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Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

PCT Southbound vs. Northbound: What you need to know about PCT SOBO.

Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

Last updated:
February 3, 2026
|  5 min read
A man hiking on a mountain.

Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

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PCT Southbound vs. Northbound: What you need to know about PCT SOBO.

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Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

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PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

Mike Unger is one of few people in the world to thru-hike the PCT northbound (NOBO) twice and once southbound (SOBO). Together, with input from editors Naomi Hudetz and Liz Thomas, this PCT gear list explains differences between northbound and southbound PCT thru-hikes and section-hikes, what gear to carry, and how to prepare for each section of a southbound PCT hike.

Our goal is to set you up for success on your hike from Canada to Mexico using what we’ve learned from our southbound thru-hikes, including 7 PCT thru-hikes, and more than 50,000 miles of trail experience.

Continue to learn more, written by Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi Hudetz.

Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

Mike Unger is one of few people in the world to thru-hike the PCT northbound (NOBO) twice and once southbound (SOBO). Together, with input from editors Naomi Hudetz and Liz Thomas, this PCT gear list explains differences between northbound and southbound PCT thru-hikes and section-hikes, what gear to carry, and how to prepare for each section of a southbound PCT hike.

Our goal is to set you up for success on your hike from Canada to Mexico using what we’ve learned from our southbound thru-hikes, including 7 PCT thru-hikes, and more than 50,000 miles of trail experience.

Continue to learn more, written by Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi Hudetz.

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Treeline Review Staff
Mike Unger, Liz Thomas, & Naomi Hudetz
Mike Unger left his high-stress corporate job to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2006. Liz Thomas is an award-winning Los Angeles-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. Naomi Hudetz is director of analytics and digital innovation and leads business strategy and revenue operations for Treeline Review.
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Treeline Review: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

Mike Unger is one of few people in the world to thru-hike the PCT northbound (NOBO) twice and once southbound (SOBO). Together, with input from editors Naomi Hudetz and Liz Thomas, this PCT gear list explains differences between northbound and southbound PCT thru-hikes and section-hikes, what gear to carry, and how to prepare for each section of a southbound PCT hike.

Our goal is to set you up for success on your hike from Canada to Mexico using what we’ve learned from our southbound thru-hikes, including 7 PCT thru-hikes, and more than 50,000 miles of trail experience.

Continue to learn more, written by Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi Hudetz.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Treeline Review Staff
Mike Unger, Liz Thomas, & Naomi Hudetz
Mike Unger left his high-stress corporate job to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2006. Liz Thomas is an award-winning Los Angeles-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. Naomi Hudetz is director of analytics and digital innovation and leads business strategy and revenue operations for Treeline Review.
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