Thru-hike the John Muir Trail: Gear List & Strategy 2022
PERMITS, GEAR LIST, SAMPLE ITINERARY, AND RESUPPLY FOR HIKING THE JMT SOUTHBOUND
The John Muir Trail, a 211-mile hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is considered the most iconic thru-hike and backpacking trail in the US. Also called the Nüümü Poyo Trail or NPT, this trail climbs Mt. Whitney, travels through Yosemite and Sequoia National Park, and passes by Half Dome. I’ve thru-hiked the JMT 4 times, spent 3 summers living in the Sierra hiking along the JMT after work, and authored the book Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike. The JMT gear list features what I’ve learned from 4 thru-hikes of the JMT, along with numerous other long trails and routes. The strategy includes how to get JMT permits, the permit process, resupply, a 21-day sample itinerary, and details on JMT section hikes.
My goal is to walk you through a step-by-step guide on what gear to carry as weather and ecosystems change from a 4,040-foot elevation at Happy Isles in Yosemite to a 14,505-foot elevation at the JMT’s highest point on Mt. Whitney (and the highest peak in the lower 48).
Whether you’re planning a dream long-distance hike or section hiking parts of the JMT, this in-depth guide will give you guidance for your JMT gear checklist and strategies for hiking and developing self-care routines to thrive on your journey.
If you are interested in learning more, read Liz Thomas's full article here.
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