I had a lot of gear and random trinkets when I finished the Appalachian Trail in 2024: £45, to be exact. I just completed the desert section of my Pacific Crest Trail hike, and here are my favorite gear items that have stood the test of time (and A LOT of use).
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any of these brands, these are my honest reviews and what I like and don’t like about the products!
The first 3
1.) Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Duvet
This is without a doubt my favorite team. The feathers don’t bunch up like other quilts I’ve seen, it’s pretty lightweight, folds easily, and is sturdy as it comes. I burned a small hole in his AT while sleeping in a hammock too close to a campfire in Maine. The hole ended up being maybe the width of my thumb and was repaired very easily. My patchwork still holds up and my quilt is my most comfortable item of clothing. Even in the desert, there were a couple of nights where I was glad I brought the 15 degree quilt.
2.) Jolly Gear Triple Crown Long Sleeve
I bought this shirt at AT Days during my hike in 2024. Not only did the color and design last – there is not a single tear or hole on this shirt. Seeing others with their hiking shirts torn by their backpacks, overgrown brush, etc., fresh out of the wilderness, makes me glad I have such a cool shirt. Plus, it’s cute!
3.) Other Olympuses
I started with the Olympus 5, but quickly realized I had bought the wrong size, so now I use the Olympus 275. I prefer the 5, so I hope to switch again soon. I just like to have a place to clip my gaiters. The 275’s have built in gaiters, but they make me almost squat, so I have to wear regular gaiters anyway. My favorite part about these shoes is how long they last. I’ve put just over 600 miles on these shoes from Julian, CA, and other than tread wear, they’re holding up great!
Equipment I have had problems with
1.) Trekology Pillow
I loved this pillow throughout the AT, but on my first day here, it wouldn’t inflate. I think it was a problem with the valve, but alas! It cost me more than I wanted to spend to order a new one, so now I have a Klymit pillow!
2.) MMHikingGear Bottle Cage
Another tried and true AT team that failed from the start. The elastic wore out and broke, so I bought a new one from the same brand. Just two days later, the plastic adjustable piece broke. That was so shocking and quite annoying! The other one lasted the entire AT, so I couldn’t believe how quickly the new one broke.
3.) Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Lite
It’s okay, it’s okay. I liked this team… but I’m lazy. I also wake up earlier than many of our trams and I hated letting the air out of my pad and waking them up. The task of airing my rig every night became my least favorite task, and I knew from experience on the AT that a Nemo Switchback is comfortable for me. So, I’m back to the Switchback!
The new Switchback has been lovely!
4.) Pace 3 Choruses
I loved this watch…while it lasted. The day we walked along the aqueduct, my watch started to fail. The buttons acted on their own, causing the watch to beep and vibrate randomly (and constantly) on my wrist. I didn’t like the constant beeping and buzzing, so I put it in the brain in my backpack until the battery died and then sent it home to Kennedy Meadows.
Things I’ve added just for this trail:
1.) City Dress
I recently added a street dress to my packed clothes. On the AT, most shelters had borrowed clothing. Out here… no such luck. I didn’t have any extra pants to wear while doing laundry, so I thought a dress would be perfect!
2.) CNOC and Sawyer Squeeze
On the Appalachian Trail, I used the Smartwater method and used a Sawyer Mini. I got so tired I finally used Boostie’s CNOC and Sawyer Squeeze and sent my water filtration system home. Now I finally have my own system again, and one that works well!
3.) Pack Towel
I had a very small towel on the AT, and through the desert section of the PCT I swapped it for a larger towel, because I plan to soak in the alpine lakes as often as possible! My small towel was great for drying my feet after rinsing them at the end of the day, but my entire body is a different story.
All in all, I love the team I brought here. Some things are useful every day, and other things are great to have when I need them. Plus, with my total weight coming in at 32 pounds (with the bear can!), I’m happy!
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