SirTonka’s 2015 PCT Gear List

[McHunter Swearingen]

SirTonka's 2015 PCT Gear List

Hey guys, beginning the PCT around April 20th, only one month away!

2011 AT thru hiker here trying to pack light and maintain a pace of 24 miles per day.
I started the AT with a 78lbs pack and finished around 50lbs, water and food weight was always high. Gone is my Kelty Super Tioga work horse of a pack, even briefly maxed a 140lbs+ load a few miles. That is to say I am coming from the opposite spectrum of backpacking light.

I've never been in any wilderness like the PCT's desert section or atop anything as high as the sierras before. My main concern is to make sure I can thrive in these extremes with my current set up.

Any help with a gear shake down or general recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Ken Thompson]

No phone, or any electronics?
No first aid or navigation?
Spoon but no stove? Going no cook? Can't have a fire every night.
You can certainly lighten up on clothes and water containers.
Only one pole?
What's the activated charcoal for?
Nutrients are consumables and should not figure into your base.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks ken here is the run down.

I have not sorted out exactly what electronics to bring.

not sure what first aid items are needed.

no stove, will cook only when in areas fires are allowed.

Not sure what clothes can be lightened, and any water container alternative?
need the wide mouth nalgenes for my water filter to work best.

have two poles

activated charcoal is to counter a snake bite, also whitens teeth, and helps with bug bites.

Nutrients would be apart from what I consider food. Plan on taking brewers yeast, clarified butter, cod liver oil, seaweed, bone powder, minerals for water, and likely more when I find something else.

[Scott S]

[I missed the part where you said that you were new to lightweight hiking, so I've edited this to make it a bit more eductional.

Echoing Ken, I think you need to do more research.

A 35 degree bag is marginal. I had a 32-degree bag and had some cold nights in the Sierra. You might be okay if you are a warm sleeper and good at finding good campsites. If not, a 20-degree bag is safer.

An eVent bivy might be okay for SoCal, but you should know that it can be wet on the trail. We had the wettest June in Sierra history the year I hiked. Also, are you comfortable using the bivy for the multi-day rainstorms you're going to get in OR and WA? Where are you going to put your pack and your other stuff when it's pouring rain all night? If you are willing to spend a bit, there are lots of great options for under 2 lbs. that will keep you dry and give you more space than the bivy.

I used the NB 1210's on the CDT, and I doubt that 2 pairs will be enough to get you to Canada. Have you tried the new version? You don't want to discover mid-hike that they don't fit if you have to order some.

If you're eating the 4000+ calories a day you should be to maintain your weight, then I don't think you need supplemental nutrition. And even if you do, it shouldn't weigh 2 lbs. Maybe just take a few ounces of the most important one or 2 items with you from each town.

I think it's a mistake to put all your water in a 6-L bag. One rip, and you have no water. Much better (and easier to pack) to bring 3 2-L bags. Then you can send a couple of those ahead or home after KM.

You can save a ton of weight on clothing. 10 ounces for wind pants seems really high. Plus you already have convertible pants. A 17-ounce rain jacket is crazy heavy. I think you'll want a warm hat, especially if you go with the 35-degree bag. How about a 10-ounce puffy instead of a 20-ounce sweater?

If you search around here, there are tons of good PCT gear lists. Use those as guides. Good luck.

[Ken Thompson]

"activated charcoal is to counter a snake bite" WRONG. anti venom administered by a professional is the only treatment.

Look through the Gear List section here and see what others have brought as far as clothing and gear. But that wool sweater for over a pound and the extra half pound of underwear along with a sleeping bag liner all come to mind. Plus I too think you need a better sleeping bag. I've had a few BA bags through the years. Always heavier than advertised and not as warm as they say they are. I'd want a bit more shelter too. Like at least a tarp.

Nobody carrys a 1+lb filter. Water quality out west is generally good with no tannins. Get a Swayer or a Steripen for 4oz or less.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/user_gear_list_index.html

If Link would be so kind to do her thing here you will have plenty of reading to do.

Only a month, get busy.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks Scott,

bag with liner and wool baselayer would get me to 25. What rating is recommended?

I'll be using the bivy until it no long works for me. The umbrella will be my "shelter" and my pack is actually waterproof already so it will be fine with any spray.

will switch to Merrell Phaser Peak boots after the desert.

nutrients are to make those calories healthy, not sure why this is overlooked by so many thru hikers. Yeah you lose weight when you hike, but if your trying to heal fast and build your body stronger there is a need for nutrients.

Thanks for the water tip, I agree 3 2L bags makes more sense. would 9L be enough for the PCT?

Damn I felt my clothing was pretty solid, chose the eVent jacket because of overheating in non breathable rain gear. Sweater to a puffy is a solid recommendation, I decided on the wool for a pillow and better warmth when damp/humid.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Ken,

From my research activated charcoal is a counter for a snake bite, of course when anyone gets bit they need to get anti venom asap. However, the activated charcoal has a ton of surface area and acts like a super sponge absorbing many toxins. This will buy time for seeking out professional help.

I really like the first need filter, even with the weight it pumps a liter extremely fast.

Again my main concerns are surviving the extreme heat/cold conditions. Right now my pack is well within a manageable weight though any gear suggestions are certainly welcomed.

[Bob Gross]

"From my research activated charcoal is a counter for a snake bite"

Cite your source, please.

–B.G.–

[McHunter Swearingen]

I'll do my best Bob,

Don't remember exactly which source I first learned to use charcoal for sake bites. When I started to plan for the PCT, how to handle a snake bite was on the list of things to know. Though I have since learned the likelihood of a bite is relatively small. Even so I remembered charcoal was used to help those allergic to bees after a sting. If you google activated charcoal snake bite remedy you will find several references, if you are looking for something more scientific, academic literature is out there, you may have better luck searching at a local university. I'm sure someone at some point has written a technical paper on the subject.

Best I could find,

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00101-013-2229-z

[McHunter Swearingen]

Again, google active charcoal snake bite remedy

[McHunter Swearingen]

http://www.naturalnews.com/032570_activated_charcoal_cholesterol.html

I do think a remedy like this is hard to believe, and I was leaving the research up to you to find. Because if I link sites that have suggested herbal remedies it is fairly easy to discredit and dismiss any claims lacking empirical data. My hope is you find the source that explains fully why this works. And I'm also interested to know more about the science behind this as well.

If you find something more substantial let me know.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Bob, What is even your motivation at this point? I have suggested several ways for you to find better information, I don't regret being unable to locate an academic paper on the subject because frankly your mind was made up a long time ago. Pharmaceuticals can't make money on this so if any research has been done those findings are likely lost somewhere behind an obscure journal's access portal.

This gear list was my first post on this site. I came to ask serious hikers about my gear, to double check everything, and make sure I have what is needed to cover my ass in the common extremes seen on the trail.

I have done my due diligence in responding to recommendations, and have done what I can to share a small kernel of knowledge I was asked about. Not being able to qualify a statement does not give you the grounds to chastise me, call me an idiot, or convince me into thinking you are some kind of know it all. In this case you are simply a bully.

That said, if anyone else is able to find a legitimate source on this remedy please share, otherwise I'm ready to leave this topic and get back to readying myself for the P.C. T!

---

Edited to remove crude language. Please be more polite in the future.
Roger Caffin
Online Community Monitor
Backpacking Light

[Ken Thompson]

"Pharmaceuticals can't make money on this so if any research has been done those findings are likely lost somewhere behind an obscure journal's access portal."

Conspiracy theory now?

It is really a mute point and you are being too scared by snakes. Don't put your hands and feet where you can't see them. Don't pick snakes up and you will be fine. I've backpacked in the deserts extensively, Seen a few snakes.

[Ken Thompson]

"I have not sorted out exactly what electronics to bring.

not sure what first aid items are needed."

But you thru hiked the AT. What do you think will be so different out west?

Why switch to boots at all?

Times and gear have hanged. You are holding on to old ideas.

[Ken Thompson]

"Activated charcoal does work well (really well, sometimes) to adsorb (not absorb) ingested poisons from the gastrointestinal tract. But since there will be no snake venom in your GI tract, it would be useless to swallow charcoal. I have never heard of it being tested as an adsorbent for snakebite wounds, but my guess is that it would be useless there as well. Venom near the surface of snakebite wounds is easily washed off. The venom that does the bad stuff is deep inside where the charcoal can’t reach. And, yes, cutting and sucking do NOT work."

I find links that do talk about it. But I wouldn't trust those types of sites for any real science. I Googled activated charcoal snakebite.

[Ken Thompson]

Are you going to attend the ADZPCTKO? I think you should. Great event, with lots of helpful people.

Do you have your permit yet? Staggering the large groups this year.

My guess is that you will have the only First Need filter on the trail.

No need for the f-bomb. The children, think of the children. You can get use to Bob being Bob.

[Eric Lundquist]

You might also get some insight from a more "traditional" approach to gearing up for the PCT. A lot of BPL members are gram weenies whether they admit it or not. Some of your items are not seen on a typical gear list here.

http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/24656/pacific-crest-trail-gear-list/

[Link .]

Here is a very good series of articles on member Ryan Lynn on his PCT hike, it includes his gear list
Hiking Through Hyperbole: The Vortex of Fear
The links to the the other articles(4 in all are very good reading)are at the beginning of this 1st article
Here is some general info to help you, not specific to the PCT
Mike Clelland(NOLs instructor and author, his books are very good),he has some great free videos on lightening up be sure to watch(his clothing system,the entire contents of his pack,water treatment and part 1 and 2 on the dinky stuff for ideas),this is an article he wrote The fastest way to backpack weight loss ,this is pmags Lightweight Backpacking 101 and The Frugal Backpacker – The $300 Gear Challenge .These are some other articles and videos for you to check out

Backpacking for Cheap: Gear for the Gearless

Backpacking Checklist (Gear List): 3-Season, 3-Day

Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition – August 2001)

Cheap Ultralight Gear List

Oregon Field Guide: Ultralight Hiking

Lightweight Testimony: Lighter, Farther, Faster
Jamie Shortt talks about his progression and shows his gear list for each stage, Lightweight Testimony: My Journey into Lightweight Backpacking
CleverHiker Light weight Basics
CleverHiker Trail Skills

Andrew Skurka has a very good website with trips and gear lists for you to check out, here is a talk he gave at google
Ultimate Hiking Gear & Skills Clinic
His book is worth checking out also
The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks Ken, I'm building my aluminum hat now!

To do the research right you'd kind of need to be in a university library, otherwise journal access costs way too much money. It is a huge racket that stifles progress, no conspiracy there.

Yeah I originally thought snakes were a bigger deal than they actually are, hikers could not take a step without hitting one kind of thing. Good tip on avoiding a snake encounter.

As for electronics I'm not certain yet if I want a phone and digital map, or just a map and compass. Slippery slope with electronics, I could easily tack on several pounds. Is cell service reliable enough to justify carrying a phone?

First aid items may differ, I don't know this trail's most used items so there might be a few obvious choices I'm not aware of.

I'm okay taking the weight penalty for boots, my pack will be around 40lbs which I am fine with. After the desert flats the plan was to switch out for boots to have ankle support for the sierras. I really liked having these boots in Maine on the AT, I thought I'd see similar trail conditions at some point.

Wish there was a better link I could find on snake bite remedies, but regardless I still plan to carry the activated charcoal, has a ton more documented uses.

Oh yeah, I will be at this year's ADZPCTKO and still figuring out the logistics on getting to campo in the early AM on a Monday. Apparently that bus route does not run on the weekends.

Signed up a few months back for a permit, flying out late 4/19 to start early on 4/20.
From Atlanta Georgia, about a 7h flight.

Thanks Eric,

checking out the link now, looks like a great guide, solid info and well presented.

Thanks Link,

I've been to a few of these already, the google talk was a great refresher on points to consider. Several gems here, thanks.

[Eli Zabielski]

Hey SirTonka,

I think if you really went back to the drawing board with some of your notions of what is necessary while backpacking in the West, you would be really surprised with what weight you could get down to. I'm talking about pound and pounds, not ounces. I don't mean to proselytize, I just assume that if you're posting on this website you're looking for real advice, not validation.

I skimmed the previous posts. Sorry if any of this is redundant, but I am working off your list as you have it currently (update it as you make changes so you don't keep getting the same suggestions).

Thoughts:
-Your sleeping bag + liner is pretty heavy for the rating. You can get a 30 degree bag in the ~1.0-1.2 lbs range. You can keep your liner if you really want to keep your bag clean.

– The Ninja Suit looks interesting but I think a pair of baselayers could be lighter but also more versatile. If this is really just for sleeping it's redundant with your liner.

– Honestly I don't think you need 4.5oz wool socks for sleeping. If you want sleeping socks a thinner pair will do well. You'd do much better investing 4.5oz of weight into a warmer sleeping bag than dedicating it towards your socks.

– If you combined all the extra weight you have in sleeping clothing, you could get a much warmer bag with that extra weight instead. You have 4.92lbs of sleeping stuff, but most of that is your sleeping clothing. It should be the other way around IMO. Get a lighter, warmer bag, and leave your ninja suit or liner behind, and use some lighter sleep socks.

– Use either Aquamira or a Sawyer filter. You have two filters?!

– As others noted, diversify your water containers into 2-3L bladders. You can get about 6L of storage from 2x 70oz Platypus bags and a 1L Smart Water bottle for about 3.5oz. This system is also modular, you can add and subtract storage as you need it for any given section.

– 8.6 oz spare underwear?! Honestly just ditch them entirely.

– A waterproof bivy will be very marginal if you actually need to use it in heavy rain, and it's not lighter than a tarp anyway. You could get a tarp + water resistant bivy in the ~1.0lbs range and it would use a trekking pole that you're already carrying.

– Your rain shell is unnecessarily heavy, especially given that you already have an umbrella.

– A down/synthetic jacket will be much warmer for the weight than your wool sweater.

– Your entire nutrients set up is highly debatable. I think you could get most of the value of those things by shopping smart in town.

Good luck. Maybe I'll see you on the trail.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Hey Eli and thanks,

First off I had to look up proselytize, really is an especially fitting word.

totally agree on nearly all the points you make, and I do have a few weeks to reevaluate everything I'm taking. One reason I'm here.

I know you guys wince after looking at my gear list, but do try to keep in mind I wasn't really looking for advice on replacement gear to save weight. Though to be honest the recommendations are making me rethink some things. Which I welcome!

What I do want to know is if my gear is satisfactory for any and all extreme conditions I'm likely to see. And if there is any gear I'm lacking that would be super useful to have. So far everyone has offered solid suggestions. I'm heeding the go ahead and get a damn tarp advice and most likely will pick one up after the desert section. From what I've read you can cowboy camp regularly.

It would be hard to give up the eVent jacket, I just bought the thing! And I'd rather have a bit more protection than not enough. Wool sweater is not overly heavy, it is compared to expensive puffs but I got this one for $30 and really like wearing it. I already have a Patagonia puff but prefer this sweater hands down.

The complete list of nutrients I plan to bring is evolving as I read up more on teeth and eye health.

Thanks for the luck and maybe you'll spot me running up the trail lighter than ever after implementing all the advice!

[Aaron Sorensen]

Wool sweater is not overly heavy. I would do almost anything to save just one ounce. That's 1 ounce I don't have to carry for over 2600 miles.

So we are not questioning your gear, we are saying that it is overly heavy for the conditions. The gear may work yet almost every piece of gear could be lighter and still work and in many instances even better.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks Aaron,

On the AT I carried a 3.5lbs Cot the entire trail, but know very few here would even consider taking one on a weekend trip. I still think it was worth the weight and might even use it again for the PCT.

I totally get wanting to shed any and all unnecessary ounces, and think all the sub 8lbs base weight packs an achievement in themselves coming from what I know. But for me having a base weight under 25lbs is plenty light enough.

The $1,000+ I'd have spend to swap out gear would eat a chunk out of my budget. However, all of the low cost options are doable and I'm taking the time now to review the suggested alternatives and if it makes sense then yeah I'll shed a few pounds.

If my total pack weight is 40lbs versus 25lbs, really I don't know how much of a difference it will make, you still have to hike a marathon every day!

[Roger Caffin]

> If my total pack weight is 40lbs versus 25lbs, really I don't know how much of a
> difference it will make, you still have to hike a marathon every day!
Chuckle.
I suspect others here will fill you in on just what a HUGE difference that can make.

And going from 25 lb down to, say, 15 lb, makes another huge difference. But you will have to experience it for yourself.

Cheers

[Brad Rogers]

Shelter:
I would hate to spend a rainy night in a waterproof bivy, so I would take something else. You can get quite a few waterproof and bug free shelters for about that weight. I would look into one of the Tarptent Models, maybe the Protrail. You might not need it in the desert but you will likely need it in the PNW. I know an AT hiker that thru hiked the AT with an MLD event bivy so it can be done, but when he hiked the PCT he changed to the SMD Gatewood Cape (which would be good option except it doesn’t work well for users over 6’)

Sleeping:
I would want more than a 35* bag but that is just me, and a bag is a big investment. If you have the cash you might look used for a nice 20* down bag like a WM Ultralight or Marmot Helium, or even join the ranks of quilters with an Enlightened Equipment quilt. If you chose to get a new bag or quilt, I would scour Gear Swap here as there are good deals to be had.

I would not take the Silk Liner. They add negligible warmth, get tangled up and light baselayers do as good of job at keeping your bag clean and are more versatile.

21oz for sleeping base layers is a LOT. There aren’t any baselayers that add a whole lot of warmth, and that is the weight of a whole other sleeping bag. I am in the camp where I like dry and clean baselayers in camp and to sleep in but you can get them pretty light. Another OR Echo shirt would be a good option, or a 5oz Patagonia Cap 4 shirt will actually give you some warmth. There are generic versions out there that are cheaper than the Cap stuff. I think you can do top and bottom for 10oz or less and be able to use it as hiking base layers if you really needed it.

For sleeping socks, I usually alternate socks with my hiking socks in more arid places. If I am in a really rainy environment I keep one dry pair for sleeping and put on the wet pair every morning. Usually if I can’t get a pair of socks to dry out, a dry pair would be soaked in just a few minutes anyways. You could take a three or four pairs of no cushion wool socks for the weight of your sleeping socks alone.

Are you sure about the weight on that Ridgerest? My 72×20 RR is 12.75oz

Water:
I would ditch the Nalgene bottle. Just use Gatoraide bottles you can get from a gas station. They last for hundreds of miles (maybe more, I never tested to see just how far one would go) and are around 1.7oz each for the 32oz size, but they also make 20oz and 64oz versions.

The first need is a world class filter that I would not have hesitated to take to a 3rd world country ten years ago. The PCT is not a third world country, and its 2015. If you are worried about viruses, try a steripen, if you like a filter try a sawyer, if I were you, I would use Aquamira. If you ever decide to hike the CDT I would use something more than just aquamira, but for the PCT (or the AT) that is it.

For hydration bags, I would go with multiple 3 liter platypus bags.

Vargo Bot: Interesting product. I never knew that existed. It’s really pricy though at $100, so if you haven’t already bought it that money would be better spent on a shelter or sleeping bag/quilt and just get an Kmart Grease Pot or Anti-Gravity Gear (Open Country) Anodized Aluminum pot and carry an extra Platypus or Gatorade Bottle.

Other Clothing:
8.6oz for 1 pair of boxers? I would verify that weight, but you can get boxers a lot lighter than that (My ex officieo ones are 3oz/pr). You might be able to without a spare pair if you stop in towns for laundry often enough. That is a personal call.

For your rain jacket, I think you would feel stupid carrying a 17oz rain shell through the desert and in the Sierras (I think we all have felt stupid for carrying something before). I would suggest changing it out for something lighter like an Luke’s Ultralight eVent Rain Shell at 7.5oz, or if you are on the cheap, a dri-ducks jacket for the desert and sierras and have someone mail you your heavy jackets for the PNW. I think I would use the weight saved here to add rain pants (something light ~6oz or less – personally I would think the Lukes UL Gore Tex Rainpants)

I would take a puffy instead of the wool sweater, but that is just me.

Nutrients:
I am pretty much going to leave this one alone, but if you are going to take all of that, I would try and set that up in smaller maildrop quantities. I mean two pounds is a whole days worth of food!

Misc:
The headlamp is a little heavy in less you plan on night hiking, but thats a personal thing

I would change out the heavy pack towel to a bandana.

Things I would add:
Sunglasses – The sun in the desert and the sierra is brutal. A cheap pair will do

Hat (for sun) – see above. My favorite is the OR Sun Runner, but you can even make your own version with any running hat and a bandana. You want to protect your neck and face from the sun.

Rain Pants (or wind pants) – You may want them in the Sierra or PNW

Windshirt (some people like them others don’t)

Camera – Do not take this trip without a camera.

First Aid Kit – nothing big – Advil, Imodium, Benadryl, and some Likotape P (sp) for blisters are probably enough. Under 3oz.

Stove – I would take something here. I would do an alcohol stove or esbit if you don’t plan to use it daily.

Fire Starter – (I am not a survivalist, I am just thinking Mini- Bic @ 0.4oz)

Cutting Tool – (again not a survivalist – I am thinking something to cut tape and cut your toenails as much as anything.) I would think a small pair of nail clippers or a small 0.6oz swiss army knife with the scissors. I often take short trips with no cutting tool, but I am not sure if I would want to hike the entire PCT without one.

Cordage to hang food? (bear can will be needed in the sierras)

Head Insulation – I like a 100wt fleece beanie for sleeping, camp, and cool mornings/says.

Map/Compass – I am not sure if you would need a compass on the PCT, but a small one wouldn’t hurt, but I would take some sort of map.

Smartphone??? – I hesitate even putting this, as I would never take one on a shorter trip, but on a multi- month trek it might be useful to have. You could use it as a camera and keep connected with home (in towns, etc.) I don’t think it would work much from the trail itself.

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