11) Pacific Crest Trail Equipment: Gear List & Recommendations
- Yann Roma
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the world. Stretching over 4,000 kilometers from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington, it offers breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain. I had the privilege of hiking this trail and want to share my experiences as well as the gear that accompanied me throughout the journey.
My gear on the PCT
Backpack
On the Pacific Crest Trail, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L proved to be the perfect ultralight backpack. It combines ultra-lightweight design with robust durability, thanks to its Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH) construction, a material approximately 15 times stronger than steel while maintaining an impressively low weight.
With an impressive weight-to-capacity ratio of about 0.6 oz per liter, it ranks among the top ultralight backpacks. The seam-sealed Dyneema construction makes the pack virtually waterproof, keeping your gear dry even during heavy rain.
Other backpacks: Osprey, Gossamer Gear, Zpacks
Tent
The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 is my favorite tent for long-distance trails. Although it’s officially a 2-person tent, it weighs hardly more than many 1-person tents, combining maximum interior space with minimal weight—a dream for thru-hikers.
The interior space is incredible: there’s enough room to sit, stretch, and store all your gear. On long hikes, this comfort makes a huge difference.
Setup is extremely easy and fast: with just two trekking poles, the X-Mid Pro 2 is ready in minutes—even in wind or rain. Its clever rectangular floorplan and symmetrical design make setup almost always perfect, with minimal hassle.
Other tents: Zpacks, Big Agnes Tiger Wall, Big Agnes Copper Spur
Sleeping bag
For the Pacific Crest Trail, I used the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15F sleeping bag. It was incredibly warm, comfortable, and lightweight—perfect for the cold nights in the Sierra Nevada.
Sometimes it was even a bit too warm, especially in the desert sections or warmer nights. But it’s better to sweat a little than to freeze, giving me peace of mind that I’d stay warm throughout the night.
Many hikers also choose quilts, as they are lighter and more versatile. For me, the classic mummy-style sleeping bagwas the better choice—it felt more comfortable and safer for sub-zero temperatures.
Other sleeping bags/quilts: Therm-a-Rest, Sea to Summit
Sleeping pad
For the Pacific Crest Trail, I chose the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT—and it was absolutely the right choice. This ultralight sleeping pad offers excellent comfort and an R-value that keeps you warm even on cold nights. After hiking 30–40 km per day, having something truly comfortable to lie on is priceless.
Despite its lightweight design, it’s durable enough to withstand a full long-distance hike like the PCT.
Other sleeping pads: Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit
Shoes
For my Pacific Crest Trail hike, I chose the Norda 002 trail runners. While slightly more expensive than many other models, their extreme durability more than justified the cost.
The shoes are made from Dyneema fabric, one of the strongest and lightest materials in the world, making them not only long-lasting but also very comfortable to wear. Across the entire trail, I only went through three pairs, whereas many hikers go through five to seven pairs.
The Norda 002 are an excellent choice for anyone willing to invest a bit more for reliable, durable trail shoes with outstanding performance.
Other shoes: Altra Lone Peak, Altra Olympus, Topo Athletic Ultraventure
Sun Hoodie
For sun protection and light wind coverage on the PCT, I wore the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie. The hoodie was extremely comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and offered excellent UV protection.
The only minor drawback was the slightly large hood, designed to fit over a helmet. Still, it worked perfectly with a hat and sunglasses, which I used to secure it in windy conditions.
On long, exposed sections without shade, this hoodie was invaluable—it effectively protected my neck, shoulders, and head while remaining comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Other sun hoodies: Free Fly, Mountain Hardwear, Mammut
Fleece
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I wore the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody almost every day. It is lightweight, breathable, and highly versatile, perfect for cool mornings, windy passes, or as an extra insulation layer under a rain jacket.
A major advantage is its highly breathable fabric, preventing overheating even during steep, fast ascents. The full-zip design allows for quick temperature regulation. For me, this hoody was the perfect combination of comfort, warmth, and packability.
Down jacket
For cold nights and windy sections on the Pacific Crest Trail, I used the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody. The jacket is warm, lightweight, compressible, and extremely comfortable—perfect for quick warmth in the tent or during breaks.
Compared to the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, the Down Sweater is slightly warmer and more voluminous, while the Nano Puff is a bit more compact and lighter. For me, the Down Sweater was perfect because it offered better insulation and comfort in very cold conditions.
Other down jackets: Mountain Hardwear, Rab, Cotopaxi
Rain jacket
On the PCT I carried an old rain jacket whose brand I honestly don’t even remember – it got the job done, but by the end of the trail it was definitely worn out.
One of the most popular budget options among thru-hikers is the frogg foggs rain jacket. It’s extremely lightweight and very affordable, which makes it a favorite for many hikers. The big downside, however, is durability – it simply doesn’t last as long as higher-end models.
Other recommended rain jackets: Outdoor Research, Patagonia
Shorts
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I wore the Mammut Energy Light Shorts. They are lightweight, durable, and highly breathable, making them perfect for long days in the sun.
The fabric dries quickly, feels comfortable against the skin, and provides plenty of freedom of movement for long hiking days.
Pants
The Patagonia Altvia Trail Pants were a fantastic choice for me on the PCT. They are lightweight, breathable, and offer plenty of freedom of movement – ideal for long days on the trail.
In addition, I carried the Copperfield Wind Pants – ultralight wind pants that can easily be pulled over shorts. They weigh almost nothing, pack down super small, and are absolutely worth it on windy passes, chilly mornings, or during light rain showers.
Socks
At the start of my Pacific Crest Trail hike, I wore Smartwool socks. After a few weeks, I switched to Darn Tough socks—and for good reason. Many outdoor stores in the U.S. allow free replacement if they develop a hole, which is invaluable for a 4,275 km long hike.
For cold days, river crossings, and the snowy Sierra Nevada, I also used Sealskinz waterproof socks. These protect your feet from both water and cold, making them a true lifesaver on days spent in snow or wet conditions.
Hat
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I almost always wore the Sunday Afternoons Cap. Rain is rare on the PCT, but the sun is almost always present, making sun protection essential.
I deliberately chose not to wear a full-brim hat, since I also wore a sun hoodie to cover my neck and shoulders. The cap was the perfect complement: lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.
Sunglasses
On the Pacific Crest Trail, a good pair of sunglasses is essential, as the sun is present almost every day. I wore the Julbo Spectron 3 and was extremely satisfied with their performance.
Stove
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I carried the MSR WindBurner 1.0L stove—a reliable backpacking stove that performs exceptionally well in windy and cold conditions.
On the final section of the trail, I used it less frequently, as I often didn’t feel like cooking. However, in the Sierra Nevada, the stove was used daily, as the low temperatures made quick, hot meals essential.
Other stoves: MSR PocketRocket 2, BRS-3000T, Jetboil Stash
Water filter
For water supply on the trail, I used the Platypus QuickDraw—a compact, lightweight water filter that is perfect for long-distance hiking. It’s easy to carry, quick to use, and reliable, ensuring safe drinking water wherever the trail takes you.
Other water filters: Sawyer
Utensils
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I only carried the TOAKS Titanium Spoon —and honestly, you don’t need more than that. The spoon is ultralight, durable, and perfect for all meals on the trail.
I also had a small pocket knife with me, but I hardly ever used it. Still, it’s practical to have on hand for emergencies or quick tasks.
Trekking poles
On the Pacific Crest Trail, the LEKI Ultralight Fx.One trailrunning poles were an excellent choice. They are lightweight, compact, and foldable, yet extremely stable—perfect for long days on the trail.
I initially used a thinner LEKI model, which broke in the snow, but the Fx.One poles never gave me that problem. The only drawback is that the length isn’t adjustable, so they can’t be used for tent setup like with the X-Mid Pro 2. Nonetheless, they were incredibly practical and provided reliable support throughout the hike.
Other trekking poles: Black Diamond, Cascade Mountain Tech
GPS communication device
On a long trail like the Pacific Crest Trail, reliable communication is a critical safety factor. I carried the Garmin inReach Mini 2, a compact, lightweight satellite communicator that quickly became indispensable.
With the inReach, I could track and share my location, and in case of emergency, trigger an SOS alert. Particularly valuable was the ability to send messages via the Iridium satellite network, even in areas with no cell reception for days.
Despite its small size, the Mini 2 has an impressive battery life and easily integrates with GPS tracking and route planning apps. In the Sierra Nevada and remote desert sections, it was a gamechanger for safety.
Other GPS communication devices: SPOT Gen4
Headlamp
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I used the Petzl SWIFT RL headlamp—a compact, high-performance light. With up to 1100 lumens, it is bright enough for night hiking or challenging terrain in the dark.
The headlamp is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during long hours on the trail. I could also easily recharge it on the go using my Nitecore NB10000 power bank.
Other headlamps: Nitecore, PETZL BINDI
Microspikes
For the snow-covered sections of the High Sierra on the Pacific Crest Trail, I relied on the Kahtoola MICROspikes—an essential safety tool.
These spikes easily slip over your shoes and provide instant traction on ice, packed snow, and steep climbs. Especially in the mornings, when snowfields were still hard and frozen, they offered critical stability and safety.
Ice axe
In the Sierra Nevada during early summer, an ice axe is almost standard gear. I chose the Blue Ice Akila because it offers an excellent balance of weight, stability, and functionality. At around 300 g, it is significantly lighter than traditional models, yet robust enough to provide security on steep snowfields.
I especially appreciated the ergonomic shaft and compact size—perfect for thru-hikers who need to save every gram.
Other ice axes: C.A.M.P: Corsa, Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
Gloves
For cold mornings and windy passes on the Pacific Crest Trail, I used the Black Diamond Mont Blanc gloves. They are lightweight, breathable, and warm enough to protect your hands in cooler conditions.
A major advantage is the touchscreen capability, which allowed me to use my phone for navigation without taking off the gloves—especially useful in very cold weather.
These gloves are relatively thin and not intended for extreme cold, but as a lightweight, functional solution for the PCT, they were absolutely perfect.
Power bank
For long trail sections without access to electricity, the Nitecore NB10000 was my trusted companion. This ultralight power bank worked flawlessly, quickly charging my devices. It was especially useful for my phone (navigation, photos, blog updates) and my headlamp.
With a 10,000 mAh capacity, it easily lasts several days without taking up much space or adding weight. The carbon casing makes it extremely lightweight (around 150 g), which is a huge advantage for thru-hikers.
Camera Mount
As a photographer, I always wanted my camera quickly accessible on the trail, and the Peak Design Capture Clip was absolutely essential.
The clip attaches directly to the backpack strap, keeping the camera secure, stable, and instantly reachable. This allowed me to capture spontaneous photos without digging through my backpack.
On the Pacific Crest Trail, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this was a huge advantage. The camera stays firmly in place, doesn’t wobble, yet can be released with a single click. For anyone who wants to photograph on the go, the Capture Clip is a must-have accessory.
Tripod
In addition to the camera mount, I also carried the Peak Design Carbon Travel Tripod—an ultralight, stable, and surprisingly compact tripod.
What I loved most is that it folds down to an extremely small size, fits easily in or on a backpack, and yet is stable enough for sharp shots, even in wind or on uneven terrain.
For long-exposure shots, night photography, or self-portraits on the Pacific Crest Trail, this tripod was essential. While not the absolute lightest gear item, for me as a photographer, the investment and extra weight were completely worth it.
Water bottle
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I always carried two Nalgene 1-liter bottles—from the first day to the last. They are extremely durable, long-lasting, and reliable.
Unlike lightweight disposable bottles, these can withstand heat, cold, and drops. They are also easy to clean and completely leak-proof, making them an essential piece of thru-hiking gear.
Bear can
From Kennedy Meadows South on the Pacific Crest Trail, a bear canister is mandatory—especially in the Sierra Nevada, where bear encounters are common. I rented mine directly at Kennedy Meadows, which is often the easiest solution for hikers.
Other hikers carry their own canisters, such as the BearVault BV500. A bear canister is essential for protecting food and scented items, keeping both hikers and wildlife safe.
Trowel
A small but absolutely essential piece of gear, the TentLab DirtSaw Deuce is an ultralight aluminum troweldesigned specifically for the Leave No Trace principles.
On the Pacific Crest Trail, it’s mandatory to dig “cat holes” for toilet breaks. The DirtSaw Deuce makes this quick, easy, and reliable, even in hard or compacted soil, making it an indispensable tool for thru-hikers.
Knife
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I carried a small Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. I hardly ever used it—my TOAKS titanium spoon was sufficient for meals.
However, I still think it’s wise to have a knife. It’s lightweight, compact, and incredibly practical in emergencies (for repairs, cutting, or small tasks), making it an essential backup tool for thru-hikers.
Mosquito net
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I carried a Sea to Summit mosquito net, although I rarely used it. I never really felt comfortable sleeping under it.
Still, having a mosquito net makes complete sense. In Oregon and Washington, mosquitoes were abundant, and many other hikers were grateful for the protection. A net like this is an important piece of gear for bug-heavy regions.
Drybags
On the Pacific Crest Trail, I carried several Sea to Summit drybags to keep my gear organized and dry. They are lightweight, durable, and available in various sizes—perfect for storing clothing or sleeping gear.
For my electronics (phone, camera, power bank, cables), I used an Exped Fold Drybag. The roll-top closure is completely reliable, giving me peace of mind that my sensitive devices were safe from water and moisture.
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