BEST & WORST Backpacking Gear I Used on the Pacific Crest Trail This Year
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- Best & Worst Backpacking Gear I Used on the Pacific Crest Trail This Year // In this video, I’m going to share with you my most favorite pieces of gear I used along the Pacific Crest Trail this year - the gear I didn’t know I couldn’t live without. I’m also going to share with you the worst gear - the gear I didn’t love so much, the gear that broke on me and needed to be replaced, sometimes multiple times.
2023 PCT SoBo Thru-Hike Gear List, which includes links to ALL of the gear mentioned in this video lighterpack.com/r/keiy5r
(Video): Backpacking Gear I’ll Be Using on the Pacific Crest Trail This Year • Backpacking Gear I’ll ...
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This summer, I spent 67 days hiking 981 miles solo along the Pacific Crest Trail heading southbound, starting from the Oregon/Washington border at the Eagle Falls Trailhead, all the way to Mammoth Lakes in California.
Interested in checking out my PCT hike this year? Watch THESE videos:
• Just Getting Started | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail SoBo • Just Getting Started |...
• Oregon | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail SoBo • Oregon | Hiking the Pa...
• Northern California | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail SoBo • Northern California | ...
• Entering The Sierra | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail SoBo • Entering The Sierra | ...
• I Quit Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail • I Quit Hiking the Paci...
Here are a few other videos featuring my PCT hike this year:
• 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Thru Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail • 10 Things I Wish I Kne...
• How I Got Home From The PCT | My Trail-To-Town Transition • How I Got Home From Th...
• Dealing With Post Trail Blues | What Most Hikers DON’T Talk About • Dealing With Post Trai...
Read It On The Blog: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2023...
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➡️ Click here to learn more about The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System:
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🙋♀️ Need Help Planning A Backpacking Trip? the-hungry-hiker.thinkific.co...
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• BEST & WORST Backpacki...
#BackpackingGear #PacificCrestTrail #TheHungryHiker
Here’s what I loved (and didn’t love) about the backpacking gear I used for my PCT solo, SoBo hike this year.
For a complete list of all the gear I used during my hike, check my 2023 PCT SoBo Thru-Hike Gear List, which includes links to all of the gear mentioned in this video lighterpack.com/r/keiy5r
I completely understand why thru hikers typically go for trekking pole tents these days. The ability to replace your “tent poles” essentially anywhere that sells hiking gear can be such a crucial benefit when on the trail for months on end.
People bitch and moan about REI and forget it’s excellent member service or choose to ignore it. My experience is like yours, longtime member never an issue. For a tent- try a Durston. Dan is really innovative and responsive.
I've been an REI member for YEARS. My experience with REI has always been a positive one and I've had A LOT of experiences with them. This is part of the reason why I continue to shop REI and talk about REI in my videos. They're just too good. The only downside is that they don't carry a lot of the smaller, cottage brands, but they carry everything else. Thank you for the Durston recommendation!
@@TheHungryHiker me too, since college. I have a Nemo 1 person which I like but would prefer a 2, a Durston 2 and ….gulp just bought a big agnes…..hopefully I luck out with the BA. I have some cottage brand stuff too but REI has always done right by me as well.
I’ve gotta agree, REI is definitely a life saver. I love that store. It’s nice being able to look at stuff & try it on before you buy it. All the employees are beyond helpful. The only issue I’ve ever had is a shipping company they used “Lone Star Overnight” in Texas. They’re worse than DHL… lol… who lost a 10’ kayak one time. If they’d let me choose who to ship with I’d say they’re as close to perfect as it gets. I’m definitely thankful for REI! That’s for sure.
@marcusaurelius200516 please don't get me started about the shipping companies REI has used. I still have PTSD when one went out of business and left stock and orders on the side of roads.
@@kgwash must depend on where you are. I live in a metro area and have had zero problems over the years
Kathleen I know your channel is oriented towards the female hiker, but I find the information very relevant and helpful, too. Thanks for sharing your trail wisdom!
Glad you find the info in my videos helpful. 😀
My REI has so many thru hikers, guaranteed when someone comes in, there is at least one on shift. We had 5 AT hikers in camping for a while. I love working with thru hikers. So much better than high school kids. 😂
Anytime I came into an REI on a thru-hike, the staff would always spot me right away and ask me if I was thru-hiking. Hahahaha! The staff at REI are always incredibly helpful anytime I come into the store, whether I'm on a long-distance hike or not.
Altras with the gaiters are amazing!!!
I agree!!!
I really loved this whole video. Thank you!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing this video and your list of equipment used Kathleen. There are some definite keepers for future reference.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing your gear experience. Congratulations on your PCT journey.
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!
The only trekking pole tent I’d use is the Durston mid x solid. Period.
I've been hearing a lot of good things about the Durston tents.
GREAT video! I’m surprised about the BA Copper Spur. That’s my backpacking tent of choice, and thus far I’ve really liked it. My only peeve with it is the zipper snags that happen much too often. I also have an MSR Hubba solo tent, and I love it for different reasons, but I really enjoy both for my solo camping.
This is a very informative video. Thanks :)
Glad it was helpful!
This might the best gear video I’ve watched in a long time. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great Review! Have a great day (Merry Christmas also)!
Thanks! You too!
I discovered the portawipes before my (much shorter) PCT hike this year and LOVED them! Way more convenient, takes up less space, and multi purpose. ❤
Totally agree! I love these things and will be bringing with me on all of my future backpacking trips.
I stumbled upon your channel recently which I have enjoyed. I was the trail angel that gave you and a couple of other hikers a ride from Callahan Lodge to Ashland.
Awesome! Glad you found me here on TH-cam. Also THANK YOU for being a trail angel this year and giving us stinky hikers a ride into town. Trail Angels make the hiking world go round in my book!!
Excellent review of your gear. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I've backpacked over 1,000 miles in the last 3 years and still learn something new each time a fellow backpacker posts a review of their set up. I am now adding portowipes to my morning business routine! 🙂💩
Glad it was helpful!
Trekking pole tents are great. I've tried several, and ABSOLUTELY LOVE my Durston xmid pro 2. It was fantastic for my Oregon Coast Trail thru-hike this summer. They continue to evolve the design and just came out with some new models, including an even lighter version with a DCF floor.
But still, my xmid pro 2 is only 555 grams! And it's a palace!
I keep hearing A LOT about the Durston tents. How does your tent do with condensation. That's my biggest concern with hiking in wet and cold environments.
@@TheHungryHiker condensation is an issue with every single wall (trekking pole) tent I've used, but the Durston is better than most. My gear never got wet inside the tent, despite some very wet and cool nights along the coast. Durston tents have excellent headroom, and most of the condensation rolls down the tent wall and through the mesh, to the ground.
One of the big factors for condensation is how one pitches and what one pitches on (grass is the worst!). By adjusting the pitch you can get more or less ventilation. Cold AND wet is a tough situation for any tent, but my Durston did just great on the OCT.
I also super appreciate how DCF doesn't absorb water. My old tent was silnylon, and not only did it sag when wet, it go so much heavier! Neither is an issue at all with DCF.
@@bjf10 I'm super curious to try out this tent now. Thanks for the recommendation!
@@TheHungryHikerThere is a double walled silpoly version of the X-Mid available.
I've been using coin towels like that for years now, they really are the best!
Ordered that back panel for my own purple Mariposa 60!
Enjoy your new Air Flow SitLight Camp Seat. That was the best upgrade I could have made to the Mariposa, making it an even better pack!
I’ve used the Gossamer Gear One and it’s been solid. I used it for a week in the Bob Marshall and it worked great! The Mountain Laurel Designs Doumid is also a solid choice.
Thanks for the recommendations!!
I love REI, too!
REI for the win!
Love my X-Mid 1!
Good to know!
For a rock solid tent and great customer service try any tent from Sling Fin. I have the portal 2 which has over 900 miles of hiking on it and I have the split wing tarp setup so light and versatile, had a section of pole split and they replaced quickly and easily.
I will try that power bank nightcore makes good flashlights
I have the Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Triple Output Rechargeable Headlamp and I love it as well. I brought this one with me on the PCT this year too. amzn.to/3KCceNk
I also really like the Sawyer squeeze; I got and used a Sawyer cleaning coupling, which allows you to backflush with a smart water bottle. You won't get as high pressure as with the syringe, but it worked well enough for my OCT thru-hike. I'd backflush every time I filtered water.
And heck yeah for the CTUG sleeve! I have one of those too.
Backflushing my water filter on a regular basis was a game changer for me this summer as well. So happy I've finally made the switch from using a hydration reservoir for my water filtration system. So much lighter and just as easy to drink water while hiking.
@@TheHungryHiker awesome! Yeah it took me a while to get used to grabbing bottles from my pack's side pockets, but once you get the hang of it it's no big deal. I was terrible about staying hydrated before I got the CTUG sleeve, but thankfully figured this out before I went on my thru-hike.
Truly do not understand why anybody would carry the syringe with them. You're already squeezing it through with your bottles, obviously just squeeze it back from a clean one! Some people just can't think beyond the instruction manual.
This was JUST THE VIDEO I needed today! Thanks so much girlfriend!!
You are so welcome!
That's my pack too and love it so much.
Same here!! LOVE this pack.
I have a lunar solo trekking pole tent,that I love but I live on the east coast and as you get up north ( on the AT) especially in winter there are more platforms which make it tough with trekking pole tents so I bought a copper spur ul 1. As you know it’s freestanding,and it can easily be set up on platforms with a few rocks, I got a great deal on it ,I don’t think I would have paid full price for it. And when the ground is frozen it works great. But I have always been worried about the pole’s. Another interesting thing is my lunar solo weighs 26 oz. plus stakes. But with trekking poles add another pound. So that’s 44oz. The copper spur weighs 2 lbs 2oz. (38oz) with stakes, it actually weighs less because I don’t bring trekking poles when I use the copper spur. Both tents are great but they both have pros and cons. I have heard mostly good things about the copper spur but I have also heard customer service isn’t the best. I probably baby the CS more than my lunar solo.
Really good news and good info on not investing in a big _AGONY_ tent.
This is just my opinion, based on my own personal experience.
Thanks for fast reply. I’ll try that it just seems to use up so much room inside I barely have room for anything. I am short and feel like I lose space in small pack. Always keep my snacks available for the day I literally have to force feed myself for first week or so of a long hike as I am just not hungry. Finished AT and will be section hiking PCT starting in April this year.
Yeah, unfortunately the BV500 does take up quite a bit of space in any pack. As I eat the food in my canister, it does free up space to store items in the canister, which is nice.
I switched to Picaridin this summer too! So much better than Deet!
I've fully transitioned over to Picaridin from Deet this summer. So happy I made the switch.
“Put the PCT on anything and I’ll want to buy it” made me LOL. Same girl, SAME. Take my money! 😂
Yes!!! Now all of the gear companies know they have a surefire way on how to take my money. Hahaha!!
Fayettechill is based in my state, Arkansas, and in the heart of the Ozarks which is TONS of hiking such as the Ozarks Highlands Trail or the Buffalo River Trail. These trails connect and offer over 200 miles of Ozarks. Want another trail, then the Ouachita Trail which is another 200 miler in the state. I felt the need to give a shout out to Arkansas and I am starting the PCT in 14 days! Fayetteville is of course the home of the Razorbacks so wooo pig. go hogs.
I am hiking the PCT during April but would LOVE to be on the Ozark Highlands Trail during the eclipse. You should come to visit our state and hike for the eclipse. The OHT is out in the middle no NOWHERE. 220 miles with only one real post office and no stores.
Good video and thanks
Awesome!! Have a incredible PCT hike. I know it changed my life so much that I've come back to hike parts of it over and over again.
@@TheHungryHiker
I might do that as well. I think the CDT is a tad too much for me.
Thanks!
I need that power bank in the low temp resistant form..... Darn Christmas is a long way away!
How much did you load your Mariposa 60 up to in LBS? And why did you switch back to the Sawer? @TheHungryHiker
*_Hello... the first keril you showed is in the ultralight class, is it true that the tent is not good?, but I believe it is good and bad because you have reasons, and I quite understand.... Greetings from Indonesia_*💯👍👍👍
Get a Durston tent! Best tent out there!
That's what I keep hearing. Hahahaha!!
I just assumed everyone knew the portawipe warm water trick. I mean there is always a little hot water left over after dinner... I was honestly surprised at how game changing that had been for others. So glad you are sharing it!
FYI on a seperate note you're welcome. 🙃
You always have the best ideas and thank you again for saving my cold butt this summer!!!
I need those ooo ahoos
They're soooo comfortable. I love them!
@@TheHungryHiker I haven't found a camp shoe that I like yet they may be my answer
That’s too bad about big Agnes, I’ve spent 75+ nights in my copper spur and it’s going strong. Not sure about the Altras for older hikers. I’m 60 and not enough padding in those when even carrying a UL pack set up in the Sierra where I live. Hokas are my go to.
I'm not trying to trash Big Agnes's products but when I first started I got a big Agnes silver Creek one person tent and a used MSR Hubba one person tent from eBay the tent was a bargain because the poles were bent. The bargain price was one of the reasons why I had to have it plus it had a side entrance. I took the big Agnes on a shakedown hike and a pole section broke. This was 2 weeks before my AT hike. I contacted BA and had to pay to send the tent poles to Big Agnes to be repaired them pay to have them repaired and shipping back. This was a brand new temp. Warranty/customer service was terrible. I was thinking BA had to be good cuz everybody on the trail was using that brand. So I also called Cascade designs which handles MSR/ hubba repairs because I wanted to make sure I at least had one tent in time for my Appalachian trail. I told Cascade designs that I had purchased the tent used and the pole was broken. They said just send it to us, I shipped the poles, they fixed the poles for free, send it back and they paid for the return shipping. I took the little Hubba one with me on the AT hike and it served me well and is still my backup tent to this day. Currently using the Durston tent pole tent.
Get a zpacks tent or maybe a zemo . Zpacks doesn't have good customer service either though.
I actually backflush my Sawyer every few days on trail, using a small amount of my flitered water.
That's a great habit to have out on trail!
Sitting here as a noob, who has camped exactly 2 nights, is going for weekend in Shenandoah come spring, and can barely walk a mile and 1/2 with full pack, I can not imagine doing the PCT, the AC, or any of the other trails, but maybe someday…
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If hiking one of the long distance trails is something you really want to do, you’ll find a way to make it happen. Good luck!
I believe that this is your second Mariposa 60 pack, the first being a light green one. I was looking on their web site as I am thinking of upgrading what I carry. I only see unisex packs listed, and no woman specific packs. Is there a difference between the two packs that you have carried? Do you find any issue with not being able to adjust the torso length?
You are correct. This is my second Mariposa 60 pack. The only differences between the two packs is the color. As soon as I saw that Gossamer Gear had come out with a purple version, I sold me green pack and got a purple one. I believe the packs are unisex sizing so it would go off of your torso length.
Do u have experience with internal frame packs for long distance?
For my first PCT thru-hike in 2018, I used an Osprey Aura 55. Then for the next couple of years, I used an Osprey Eja 48 for all of my solo PCT section hikes here in Washington and The Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. Both of these packs have internal frames and I loved both of them. Here are a couple different videos where I talk about the Osprey Era 48: th-cam.com/video/oiCk9qxoCEk/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/TWWPVDFUZ4M/w-d-xo.html
What did you end up using to get your CNOC to fit the Sawyer?
The CNOC 2 liter Vecto 28mm bag fits onto the Sawyer Squeeze so I didn't need anything extra to attach the two of them together.
This is one of many reasons why I never have and never would use tent poles. It's also why I don't use carbon fiber trekking poles after I had one snap on me and needed it for my tent, but at least then a big stick can be used and a new trekking pole is easily acquired.
I had carbon fiber trekking poles on my first PCT thru-hike and they snapped on me during the first big tumble I took while I was in the Sierra. I learned the hard way - buy the sturdier trekking poles!
I used different Kind of Tents during the Last 40 years of hiking I just Broke ohne Teint Pole. Maybe it is on your side how you used it?
I’ve had a Big Agnes Copper Spur tent, both a 2-person and 1-person tent and have used my tents for several 100s of miles over the last 5 years and this was the first time I’ve ever had an issue with the tent poles so I don’t think it’s operator error. I’m pretty well-versed in how to set up this type of tent correctly.
I have a Mariposa and am wondering how you carried your bear can?
I used the BV500 and put it inside my Mariposa 60 right-side up, along my spine, sitting on top of my sleep system (which sits at the bottom of my pack). Then I stuff everything else in my pack around the bear canister to fill up any empty space.
Pro Tip: Take the food you plan on eating for the day out of your bear canister and store it in the back mesh pocket of the pack for easy access. This way you're more likely to eat all of your food for the day. Then store the rest of your food in the bear canister inside your pack. Hope that helps!
Oh no, I just bought my first BA. Boo. I do love REI.
Hopefully you'll have a better experience with your tent than I did. This was my third BA tent. The first one was the Copper Spur 2-person, which I purchased back in 2017. The second one was my original Copper Spur 1-person in orange that I purchased back in 2020, but the zipper broke in 2022. My third one was the Copper Spur 1-person in grey, which ended up needing to be replaced along the PCT twice last year.
The good news is you bought your tent from REI so if you have ANY problems with the tent up to a year after you purchased it, you can return it back to REI with no problems. I love REI too! They have always given me really awesome customer service and have taken care of me when I needed them the most.
@@TheHungryHiker Thank you so much for all your really helpful info! Wishing us luck and happy trail days!
The xmid pro 1 is under a pound at it's lightest. The weight savings is absurd. Every time you're hiking up a hill, you'll be thanking yourself for spending the money.
I keep a rubber practice golf ball in my travels for my feet. I have a bunch of them and they weigh nothing
I imagine those would work similarly to a cork ball. I can't imagine doing a big hike without one of these now. My feet are so much happier!
I have read with mixed reviews about nitcore products. People have had problems with them turning on, so people are recommending the Anker products. Please let me know what your thoughts are.
I have both the Nitecore headlamp and power bank and haven't had any problems with either one of these. Worth the money in my opinion and experience.
!Try a lanshan2.
Thanks for the recommendation.
@@TheHungryHiker your Welcome. It is fairly lightweight Trekking pole tent. Check out my TH-cam video on AZTat63 for setup and mods. I have had it out in wind and pouring rain and it stayed up and I stayed dry. It also accommodates my 25"x72" air mattress and room for my Osprey Kestrel 68L.
Oofos kept me walking when Plantar Faciatis plagued me.
I love OOFOS!!! So comfy!
Kathleen is getting an X-mid 😮
We'll see!
Ben's is the best. Mozzies can drive you crazy in Oregon.
Maybe I’m just young still, but I don’t plan on staying in a single hotel. Cheap is getting me out there.
Everyone hikes the trail differently with different gear and different budgets. I promise you, after spending enough days out on trail, you'll probably splurge on at least one hotel room during your hike. A lot of hikers will split a room to help keep down the cost.
Have you ever hiked Jacks Knob Trail ?
I haven't. Sounds like something I should add to my hiking list?
Wow! Bad form Big agnes!
I was REALLY bummed with them this year.
'Like' # 1,000!.. 🥳
Thank You!
"From my experience with any type of outdoor gear is a products (reputation)...If it has a history of defects "AVOID IT AT ALL COST" If it's a (quality brand) "SPEND THE DAMN 💰 MONEY!"...(Terra Nova southern cross 2)
Once you go ZPack, you never go back. I'm surprised you don't use an ultralight tent.
Honestly, I haven't heard good things about the Zack tents, both in product quality and customer service so I'm in the process of trying out other brands of trekking pole tents...and so far, I'm NOT disappointed. Reviews coming soon.
I posted a comment about your shoes being on sale for 79-89$ on AMZN and it got deleted?
I didn't delete your comment. In fact, I responded to it. :)
@@TheHungryHiker No, no, my original comment was discarded. I just ordered another pair of LonePeak 7 before I watched your video that were almost 45% off. Just wanted to help everyone out while there was a sale, but that comment was too risky for the algorithm, apparently. ;)
Did you buy an X-Mid yet?
Not yet, but it's sounding like the tent I should try.
Big Agnes tent is kinda lousy. Over engineered door awning that's probably rarely used.
I didn't really understand the redesign of the door/awning either. I liked the way the door was designed previously much better.
My husband got me a ridiculous tent that uses trekking poles - Locus Gear Khufu. I say ridiculous bc it was expensive and I would not have bought it bc of the price but he got it as a Christmas present. One person with footprint, bug liner, and fly with 6 stakes is 2lbs 1 oz. I love it. I’m spoiled
Lucky you!!! Your new tent sounds awesome. I'm REALLY open to trying a trekking pole tent now and I want it to be double-walled to help prevent condensation since I typically backpack in wet and cold places.
Khufu is a good tent.
WHY do people carry those Sawyer syringes?! Just use the clean-side bottle!
I personally prefer to use the syringe to backslash my filter. Personal preference.
I Süd-
Carrying an iPad, wow we are definitely not talking about ultralight.
Nope, I've never claimed that I was or have been an ultralight backpacker.
big agnes...oooh big mistake on your part. little do they know hikers actually talk to each other and read/watch reviews
Hikers and backpackers LOVE talking about their gear, both on trail and off.
I'm done with REI. They are too woke for me.
Oh, well that’s too bad.