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Jan 14, 2023 : Journey Fleishman Pacific Crest Trail

Thousands Spent in the Name of Minimalism…

Gear… this has been BY FAR the most time consuming and logistically taxing part of preparing for the PCT. Although it is difficult to determine which items will serve me best while on trail, I am feeling confident about the gear list I have assembled over time.

My Gear List is NOT Perfect…

By NO means is my gear list perfect… And by no means is my gear list going to be your exact gear list. I hope it can be helpful for any hikers heading out on trail, or anyone hoping to get out there in the future. Everyone is unique, and so are gear lists. We are all just like little snowflakes;)

It has been such an enjoyable process over the last couple years reading copious amounts of gear reviews, plugging in ounces and prices to my gear spreadsheet, taking REI trips, and gaining knowledge on what the best options are for me. Gear is so important when it comes to the success of a thru-hike, it truly has the power to make or break a trip… so it is important to get it right and purchase some quality items (they will look like trash by the end of your hike and your money will be well spent).

My gear list that I have had running since my Sophomore year of High School…

The Biggest “Thank You!!!!!!!”

For those of you who don’t know, I just graduated high school in 2022… and with graduation comes much graduation money and gifts. This section is dedicated to all the incredible people in my life who gave me REI gift cards, money, and camping gifts for graduation. Because of all of you, I have been able to pay for close to 4/5 of this gear that I purchased, and for that I am forever grateful. Much love to you all!!!!

I wish I could have captured a picture of the shocked REI employee who helped me checkout with about $1000 worth of gear, and about 30 gift cards… which leads me to my next statement.

Money, Money, Money

Gear is expensive; REALLY expensive. It is not an exaggeration to say that we thru-hikers exist in a strange place where we desire to live as minimally as possible for months on end, but we spend thousands in the process of doing that. Thru-hiking is a unique privilege, and I want to keep that in mind as much as possible throughout my time on trail.

All that being said, there are many ways of making a thru-hike more affordable than buying all the top of the line items. It’s quality items that we are going for, and if it doesn’t cost as much as the popular item, but it is still a quality item- GO FOR IT!

 

THE GEAR!!!!

Okay, enough talking about the gear… here is my full gear list pre PCT with the ounces, prices, and location of the purchase or gift. Pictures of all my gear are included at the end of this post!

Shelter

Sleep System

Pack

  • ULA Circuit Pack
    • $255
    • 36.6 ounces
    • ULA Equipment Online
  • Pack Liner
    • A trash bag
  • Pack Cover
    • Generic Sansport Poncho
    • $5
    • Babbots Backcountry Store

Clothes

Clothes that will be worn during the day are in BOLD and the other clothes will be packed or will be sent later to myself on trail. I did not include weight or price on the clothes, but feel free to check out my gear list on my author profile!!

Kitchen

Hygiene

Smaller items were purchased at Target. Once again, the ounces and prices are listed on my full gear list on my author page.

First Aid

Survival

Electronics

  • Apple Headphones
  • Apple Phone Charger
  • Headlamp Charging Cord
  • Plastic Bag Waterproof Phone Case
  • FarOut Subscription
  • Garmin inReach Subscription

Miscellaneous

Thank you for taking the time to read my gear list, and I hope this can be helpful. Below I included some individual images of my gear for a better visual! Feel free to reach out with any questions by commenting on this post!!

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Journey Fleishman
Jan 14th : Journey Fleishman
Author Page
Journey Fleishman's Bio

HEY!!!!!! My name is Journey Willow Hinsdale Fleishman and I hiked the PCT with the class of 2023 from March-August. I graduated high school a year before trail and took a gap year to work and make this dream become a reality. I was born and raised in Arizona but grew up spending every summer living and adventuring in Colorado. I now attend Western Colorado University and am studying Outdoor Recreation and Education with a Minor in Environment and Sustainability. I am a part of the Western Mountain Search and Rescue team, and work at a local coffee shop. I adore adventures in creation with those I love, thai food, watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, trail running, drawing & journaling, listening to the band Caamp, hammock naps, and drinking tea. Thanks for checking out my author page and happy reading!!!!

Comments 5

  • Ralph B. Mahon : Jan 15th

    Looks well thought out.
    Might consider a couple things. Stove, whisperlite universal.
    Uses canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gas.
    Multiple options, easier to get one or the other
    And a multitool, like a Leatherman.
    Knife, saw blade, screwdrivers, scissors, pliers.
    Wishing you a great, safe, fun adventure!

    Reply
    • Ralph B. Mahon : Jan 15th

      Here’s another suggestion, this will keep your devices charged w/o having to depend on others.
      AA Solar Powered Battery Charger with USB Port. charges AA and phones/headlamps, etc.
      Small, put it on the outside of your backpack.
      OK, I’ll stop talking now 🙂

      Reply
      • luke nash : Jan 16th

        I’ve never really gotten along with solar chargers and from what i’ve heard from other people asking about them the general consensus is that they aren’t worth it cus they give barely charge at all and are heavier than normal portable chargers

        Reply
    • Journey Fleishman : Jan 15th

      These are great suggestions, thank you!!! I have a knife I just forgot to add it to the list! Thank you!!!!

      Reply
      • Ralph B. Mahon : Jan 15th

        Those cheap BIC lighters are a good idea. Keep them in a sealed container for two reasons.
        So they don’t get compressed and drained of butane and more importantly they don’t accidentally go off.
        I foster and work with rescues, etc. so I have small prescription pill containers.
        Don’t want to look over my shoulder and see my backpack in flames!

        Reply

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