Pacific Crest Trail Gear List: Everything I Packed for My 4,250 km Thru-Hike in 2022

Packing

• Backpack (The Atom+ EP 50L)

• Fanny pack (Fjällräven)

• Pack liner (Nyloflume)

Sleeping system

• Tent (Zpacks Duplex)

• Quilt (EE Revelation 10°F)

• Air pad (Thermarest XTherm)

• Air pump (Thermarest NeoAir)

• Aluminium Tent stakes (Amazon)

• Trekking poles (Zpacks)

Electronics

• Powerbank (XTorm 20,000mAh)

• Multi charger (XTorm 20W)

• Garmin watch (Instinct Solar 2S)

• Headlamp (Petzl Bindi)

• Camera (DJI Osmo Pocket)

• Wired earbuds (Amazon)

Clothing

• Insulation jacket (Marmot Novus 2.0)

• Running shorts (Reebok)

• Rain jacket (Haglöfs L.I.M.)

• Rain pants (MAC in Sac)

• Baselayer (Vikafjell)

• Sport leggings (Craft)

• Bamboo hiking shirt (Ayacucho)

• Hiking socks (Injinji -> Darn Tough)

• Neck Gaiter (Vintage fleece)

• Gloves (Outdoor Research)

• Bug Net (Amazon)

Trail runners (4 pairs)

• Adidas Two Ultra Prime Blue

Water / Eating

• Water filter (Katadyn BeFree 1L)

• Refillable tubes (Amazon)

• Knife (Swiss Army Classic)

• Cold soaking jar (Skippy)

• Spork (Plastic)

Miscellaneous

• International passport + visa

• Lip balm + sunscreen (Avene)

• Sunglasses (Amazon)

• Comb + Toothbrush + Toothpaste

• Ibuprofen + Leukotape

• Contact lenses + Liquid

• Trowel + Toilet paper (Amazon)

Gear I Changed or Got Rid of?

While I was happy with my initial setup, I made a few changes along the way to save weight and improve efficiency. Here’s what I swapped out or got rid of during my 4,250 km (2,640 mi) journey.

Clothing adjustments

• I got rid of my Viktafjell baselayer and extra t-shirt after just a week in the desert to cut weight. When I reached Kennedy Meadows, I picked up a new baselayer for the Sierra section and later mailed it ahead to Washington.

• I started with Injinji toe socks, but they constantly got holes and sometimes caused blisters when the fabric folded between my toes. I switched to Darn Tough socks, my favourite socks which lasted the rest of my hike. They even got a free replacement after the PCT.

Water & Footcare

• I swapped my Katadyn BeFree water filter for a Platypus QuickDraw in Northern California. Although I love the BeFree filters, in my experience, they clog a bit too quickly. I had to replace mine after 700 miles. (Read more about water filters here.)

• I initially packed Compeed for blisters but quickly learned it made them worse. I switched to Leukotape, which worked great for prevention. (Read more about foot care here.)

Gear Swaps

• My pack liner kept tearing, so I replaced it with a simple plastic trash bag.

• I picked up an emergency bivy (isolation blanket) for extra warmth in the desert. This thing really saved my sanity on cold desert nights.

• My Zpacks titanium tent stakes didn’t hold up in high winds (my tent collapsed near Tehachapi), so I swapped them for cheap aluminum stakes from Walmart (also on amazon), which worked much better.

My Sierra Gear Additions?

Before entering the High Sierras on my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, I made some gear adjustments. Here's what I added to my pack or sent ahead from Kennedy Meadows South.

• Bear Cannister (BearVault BV500): You’re required to carry a bear canister through the Sierra section of the PCT. Most hikers start carrying one from Kennedy Meadows around mile 700 and continue all the way to Sonora Pass at mile 1,000. I rented the BearVault BV500 at Kennedy Meadows South—check with the rental center to see if they still offer this option—and returned it at Kennedy Meadows North.

• Microspikes (Kahtoola) and Ice Axe (Camp Corsa): Since I hiked in a low snow year, I didn’t need the microspikes or ice axe. I did send them in a package to Kennedy Meadows South before starting the trail and then forwarded them back to my friends in Seattle when I realized I wouldn’t need them.

  Final Thoughts

  While I personally love a (semi-)ultralight approach, I want to finish that there’s no one right way to hike. Many hikers choose to carry extra weight for added comfort, like a stove, inflatable pillow, more changes of clothes, or a professional camera. While I love minimalism and efficiency, others prioritize comfort, and that’s totally okay. It’s also about enjoying the experience in a way that feels right for you.

  Also, you don’t need the newest or most expensive gear to have an incredible adventure. Some of the best trips start with the gear you already have. What matters most is getting out there and enjoying the trail!