This article is our first installment in our ongoing series dedicated to outfitting you with the best gear possible. Check back regularly for more trail articles.
The Pacific Crest Trail (also known as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail) runs from the Mexican Border through California, Oregon, and Washington states and up to the Canadian border. The trail runs through almost every climate and ecosystem the West Coast has to offer including deserts, glaciers and mountains, as well as the rain forests of the Pacific Northwest. This American trail showcases many of the unique natural gems the West Coast has to offer.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is 2,650 miles (4,240 km) long[2], and follows many high points across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges changing elevation from sea level up to 13,153 feet (4009 m)[1] across Forester pass.
Terrain
The PCT tends to follow through wilderness instead of passing through civilization. Most of the trail stays on the mountain ranges of California, Oregon, and Washington states. Expect to cross over 60 mountain passes and ascend at least 300,000 vertical feet of elevation change. Gaiters help keep snow out of your boots. Below snowline even low gaiters over running shoes help keep out dirt and debris.
Weather
Due to elevation change and varying climates and ecosystems hiked through, expect a wide range of climate changes. Thunderstorms are known to be quite common across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges. Throughout summer months, most hikers are quire comfortable without jackets during the day, however during the night, temperatures can drop fairly low so plan to bring at least a +20° down or synthetic sleeping bag. You might choose to add a bivy-sack at Kennedy Meadows in early season as conditions get rather chilly. For most nights on the trail you can sleep confortably in a 32° F bag, however, durring chilly nights prepare to wear extra layers to stay warm.
Gear List
I'm preparing for a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail next season and I love the Mountain Hardware gear that I currently own, but I was wondering if anyone at Mountain Hardware has any recommendations on a clothing list that would be perfect for a Thru-hike of the PCT? I would really appreciate any advice you could give me. You guys make the best superlight gear around
—Bryan Kenton
Boise, Idaho
Our industry professionals have compiled a list of recommended gear which should get you through the Pacific Crest Trail in high spirits. Our superlight gear will lighten your load and keep you warm and dry throughout your excursion.
Phantom 32 |
If you choose not to bring a tent it's a smart idea to bring a bivy to protect your sleeping bag from morning dew and high Sierra rain storms. Additionally the Rock Sack Bivy will add about 10° F of warmth to your sleeping bag. |
Tent  If you choose to bring a tent it is most efficient to sleep at least two people in it. The SkyLedge 2 is the best of both words. Weighing in at just over 4lbs the SkyLedge 2 it is light enough to carry with you throughout the whole Pacific Crest Trail. This three season tent designed for the serious back country user. Superlight option: pitch with fly and Pitch Light™ footprint to shave pounds. Footprint sold separately.
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Baselayer: The eXtend Midweight series are a nice weight to wear all day and around camp when the sun goes down but before the jacket comes out. |
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eXtend Midweight Zip T |
eXtend Midweight Tights |
Shells: Superlight is the way to go. You won't be wearing your shell the whole time so minimizing weight makes a huge difference. Cohesion Jackets and Pants feature Conduit™ DT for superior next to skin comfort and durability. |
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Cohesion Jacket |
Cohesion Pant |
Backpacks: Mountain Hardwear's innovative Exodus line of backpacks are the first packs to provide excellent mobility and stability without restrictive tension. Our patented Fit-Lock™ harness and waist belt custom contour to the user's body and the stabilizing U-Bar controls the load without limiting range of motion. Pivoting joints on the waistbelt allow the frame to move with the body, maintaining exceptional control and balance. The Maestro and Women's Virtuosa feature the Motive™ frame and are made for a high level of mobility. The packs are designed for technical backcountry activities.
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Capacity: 4000.00 in / 65.55 l |
Our women's frame uses a hipbelt with greater cant than the men's version and is scaled to fit the dimensions of the female form through the shoulder yoke and torso. Capacity: 4000.00 in / 65.55 l |
Trail Gaiter |
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Comments (2)
how about 5lbs or less. the trail is easy anyone who has rich parents or the will to quit a job can do it. the only thing that separates any hardcore hiker from andrew skurka is money. give me a 1.50 a mile and i'll hike around the world.
Posted by wolfpaw | August 1, 2007 1:34 PM
Posted on August 1, 2007 13:34
Agreed, great gear, but theres no way im going to be carrying roughly 12lbs of gear *before* food and water with me on a trip like the PCT. thats one thing MH should work on before it gives more suggestions for thru hikes like this.
Posted by tekhead | November 5, 2007 9:42 AM
Posted on November 5, 2007 09:42