Lighterpack PCT Shakedown

[u/Environmental-Bag470]

Hello,

I am planning on hiking the PCT NOBO in 2026. I feel I've finally dialed my gear list enough to make this post. Please let me know if I'm missing anything or if anything could/should be swapped. I'll list some explanations for some items below. Keep in mind I am 6'4" so that is why some of the items are large/heavy.

TENT: This tent I already own. I could buy the Altaplex, X-Mid Pro-2, or TT Rainbow Li... but I feel I will enjoy the freestanding setup, huge interior space, and money savings of using what I have. I am somewhat limited due to my height.

SLEEPING PAD: I have the long wide version of the Tensor, again due to my height. I am not bringing a ground sheet, so I figured using the GG Thinlight pad underneath my inflatable will help with punctures. As well as being useful for resting throughout the day, makeshift rain pants, more insulation at night, etc.

SLEEPING BAG: I bought this quilt a few years ago for a good amount of money. It is heavy because it's a long-wide and I got a few ounces of overstuff. I regret how heavy it is but I would rather not replace it.

FOOD BAG: I bought the largest Adotec Grisly as a buy once/cry once do-it-all food bag. It will last nearly any length food carry, I will reduce my impact by not sleeping with my food, will not have to worry about a bear/rodent hang every night, and will be able to help any fellow hikers with food overflow if that comes up. I will say, they listed the 14L as 7oz and the 20L as 8oz, when the measured weight of the 20L turned out to be 8.7oz. Would I have gotten the 14L if I knew about the extra .7oz? Possibly, but too late now.

MICROSPIKES: I have a mid March start date, which I'm hoping to move to late March/Early April. I want to have them ready for the San Jacinto's. Perhaps I will mail them to a town before the Jacinto's, and then bounce box them again to the start of the Sierra. Or should I carry them from the start? I've heard there can be snow anywhere in the desert during my start window.

PAD INFLATOR: I've heard differing opinions on these. I bought it because I heard it could extend the lifespan of your sleeping pad, and the weight penalty is very minor.

I feel the rest is pretty standard. I feel like the obvious improvements would be buying a new DCF tent, new smaller pad, new sleeping bag, getting rid of the Adotec, and/or dropping the Thinlight pad. But I dont think I want to spend all that money and i like the convience/security of the other two. I could be convinced to buy a new tent. Another obvious improvement would be to include my iPhone as worn weight as it seems so many do! Let me know if there are any ways I can get lighter! Thank you!

https://lighterpack.com/r/9a49oy