Peak Essentials: My Big Three on the Pacific Crest Trail

Hello fellow adventurers! I’m preparing for my Pacific Crest Trail hike and have selected my trusted big three to keep me company on my long-distance journey. And by «company» I mean «the things that will keep you from freezing to death.» As an experienced backpacker and outdoor enthusiast, I’m excited to share my gear options with you.

I’ve used many different types of backpacking gear over the years. I guess you can say I’m mobile when it comes to gear. As I prepare for my PCT hike, my goal has been light weight and functionality. As you can imagine, that quality doesn’t come cheap and has crippled my bank account a bit. I guess this means I’ll be eating a lot of ramen noodles and instant mashed potatoes during my West Coast trip.

So, let’s get to work. What are my big three, you ask? Good question. For some unfamiliar with hiking terminology, the «big three» typically refers to a backpack, a shelter, and a sleeping system. The following has been my selection.

1. Southwest 55 by Hyperlite Mountain Gear: My Ride or Die

My backpack is like my therapist: it listens to my problems, keeps all my junk, and doesn’t judge me (much). The Southwest 55 from Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a sleek, lightweight beast that will carry all my essentials (and by «essentials,» I mean «all my snacks») on the 2,650-mile trip from Mexico to Canada. With its durable Dyneema Woven Composite fabric, I’m pretty sure it will withstand the apocalypse. I’ve packed for weeks, repacked, and repacked again, and I’m sure this backpack will keep up with my (somewhat) organized chaos.

One of the things I love about Southwest 55 is its thoughtful design. From the way it carries comfortably to the large hipbelt pockets, this backpack has it all. I’ve already used it on shorter trips and it has proven to be a reliable companion. Now let’s see how it works on a longer adventure!

(Note: For those who are curious and for all you weight freaks out there, my base weight is 16.28 pounds. That’s before packing any consumables, my BearVault, and my CAMP Corsa ice axe.)

2. Durston X-Mid Pro 1+: My home away from home

The X-Mid Pro 1+ is like a cozy little hug for my tired body after a long day of hiking. This ultralight dyneema tent has been developed to save me from the elements thanks to its waterproof fabric and storm-resistant design. Although the interior is not very spacious, the double vestibule makes up for it. There will be plenty of space to store my backpack, along with the rest of my belongings. I had the opportunity to test it in various conditions and I am impressed by its performance.

In my opinion, one of the best features of the X-Mid Pro 1+ is its ease of setup. Even with gloves on (or in the dark or a storm), casting is a breeze. I look forward to many nights snuggled up inside this little home away from home.

3. Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 Degree Sleep Comforter + Therm-a-Rest NeoAir xlite – A match made in heaven

Let’s face it, sometimes it can be difficult to find the perfect sleeping system that is comfortable and lightweight. Fortunately, I think I’ve discovered the ideal setup when it comes to combining a quality quilt with a properly rated sleeping pad. Unfortunately, when it comes to selecting the optimal sleep system, not all options on the market are created equal. The Enlightened Equipment Enigma Sleeping Quilt and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir xlite combo promises to keep me warm and comfortable, even when the temperatures drop and the night owls start singing their favorite songs.

I’ve used a quilt from Enlightened Equipment in the past (during my hike on the Appalachian Trail) and I’m excited to put my newly purchased Enigma to the test. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir xlite is a proven favorite among many backpackers and I am delighted to have it as part of my sleeping system. Together, they should keep me comfortable and warm, even on the coldest nights.

There you have it: my three big themes for the PCT. Wish me luck (and a good night’s sleep)! If all goes well, my equipment will last me the full 2650 miles. However, gear failures and necessary changes are not new to me. I always start a long distance hike assuming something won’t work or even hold up to the elements and harsh trail conditions. I’ve learned that preparation is important, but so is flexibility and a willingness to mix things up when necessary.

All that being said, I look forward to seeing you at the southern end of the PCT and sharing with you whether my big three, among other pieces of gear, hold up to the end of my ride. Stay tuned!

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