After my hike is complete, I will post a a gear list with pictures and clickable links to this page, but for now, here is a copy of my lighterpack list (it has clickable links):
https://lighterpack.com/r/b8a8ic
These are the items I carried through most of the Sierra Nevada. If you have any questions about my personal opinion on this gear, please feel free to comment below!
My desert section gear list is available here: https://homemadewanderlust.com/original-pct-gear-list-desert-section/
Happy Trails!
Dixie
Hey Dixie. Loving the videos. Keep on keepin on. Hope you are able to make it through Oregon and Washington.
I was wondering how you like your Hyperlite Southwest backpack, now that you have put a few miles on it?
Hey Derrick! If you check out my last two videos you’ll see I’ve swapped to a zpacks arc haul. The hyperlite pack was very waterproof, but started rubbing my back after the Sierra Nevada so I had to swap. A lot of people love them, though, but it just didn’t work out for me.
Good to know. I plan to do a AT through hike in a couple of years and have been dialing in the gear. Lightening the load and all. I’ve been happy with my current Osprey Atmos 65, but know there are much lighter weight options. Thanks for the feedback.
Hey I just want to say I am so proud of u with what you are achieving I am watching every video that u put up I just can’t get enough. Ur inspiring me that much that I intend to do the trail next year for the charity cancer research also I will have to travel lots of hours as I live in Scotland keep up the good work ur making me so proud. Stuart from bonnie Scotland xx
Hi Dixie, I’m 61 who has really been motivated by you and your videos. My 29 year old daughter and I want to do a 2 week hike. If you had only 2 weeks, which art of AT or PCT would you hike? And what time of year?
God willing, this will motivate us to walk that whole trail someday.
My trail name will be “Preacher”. I’m a missionary to Africa, India and Nepal.
I’m very Proud of you.
Hey Greg! Just messaged you back earlier. I’m so excited for y’all!
And thank you for the encouragement! 🙂 I’m slowly getting it whooped.
Glad to hear it. We were just in Oregon at the first of August just as all of the fires were beginning to pop up. Glad you were able to find a work around to get to Canada.
Your videos and blogs have brought so much enjoyment into my life and I’m sure many others as well. You are an inspiration. Happy trails!!
Aww, thank you David!
What thru hike would you do for a first timer?
AT PCT or CDT?
Jessica, this has nothing t do with gear. I just wanted to express my appreciation to you for including me in the list of recipients of your blog. I look forward to reading them and learning of your adventures.
You are a brave and adventurous young woman. I envy your willingness to temporarily forgo the accumulation of material things and satisfy your desire new experiences.
Happy trails. Be safe.
Gus Adair
PS. I have your AT guide book and will return it when you are back in town. WAR EAGLE G.
WAR EAGLE! Thank you 🙂 So good to hear from you, Gus. We will have to catch up when I get back home.
I noticed you ditched you possum gloves and beanie. Do wish you’d dropped them sooner (in the desert section)?
It was pretty chilly when I started. I can’t remember when I ditched them for sure, but post offices are so frequent that you can ditch whenever. Better to bring it and ditch it later than to freeze!
Hi Dixie
I do alot of hunting and I make pretty good deer jerky. I Let me know if you would like some and I will put some in the mail for you. Just shoot me an address to a post or post office to mail the care package to. I am also going to have some deer salami made which is absolutely awesome it has five cheeses I can also have them to add jalapenos which makes it even better LOL take care and have safe travels God bless
Thank you Jeffery! I’m close to finishing now, so I may have to take a rain check for the CDT if your offer still stands then. Very sweet of you to offer 🙂
That is awesome that you’re almost done. The offer still stands anytime you want the deer jerky and deer salami just shoot me an address to send it to. God bless and be safe
Dixie, question: You carry the drone with you?? How small does it pack up? I was wondering how you got the aerial footage. I was assuming it was stock video but it’s nice to see that, at least I think, you got it yourself.
Yes! I get my own footage. If something wasn’t mine I’d credit whoever got it and make it known. The drone is a bit smaller than football size when packed up with the controller, charger and all.
Which drone did you use?
I used the DJI mavic pro. There’s a link in the gear tab for my gear lists if you want to see more 🙂
I’m very impressed with your handling of your photography. Composition and exposure are very pleasing making for nice sharing on your videos. I did see the drone shots and thought, no she is weight wise, she wouldn’t carry that. You keep impressing me carrying a Magic Pro. Great job Jessica, glad you reached the 2000 mile mark, I think you’ll make now before too much snow. Cheers.
Thanks, Randy! Just trying to improve quality and content as much as I can. I’d like to take a photography class and learn more..and hopefully I’ll get more practice with the drone before the CDT!
Just a few hours ago GoPro announced new cameras, you might like the Fusion for the CDT. It’s seamless 360, Yvan choose any 170* angle coverage you want. So you get to do commentary but beautiful clips from your surroundings are available also, so compositions are can be chosen later. It’s internally image stabilized, so no need for gimbals. Better color and dynamic range that previous. It looks to be a choice Vlog tool. Smooth exterior design so will slide in and out of pack or bag easily. Okay, sorry for the Adv, I don’t work for them though. Cheers.
Thanks for the heads up, Randy!
Very impressed with your 60 miles ???? well done lassie
Thank you!
Just recently started following your videos on pct. I am 59 years old. You have put this nagging thought in my mind maybe I could do something like that. Love your inspiration. Will continue to watch. Thanks.
You absolutely can! Try a weekend trip if you aren’t sure you want to and test it out.
Dixie: You have one of the best and most informative Bogs on thru hiking! Great job!!!! Found you when you were doing the AT and have been following you on the PCT. Hope you will enjoy the trail in my home state of Washington. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, David!!
Ok Jessica, here is the question not asked (that I have seen anyway)…. Just WHAT do you expect us to do when you finish the PCT? That will be like the Super Bowl is over, the Stanley Cup has been won and we’ve all had to quit smoking/drinking/EVERYTHING!!!!! I hope you’ve saved up on pictures and video to tide us over while we wait for you to whoop the CDT!!! Like someone else said, watching your videos is like watching Game of Thrones… you just don’t want it to end. Your fans love you Jess….you’ve wormed your way into our hearts.
Awwww!! That’s so sweet. No worries, I’ll be catching up the blog with lots of pics and memories 🙂
You’re almost there, Dixie! We are all rooting for you and know you’re gonna make it – keep pressing on!
Wanted to ask about how you’ve liked your Ghost Whisperer Jacket – has it been warm enough around camp? Would you buy it again or pick a different one next time?
Aww, thank you!
I loved the coat and will use it on the CDT 🙂 Definitely warm enough for camp even though it seems thin and light.
I just bought one for myself after seeing you and so many people in them. I surf and winter is upon us and it will be perfect for cold beach days and hopefully section hiking the PCT or AT soon. How is the fit for you in the shoulders and arm pits? Is it supposed to fit more snug than a regular jacket? Mine is closer….not tight….around shoulders and chest than I am used to.
Hi Dixie, fabulous video documentation on your PCT journey to date.
Just finished my At2017 thruhike at the end of August and am considering the the PCT.
Curious what is the length of the Ice Axe you used in the Sierras. 60 or 70 cm? And how is that proportionate to your height.
Please let me know.
Thank you,
Imr
I am 5’8″ and I believe mine is 60cm. I wish it had been a bit longer, honestly so I’d go with the 70cm if I had it to do again.
CONGRATS ON YOUR AT THRU-HIKE!
Hi Jessica. Just completed a three-dayer in Three Sisters, Oregon and it was very difficult. I am 61 and thought I had prepared physically by walking with a load 3 miles per day and finally with a 35lb pack at five miles a couple of times a week for two weeks. I seem to “bonk” at around 6-7 miles of moderate trail (ups and downs). The Oregon hike was 10 – 11 miles per day. I didn’t have enough energy to enjoy the scenery but managed to eke out a couple of photos thankfully. Do you have suggestions for physical preparation for long hikes?
Thank you for your great videos! I am always anxious for the next one!
Gary!
I honestly think you were on the right path for training. How long were you doing that before your trip? Other than what you were doing, just getting out there on the trail as much as you can will help. Also, if you have the time and aren’t in a rush, just take it easy and enjoy a longer trip with less miles per day so you can enjoy the beauty. The main thing is you’re getting out there which is a lot more than others are doing, so good on you!
Thank you for watching and cheering me on. I really appreciate it! 🙂
Hey Jess, what brand and size bear canister were you using and if you could go back, would you get the same one again? Can you smell Canada yet? : )
Thank you for sharing your adventure….it’s awesome to see the sites along with you. You have inspired us to get out and hike. Best wishes for a strong and rewarding finish to the PCT!
Welcome to Canada Jessica. Been following your progress since Mexico. Great to see you made it through all the heat,snow, smoke and rain. Good to see you making safe choices i.e. creek crossings, hypothermia, etc. Admire your grit and determination through the “downtimes”, also your integrity of hiking every part of the trail that was open.
Once again WELCOME TO CANADA.
Have a great day.
Robert
Hi Jessica,
thank you so much for the inspirational videos. I used to backpack in the Daniel National boone Forest as a Scout in the 1980s so this brings back memories. I knew of the AT back then due to one of the leaders who did a thru-hike when he got out of the AIr Force. I jotted down most of the gear you had as I watched the videos. I know you used your iPhone as your main camera. I am going to go with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for landscape shots when I do the AT for my 50th birthday (really will be 51 when I get on trail due to being in school until then). In your Post PCT Gear video you mentioned you wanted a watch that told the altitude. At REI they have the Suunto Core watch for over 300 (ouch!). If you look for the same watch on Amazon its around $170. Might be an idea to check out and grab as the Suunto Core watch was recommended to me by another thru-hiker. As you say, I can’t vouch for it because I haven’t used it. I am still gearing up.
Have you ever used a military pack(ALICE PACK/RUCK)? And what’s your opinion on using military style gear/surplus? I’m retired military, and have tons of this stuff.
I never have used any military gear. I think it’s a lot heavier than typical backpacking gear, but if you’re on a budget and that’s what you have to work with it’s definitely doable! It’s more about your drive than your gear 😉
Hey, I appreciate all of the information you provide in your videos. I am considering purchasing the Zpacks duplex and I was wondering your thoughts on the tent. In one of your videos I noticed you mentioned there was a lot of water in your tent. Was there a hole in your tent or was it just not waterproof very good?
Thank you!
I’ve got a review of the tent up now on YouTube if you haven’t seen it yet 🙂
Hey! I’m curious about the Altra’s. Why did you choose the men’s over women’s and how is the support for slight over-probation? I’m female and need a wide toe area and narrow heel. Curious if these would work for my tender feet.
Hey Lori!
I just find that men’s tend to fit better. I don’t know much about the science behind shoes and feet, but I know they work for my feet. They definitely have a wide toe box. What you can do is purchase them from REI, and if they don’t fit properly or work for your feet, you have a year to return them. I hope that helps!
Jessica,
First of all I would like to thank you for recording your adventures for all of us at home so we can live vicariously through you! Me and my wife wish to complete the triple crown after I get out of the armed services and we eagerly awaited your next video while you were hiking the PCT. I’m driven to write you tonight because I was examining your gear lists and I didn’t see anything about what trekking poles you used. I’m on the market for a solid pair. Maybe I missed it in one of your gear videos but what trekking poles do you use and would you suggest them? Pros? Cons? I can tell they are part of the Black Diamond Alpine family if I’m not mistaken. How did they hold up? Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Yikes, good catch! I need to add that to my lists–thank you 🙂 I used the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles: http://amzn.to/2nezU18
I like the locking mechanisms, cork handles and the fact that they are lightweight. I guess the only concern I had was knowing that the carbon poles were more fragile than the ones I used on the AT, but they didn’t break so that’s good! Haha. I will be using the same poles on the CDT 🙂 I never even had to replace the tips!
Hi Dixie/Jess,
I found you doing research in 2015 on backpacking gear. I did lots of backpacking in my twenties but got away from it after marriage and kids. Your videos were a piece of the inspiration puzzle that got me back out there so THANKS !!! Also I’ve been watching your PCT hike with my 14 year old daughter. She loves your attitude and I love that she sees you as a role model for what a strong independent woman can do when she puts her mind to it.
Wow, Robert! Thank you so much 🙂 I am glad to hear that you and your daughter are enjoying my videos together–warms my heart! Maybe y’all can get out and knock some sections out together. That would be so cool!
Thought you might find this interesting Dixie…. from USA Today
The City in Every State with the Heaviest Drinking
1. ALABAMA
> City: Auburn-Opelika, AL
> MSA adults binge or heavy drinking: 15.9%
> State adults binge or heavy drinking: 13.0% (4th lowest)
> Alcohol related driving deaths: 32.5%
My husband and I have enjoyed following you on your adventure on the PCT. Would you share with me information on the drone you have? We look forward to seeing what is next to come. Have a Merry Christmas!
Hey Dixie! Hydration tip! Check out a Convertube by sourceoutdoor.com It will turn your Sawyer Squeeze OR any Nagalene widemouth bottle into a bite valve (on a tube of course) so you don’t have to reach AT ALL for your water when hiking….. just bite and drink! 4 different size adapters for tons of adaptability! Not selling them, I am just spreading the word……
CDT 2018! Can’t wait to see you out there and on the internets again!!! Kick boo-tay!
Hey DW, great idea but the sawyer requires water to be forced through, which would require major sucking after biting the bite valve. It would work great but you still have to squeeze the bottle I think. Keep on hikin’
I’m thinking of getting lone peak 3.5 trail runners, I’m not sure on getting the low or mid shoes. Do you know of any pros and cons of either? I previously had Merrill ventilators mid shoes.
I’ve never had mids, so I can’t advise. Also, haven’t had the 3.5’s but I aim to try them on the CDT. If you’re on Facebook, you should join the Homemade Wanderlust Backpacking Forum group and ask in there. Someone else might have better input!
Dixie – I’m doing Springer to Fontana (section), starting March 9, 2018. Worrying a little about keeping my feet warm enough in my Lone Peak trail runners in the snow. I wear Injiniji under Darn Tough Merinos. Is this a reasonable setup, or should I be looking for something else?
That’s what I did in the Sierra Nevada while on the PCT, but it was warmer then. Towards the end when I hit snow, I did the same but it was pretty cold. I think for a short time you’ll probably be fine. The good news is when you get to resupply points you can make changes if you need to. I started March 29th and had no snow at all, so you may not see too much of it. The only other thing I can think of is if you do have a good bit of snow and ice you might want a pair of micro spikes.
I’d just take a look at the weather as it gets closer. You can also give the people at Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap a call as you approach your start date and ask them what the trail conditions are.
Outstanding idea on contacting the folks at Neel Gap! My hike from Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion yesterday suggests that micro spikes are a good idea too. I won’t make that mistake again. I will check the weather/trail conditions a week out and decide then. Thank you!
Hi Dixie. I’ve been following your adventures through your you tube channel for a couple of years now and have learned a ton about backpacking through your videos. Thank you!!
I have a question about handling video files that I’m hoping you might be able to help with.
I do most of my hiking photography with a Sony RX100 point and shoot camera (highly recommended if you ever decide to start using a camera) but I cannot upload the videos to my phone for editing from the SD card. Have you had the same experience with files from your drone? If so, I’d love to hear your solution. Thanks!
Keep up the great work!
Hey Mike! Do you have a micro sd card in the camera? That’s what my drone has. I use a little device that has a lightning end and a space for the micro sd card. In other words, it allows me to transfer the video to my phone and then upload to Dropbox.
This is the one I use:
http://amzn.to/2AUBHtF
Hi Dixie:
Thanks for your feedback.
My camera uses regular SD cards and I have pretty much the same adapter and it works beautifully for still images but not for video. I’m thinking it might be a file format issue but have so far been unable to figure it out.
Rats! I wonder if someone with customer service could help?
Hey!
Just wanted to say I love your videos and your point of view about life in general!
and just one question, why did you replace your OR helium jacket with the AntiGravityGear Rain jacket and pants?
Good luck on your CDT!
Hey there! Thank you so much. I lost my OR jacket and the Antigravity Gear Jacket was lighter, cheaper and had put zips!
Thanks!
Did you have any issues or problems with any of them (like getting wet)? which one did you like better? 🙂
You’ll get wet in any of them if it rains long enough. I like the antigravity gear better, but I like the bill on the hood of the OR.
Not sure where to post this but… I haven’t been able to find what type of trekking poles you use? (I don’t see it on your gear list) It may also be a great topic for a video..why to use them, how to use them etc.
I really enjoy your videos!
Hey Linda! Wow, I dropped the ball on that one. Sorry, and thank you for pointing it out! I used these trekking poles: http://amzn.to/2DEBgqH
Sorry, quick question- what day did you start, and then when did you reach Kennedy Meadows? Just trying to pick a start date 🙂
I started on April 3rd, but I took off about 17 days in May and got to KM on June 19th or so. Hope that helps!
Hygiene for your sleeping bag. How did you keep it clean? How often do you wash it? A body gives off a lot of moisture, did you often air it out?
I’m going to touch on this in a future video! But, I never washed it on trail. Down needs non-detergent down wash. I did air it out in the sun at times, used baby powder to freshen it up, and I washed my legs before going to bed and only slept in my “pajamas.” Hope that helps!
HI Dixie am wondering if there will be a video on after crossing the Canadian border.
I took some footage there but not sure if we will use it or not. We will see!
Hey Dixie how are you liking the AGG rain gear? I’m thinking about picking some up for the AT. What color is the jacket you are wearing from AGG?
I have a grey one! Love it—lightweight AND has pit zips!
The pants are black. I used hem glissading and for windy days. They are very lightweight. Taking some on the CDT, too.
Hi Dixie! I am attempting the PCT this year and I am worried about hygiene, particularly my greasy hair. I noticed in all your pictures your hair looks super FAB! How did you maintain your hair and do you have any other tips for maintaining trail hygiene? Thanks
Never mind found your hygiene video. Thanks for the tips!
What an inspiration you are. I have binge-watched your PCT, AT, and am waiting for episode 8 of the CDT thru hike! I can’t wait. Thank you for your hard work to bring this great content to us!!
If I’m ever able to commit to a full through hike, I’d love to do the PCT! Definitely my favorite area in the US! 🙂 love being able to live vicariously through your content.
Posting a comment to hopefully gain a better chance at winning a pack.
Is it a good idea to waterproof spay my new backpack and new tent?
Hi Dixie! I know that over time the Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack did not work out for you, my question is slightly different. You purchased the 3400 size (55 liter) pack – did you feel the size of that pack was ideal for your hike & gear? Could you have dropped down to the 2400 size (40 liter) pack? Thank you for all you do – LOVE your YouTube channel!