PCT Gear List 2014

I'll leave the detailed comments for others who are more UL than I am, but may I comment that you have some serious cojones planning to do the PCT with no shelter other than an emergency bivy? Maybe you're aiming to set a speed record?

Sorry should have mentioned this but shelter, ground cloth, bear gear, food/amount, water pouches/amount and anything else that I am missing please give suggestions for. I was leaning towards getting trekking poles and zpacks cuben flat tarp (which size?) with the tyvex kite material for a ground cloth. For food I was planning on supplying from local stores with drop boxes for the places that are lacking in grocery store quality food. Water is up in the air 100% right now. I always use 1 or 2 bladders but for the PCT I need something more reliable. Possibly a mix of a 3-liter bladder and the rest in 1.5 liter pouches.

I think that you are a little heavy for the items you've listed. Try to get the big 3; Backpack, sleep system and shelter below 2-3# each. I wouldn't carry the Nook, the Leatherman, the knife, GPS, or the Emergency Bivy and the thick socks. Find things that are lighter and more multifunctional like the Swiss Army classic knife instead of 2 tools. Look for shelters along the lines of the Six Moons Designs Gatewood Cape or the Wild Oasis. Start reading the PCT-L archives and the Trail Journals of other long term PCT hikers like "Piper", "Steeleye" and "Schroomer" to name a few. Carry the lightest water bottles with enough total capacity of 6-8 liters. try to go stove less as this year is the longest drought in recorded history. For a ground cloth use the Gossamer Gear Polycro. The Sawyer mini filter is faster and less fiddily than aqua Mira. Download Halfmiles maps and purchase Yogi's trail guide or Eric the blacks guides. Here's a good gear list for SoCal; http://trailability.com/gearlists/three-season-jhauraw/
Above all just carry enough to get you from town stop to stop, and be prepared to shed non essential stuff and know you can probably pick up anything within a day or two along most of the trail. It's not about surviving but the knowledge you have will be the lightest and most valuable. When you get to San Diego I can help you get to the PCT Trailhead. I host hikers , give rides and cache water at the 3rd gate in the dessert.
" The fun goes up when the weight goes down" Warner Springs Monty
Good luck and happy trails,
Mulestomper aka Carl in San Diego

A lot of people do it, but a closed cell pad like the Solite is a lot less comfortable and more bulky than an inflatable (ie. NeoAir). If you can afford it, and if you take care of your gear, then you'd probably be much happier with the NeoAir.

I'd nix the GPS. You won't need it unless the Sierra's get a LOT of snow between now and april.

There are many "right" ways to hike the PCT. I was very pleased with my set-up, and maybe some ideas will interest you.

My link to my website is under my Bio under my name when you click on it. Go to Gear Lists and you'll see PCT 2013.

I actually really liked using my Z-lite – which I cut down to torso size (about 8 oz.) and didn't switch into my NeoAir until Washington, and only because of the snow. Browse some of the other Postings here in the Gear List area and you'll see many other options and opinions. Just remember YOU HAVE TO CARRY IT. YOU CAN CHANGE IT ALONG THE WAY. and most importantly DONT FORGET TO HAVE FUN!

Gear is only the means to the end – it will be your determination and strength of mind that will ultimately bring you to the end. Lightweight but functional for your needs is what you are trying to achieve.

@ Carl U. BIG thanks to you for that 3rd Gate Cache – – nothing like seeing water in the desert to really make you appreciate trail angels!

If you do carry a "Neo-Air" make sure you bring a repair kit. I've had to repair several leaks on them and found that "Tenacious Tape" works great and it lasts. I've seen more Z-rest pads than anything used by PCT thru hikers. They're much lighter, don't get leaks and adhere to the K.I.S.S. principal (keep it simple stupid)
Good luck,
Carl

A #1 or #2 Mora knife would be just as functional, half the weight, and over half the price.