A woman standing in front of a lake and mountains.
A woman standing in front of a lake and mountains.

Thru-hike the John Muir Trail: Gear List & Strategy 2025

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 four 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.

Continue reading to learn more about what you need to hike the John Muir Trail, written by Liz Thomas.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Treeline Review
Treeline

We’re outdoor adventurers from across the country who believe that less time researching means more time spent outdoors.

Using our own experience, field-testing, and a meta-review process that takes into account expert opinions and everyday users, we seek to bring you gear review with perspective.

Our goal is to give you recommendations for gear you will love.

Our mission is to reduce the impact on the planet by helping you buy right the first time.

Media Mentions

This spray protects you from tick-borne illnesses and is essential for outdoor adventure.

Hook & Barrel Staff
Website

Media Mentions

Streams, waterfalls, and rivers can quench your thirst in the wild, but they may carry dirt and impurities.

Dinal Jain
Writer

Media Mentions

Sawyer Squeeze is the longer lasting and more reliable filter, which should affect the choices of thru-hikers.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor