to me.

[@dougbulldog9947]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us

[@themoonlitfrog]

Hi Darwin! I can't believe how sad I was to see you reach the end of your journey because of how much I enjoyed watching your weekly posts. But you completing the trail made me wonder...where will place your PCT tattoo?

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

Great video as always! Thank you ☺️

[@chrisxx012]

How about a video on foot care and how you used your sock liners for us new beginners trying to get up and going?

[@chrissommers2598]

Hey Darwin, I absolutely LOVE your videos. They're super informative and well done. Fyi, I find the background music in this video to be distracting. I've watched tons of your videos and IMO you don't need it. I find the background music makes it harder to focus on the content of the video. Just wanted to give my two cents on this. Thanks again for all your great videos! Keep it up, man!

[@WillN2Go1]

Thanks Darwin. I just had a big Duh! moment. At the end of my trips, I should shoot my own Gear List video. It won't be KZbin-able, but it would be a really efficient way to keep track of my stuff at the beginning of a trip--and the assumptions I'm working from. In the middle of the trip, when I'm dialed in, it would be a record of the best method for that particular trip. This would be shot at the point I could set-up, take down and go in a few minutes. Then at the end; a video run down: what worked what didn't and what I should start with next time.... One thing I've found out from long trips abroad is that it takes me about 3-5 weeks to stop having those, "Where is it?" frantic unpack and scatter everything moments. I'm usually not an anxious person, but getting ready for a trip is always panic-ville. I learn a lot from your videos. If I had any suggestions for you I'd say check out merino wool t-shirts, bottoms, a pullover or zip front sweater instead of the puffy jacket (My Nano puff stank after 24 hours, but the merino wool layers between it and my skin did not. Best practice is to let them air out every couple of days.) Gold Bond powder, a tiny container lasts over a month, military people on long deployments swear by it. And give those waterproof socks another tryout.

[@sweepingdenver]

His Icrebreaker t-shirt shown in the video is merino wool.

[@ZGADOW]

9:20 As far as I'm concerned, if the bugs aren't bad enough to make you wear pants then there is no need for a head net. The mosquitoes and black flies here in Maine are horrendous , and I've learned that hiking in shorts during the spring and early summer is a bad idea even when its hot out and I'd much rather be wearing shorts. If the bugs are bad enough that I'm carrying a head net I will also be wearing full pants , long sleeves, a buff, and sometimes even two pairs of socks (amazingly ,mosquitoes can snake their suckers through my merino wool socks and mesh Salomon trail shoes to bite me , and a itchy bug bite on your foot will ruin a good hike).

[@devinholmes6521]

As always, thanks for the video. I look forward to your Altra Olympus review.

[@henrymuse4385]

Can't wait for that Zpacks Duplex review! Will you be reviewing the Enlightened Equipment Enigma? Would love to hear more about it!

[@snoopdoug2137]

Appreciate the post hike gear review.

[@dinosaur304]

Hey Darwin, Thanks for another great helpful video. You have been inspiring me to have more and greater hiking experiences. For the first time this past September I went to Yosemite and the Mammoth Lakes Region and hiked and backpacked there for 9 days and it was awesome. I did day hikes and one 2 night backpacking trek from Devils Postpile to Minaret Lake. I imagined you would have used hiking gloves. I saw lots of hikers with hiking gloves. I wanted hiking gloves because the skin in the hinge between my thumb and index finger began to get rubbed into a hot spot. I covered that area with Leuko Tape since I had no gloves and hiked on. Perhaps it would help me to cinch up my pole grip straps, but those straps are not easy to figure out. Also when I got my trail permit I was told I had to pack out my TP, which I did do in double zip lock bags. Did you have to pack out TP? I used a Varga Titanium cat hole digger. I like that its edges are serrated, that helped dig in the very rocky earth, but even so it took quite a while to get a cat hole a full 6 inches deep up there. There is not a whole lot of surface earth there with lots of organic matter - its like a fruit cake of rocks. I had to learn to not wait till the last minute to start the cat hole quest. How do you handle that situation?

[@danieldesrochers751]

Absolutely love all of your videos. You rock! In some of the videos on the PCT you had something on your legs from your knees to your ankles. What were those and why were you wearing them?

[@j_as_in_j]

Thanks for this video. I throughly enjoyed watching your PCT videos and it was a way for me to relax and get in a zen state. Would you be up for making a video about how you made the videos? Did you record and edit while on the trail? If you’re ever in the San Francisco east Bay Area, I’d love to shake your hand and buy you a beer and a slice of delicious pizza! Looking forward to more videos to come!

[@ganiday]

Always you are my tutor!!.. Can I get the name of your knife. And where did you buy it?

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Nice gear list! I'm not an ultralighter but I keep my pack weight around the 20lb mark using conventional and more budget friendly equipment.

[@EvieVermont]

Excellent video

[@littletownie4008]

Thank you, love your gear reviews.

[@leifnilsen7079]

Great video 👍 good tips on food selection. Thank you. I'm going buy these and try them out. If they work for my taste then I will give them a try on the trail.

[@paulyoung5073]

Love this channel mate

[@journeywithnichole]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@HaasGrotesk]

Would love to hear your opinion on the Katadyn filter.

[@DragonRoams]

Pretty awesome man. I'm still getting caught up on your videos from the hike but that's a solid gear load out with a nice base weight.

[@_vptr3021]

Please do a video where you talk about the total expenses for this trip, include food, gear and expenses at towns along the way...

[@ericb.4358]

Interesting Gear List. You explained each piece of gear well.. I too like the Z-Pad butt pad. I'm amazed that much of your gear lasted the entire PCT. My BIG FOUR PACK-> Osprey EXOS 58 (I MUCH prefer a frame pack & padded hip belt) TENT-> Tarptent Moment DW SLEEP SYSTEM-> Western Mountaineering Megalite, REI FLASH Insulated air mattress (15 oz.) COOK KIT-> Brunton CRUX canister-top stove & 3 cup anodized aluminum pot & lid As a former XC skier I would not dream of using trekking poles without straps. Straps are essential for support and ease of use.(IMHO);o)