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AT vs. PCT Gear
Hello there! It’s been six years since my last thru-hike and foray into blogging so I needed an easy way to get back into the game and figured gear talk would be it! Everyone loves dissecting gear, to the point that it’s probably overdone, but I wasn’t sure how else to start up again.
This is also my way of saying, I’m hiking the PCT! Start date May 4th. (I’ve already heard “may the 4th be with you” a bunch of times from the dorks in my life but keep it coming because this year we will all need it. #toomuchsnow). New trail means new gear, so here is my AT gear compared against some of the choices I’m making for the PCT. (All my PCT gear that’s still on market is linked below, but a couple things aren’t sold anymore.)
AT Gear |
PCT Gear |
Different? |
If so, why? |
|
|
backpack |
Hyperlite Unbound 40 |
yes |
I love my Exos and still have it, but it’s 7 years + 1 thru-hike old and it’s pretty ripped up. Since Osprey no longer makes a unisex Exos, I figured I’d try something new – and waterproof.
|
|
|
tent |
Durston X-Mid Pro 1 |
yes |
Ditto above – I loved my Copper Spur and would carry it again, but my particular tent is just a bit too worn to take on another thru-hike. Also, this go-around I was interested in testing out a non-freestanding tent.
|
|
|
sleep system |
Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL |
yes |
I was always cold; a quilt is not for me.
|
|
|
(started with) Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (and switched to) Big Agnes Q-Core SLX |
Therm-a-Rest ProLite |
yes |
I switched to the ProLite after my thru-hike and I like it so much better – it’s quiet, comfortable and really low to the ground which all outweigh that it has a lower R value, for me.
|
|
|
cook system |
MSR Micro Rocket stove |
no |
||
|
MSR Titan Kettle 0.85L |
MSR Titan Kettle 0.85L |
no |
||
|
food bag |
Ursack Major |
Ursack Major |
no |
(For the PCT will also be using the BearVault BV500 where needed)
|
|
water filter |
Katadyn BeFree 0.6L |
Katadyn BeFree 1L |
no |
|
|
socks |
Darn Tough |
Darn Tough |
no |
|
| trail runners | (started with) Brooks Cascadia (and switched to) Brooks Caldera | Brooks Caldera | no | |
| camp shoes | Crocs Swiftwater Sandal | Bedrock Sandals Cairn Pro II | yes | I had a gift card to Bedrock
|
| puffy | Patagonia Nano Puff | Rab Xenon 2.0 | yes | No real reason – both are great synthetic jackets, which is my preference
|
| headlamp | Black Diamond Cosmo | Black Diamond Spot 400-R | only kind of | Pretty much the same thing, just upgrading and switching to rechargeable
|
| battery pack | Anker PowerCore 10,000 | Anker PowerCore 20,000 | only kind of | You carry your fears? Mine is lack of juice.
|
| poles | Leki Micro Vario Carbon Lady | Leki Micro Vario Carbon Lady | no | |
| satellite messenger | n/a | Garmin InReach Mini 2 | yes | Not needed on the AT
|
You’ll notice that other than puffy and socks/shoes, I didn’t include any clothing because I don’t think your clothing makes a whole lot of difference either way. If you’re comfortable and not in danger of exposure, you’re good on clothes. If you’re interested, I did a whole post on my AT gear here for more info on why I made some of the changes I did above; and I’ll likely do the same thing for the PCT gear after this hike.
So, yeah, I guess I’m back at it. More to come!
-snap
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Comments 1
I recommend you consider a foam pad while in the desert. Sharp thorns and sticks will deflate a blow up pad quickly in southern California.