The Pack on My Back! My PCT Gear List
It’s been a whirlwind to find suitable gear for BOTH Patagonia and The Pacific Crest Trail. My mind has be swayed from endless research countless times:
Me: “I’m not bloody taking hiking poles! What do i look like? Some kind of dickhead gliker (glamp-hiker)!”
*reads copious amounts of travel blogs*
Others: “…do you want legs to walk on? Then take poles asshole!”
Me: ‘sigh’ …….
*buys hiking poles*
After months of organising and researching, I’ve come to a final list of gear I’ll be taking. I’m going for the not-so-lightweight but not a very-heavyweight category of hiker. It’s a little heavier than I’d like, but I’ll work out what I need/don’t need as I go and change out gear accordingly as I travel. The Patagonia list is what I originally took (see photos above).
There’s a common saying – ‘hike your own hike‘, and I think the only way I can truly do this is to work out what gear I need on my travels by experiencing it all and changing it up as I go. When I get to the Pacific Crest Trail, I’d like the weight to be at least a third less – I’m sure even more when on the trail!
Patagonia Gear List (Final)
Post-Patagonia Gear Changes
These were the modifications I made to my gear before starting the PCT. The biggest changes were the lighter pack and the insulated sleeping pad.
PCT Gear List (Final)
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Post-PCT Gear Changes
I haven’t changed too much since finishing the PCT, other than changing some torn clothing out, and adding some warmer gear for winter hiking.
Post-Trip Gear List
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Be sure to read about my Patagonian adventure, starting here OR my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike from Mexico to Canada in the USA here
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Geez, talk about organised!!!
Hahaha, that’s the only thing organised though hehe!
Good luck, Stay healthy, happy and enjoy! No foot issues either xx
Thanks, so far no health issues haha! Xox
Hi! Looks like its all going well! Surprising too! Beautiful shots. I will get Dad to reply! He gets a bit unorthodox
Yep all going well! Loving it down here. I’ll work out a time to chat to you guys, but it won’t be for awhile as I’ll be on the move again.
Hi Matt,
Have just read your travel blog. What an experience. The colour of the water in the lakes is quite different from the ones here. Is that because of the snow do you think?
I can see that you’re keeping hydrated 🙂 and eating well. Please keep posting. This is really fascinating. I think I’ll show my Year 9 class so they can keep an eye on you too. Would that be appropriate?
Everything is the same, same at Camden Haven High. Looking forward to seeing you return safely.
Thanks Cheryl! The colour is due fo the fine silt sediment from the glacial melt reflecting blue light back. Year 9 should learn that in science haha!
I am more than happy you show it to them.
I’m finishing up my Patagonian experience and am of to USA soon for the real journey – hiking from the US borders of Mexico to Canada!… in a record snow year!
I shall return… in October I think. Good to hear at least all is well back there.