SirTonka’s 2015 PCT Gear List

[Brad Rogers]

"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!"

40lbs to 25lbs will make a world of differnce. I am guessing about 10 miles per day worth. A 25lb total pack weight for the PCT is plenty doable and will still give you plenty of comfort. (Note if you are having to carry tons of water for some sectins, you will be over 25lbs)

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks Roger glad you were able to get a laugh out of that

Slowly will whittle down this pack weight as much as I can before hitting the trail, though hiking 32 miles with a 50lbs+ pack is fairly easy for me.

Hard to imagine what a 15lbs pack would even feel like on a long hike, walking on the beach with a tailwind breeze pushing me further maybe.

Hey Brad, Thanks for taking the time to look over things

I'm taking the bivy as far as it will go, if it truly sucks in the rain I will pick up at least a tarp.

will see what kinds of new sleeping bags I can find, seems to be the number one upgrade.

the mernio ninja suit will be a tough one to drop, such a comfortable piece, do wish it was a bit lighter

I like warm feet, many of the items on my list are in the post on their way to me. I will reweigh everything once it all gets here. Used amazon weights on some things.

My Ridgerest is the larger version

Looking like the nalgenes will go along with the first need water filter, but I really like the combo. extremely fast at pumping a litter and not having to worry about viruses or taste overly mineralized water water is a big plus for me.

have not bought the vargo yet, did not win the ebay auction. So looking for other options now.

will weigh the boxers when they get here

Luke’s eVent rain gear looks really manageable, would change that last if at all though

What is the better rechargeable headlamp people are using now?

Would the umbrella not give enough shade for my face?

camera is a possible, still working out which electronics, wish the fuji xpro2 was out

I've seen first aid kits with clotting pads, does anyone pack those?

for stove I'm looking at a wood burner now, takes a lot longer but tending a fire is very enjoyable for me

Planning to rent a bear can wherever I need one

I don't own a cell phone, but thinking I may pick one up for this trip. just get something simple Motorola use to make a phone that uses eInk for a display like a kindle and had super long battery life

going with maps, I'd rather have the physical print out then depend on a smart phone app

[Evan Davies]

How are you planning to recharge your headtorch?
I like rechargable but the battery life is not as good as most battery powered.

[Ken Thompson]

It's hiking, not hauling…

Best wishes for a fantastic summer.

We all wish we were going.

Check out Beavers thread. He's going NOBO this year too.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=101314&skip_to_post=857331#857331

[Link .]

Don't forget that several of my links are on how to do it cheap, and Ryan Lynn's 4 part series on doing the trail with his gear list is worth looking at.Mike Clelland's video series( he is a National Outdoor Leadership School instructor and has written several books has very good in depth videos including what he carries on 3 season hikes and why.

[Eric Lundquist]

have not bought the vargo yet, did not win the ebay auction. So looking for other options now.

for stove I'm looking at a wood burner now, takes a lot longer but tending a fire is very enjoyable for me

As said before, the Grease Pot is a very affordable solution. Some woodburning options are the Four Dog Stove Bushcooker and the Bushbuddy. Trail Designs make a wood burning option for their caldera cone systems which may offer some additional flexibility in areas that do not allow wood fires. Keep in mind that the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe has a permanent ban on fires. Reference Also, above treeline in the Sierras (~10,000') there is also fire restrictions. Reference I would take alcohol or preferably esbit for a backup fuel source if wood is unavailable and perhaps a cheap canister stove in reserve that someone can mail you when fire bans begin to be placed.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Hey Evan,

Well I would probably pick up a 5600mAh lithium battery pack to recharge the headlamp and other devices. Know of any better rechargeable headlamp?

Thanks Ken,

Been getting pumped to be back at it on a thru hike, have missed trail life a ton!

Thanks Link,

gleaning some good info from your links, though my gear budget is not totally spend so I will swap out a few key items. feel sort of leary shopping at walmart for gear I'm suppose to put my complete faith in and depend on for 2600 miles. Though I do understand why it is recommended on the cheap gear guides.

Thanks Eric,

That trail design setup is looking tempting as hell, might be picking that one up soon.
Have planned to no cook most meals so I'm ready for the fire ban areas.

[Eli Zabielski]

From reading some more of your posts I think there are a lot of things in your pack that you are keeping that add a tiny amount of comfort, but their combined weight is really quite significant. This I think is the larger contributing factor of weight rather than the cost of upgrading some of the larger pieces of gear. It's a classic symptom, adding a few ounces here and there for comfort because the comfort seems worth it for such negligible increases in weight. But all those things add up to a pack that might be 10lbs heavier, which will be significantly less comfortable while hiking. And best part about it? Leaving stuff behind, or trading it with stuff you already own, is free.

I assume you have Yogi's guide. I remember there being a short section in there in the Lightweight Section about Scott Williamson going sub-5lbs on the PCT, then the next year he built a kit to be "warmer, more comfortable, and more well fed" and it was still below 10lbs. I think he had down pants, a down jacket, and a down vest even. Scott Williamson is THE most experienced PCT hiker, but I don't think lightweight comfort is unattainable for anyone.

I think the following can be left behind, or replace for cheap, leaving you perfectly comfortable (with approx. weight savings):
– Silk liner (-.3lbs)
– Trade your wool suit for a pair of lighter baselayers (-.3lbs)
– Trade the Nalgenes for a couple disposable bottles (-.8lbs)
– Leave behind the filters, use a Sawyer Squeeze (-2.5lbs)
– Trade the 6L MSR bag for two Platy 70oz bags (-.25lbs)
– Use a spare pair of hiking socks for sleeping (-.125lbs)
– No extra boxers (-.5lbs)
– Frogg Troggs jacket instead (-.5lbs)
– Have the fleece gloves mailed to you later if needed (-.25lbs)

That's 5lbs saved for less than $100. Some of us would give a kidney (-.25lbs) to save 5lbs off our pack.

Take a look at the 7lbs gear list that posted in the Gear Lists forum that Hot Legs used last year for the PCT. He gives his thoughts on all his major gear items.

If you invested some money into changing at least some of your larger items, you can save even more. These are expensive items, but I think in the case of the sleeping bag, tarp, and pad, they are more comfortable AND lighter. The pack is subjectively more comfortable. Honestly, some of these changes are too late in the game now, but I'll list them anyway:

– Trade pack for Zpacks Arc Blast or similar (-1lbs)
– Trade bivy for fully enclosed netted tarp (-.8lbs). Or trade all rain gear and bivy for MLD Cuben Poncho Tarp w/ stakes (-1.4lbs)
– Trade 35F bag for 20 degree bag (-.4lbs)
– Trade Ridgerest for regular length Neoair (-.6lbs)
– Trade wool sweater for MB UL Down Parka (-.5lbs)

That's another 2.5lbs, or 3lbs with the Poncho Tarp. That would bring your pack weight (on the gear list at least) to 12-13lbs.

Plenty to consider while on training hikes!

[McHunter Swearingen]

Hey Eli,

Yeah you made some great suggestions, once everything comes in the mail I'll know for sure total base weight as is, and I imagine the current list is accurate within a pound or two.

You citing how much a lost kidney weighs gave me a good laugh it seems that sort of extreme is common place on this site, total mindset change for me and constantly learning new things here everyday

Unlikely I will change backpacks after the southern section, this particular external pack excels in desert environments. And the overall design is more useful to my style of hike even further up the trail, the Zpacks Arc Blast with front pack would be a close second though

Working on the sleeping bag first, then changing out a few other things.
bought an older water filter called the first need deluxe, same company and clone of my current system that was actually leaking slightly. Anyway the deluxe version is under 1 lbs, planning to keep the pump purifier.

Revisiting a few other gear options, and I will update the list fully in about a week.

Thanks for reviewing my gear list

[Brad Rogers]

The Trail Designs Caldera Cone is a great stove system, but can get pricy if you are looking at the Ti version that can cook with wood. I have used the Aluminum system exclusivly since 2008 except when alcohol stoves are banned.

You may want to try and verify where you can and can not have open fires, wood burning stoves, alcohol stoves, and esbit stoves. As much as I hate to say this with such a low snow year and expected drought, they may be banned in a lot of areas. Many areas ban stoves without an on/off switch.

I am not a huge fan of canister stoves, but that might be the best option if you cant use open fire/esbit/alcohol in many areas. There was one people were talking about on BPL a few weeks ago that was less than 2oz and only $20 on ebay.

If you do get a Caldera Cone note that they are pot specific so you need to know what pot you are using first. Trail Designs sells a nice Hard Anodized Aluminum Pot for $16. I think Arrowhead Equipment sells the Sterno Greese Pot for $6 if you want something cheaper.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks for the insight brad,

Had not heard of the on/off switch requirements before.
lots to consider, going with no cook until after the fire ban areas might work out better.

[Seth Brewer]

As a fellow NOBO AT'11 thru-hiker "DocBoom" (March 29th – Aug 30th) and a fairly recent NOBO PCT'13 thru-hiker "Naturally Caffeinated" I wanted to share my envy at the amazing trip you are about to embark upon!

You have already been given some amazing advice on many aspects of the trail, your gear, and the rigors of lugging weight through sand, sun, snow and sleet!

I will try not to overwhelm, but simply provide a few thoughts of my own:

1. Take pictures / journal — you will live a lifetime of memories in the month that you are on this journey, and there is no human way to remember them all without some reminders!

2. Don't be afraid to take some scenic detours! The Eagle Creek Trail, Subway Caves, Mt. Whitney, etc., etc…. explore and enjoy!

3. Have a plan, and be ready to throw it out the window when an unexpected adventure beckons to you!

4. HEAT AND SAND are a hard adjustment for an East Coaster like myself — Long sleeves, sun hat / SUN GLASSES, trekking umbrella, and 1/2 oz. of CHIA SEEDS in the event of an H2O emergency — will hold it in your gut longer and could help slow your dehydration. CHUG lots of water at each stop! You will have to carry less if you do! ELECTROLYTE capsules also really helped prevent me from getting any muscle cramps — I took 1-3 capsules a day (Endurolytes by Hammer is what I used…i think).

5. FEET FEET FEET — they are the most important thing on your body. I brought a few Wet Wipes and would wipe my feet and other "sensitive" areas each night and then let the wipe air dry and pack it out.

6. CHANGE SOCKS OFTEN — I would safety pin one pair to my pack for half a day and then switch mid-day.

7. LESS IS MORE. You seem to be in much better / stronger shape than I ever have been with the loads that you've carried, but just think of all the joint damage / skeletal damage that weight will do after 2,600 + miles. THINK REALLY HARD and be willing to adjust / get rid of stuff as your journey unfolds.

8. DON'T LEAVE TRASH — lots of issues with new PCT hikers leaving loads of trash — as an AT thru-hiker and a fellow 2011 success — do me proud and make a good example for the newbies !!

9. SALINE NOSE GEL — I got nose bleeds due to the excessive dryness of the desert and the high elevation of the Sierra's — a $3 tube saved my bacon!

10. Don't forget to lay back and watch the stars while hiking at night near the Mojave. One of the single coolest things I experienced in the desert.

11. Feel free to add my gear list / info to your overwhelmed mind: http://www.peaksandvalleys.weebly.com

12. OH YEAH – have a great time !!

[Katherine .]

nm

instead, let me ask, how do you like the luxury light pack? I'm curious about that for my husband.

[McHunter Swearingen]

Thanks Seth,

Solid advice, will definitely be grabbing some nose gel, sun glasses, and chia seeds.

I started on the AT April 20th then after a most adventurous journey ended on October 8th.

Maybe we crossed paths a few times and never knew it. Was named Tonka right after Neels Gap. Hiked with OverDrive, Brock, Info, Cog then later with Peter Pan, Fishhook, Panda, cheddar, and Supper Bubba we went by the name The Lazy Bastards. All great guys and miss the hell out of everyone and everything about trail life. Feeling eerie being only 30 year old and reminiscing like this!

Nice website man, and congrats on all the tails. Reading through your gear list now. Having an issue copy and pasting the gear text, might be a unicode thing.

Hey Katherine,

Hiking in the desert and making it between resupplies I need to carry 40lbs+ of gear, food, and water; anywhere else and I'd be tempted to down size to the Zpacks Arc. However, the Luxurylite external is the lightest pack I have found that can handle the heavy loads. After retiring my Kelty Super Tioga it took me quite a while to find a suitable replacement. Maybe call Bruce the owner of Luxurylite and see if he has any of the carbon fiber and sailing fabric versions around the shop. My pack is bit lighter than his current offerings, I believe he went with more durable materials for frame and fabric.
Both Luxurylite and Zpacks Arc are amazing packs. Your husband should be very happy with either one.

[Seth Brewer]

I also hiked with Brock — all through Northern California, most of Oregon and half of Washington ! It's a small world indeed. I'm we crossed paths on the AT, but I hike with Spins, Last Minute, Gumby, Hats, and many others for the start – and then hiked with Portrait, Trashcan, Colorado, Raw Indy for the finish…

I know nothing about the LuxuryLite — but it looks very cool! I did have a few issues with my 1st Generation Zpacks Arc Blast (needed to wrap my BearCan so that it wouldn't wear through the cuben fiber backpanel) but overall was happy with it and still have patched and ready for spring hiking!.

Feel free to PM me and include your email address if you have any specific questions or want a copy of my sample gear list / time table for me hike.

Cheers!

[McHunter Swearingen]

Very cool, was brock you hiked with from Chicago and his wife worked for groupon?

Some of the AT names sound very familiar, especially portrait and gumby.

I've modified the gear list, http://lighterpack.com/r/f1dn48

Most all of the items are delivered and weights have been updated, today I also took a pair of scissors and made my Big Agnes sleeping bag into a quilt! Shaved off a solid .3 lbs

Sending a PM, copy of gear list sounds good

[Eli Palmer]

Hey, initially I thought that I had the exact same umbrella as you, but it appears that you have the:

"SWING TREK UMBRELLAS SWING HANDSFREE UMBRELLA SILVR" (http://www.mpgear.com/700070/swing-trek-umbrellas-swing-handsfree-umbrella-silvr?SSAID=385201)

and I have the:

"euroSCHIRM Telescope Hands Free Umbrella Silvr" (http://www.campmor.com/Product___84410?cm_cat=TRAILMAIL&cm_ite=PowerReview20150202130003.016&cm_pla=58941&cm_ven=EMAIL&utm_campaign=TRAILMAIL&utm_medium=58941&utm_source=PowerReview20150202130003.016&utm_content=EMAIL)

They look similar but there are a few visual differences.

If the weight listed for your umbrella is correct (11oz), it is a full 3oz lighter than mine (14oz), and cheaper to boot! Thinking of returning mine and getting yours!

So, does anyone know if EuroShirm and Swing Trek are the same company… or whats going on…?

Which is the umbrella company who made the Golite Chrome Dome?

[Mark V.]

It appears that euroschirm makes the swing line of umbrellas. And it apperes that these were the umbrellas used for the Chrome Dome.

http://www.euroschirm.com/

Of course, I could be wrong.

[Jeff Barrett]

Yes, the Swing Liteflex is the same as the Chrome Dome. The non-telescoping version is just 8.25 oz (as actually measured).

(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049HNA5W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[McHunter Swearingen]

Hey Eli just now checking the forums

Well, after reading a TSA list that said airlines allow you to carry umbrellas I decided to pick the swing over the telescope since fitting into a compact space was not as important as being more rugged and light weight. Although I did have the thought of mounting the Umbrella directly to my external frame, one of the telescope sections would likely fit without much modification, possibly even using a photography grip or umbrella mount to give more range of motion for blocking direct sun from the sides, front, or back. As said above by Jeff and Mark there is a lighter version that is the original product golite made into the chrome dome, but ended going with something that was bit more beefy, this being my only shelter!

[Adam Klags]

Hey dude, huge favor to ask…

I have been following this thread for a while and it has been one of the most entertaining BPL threads I’ve ever followed.

For most of the time, I just thought you were the best Troll to ever have graced these pages… I admired your ability to keep people in the dark and for you to “keep a straight face” digitally speaking.

But now it has dawned on me that you might be real… and if so, can you post a photo of you and your external frame pack with some of your stuff?

I have to know if you are actually out there right now… I hope you are!

[Link .]

Adam here is his profile with photo from couch surfing, he says he made it as far as Tahoe on the PCT

 

[Adam Klags]

Looks like almost half way! Impressive. I wonder how all this gear worked out.

[Link .]

Adam, that was in 2015, he only made it as far as Tahoe last year and then got side tracked and never finished.He probably got tired of carrying all the stuff he was lugging around and found it easier to sleep on peoples couches for free.

[Author]

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