Preparation is Key to the Success of Any Adventure …

… and a large part of my preparation for this adventure went into figuring out what pieces of gear I needed to carry with me for 221 miles while keeping my pack weight at or below 30 pounds. Here, then, is my complete John Muir Trail gear list, broken up into somewhat arbitrary categories.

Backpack

Something to carry everything else and keep it all (reasonably) organized.

Osprey Exos 58. I saw many of these on the trail. Everyone I talked to loved it.

Sea to Summit Pack Cover. Never needed it but glad I had it. Could have saved a few bucks (and probably a little room) with a heavy duty trash bag.

A few stuff sacks to organize clothing, essentials, etc.

Trekking

Anything I used while walking the trail.

Clothing

Clothes may make the man, but they also weigh down the pack.

I packed minimal clothing options, fully detailed here.

Mosquito Net (lost on day 10, much to my regret).

Nike Fuelband. I’ve since stopped using this thing, but it was fun while it lasted, especially on the trail.

Bedroom

If you’re not comfortable at night, you can be pretty sure the next day will be crappy. So be comfortable.



Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 1 (with footprint).

Homemade “Rock-Out Loops” for tying down a tent without stakes.

Sierra Designs Wild Bill Sleeping Bag. There are better, newer bags out there. This one isn’t even made any more, but I’ve used it for seven years. It’s never let me down.

Thermarest Prolite Pad. Another old friend. I briefly considered replacing it with a NeoAir, but I couldn’t justify the expense of a new pad when the one I have works just fine. Maybe next time.

Kitchen & Dining Room

Cook. Eat. Clean.

Bathroom

Keep it clean — or as clean as possible.

Update: Many people pointed out that the GG Camp Shovel is just a re-purposed snow stake from MSR or JOGR with a bit of paracord.



Toilet paper in a Ziploc bag.

Two large Ziploc bags for storing used toilet paper (so glamorous) and other garbage to pack out.

Hand sanitizer (see point above).

Emergency & Repair

Things are going to go wrong. Best to be ready.

Adventure Medical Kit .7. Pro tip: Add additional ibuprofen, just in case. And maybe an extra elastic bandage in case you sprain your ankle. And if you’ve had the kit a while check the expiration date of your medicines.

Paracord, 50 feet.

Emergency blanket (for emergencies).

Gear Aid Tenacious Tape. Because blowing a hole in the Thermarest or ripping a hole in the tent would be bad.

Whistle.

Orange Bic Lighter (purchased at VVR).

Navigation & Communication

Know where you are, where you’re going, and who to call.

Readin’ / Writin’ / Relaxin’

When you’re not hiking, cooking, cleaning, or sleeping, there’s a little time to reflect on the day’s events and read up on what’s in store for the next day.

Light & Pictures

Things vision-related.



Commerce

You won’t need these things on the trail, but when it’s all over, you’re going to want to buy some food (at the very least).