Stick's 2018 JMT (Full) Gear List

[@awanderersguild8186]

Safe travels! The JMT is a bucket list trail that I hope to do in the near future. I’m looking forward to videos of your journey.

[@SticksBlog]

A Wanderers Guild Thanks. And it’s crazy... I knew that one day wanted to do this trail, but it wasn’t something I obsessed over... then one day it just kind of happened! And now here I am... 🤗 Thanks for following, and good luck with planning your own hike!

[@michaelpate9782]

Good luck to you on your trip. It's been enjoyable watching you prepare for the hike of a lifetime.

[@SticksBlog]

Michael Pate Thanks!

[@michaelpate9782]

Your video of the Fiery Gizzard in 2017 prepared us for our trip back in April. I'm hoping to use your trip to the JMT to help plan my own next summer. Be safe.

[@SticksBlog]

I hope it can help! Feel free to ask any questions if you need too... if I can answer them I will be happy to do so, or at least refer you to someone else that can.

[@phillipedwards6484]

Good luck and have a blast. It’s a beautiful trail. Getting there and acclimated and all of the planning involves lots of logistics. It looks like you are ready to go. I hiked a portion of the JMT from Happy Isles to Reds Meadow in late August last year. I can’t wait to go back. I used an iXpand mini to back up my pictures so i didn’t fill up my phone. I took tons of pictures. Thank you for all your videos. I can’t wait to see your future KZbin post.

[@SticksBlog]

It certainly does take a lot of planning! To make it worse, initially I didn't need to worry about getting to and from the trail, but then life happened and just a couple of weeks ago I suddenly had to figure all that out! I was a bit worried for a bit, but I think I have it all figured out now! And I had considered picking up one of those iXpand drives just to make sure I had plenty of space... I have the 256gb phone, and when I head out will have just over 200gb free, but shooting at 4k will likely eat it up pretty quickly... I am still debating if I want to pick one up or not. Some of the reviews I have read talked about it integrating awkwardly... did you find it to be easy to transfer files, and then pull them back off later?

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great video, very informative and best of luck and enjoy the JMT epic hike truly nature at it’s best.

[@SticksBlog]

Michael Bartlett Thanks!!

[@kylepeck1245]

You’re dialed in and under 15 lbs with a bear can! Great pack dump. Looking forward to your videos from the trail and to give you a little motivation to keep doing what you’re doing, I have followed your channel from way back when you started and have learned so much from your videos. Was sad when stopped for a while but glad you came back. I always feel like your reviews are thorough honest and fair. I have purchased many items on your recommendation and have never been let down. I may not be doing any through hikes anytime soon but I have lots of trips planned in the Idaho backcountry this summer and you have played a huge role in helping shape what is in my pack. Good luck on the JMT!

[@SticksBlog]

Yeah, I was actually right at 13 lbs, but then started adding in things, such as the long underwear to sleep in, extra "camera" gear, and some other items... then I was at 15 lbs! I could definitely get my BPW back around 12.5 lbs pretty easy, but what's an extra 2.5 lbs... besides, I am unfamiliar with this area, or what to expect, so I am ok carrying just a little more weight. Anyway, thanks for following for so long, and I am glad to hear that my content has been of some help to you. Thanks for the support, and the kind words! And enjoy your trips in Idaho this summer! :)

[@rowdybeaver33]

Great set up AGAIN! I'm excited for you, and your buddy, and damn envious. Be careful, and I hope you do a post hike review of your set up.

[@SticksBlog]

Keith Stevens Thanks, and I definitely plan to do a Post Hike Gear Talk video!

[@abram860]

See you on the flip side, I'm coming SOBO July 17th. I chose the bidet route as well.

[@SticksBlog]

Abram Nice, we’ll see ya on the trail! Hope the bidet works for you too!

[@bearanoia673]

We've done a few hikes out of Cottonwood Lakes & its gorgeous! Hope you enjoy the Sierras!

[@hermeticallysealed]

You might try a piece of shockcord run through the back eyelets of the solar panel and have it sit behind the top pack v strap. That should solve the flop problem.

[@SticksBlog]

hermetically sealed I was thinking about doing this... would love to minimize cords though. I’m not a fan of how it’s attached already... at least I will have time to figure out something... or just hate it! Lol.

[@hermeticallysealed]

Stick's Blog Yes, there are lots of options. Drill a hole in the center bottom and feed the top strap through....but that seems fussy. Maybe instead of shock cord you rig it up with an extra shoelace, to justify it with an alternate use?

[@SticksBlog]

I don't know... I don't want to drill any holes in it. If it is pulled over the top enough the bottom edge could be tucked into the front mesh pocket, but that will depend on the time of the day and the location of the sun... I'll start with it like it is and make adjustments as I go along. I will say that I thought about simply looping the cord over the knob on the top of my umbrella so I could still use my umbrella too... not saying I won't try that either, but that does allow a lot of opportunity for the panel to shift around a bit... lol! Actually, with a small square of Velcro, that could work... 🤔

[@hermeticallysealed]

Stick's Blog there is always the old standby of "a complicated system of weights and pulleys"

[@domo3552]

You could thread a loop of cord through the hinge of the panel, and attach that to a mini karibiner hooked to your packs top strap towards the mesh pocket. The bottom of the panel will wobble around. But to counter that, stretch a horizontal cord of bungee across the bottom of the panel which will stop that. It may not catch the light as efficiently as when on top, but you can enjoy your umbrella times. Email me for some photos of my gobbledygook suggestion in practice if you wish!

[@flashmanv3260]

Can't believe it's that close, you must be very excited after all the planing. Good luck and enjoy. I will be doing the GC rim to rim in Oct (smaller hike but very excited). Please post how the bidet worked. Without getting into details (hard subject to talk about) I see the issue with it when the (lets call it consistency is not idea). Also interested in the solar panel results. I tried one a few years ago, only worked well when I got to camp early and put it in an open spot. But the north east is not ideal for solar, you will be more in the open. Also, why the change to inov shoes? I'm still adjusting to the new lone peak design. I'm not wild about how they changed the heal, but overall I still like them. Longest single day in them was 11miles, and feet were good.

[@SticksBlog]

flashman V I am excited! It almost seems unreal that it’s almost time! And the GC sounds awesome. I would love to do that sometime. I’ll be sure to talk about the solar and the bidet upon my return too. Both of these systems are new to me so I am curious as to how I like them. And I won’t even try to use solar in the east coast. For a NOBO JMT though it sounds like it’s the perfect time to use one! As for the shoes, I had issues with the Altra’s on an easy 3.5 day 75 mike hike in the Florida Trail. Some blisters and the forefoot was just too big. The Inov8’s are an o really better fit, although I do like the heels on the Altra’s better...

[@Mountian-Zen]

So .... how did your JMT hike go, was expecting a video post of the hike, or a post hike video?

[@floesh-408]

Hi from Holland, great setup and looking forward seeing your trail videos

[@SticksBlog]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@backpackerdad6905]

Hey Stick, Let us know how your JMT permit experience went. Also the bidet system, which It seems would only works well on treks with water. I don't think I would use it on a very dry hike (Big Bend Tx or PCT/CDT- thru the dry sections in the desert). Have a great hike!! I look forward to the videos!

[@SticksBlog]

Backpacker Dad Since we are heading NOBO our permit experience was so easy that I planned the exact dates a year out and had no problems getting exactly that. I have a video (which is linked in this video) of me talking all about the permits and what not. As for the bidet, I see how a dry hike would make this difficult, but I know folks have used bidets on somewhat dry hikes too. My buddy Jeremy Puskas has been fine tuning a bidet setup for himself using very minimal amounts of water. Given the amount of water we will be near on this trip though, I am not being stingy with the amount I use so I know I’m good and clean, lol!

[@Prod_TiGN]

Ya I tend to use smart water bottles because they fit perfectly with my pack and they are light but durable but good luck on the trail I leave out of happy isle July 20

[@SticksBlog]

Teagen Noname I have never been a fan of the SmartWater bottles. They are too tall to use comfortably in the shoulder pouches, and being that they are smooth sided, they can slip out of pockets easier than ones that are textured like the Gatorade bottles. And lastly, the smaller mouth makes it much harder to pour drink mixes in them. Of course these are my reasons though... I know a lot of folks use them and like them though. Anyway, good luck on your hike!

[@edgit69]

Ever tried drying out Wet Ones wipes to use one the trail ? I have and they worked out great and you can even wet them when needed to activate the soap

[@SticksBlog]

Yep... I did that several years ago. It's a good option, but I have been able to get pack weights low enough without having to dry them out, which makes it just a tad more convenient. On this trip though I am ditching tp & wipes though. Just using the bidet and then reusing a light load towel to dry my bum once it's all clean! No waste, and I actually walk away with a clean, washed butt! :)

[@backkat9475]

I have a lot of questions about the bidet. Not asking for a video, but be sure to keep us posted on how that went. I assume there is a proper trail position and some clothing maneuvering..

[@SticksBlog]

Well, from all I have read, if I do it right, I think it will be awesome! lol...

[@TonyHobbs]

Great to see your kit video Good luck Very exciting Like old days watching a packing kit video I didn't know you liked Z Packs lol

[@SticksBlog]

Tony Hobbs Thanks Tony! Man I’m so happy for you and your family! It’s great to hear from you and good to see you out and about too... rocking that MLD!! 😁

[@kendog53]

Good luck, looking forward to the altitude pill review

[@SticksBlog]

I am curious as to how it will do too... I took a test dose yesterday (250mg) and had no problems. No numbness or tingling, or nausea. My head did feel like my senses were hightened a bit... kinda like I had a caffeine high. A little later that night I felt like a had a headache that would swim... nothing terrible, and I figure my ibuprofen would knock it out. Anyway, I am going to take it a couple of days before I start our hike, and then the 2 days while I am acclimating. After our first night of the actual hike (at 11k) I plan to stop taking them and see how I am doing... that way by the time I make it to Whitney the meds will have wore off and I can enjoy my beer! lol... But, if I start having symptoms I will continue it and make the call if it's right or not to summit Whitney... crossing my fingers!

[@Datsyzerberg]

Interested to see how this works for ya. I've got a goal zero. I think you may be able to pair down your power bank since you're recharging. Interested to see how it does.

[@SticksBlog]

I didn't want to go any smaller with the battery pack due to the fact that I will be recharging my iPhone 8+ at least once a day, everyday, and my watch probably every 2 days... And since I am using my phone as my camera, a day or 2 of no sun, or misplacing my solar panel on my pack could put me pretty close to being out of power quickly! I am not even bringing a wall plug to use at MTR, strictly relying on the solar! In theory, and based on all the reviews I have read in similar situations though, I am confident in it... but the truth will be coming up pretty soon! I will definitely report back on how this setup works for me as it is the most concern for me (considering I have absolutely no experience with solar on a trail... it's not even worth trying on the east coast).

[@erinblanchard9488]

Nice list, you definitely want to bring some SPF for your lips though (maybe your sun stick will work for that). If you burn easy like me I might recommend some sun gloves. OR Spectrum are good and very thin/lightweight. Sunscreen is difficult to keep on the back of your hands and that sun is no joke at high altitude.

[@SticksBlog]

Erin Blanchard Haha, I do have sun gloves, the OR Spectrum Ice gloves. I pulled them out of my left hip belt pocket and spoke about them in the video for a bit. And yeah, I may pick up some different chapstick. I love the Burts Bees stuff but didn’t realize that it didn’t have an spf rating a couple of weeks ago.

[@erinblanchard9488]

How did I miss the sun gloves!? I'm glad that you have them. I love that same Burt's Bees chapstick. Burt's does make an SPF lip balm...it used to suck, but it might not anymore (not sure if they ever changed the formula or anything). My current go to SPF is standard Blistex. It is meh, but it goes on smooth and stays on for a while. The mint flavor is the best.

[@SticksBlog]

Erin Blanchard I just pulled them out and spoke about them briefly. I am excited to try them out though... And when doing a quick Google search the other day I saw comments that Burt’s Bees does not have a SPF lip balm. I may just walk through Walgreens and see what I see though.

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Hey Chad, I know you about to leave. Must be stoked. I am doing almost the exact trip at the end of August with a few variations. Maybe I will get some input from you when you return. So far for me has just been the logistics of everything prior hike. Flight to Mammoth Lakes then timing everything around picking up my permit. Also, getting a bus ESTA to Bishop connect to another to Lone Pine where I am splitting a shuttle with 3 other hikers going to Horseshoe Meadows. Sherpamax shuttle is outstanding & inexpensive. Starting trail via cottonwood pass. Ressupply was easy ( shop at Bishop) since I have a two hour wait at the bus connection in front of Vons (grocery store) another sent to MTR & one sent general delivery to Independence. From Reds I will pick up stuff there or shuttle to store. I posted a request on a backpacking Facebook forrum to nut a bear cannisters & a guy in California has shipped his Berikade weekender for me to borrow. Wow! That's the hiking community. I will be video this whole trip for my KZbin channel. & Be looking for yours when you return. I bought that Suntactics 5s hope it trickle charges my Anker 20100. & Also hope I don't have a problem getting that Berikade in my ArcHaul. I also asked Matt at zpacks to field test their new prototype shelter ( yeah right haha) I guess he's hiking the Vermont long trail now. So good luck & have a ball. And thanks to you & your original KZbin video on this trip that pushed me to do it Nobo. KZbin.com/c/followingwalkersworld

[@SticksBlog]

Yeah, I thought I had it all figured out until things changed and I realized that I would now need to figure out how I wanted to get there and back, and get around while there. I decided to drive my car and have arranged to meet up with folks for a shuttle to get started, and lucked up and found someone to drive their car from Yosemite to Whitney Portal at the end! It was a relief getting this figured out, lol... Anyway, good luck on getting the logistics figured out, and of course on your hike. If all goes as planned I will of course have some video from the trail once I get back, and plan to do a Post Hike Gear Talk, and heck, probably even a Post Hike Trail Talk video, lol! I will look for your video's once you get back too, and will be curious to hear how your solar set up does for you. Good luck, and happy trails!

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Stick's Blog hey thanks. Have a ball & be safe!

[@Reese842]

JMT is hike of a lifetime ... screw the j.o.b lol

[@SticksBlog]

Serafin Hikes Haha! I wish I were in the position to say that!

[@johnruhlman5656]

Only thing i didn't see listed on your sheet was your watch.

[@SticksBlog]

It's there... line 152. Suunto Ambit Peak3

[@jasonsadler7020]

Thanks for sharing and good luck!

[@SticksBlog]

Thanks for watching, and thank you! :)

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks great video

[@SticksBlog]

Thanks for watching!

[@phillipedwards6484]

Yes it worked well for me I did not have that much storage on my phone as you have so I needed it. Sounds like you may have plenty. I wish I had a better camera cause seeing the Milky Way at night was awesome and my phone would not capture it and my camera did some better but not great. I wish I took a better camera. Anyway the iXpand mini one I purchased had 32gb You have to download an app on your phone to use it. So you are driving -wow. I flew to LA then Mammoth to acclimate for two days and then took YARTS to Yosemite then started the JMT on Monday Aug 21 when the eclipse occurred. Hey aren’t you from Georgia? I got asked that a lot.

[@SticksBlog]

Phillip Edwards Now you got me to thinking about it again... lol. And yes, we are driving. It’ll be a long drive but I don’t mind it. And I am a little closer... northeast Mississippi. Only about 20 minutes from Alabama.

[@bearanoia673]

P.s. you won't need the umbrella. Just the long sleeved shirts.

[@SticksBlog]

Rj Sterner It has been left behind and there is no getting it back now!

[@opmike343]

Velcro for the solar panel, maybe?

[@hermeticallysealed]

Have a great trip, hoss.

[@SticksBlog]

hermetically sealed Thanks!

[@garrettmain3712]

Hey bud! That Sawyer bag is going to break on you. I’ve gone through a couple of them. There is an Evernew two liter bag on amazon that has worked much better for me in the past. A few AT Thur hikers say theirs went the whole way. Just a kind suggestion. Have fun! I’ll see you out there! I leave July 12th! Also, I’m bringing a Bidet as well. It’s a game changer. You’ll love it. Not having to carry used toilet paper is a pleasant experience.

[@SticksBlog]

Hi! I have read stories of all bladders failing folks, at one time or another anyway. I have used the Evernew bladders, Platy bladders, Nalgene bladders, and of course these Sawyer bladders. Luckily for me, the only one that I have had an issue with was one of the Nalgene soft bladders. It started leaking at the weld where the bag welds to the hard plastic mouth. All in all though, I have been using these Sawyer bags for the last few years and they have held up extremely well for me. The one I have been using for the last couple of years has actually delaminated pretty good, but it still holds water well. I would even still use it on shorter hikes, but for longer hikes like this, I am just starting with a new one. (And as a tip) I also punch holes in the bottom corners of these bladders to attach a piece of cord that gives me the ability to hang them upside down (with the filter attached) from a branch and use it as a faucet. Works awesome! Anyway, I am going to stick with what has worked for me so far, however, as I mentioned, I am including both another filter and a bag in the MTR resupply just in case something does happen along the way. I even threw the back flush syringe in there for good measure too, lol!

[@garrettmain3712]

Sounds great Chad. Just wanted to throw it out there. I figured you would have it dialed in, but just in case. Have an awesome hike!

[@SticksBlog]

Thanks!

[@Reese842]

I use the CNOC, has not failed me, but you have to thread the top flawlessly or it'll leak

[@ericgaffin5697]

awesome vid!

[@SticksBlog]

Eric Gaffin Thanks man!!! I know you’re excited too!!

[@Reese842]

What size did you get with the Zpacks Vertice rain jacket? I ask because you and I are similar physically.

[@SticksBlog]

Serafin Hikes I went with the size large. I’ll admit, it fit me better at 175 lbs than it does at 205 though...

[@Reese842]

2:29 Doggies crash the video!

[@SticksBlog]

Serafin Hikes Haha... Lucy (the black dog) has made appearances in several... Luke (a Golden) is the newcomer. They are both so awesome though... we love them. I wish they could hike with me!

[@tomnoyb5079]

Mosquitoes on JMT? Not likely. Puffy is overkill, but OK...? Powerfilm solar tolerates partial shade better and charges AA-AAA 's directly; power-bank's off the AA's. 5oz vs Suntactics 7oz. Smallest-lightest bear-canister is better. Law requires a bear-canister, not that all food be in a canister. Hang any extra food on the first night. By day-2, all remaining food should fit? Saves more than a pound and fits better in pack.

[@SticksBlog]

Tom Noyb Just this weekend I read reports of mosquitos and of temps into the 20’s at higher elevation. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t expect a solid wall of mosquitos from one end to the other, but it sounds like they are there for sure and I would like to be prepared... I’m usually the one they go after! Lol. Same for the puffy, I don’t expect to use it all the time, but I am quite sure that it will get some use, and I will be happy to have it! As for the solar and batteries, I can’t argue the Suntactics yet, but there are a lot of favorable reports on the S5, so I am confident in it. Same for my choice of battery pack... I don’t need AA or AAA batteries for the most part, but my phone and my battery charged. I know that there are parts to buy these and turn them into a battery pack, but why go through that when the one I have works fine, is lightweight and inexpensive already? As for the canister, as seen in my video, all of my food is in the can, so no need to hang anything... and this canister is the lightest weight in this size one can get. As seen in the video too, there is no issue with it fitting in my pack either... there is plenty of room. It rides much better inside the pack than outside the pack too...

[@martyelliott2665]

Nice video and what you are bringing is fine. Mosquitos on the JMT? lol - yes there are mosquitos in the Sierra and when you are going could be the heaviest time. But you are well prepared. Been in the Sierra since I was 15 and now i'm 60. You choice of puffy is correct. It could be hot or it could get down below freezing...its the Sierra and you just never know. Question on your bidet...is this trip the first time you are using it? The JMT is not the hike to be testing gear for the first time if it is. Not that you would die or anything, but it could be very uncomfortable with untested gear if it fails and you have to hike with it until next resupply. If you have not tested it yet, get out in the woods, take a dump and see how it works!!! LOL.. I hope you will be posting video of your hike. Good luck and have a great time.

[@SticksBlog]

Marty Elliott Thanks for the feedback. I am comfortable with my choices and feel like they are good options to have. I know I could do without but what’s the point of suffering for a few ozs less... especially when my pack is only 27 lbs! Lol. And yes, this is my first trip with the bidet. I have tried it at home but not on an actual hike. I’m still not fluid with it all but comfortable enough to take it out on the trail. And yes, I will post some footage of my hike, as well as some post hike gear y’all videos.

[@WildOnions]

total bummer that your son can't go. I almost hope that your son loses his job, or changes his mind.

[@SticksBlog]

Tom Sabido Yeah that’s a bummer that he can’t go... and while I hope he doesn’t lose his job, I get the gist! I wish he would still change his mind, but since we be already mailed stuff it would be $$$!! Anywho, I’m sure I will still have a good time and looking forward to it!

[@eljimberinoq5518]

Overthinking it dude. Get out and hike.

[@SticksBlog]

eljimberino q I do tend to overthink and over analyze things... but what else am I supposed to do for 19+ months while waiting to hike it. Despite that though, there is nothing wrong with being prepared.

[@PhoenixGenesis]

You should be ashamed of yourself for buying possum gloves. The possums are KILLED in order to farm their fur. And they suffer prior to death!!! And possums are very loving creatures. I don’t need possum gloves to keep my hands warm - I just hike with my real baby possum Pogo and pet him 😄. And BTW, you don’t need the umbrella in the Sierras. For $40 at Best Buy, you can get a solar powered battery pack and scrap both your solar panel and your heavy power bank. You can also leave the map book at home as Guthook works fine and the trail is well marked and well traveled. You will love Muir Ranch - it is a magical place.

[@SticksBlog]

Well, at least you are carrying a baby possum... it's got to be lighter than an adult!! lol... I am actually thinking about leaving the umbrella behind... especially since my solar will be on top my pack all day... although, it may be nice to pop up when taking a break somewhere... it's still a tough decision!

[@PhoenixGenesis]

Stick's Blog Baby Pogo Possum gets to stay home with my BF Steve while I hike the JMT this Friday. I would ditch the umbrella. Every pound counts at altitude. I was suffering with my heavy pack in the Sierras in 2016. Now I use a kitchen scale and weigh everything. It makes a huge difference - I cut my pack weight from 40-50 lbs. down to 11-20 lbs. with bear can plus food and water!!! Ditch solar panel and battery pack. Get that $40 Gopole dual solar charger / battery pack combo from Best Buy. It only weighs 5 oz!!! And it’s the size of an iPhone - very compact. We used the solar panels on the PCT in 2016 on top of the pack and it didn’t work too well. I didn’t like carrying the extra weight of my Crocs, but they were a necessity to keep feet dry with so many river crossings.

[@SticksBlog]

Good job on getting your weight down. Getting a scale and actually weighing stuff will actually make folks realize what they are actually carrying. As far as my pack, I could easily get it down to 11 pounds, and with some work I am quite certain I could go under 10 even with a bear can, but I see no reason to. I am happy with the choices I have made, and will still be walking the trail with an overall pack weight lighter than most other's BPW! As for the solar, I need a slightly large battery pack and something to keep putting juice in it as I go along. I have read lots of good reports about using this particular set-up when heading NOBO and feel like it is the best choice for me. And I would personally ditch the Crocs, or any other water shoes... it is so easy to just walk through with trail runners and then dry out pretty quickly down the trail. I don't even take my socks off, but I know some will actually stop and remove their socks and the insoles, and then replace then on the other side... That seems like a lot of extra work!! Anyway, good luck with your hike and your pack!

[@PhoenixGenesis]

Stick's Blog Thank you. I think you have a great setup and did a lot of planning. I go UL because of a back injury - just can’t carry the heavy loads. I’m still on the fence with my Crocs - they are just so much more convenient when getting in and out of my hammock than constantly lacing up my trail runners. Anyway, have a wonderful trip! I look forward to seeing your videos when you return.

[@SticksBlog]

I understand about the back troubles...I have had 2 back surgeries and neither time was it any fun! It was also some of my reason for going lighter too... On some hikes I have carried sub 4 lb BPW's! That was pretty nice, but each hike has it's own set of demands. I have found that my sweet spot for comfort, safety and lightweight is around 10 - 12 lbs on colder trips. But for this hike, given the unknown, and the bear can, I am a little over that, but still not bad. And I understand about quick and easily slipping on your shoes... I just leave my trail runners untied and pulled apart. I usually slide right in them pretty easily, even from inside my tent. Anyway, thanks for watching, and for the feedback! :)