Before my first long distance thru-hike in 2018, I had backpacked and camped various times, with my longest trip being 5 days long. But I knew that the gear I used for those trips wouldn’t be ideal for something as long and difficult as the Pacific Crest Trail.
It took a lot of trial and error figuring out what gear and clothing worked best for me and my body and my needs. Here is a side by side photo of me Day 1 on the PCT versus Day 100ish somewhere in Oregon:
Look at the size difference of my pack! The more I hiked, the more comfortable I got with getting rid of gear I wasn’t using or didn’t need, and my joints loved me for it. I am still in the process of dialing down the gear that is right for me, but I have a lot more confidence (and proven test results!) than when I would backpack for a night or two.
Below you will find a comprehensive list of every single piece of gear I used on my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, including the cost, weight, and links for you be taken directly to the website I purchased that item at.
Pacific Crest Trail 2018 Gear List
In August of 2020, I took on the 171 mile long Tahoe Rim Trail. Some of my gear from the Pacific Crest Trail stayed the same, but I decided to try some new gear out as well. Because why not!
I am still figuring out my “perfect” set-up, as I have not yet reached that point. For everyone, trial and error is important because experience truly allows us to make better decisions, including with our gear.
Head to my Tahoe Rim Trail Lighterpack here.