PCT 2026 Team Roster: The Trek


I’m hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as part of a larger lifestyle experiment, one that designs work around life and not the other way around.

As someone who lives and travels in an RV, I think about gear differently. Everything I have earns its place or is left behind. The same mentality applies to my PCT setup. This list reflects deliberate trade-offs between weight, comfort, durability, and long-term sustainability.

It is important to note that some items, such as the bear canister and ice ax, are location-specific and will rotate in and out depending on the terrain and season. Additionally, this list excludes used items and pocket gear, such as my hiking clothes, shoes, phone, and wallet.

My base weight is 207 ounces (12.94 pounds) with a total cost of $2,754 for the kit (purchased new; tax not included). With four days of food and four liters of water at full capacity, the total weight of my backpack comes to approximately 29.7 pounds. During warmer sections like the Mojave Desert, I’ll leave enough gear to enter the ultralight category, less than 10 pounds base weight. In colder sections like the High Sierra, I switch to the light weight range, between 10 and 20 pounds base weight.

I’m not chasing the lowest possible base weight. I care more about finishing well than winning a spreadsheet contest. Over 2,650 miles, comfort, sleep quality, and recovery are important. The goal is consistency, not minimalism for its own sake.

Below is the full breakdown of what I plan to bring, including weights and costs. For me, this is not just a packing list. It’s a system designed to withstand months of forward motion while maintaining flexible life beyond the trail.

Category Weight Cost
Backpack £2.30 $379
Shelter 0.92 pounds $640
Sleep 2.23 pounds $605
Clothes 2.71 pounds $501
Electronics 1.15 pounds $241
Other 4.56 pounds $703
Total (base weight) 14.14 pounds $3,069
Food/Water £16.80 $24
Total (Base Weight + Food/Water) £30.94 $3,093

Backpack Equipment List

Backpack

Shelter

Sleep

Clothes

Electronics

Other

Food/Water

  • Food (4 days) | 128 ounces | $15 (approximately)
  • Water (4 liters) | 140.8 ounces | $9 (Smart Water)

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