Lightweight PCT gear list

As the PCT class of 2018 might be already busy preparing, I finally got around to update my lightweight PCT gear list for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Choosing the right hiking gear for my first long-distance hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016 was a very challenging undertaking. Weeks and months of doing my research turned me into an expert about backpacks, tents and hiking shoes, different materials used and how they affect weight and durability. My PCT gear list developed over a few months and I am especially proud to say that I could realize some last minute weight savings before I hit the trail.

When it comes to long distance hiking every gram or ounce (for Americans :-)) counts. Ultra-light hiking and hence the gear is by now not very common in Germany. People start looking at you in a different way once you are saying something like “It weighs 50 grams, sorry that’s too heavy.”

By reading tons of blogs and gearlists from experienced thru-hikers and simply by asking some questions I could venture a guess what might work for me on trail. I decided to be a “not very ultra-light” hiker and carry maybe too much or too heavy items. But as I said before finding appropriate gear in Germany has been quite a challenge so I was very happy with my still lightweight gearlist. I decided to adjust along the way and to use a bounce box (That’s a box you can send ahead of yourself on trail and if you don’t open it you can forward it to the next post office for free.) giving me the opportunity to send gear I don’t need ahead of me.

How to choose the right hiking gear for the PCT?

Regarding the selection of your own gear all the PCT gear lists and reviews on the internet are more than helpful. Lots of products are very successful and that’s for a reason. Actually more important than to look at what others use is actually to try and use gear and find out what works for yourself. So go out and hike!

Just in case you want to get an idea of what I was carrying in 2016 scroll down and have a look at my lightweight PCT gear list. My approach was to separate the gear I used for hiking the first section from the stuff that is in my pack. In the end the numbers showed a total weight of my backpack of 7.6 kg and another 1.1 kg I would wear or use initially (including hiking poles).

Overall I was very happy with my gear. I still use most of it and will definitely take it on my next hiking adventure!