Blog #4: Gear for the PCT

Written By Anna Lohrmann

My PCT start date is soon approaching, which means I’m at the point where I’ve locked in all of my gear that I’ll be taking out on trail with me. I’ve gone through a lot of research, trial and error, and a good amount of analysis paralysis when it comes to gear. There are so many resources and opinions found online and in the real world that it can turn into information overload. I’ve finally narrowed my gear down to a point where I’m really happy with it and am excited to share! Each item has been meticulously thought over and decided upon, so it feels great to finally be at this point.

Keep in mind, a lot of gear choices are very personal to the user (ex: a backpack might feel horrible for one person, but be the most comfortable and amazing for another). I’ve chosen all of these gear items because they work great for me, and I’m confident I’ll be happy with them while on trail. And if I’m not, I can always switch something out.

Something I’ve been keeping in mind as I’ve chosen my gear is my overall “base weight”. Base weight refers to the weight of your gear minus consumables (water, food, fuel). Basically, all of the things in your pack that won’t shift in weight. A goal I had was to get my base weight down to 14lbs (originally my base weight was around 20lbs). While I’m still above that number, I’m super happy with how much I’ve been able to cut out and the gear swaps I’ve made to have a lighter option of the same thing. It hasn’t been easy, but at this point I’m really happy with where I’m at.

Base Weight (Majority of Trail): 15.4lbs

Base Weight (Sierras): 18.6lbs

In addition to this blog post, I’ve also created a video discussing my gear picks if you’d like to check that out!

—> Watch the video HERE!

My 2023 PCT Gear List is below! This is just an overview, so for a fully detailed list with the exact products I’m using with links, as well as the weight of each item, check out my LighterPack link!


“Big Three” (Shelter, Pack, Sleep System)

  • Shelter: 1-Person Semi-Freestanding Tent

  • Pack: 55L roll-top pack

  • Sleep System:

    • 10 Degree Down Sleeping Quilt

    • Inflatable Sleeping Pad

    • Inflatable Pillow

Food Bag & Cookware:

  • Backpacking Stove

  • 750ml titanium cookpot

  • Titanium long-handled spoon

  • Neck knife

  • Bear Bagging Kit for food storage

Water Filtration / Hydration:

  • Water Filter

  • 3L Water Bladder

  • 2 1L Water Bottles

Clothing:

  • Worn Clothing:

    • Sports Bra

    • Socks (one pair of toe sock liners, and one pair of hiking socks, worn at the same time to prevent blisters)

    • Underwear

    • Sun shirt w/ a hood

    • Shorts w/ Spandex

    • Wide-brimmed hat

    • Polarized Sunglasses

    • Hiking Trail Runners w/ gaiters

  • Carried Clothing:

    • Down Puffy Jacket

    • Mid Layer Quarter Zip

    • Merino Wool Long Sleeved Top and Leggings to sleep in (base layers)

    • 1 Extra Pair of Underwear

    • Sleep Socks

    • One extra pair of hiking socks

    • Buff

    • Rain Jacket

Toiletries:

  • Portable lightweight bidet (I do not plan on bringing toilet paper to avoid having to pack it out - on the PCT you cannot bury toilet paper)

  • Kula Pee Cloth

  • Trowel

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste tabs + Floss

  • Prescription Glasses + Cleaning Cloth

  • Contact Lenses

  • Small Brush/Mirror combo

  • Ear Plugs

  • Tweezers

  • Nail Clippers

  • Chapstick

  • Tampons (when needed)

Electronics:

  • SOS Device

  • iPhone 12

  • Headlamp

  • Headphones

  • Battery Bank + charging cords

  • Digital Watch

First Aid / Repair:

  • Gear repair tape/patches + sewing needle

  • Medication (ibuprofen, benadryl, imodium, aspirin)

  • Wound care (bandaids, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves)

  • KT Tape

  • N95 (when needed for any potential covid restrictions or wildfire smoke)

Miscellaneous:

  • ⅛ inch foam pad for lounging during the day as well as an extra insulating layer under my sleeping pad at night

  • Trekking Poles

  • PCT Permit & California Fire Permit

  • ID, credit card, debit card, & small amount of cash

  • Stamps

Desert-Specific Gear:

  • Sun Umbrella

  • Sun Gloves

Sierra-Specific Gear:

  • Ice Ax

  • Bear Canister

  • Microspikes

Additional Cold-Weather Gear:

  • Wool Beanie

  • Down Booties

  • Mittens

Check out my video to get a visual on the gear I’m bringing, and don’t forget to check out my LighterPack for additional details.

Thanks everyone!

Anna Lohrmann
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