Chance of Bad Weather: Going Heavy Gear List

The 2019 PCT year could be a rough weather year.

After talking with a number of trekkers that have quite a bit more long-distance trekking experience than I do, many people go with ultralight gear with base weights of seven to ten pounds. Since I assume that embarking on the PCT in early March is already a little more risky than starting this journey in late April or early May, it will likely be a more difficult journey on the PCT. So I’ve packed quite heavy. However, my outdoor experience stems from a lot of geology and climbing trips. So at times, I’ve had to carry a lot of stuff for safety: harnesses, ropes, rock hammers, and lots of water.  Therefore, I might as well feel safer from getting hypothermia or slipping down a slope by carrying more clothing, a thicker sleeping bag, and a pair crampons.

My Base Weight: 22 Pounds

And at the end of the day, heavy gear may still get me to the end of the trail just as well as lighter gear would. I suppose if I ever want to become a hardcore mountaineer or a climber, I should be able to shoulder a lot of weight.

So I’m not ashamed of carrying more than I need, because I’m the one who’s carrying it.

Pack: Woman’s Dueter ACT Lite 60+10SL Expedition Pack

• Weight: 4lb 3 oz.
• Size: 70 L
• This pack has traveled to New Zealand, Argentina, Mexico, and all over the country. Mostly, it just has a lot of sentimental value.

Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 Tent

• Weight: 3lb 1 oz.
• Size: 2 person, 3-seasons

Sleeping Bag:Big Agnes Blackburn UL Sleeping 0 Degree Down

• Weight: 2lb 12 oz.
• Size: 5′ 10″
• Weird feature: There is a strip on the bottom/back with no down filled, with a pocket for a sleeping pad,

Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Women’s Regular

• Weight: 12 oz.
• R value: 3.9
• Really warm and comfortable, plus I tried the Z-sol and was cold and uncomfortable. So I’d rather take the risk of popping an inflatable pad and be warmer.

Stove:MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Set

• Weight: 9.8 oz.
• Kit includes PocketRocket stove, 0.75 liter hard-anodized aluminum pot, 16 oz. bowl, clear lid, pot grip and stuff sack
  

Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze

• Weight: 3 oz
• Output: 1.7 L/min

Bear Bin:Bearvault BV500

• Weight: 2lbs 9 oz.
• Size: 8.7 x 12.7 inches, 11.5 liters
• I may hike the entire trail with the Bearvault. Call me crazy, but I guess why not? Two extra pounds, I know, but I like easy when it comes to food storage; call me lazy. Also, it seems perfect for keeping things dry, safe, and better for someone who is solo hiking early in the season.

Crampons:C.A.M.P. Universal Stalker Crampons

• Weight: 2lb 1 oz.
• Can be used with almost any type of boot, but have to be readjusted sometimes
• I may bring them from the very beginning since it seems like a heavier snow year. Extra weight, but I’d take that over the risk of dangerous travel.

Hiking Poles: REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles

• Weight: 14.8 oz

Clothes

• Merrell Accentor Mid Ventilator Waterproof Hiking boots
• Smartwool Long sleeve quarter zip up
• Patagonia quick dry baggies shorts
• Columbia Thermal Leggings- 2 pair (one larger)
• Columbia Titanium Rain Coat
• Columbia Rain Pants
• TheTrek Quick dry Purple Tank
• Darn Tough Socks- 3 pairs
• Mountain Hardwear Down Jacket
• Women’s Patagonia Quick dry Underwear- 2 Pair
• Crocs Sandals

Other

• Emergency Medical Kit
• Fingernail Clippers
• Black diamond Headlamp
• Suunto Traverse Watch
• Swiss Army Multitool
• Gerber Knife
• Anker solar panel charging station
• Rechargeable battery pack

Food Prep

Sending about ten boxes down the path for comfort food and good snacks.