Peenz’
Thru-Hiking Gear List
Thru-Hiking Gear List
Figuring out what to take on a 6-month backcountry vacation is hard. Here is what I am taking on my thru-hike and why.
What I look for in gear
Backpacking gear is deeply personal. There is no right or wrong. The only thing that matters is what works for you. Here are the main criteria I look for in gear:
1. Lightweight. I’m pretty old and don’t want to die when backpacking, so weight matters for me. I will spend more money to save some weight.
2. Comfort. I need to be comfortable or I am not having fun. If I’m not comfortable and having fun, why bother? That’s why you will see many luxury items for me. Where do I draw the line between saving pack weight and comfort? I have a pretty good understanding of what matters to me and decide based on my preferences.
Your preferences may be different and that’s cool.
The Big Items
Backpack
I backpacked for years with an Osprey pack and loved it. Then decided to get smarter about how much I’m carrying. Your backpack is a spot you can save considerable weight. In 2016, I bought the Zpacks Arc Haul Zip and LOVE IT. It weighs 30 oz (1.9 lbs, 855g) and is super comfortable.
One thing that seriously annoys me about backpacking packs is how everything you need is deep in the bottom. Or how you have to remove everything to get stuff out. This pack has a zip to access things from the front. This pack is perfect for me!
Sleeping Bag
I’m a cold sleeper and I don’t have fun when I’m cold. I had a Big Agnes bag that I loved for it’s style (mummy for side sleepers). But I froze to death in it a lot.
My significant other and I decided to get quilts that we could zip together to create a burrito or use independently. We opted for Feather Friends Flickers. They have a lot of customization options which was perfect because my significant is a giant and he could get a custom length.
I cannot express how much I love this sleeping bag. It is like sleeping under really warm air. Several times I have said this is best purchase I’ve ever made.
Staying warm at night also means having a good pad. I have the Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite pad. I’m trying something new for this trip: using the Therm-a-rest Zlite Sol pad for extra insulation while sleeping and to use as a chair while lounging.
Sleeping Pad(s)
Tent
After years of camping on really hard surfaces, I’m team free-standing tent. I just don’t want to deal with trying to stake or use rocks to get my tent pitched. Laziness is also a major factor. One thing I dislike is setting up camp, so I will do anything to make this as easy as possible.
For the PCT, I got the Zpacks Free Duo. I’ve taken her out on 2 shakedown hikes in the Superstitions, and I ADORE her. It is super easy to set up, light (for a free-standing tent), and kept me dry when it rained/snowed for 7 hours.
Clothing
What I’m Wearing
This part of my gear needed a serious update. My clothing goals for the PCT was complete coverage for sun protection and warmth because I hate being cold. I tend to overpack and wanted to avoid this on this trip.
On Trail
- Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie (Complete sun protection baby! Has a hole for ponytail in the hood)
- Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pant – High Rise Hiking Pants (Talls available! Yay, no ankle pants!)
- Patagonia Barely Bra and Underwear
- My Old Grand Canyon Hat (It’s old and nasty and I love it)
- Dirty Girl Gaiters
- Montbell Sun Gloves (Sun protections!)
- Garmin Fenix 7 Watch (The best watch ever)
Warm Clothes
- MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka (Super warm!)
- MontBell Chameece Pants
- Northface TKA Glacier Fleece Quarter Zip (Old fleece from years ago)
- Zpacks Goose Hood (Best purchase ever. So warm!)
- Waterproof socks (Cuz lotsa snow on the PCT this year)
- Montbell Trail Action Gloves (Seem super warm!)
Rain Clothes
- Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket (Old ultralight rain jacket of mine)
- Zpacks Rain Pants (Like wearing garbage, lol)
- Zpacks Rain Mits (I bought too large of a size. Oh well!)
Shoes
- Merrell Moab Flight (The BEST shows for my feet. I can pull them out of the box, hike 10+ miles, and not get a blister.)
- Swiftwicks Socks (These socks are so good. And dry so fast!)
- Camp shoes (I really like taking off my hiking shoes and slipping on these suckers.)
Other
- Backpacking Dress (Excited to give this a try. Plus it has pockets!)
- Zpacks Ultralight Hiking Umbrella (Gotta stay outta the sun.)
- Jabra Elite 4 Active (So I can crush books on the trail.)
Safety
- Garmin InReach Mini (Safety first and so I can text my love and let him know where I am.)
What's Cooking
- MSR PocketRock (Super old model that does the job!)
- Snow Peak 600 ML Mug (Trying this out for my solo hike.)
- Sea to Summit Cutlery Set (Spoon Only)
- Zpacks Food Bag (Large size because I love food.)
- Platypus Big Zip (I don’t want to stop to take a drink.)
Power
- Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
- USB Charger, Anker Dual Port
- Every charger cable known to man
PCT Trail Journal Day 37: Messenger Flats Campground to Mile 415.1
15.692762 feet up2421 feet down Mile 415.1 (the best campsite!)381.66 hours 7 minutes🌞Getting pizza delivered to the fire station👉Chatting with NOBOs is a great way to get the intel on the trailMay 18, 2023 PCT Trail Journal: Day 37 Messenger Flats Campground To Mile...
PCT Trail Journal: Day 36 Mile 440.2 to Messenger Flats Campground
10.243802 feet up699 feet down Messenger Flats Campground366.35 hours 9 minutes🌞Completing the up and ice cream trail magic👉I like not being rushed in the morningMay 17, 2023 PCT Trail Journal: Day 36 Mile 440.2 Messenger Flats Campground Day 36 on the PCT from Mile...
PCT Trail Summary: Week 5 Mile 549.0 to 49ers Saloon
PCT Trail Summary: Week 5 Mile 540.0 to 49ers Saloon Dates Hiked May 8 - May 14, 202396.012,460 feet up16,067 feet down38 Hours 21 Minutes💛Being warm again 💛Surviving the aqueduct and hiking it when it was cold(er) 💛Getting a trail family and them motivating me! 💛 So...
Ищите в гугле