Thru-hike the John Muir Trail: Gear List & Strategy 2023
PERMITS, GEAR LIST, SAMPLE ITINERARY, AND RESUPPLY FOR HIKING THE JMT SOUTHBOUND
Considered the most iconic thru-hike and backpacking trail in the US, the John Muir Trail (also called the Nüümü Poyo Trail) is a 211-mile hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The California trail climbs Mt. Whitney, travels through Yosemite and Sequoia National Park, and passes by Half Dome.
I’ve thru-hiked the JMT four times, spent three summers living in the Sierra hiking along the JMT as part of my work, and authored the book Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike.
This John Muir Trail gear list features what I’ve learned from four 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 John Muir Trail 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, this in-depth guide will give you guidance for your John Muir Trail gear checklist and strategies for hiking and developing self-care routines to thrive on your journey.
From the Squad
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
Media Mentions
It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.
Media Mentions
Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.
Media Mentions
People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.
