PCT Packing List

This is a disclosure that I may not hike the entirety of the PCT, but It’s worth trying. Whether you have set out to complete a task, or even begin to dream of accomplishing something huge, I am proud of you…

ALRIGHT: Finally, a PCT packing list. After testing out equipment directly on the trail to camping/backpacking trips since then. This is what worked and what didn’t.

Sleeping: I used a 20′ bag, but I sleep very cold and a result, invested in both a 15′ liner and emergency bivvy. These were life savers, especially during sub freezing nights (every-night). A pillow is not needed!!

Clothes: I packed minimal clothing items including one pair of leggings, one zip-to-shorts hard shell pants, a turtnleneck, sports bra, a wool hoody, and a rain jacket. I quickly learned that backpacking causes major chafing in both the shoulders and crotch. Invest in some soft t-shirts and underwear will ya. Last! SOCKS… the most IMPORTANT part of backpacking. I walked with 3 socks at all times, a clean thin, breathable first layer, a strong wool second, and a tough, hard shell third. I was constantly rotating my socks to always have the clean one first.

Toiletries: I used mini tools such as tweezers and nail clippers. I packed zero beauty supplies/cosmetics/hair tools. I composed all my medication into a weekly pill organizers and had one of every emergency pill on me such as Xanax, Imodium, or NyQuil. The most important thing you need in your toiletries bag is FOOT CARE. I’m sorry but mole skin did not work for me!! Duct Tape followed by brandades did. In conclusion, no you will not need any vanity supply, yes you will need sunscreen, bug spray, cortisol, Benadryl, anti-chaffing cream, and any blister relief. oh yeah, and a mini toothbrush.

Weaponry: As a female on the PCT, I actually felt quite safe from human harm, but ran across multiple wild animals. That being said, I was not comfortabe enough to have a gun and instead used a tazor, bear spray, my spring-loaded knife, and of course, my ice axe.

Food/Water: For food I used a bear bag (DO NOT GET A CANISTER UNLESS IT’S REQUIRED)… any who, I bought mostly junk food and calorie/protein dense items. This looked like pop-tarts, granola, bagged fish (you are not to good to eat that), tortillas, macaroni, ramen, rice, powdered milk and potatoes, nuts, dried fruits, jerky, and lots of cookies/candy. YOU NEED CALORIES. Something I have neglected most of my life would be hydration, I carried 4 reusable “smart water” liters. Water-bottles are too heavy and will break. I noticed those who used “Fiji” water bottles had less issues with dentine. A simple water filter is all you need, but for extra hydration I constantly used electrolyte and vitamin packets. Trust me, you need those.

Cleaning: For cleaning myself I used composable shower wipes, and for cleaning my items I used water and sometimes composable  anti-bacterial. I used a pee rag that I washed in the river (and will further explain in my hygienic post) and then shower wipes for number 2. There is no need for paper on the trail, blow a snot-rocket if need be, you are literally miles away from society.

Electronics: We had a solar charge for our phones and go-pro. Why I didn’t use a portable charger, I am not sure and greatly regret. Use headphones with cords, you don’t need to waste any of that energy (especially when you have 2 rainy days in a row).

you know how it goes…

With Love, Miss Rachel