Gear for Trails
My top 3 Backpacks
= My backpack on the PCT: I used a very lightweight and durable backpack with large mesh pockets for extra storage. A popular alternative on the PCT was the Mo 50L Atom Pack, which includes additional compression straps but is slightly heavier. Atom Packs are made in the UK, making them a more local choice for European hikers.
= This Trekmates is a budget-friendly ultralight option, also made in the UK. It’s a dry pack, so it’s fully waterproof. I love using this backpack for hikes without long food carries, as it’s a bit too small for those. However, it doesn’t have side mesh pockets for quick access to storage
= The Naturehike 60L is a very affordable semi-lightweight backpack with an aluminum frame, ideal for carrying extra gear on trips like mountaineering adventures. It features large exterior mesh pockets for easy access to storage. While it’s not waterproof, it does come with a rain cover. I’ve used it on many trips already, and it offers great durability for the price.
Favourite Tents
= The Zpacks Duplex is an ultralight, spacious, and well-ventilated single-wall tent. It’s very compact and sets up easily with trekking poles. I loved using my Zpacks on the PCT. The downsides are that it’s quite expensive, being a single-wall design (which means hailstorms could cause damage, though this is true for many tents), and it's only available in the US.
= The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is a double-walled, free-standing ultralight 2-person tent. From the US but available in Europe.
It’s likely more reliable than the Zpacks in stormy weather. It’s also great for sleeping without the rainfly, allowing you to stargaze at night.
The Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum is a new option, and at just 500g, it’s one of the lightest semi-freestanding tents available.
Air mattress + Sleeping Quilt
Enlightened Equipment Quilt 10 Degrees (566 g)
= The Thermarest NeoAir XTherm is a comfortable and durable air mattress with an R-value of 7.3, making it ideal for cold to very cold conditions. The R-value measures the mattress’s ability to reflect body heat, and any value above 4 is considered good. Most thru-hikers on the PCT opt for the lighter Thermarest NeoAir Xlite, but I found the XTherm’s material to be more durable. Bonus tip: Consider getting a micro air pump—it will make your life so much easier!
= When I first heard about quilts, I was a bit skeptical. As someone who sleeps cold, the idea of not having something around me didn’t sound appealing. However, I’ve since come to love the versatility of a quilt—it allows for more freedom of movement at night and is lighter than a sleeping bag! Unfortunately, EE quilts are only available in the US, but you can find them on some European camping gear websites.
For a European alternative, Cumulus is a Polish company that designs high-quality down sleeping bags and quilts.
My n°1 Trail Shoes
= The Adidas Terrex Two Ultra Primeblue are my all-time favorite shoes. They’re incredibly durable, comfortable, and lightweight. I love the sock-like fit, they’re easy to slip on, keep sand out, and don’t require gaiters. Unfortunately, Adidas no longer makes them, but you can still find them at other retailers.
Hiking socks
= Darn Tough socks are my favorite for hiking. They’re incredibly durable, super comfortable, and made from merino wool for added warmth and less odor. The best part is their lifetime guarantee—if they wear out, you can return them for a brand new pair, completely free!
= Stance hiking socks are also very comfortable and warm, made from merino wool. With a focus on cushioning, anti-odor properties, and quick-drying materials, they’re a pleasure to hike in.
My favourite Electronics
= Rechargeable ultralight headlamp with micro USB. Three hours on 200 lumens or 50 hours on 6 lumens (red/white)!
= I used this smartwatch on the PCT and still rely on it for every hike, run, or bike trip. It’s never let me down and has excellent battery life—up to 24 hours of continuous GPS tracking without needing a charge. In battery-save mode, the watch is supposed to last indefinitely without charging.
I love this compact action camera. I used it on the PCT. It stabilizes movement and captures sharp, smooth 4K videos with great colors. I even found mine secondhand for under 100 euros.
My top 3 hiking clothes
= This was my sun shirt on the PCT. Bamboo is an amazing fabric for hiking shirts—it offers SPF 50, is incredibly soft, and doesn’t get too smelly (similar to merino). The fabric works by blocking air from reaching bacteria, helping to prevent bad odors. I didn’t expect to like this shirt as much as I did. The only downside is the wide neck
= I'm still really happy with this synthetic insulation jacket. It’s super comfortable, and unlike down jackets, I could wash it whenever I needed to. It also retained its warmth even when wet. For long hikes where temperatures are mostly above freezing, I’d choose synthetic over down every time.
= Found this one on Vinted. Very lightweight rain and wind jacket. Loved and still love this one!