The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide (2023 Survey)

In the second installment of this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the PCT. Pacific Crest Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers, and (spoiler alert) finding a perfect PCT gear list is impossible. That said, we can try.

I’ve organized this in a way that I hope will give a comprehensive picture of what gear PCT thru-hikers are using. This post covers the highest-rated gear, the most common gear, base weights, gear advice, and more.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Mac.

Contributing Writer

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

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Halfway Anywhere: The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide (2023 Survey)

Mac

Last updated:

October 21, 2025

| 5 min read

The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide (2023 Survey)

In the second installment of this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the PCT. Pacific Crest Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers, and (spoiler alert) finding a perfect PCT gear list is impossible. That said, we can try.

I’ve organized this in a way that I hope will give a comprehensive picture of what gear PCT thru-hikers are using. This post covers the highest-rated gear, the most common gear, base weights, gear advice, and more.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Mac.

Contributing Writer

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

/

Contributing Writer

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

See author bio

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Halfway Anywhere: The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide (2023 Survey)

Mac

Last updated:

January 28, 2025

| 5 min read

The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide (2023 Survey)

In the second installment of this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the PCT. Pacific Crest Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers, and (spoiler alert) finding a perfect PCT gear list is impossible. That said, we can try.

I’ve organized this in a way that I hope will give a comprehensive picture of what gear PCT thru-hikers are using. This post covers the highest-rated gear, the most common gear, base weights, gear advice, and more.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Mac.

Contributing Writer

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

/

Contributing Writer

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

learn about the author

Media Mentions

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

browse all articles

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