Yo I think the number one question I’ve been asked, besides when, where and why, has been: «Same team? Different team?» My answer? It’s a mix.
I am a firm believer in “not fixing what isn’t broken,” mainly because I don’t need to create more waste in the world. It’s a balance, of course. I used the same Ziploc bags as dry bags throughout AT in 2024. I used my last Smartwater bottle from Virginia to Maine… I probably would have done well to replace it a few times.
There it is, friends. My nasty little water container (with AT spring water still there from 2024…teehee).
At the same time, I ate a lot of individually wrapped foods and generated a lot of waste that way. Balance, girls! That’s why I’m replacing/upgrading some equipment, while leaving other things as is.
Without further ado,
my big three
1. Age of the hive
On the Appalachian Trail in 2024, I hiked the Osprey Aura 65L and loved almost everything about it, everything except the weight. The backpack alone weighs over 4 pounds and since my main goal for the PCT was to reduce weight, this was an easy place to cut. I still love the Osprey, so I chose the Eja Pro, which cuts the weight of my backpack in half!
2. Thermarest NeoAir
On the AT, I hiked a Nemo Switchback. However, I started with the Thermarest. It drilled around the Smokies and I gave up the inflatable pads after that. On the PCT, I’m deciding to give the inflatable another chance. Not only should it be more comfortable, but it will also keep me warmer. In fact, it even weighs less than the Switchback! As long as it doesn’t get punctured again, we’ll all win. If so, then I guess I know what my plan B is.
3.) Durston X-One 1
I used this tent on the AT and will continue to use it on the PCT. I actually shipped my tent home to Virginia because I was constantly sharing a tent with my partner. However, in the middle of July, we definitely had some nights where we wished we had kept my tent. It was too hot to share!
My partner and I will share his freestanding tent anywhere on the PCT we need to, but I’d like to continue bringing my own in case I need it (or I just want to spend a night in my own space and my own stench…yykyk).
Other important equipment…
1.) BV475
Okay, I miss almost UL. Here’s my problem: the bear can do it. I took this bad boy from Georgia to Maine and honestly, I loved it. It is a comfortable seat, fits perfectly in my backpack and holds all my food very safely. Everything stays dry, no bugs can get in, and it’s easy to store away from the tent at night.
Personalizing gear with stickers is obviously important to me!
That said, Bear Vaults are thick. Yes, thick. At a whopping 2 pounds, 4 ounces, there are plenty of lighter options. If I switched to an Ursack, would it have a lower base weight? Yes. Would I get lazy and sleep with my food? Probably. That’s why I’ll stick with the BV475. LNT is more important to me than saving a couple of quid.
2.) Paria Outdoors Thermodown 15 Quilt
I can’t speak highly enough of this team!! I loved my quilt on the AT and although it may need a couple of patches, I firmly believe it can last another hike. I won’t change a thing about this cozy quilt. I did a lot of research before the AT to find a warm, affordable, high-quality down comforter, and this was the perfect option for me!
3.) MSR 2 Pocket Rocket
This is a big improvement for me as my dad had borrowed a stove setup for the AT. I’ll finally have mine. This one weighs less, should work better and take up less space than the one I borrowed. I was grateful they lent it to me, but it’s nice to finally have my own!
4.) Kula cloth and funnel
You heard it here folks, I used this setup all over the AT and loved it enough to stick with it. I knew a lot of people who did squats, but I wanted the luxury of standing. I’ll just say: it’s worth it!
5.) Sawyer squeeze
This is another improvement! My Sawyer Mini was decent on the AT, but I almost always ended up borrowing my partner’s Sawyer Squeeze. It filters much faster than the Mini and I can’t wait! It will be nice to finally have mine this time.
6.) Jolly Gear Shirt
I started the AT with clothes I already had as running gear, with the plan to buy a Jolly Gear t-shirt at Trail Days. I bought the purple Triple Crown t-shirt and I love it! I recently used some Oxi-Clean White Revive to see if it could remove some of the nasty stuff and it worked wonders. It’s like new (more or less)!
Before and After Oxi-Clean… wow!!
7. Shorts/pants
I’m still figuring this out! My AT zipper pants no longer fit, so I have to decide if I want new zipper pants or if I want shorts and waterproof pants. I’ve heard wonderful things about that combination, but I also can’t do many shorts without getting irritated. In the real world, I’m more of a pants girl than anything else. Even when I ran my marathon last year, I did it in tights! I’m leaning towards zippers, but I could be persuaded. Comment if you have any thoughts on this.
8.) Trekology UL Inflatable Pillow
Ah, good dream. As a side sleeper, I need a pillow to sleep comfortably, and this tried and true pillow will be featured on the PCT!
9.) Black Diamond Women’s Trekking Poles
I used BD trekking poles on the AT and loved them, but eventually bent them on the White ones. I didn’t update other than changing colors, but I did replace the bent posts!
10.) Steamy Lighted Gear
I only bought this right before the 100 mile Wilderness on the AT, so it will definitely show up on the PCT. Once I tried this padding on, I realized I could never suffer with just a fleece again.
11.) Various. gear
Rain gear was a bit useless for me on the AT, and since the Torrid Puffy is pretty rain resistant, I might buy an umbrella for the PCT. Shade when I need it and protection from the rain? Sounds like a good deal. My first aid kit will remain the same; KT tape, gear tape, Leukotape, a couple of Band-Aids, anti-itch cream, hand sanitizer, tweezers, ibuprofen.
I also carry a compact brush and razor. Both are definitely luxury items, I know, but to keep my long, wavy hair from forming dreadlocks… and to keep my legs from being so bothersome (long hair on my legs is too much sensory stimulation for me), I’ll be wearing these luxuries.
11.) Adventure Chicken
Crochet chicken: luxury item or necessity?
I won’t lie, this chicken was my impromptu tear catcher on some of the toughest nights on the AT. I started with chicken, I finished with chicken, and since my family nicknamed it Adventure Chimcken, now I have to take it on all my trips. I’m pretty sure it’s necessary. He even has his own Instagram, @adventure.chimcken.
In conclusion…
I think it’s important to mention that the AT was not only my first hike, but also my first backpacking trip of more than one night (and that night was just to test out all the gear). All the items I owned were purchased with the AT in mind. Some of these improvements were necessary for the different terrain and conditions we’ll encounter on the west coast, while others were things I learned and would prefer after some backpacking experience. Take any equipment recommendations with a grain of salt and do your own research to find things that fit your own needs.
Additionally, I have a more detailed equipment list available at Lighter package. I may not be completely up to date, but I’m getting there!
