(Part 5) Top products from r/PacificCrestTrail

That Copper Spur UL3 is a BIG tent for 2 people. I'd reconsider and look into a 2 person tent. If you already own this tent, I'd consider using a tarp and groundsheet option for the first 700 miles, then use this tent for the Sierras and switch back to a tarp until WA when I would pick up a tent again.



I had no issues with my inflatable Neoair on the PCT. I love that mattress, very comfortable. I also brought a torso sized zrest as a sit pad and siesta pad.


Check out this BSR stove. Cheap and very light. https://www.amazon.com/BRS-BRS-3000T-parallel-import-goods/dp/B00UGQGS6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495733631&sr=1-1&keywords=bsr+stove


I wouldn't use that water filter. I'd use the Sawyer Squeeze (not the mini) or another gravity filter like the Platypus Gravityworks. This is a personal choice, but I don't enjoy having to drink straight from a filter like that.


The Hydrapak Seeker 3L is HEAVY. Consider lighter water bags, like any simple bag made by Platypus. Also empty 2 liters are great and cheap/free.

My experience comes from an AT thru hike, but I am also planning a PCT hike.

I hear the Sawyer Mini is a real hassle to deal with, and I think most people prefer the Squeeze in spite of the extra weight.

You can save weight by reusing a disposable drink bottle instead of taking a Nalgene.

You may very well decide that you only want one pair of boxers. On the other hand you might want a third pair of socks.

I would note that listening to music is unlikely to be a significant drain on your phone's battery, compared to anything else you might use it for (even things like turning the screen on). You probably don't need the Nano, but I guess that depends on how you use your phone.

Your knife is very heavy, and has much more functionality than you need - most hikers will only ever use the blade, and that doesn't need to be more than a couple inches long. You might consider this knife as an ultralight option, or this one at about 23 grams which includes a bottle opener (the only tool I ever use besides the blade).

I notice you haven't listed maps, headlamp, food storage and protection, or a trowel.

Just wanted to share my strategy which, for me, is a good combo of reliability and light weight: I'm using an Anker 15w solar panel in combo with a Power Add 5000

I've tested the duo together, the power bank and the solar panel together work great, the panel isn't too heavy (12.5 oz) and fills my Power Add in the course of a day. The Power Add 5000 is just the right amount for my purposes, (~2 phone charges) and as a safety back-up in case there's no sun, also it is pretty light and compact (~4 oz).

I also have a kindle. Kindles do not require much, depending on which one you have, one full charge can last you a month.

15w solar panel (12.5 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YZXMZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493231892&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+solar+charger

Power Add 5000 (4 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-Slim-Ultra-compact-Portable-External/dp/B00MWU1GGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493232359&sr=8-1&keywords=Power+add+5000mah

I actually sleep pretty warm, like windows cracked in the winter warm.

I'm from Washington state and have spent many a night in a 30degree bag outdoors, but I was thinking a 20degree plus the clothing I'd be sleeping in would be sufficient? They also have a 15degree bag for a fair bit more, do you think that would be worth looking into?

Also you're probably right on getting baggies instead of barely baggies. Don't want that chub rub.

Do you have a link to the pot you used? This one showed up as the first google result

They still sell a Patagonia ultralight but it has no hood, which is kinda what I was looking for. Hmm.

Thank you :-)

It's been a huge time sink for me too. I went in a slightly different direction:

• http://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-10400mAH-Portable-Charger-Macbook/dp/B0188DIXX6
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Tronsmart-Quick-Charge-Technology/dp/B019C23ZGW
  
  Gets me 5V/3A input for the battery and phone (well, 2.4A to the phone while both are charging). With a 1A output from the battery for efficiency. But I have to do a bunch of cable gymnastics because the battery pack doesn't output on the USB-C port.... =(
  
  They are suppose to come out with one supports USB-C output too soon. Hopefully before I leave so I can buy yet another battery!

The 18" amazon basics foam roller is 7.1 ounces on my scale.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM2MXK8/ref=twister_B018KFP8E4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I'm not planning on bringing it, but it would be pretty easy to attach to the outside of your pack with some shock cord.

I went with this Anker 10000 mAH battery at 6.4 ounces it's a couple ounces lighter than other 10 Ah batteries I've seen, and it's very small in size.

For solar I have a small panel from Sunkingdom that weighs 6.5 ounces on my scale. So a total 0f 12.9 ounces for battery and panel.

I used this same combo of solar panel and 10Ah battery on the colorado trail this past summer and found it worked well. Many days I would use the solar panel only, but it was nice to have the battery for the times it was cloudy for a few days in a row.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VNDBV6

Plugin/ 2 fast usb ports and a 5200mah all in one item. Not sure about the quality but I'm getting one soon to save some pack room.

Here's the full link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T7KKF0E?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_MpysybDFQ51QT&pldnSite=1 . I think you have to have Amazon Prime (as it looks like it's through Prime Pantry). The deal is actually $6.69 for a 12 pack

Good planning. I spent the whole month before eating ice cream think that I would "lose weight on the trail". Bad plan.

Also, if you are going to get the larger portable charger, then I would also recommend getting a rechargeable headlamp. Also, a dual usb charger is worth it.

I know all of this stuff adds up so spend where you think gets you the most value.

Before hiking in 2016, I read Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart and Hiker Trash both of which I thought presented accurate descriptions for what it's really like to hike the PCT. Not the most thrilling reads, but worth it if you're considering doing the PCT.

If you want a full review, I wrote the top review for it on Amazon. Should be the first one

http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Atmos-Backpacks-Graphite-Small/dp/B00MN17VGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451346747&sr=8-1&keywords=osprey+atmos+65

My wife has used synthetic undies for all our adventures. However, she is planning to buy a pair of these undies and give them a try before we leave. Ibex Outdoor Clothing Balance Briefs, Black, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N7AZC44/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_7gOKwbD38TNVF

Is this the solar you mentioned? Anker 21W 2-Port USB Universal PowerPort Solar Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FwSMybN50D141

The lightest weight roller I found is this one at nine ounces But ultimately I decided that was still too heavy to carry around and I just use my trekking Pole in a similar fashion.

I have used these to repair gear... https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Tenacious-Patches-Fabric/dp/B0181MGKDE/ref=asc_df_B0181MGKDE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194852051030&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4720921666473548294&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061080&hvtargid=pla-368658990887&psc=1

Different strokes for different folks. I've needed eyewear almost my entire life and generally find contacts too fussy and annoying. The last thing I want to do after hiking all day is mess with contacts, I'd rather just put my glasses in a case and be done with it. Basically the only thing I used contacts for was swimming.

For what it's worth, anti-fog spray is a thing and works pretty well. I use croakies to keep my glasses from slipping off my face when sweaty. Zenni Optical sells cheap prescription glasses so you don't have to feel too bad if a pair breaks on you. I usually wear a pair with a backup and a pair of prescription sunglasses.

get yourself one of these bad boys:

https://www.amazon.com/Bosu-72-10850-PKIN-Parent-Balance-Trainer-65cm/dp/B00ODWO5RK

and do these exercises on it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl5yLyqg-0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaOAogzPPYY