A man hiking on a mountain with a backpack full of gear.
A man hiking on a mountain with a backpack full of gear.

PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2025

Mike Unger is one of few people in the world to thru-hike the PCT northbound (NOBO) twice and once southbound (SOBO). Together, with input from editors Naomi Hudetz and Liz Thomas, this PCT gear list explains differences between northbound and southbound PCT thru-hikes and section-hikes, what gear to carry, and how to prepare for each section of a southbound PCT hike.

Our goal is to set you up for success on your hike from Canada to Mexico using what we’ve learned from our southbound thru-hikes, including 7 PCT thru-hikes, and more than 50,000 miles of trail experience.

Continue reading to learn more about hiking the PCT, written by Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi Hudetz.

媒体报道

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.

杰格-肖
Owner & Managing Editor

媒体报道

Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

纳奥米-胡德兹
Chief Operating Officer & Online Editor

媒体报道

People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.

Stephanie Soucheray
Reporter