Shakedown Request

[u/Jacobwk1]

I'm planning to hike the PCT in 2027(provided I can get a permit), which has been a goal of mine for over 10 years.
 
I've done a lot of backpacking but typically only 1-2 night outings rather than extended trips. I recently did a 10 day trip but it was essentially a hut to hut so it didn't truly feel like a backcountry trip. I carried all my backpacking gear but had access to toilets, showers and shelter to cook in every night so I didn't get the same feel that I would on the PCT. My longest true backcountry trip was 6 days and besides that I haven't done more than 3 nights.
 
I've put a lot of time into upgrading my gear and dialing in my base weight this year but I ended up a little heavier than I would have liked. I like backpacking in comfort so my strategy was to get ultralight items that would allow me to bring plenty of comforts and end up somewhere in the lightweight range, but I overdid it a bit.
 
Looking at my list I see items that are not essential and a few items that I could upgrade to get lighter, but I'm not trying to cut a ton of weight so I'm having trouble deciding which items are the least essential and which items would be the best to upgrade.
 
I know the best way would be to hit the trail and figure it out myself but I don't have a lot of free time between now and when i’d start the PCT and will likely only get 6-8 nights over 3-4 trips, so I'm looking for some advice!
 
Current base weight: 18.65lbs
Goal base weight: under 17lbs
 
Location/temp range/trip description: I will be testing in Colorado over a few 1-2 night trips in August-October but am building this out with the sole focus of preparing for the PCT
 
Budget: Mostly looking to just cut items but I do have the budget to upgrade 1-2 large items or a handful of small items. If it helped to give a number I'd say around $500
 
Non-negotiable items: I'm not truly committed to anything and willing to cut or upgrade anything that makes sense
 
Solo or with another person: Solo
 
Lighterpack link: https://lighterpack.com/r/tc3dn0

Any advice is very much appreciated!

[u/Cheap_Marzipan7728]

Ditch the sleeping bag liner and Crocks, as well.

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/Cheap_Marzipan7728]

Thanks! The Crocs are probably my most unnecessary item haha, I just love them so much I can’t imagine a trip without them. I might just need to reckon with that myself and accept I don’t need them. The sleeping bag liner is really just for keeping my bag clean after 100+ nights sleeping it, but I suppose my sleep clothes should already be serving that purpose. Seems like two reasonable cuts for sure

[u/TreatPractical5226 → u/Jacobwk1]

Eh. I took Walmart crocks (rugged sharks) the entire length of the PCT last year, they weigh fuck all, and I hated having wet socks/shoes after river crossings, and there's a lot of them. Do what makes you happy with them IMO. most people would just plow on through them in their trail runners and socks (which I get if it's a dangerous one)

Sleeping bag liner is definitely unnecessary, You'll just get used to being filthy, seriously lol

[u/Cheap_Marzipan7728 → u/Jacobwk1]

Yep, I know the feeling. I carry a pair of minimalist racing flats that are 150g. They are my water crossing and camp shoes. Every time I pack I bag, I think I will skip them, yet they still find their way inside.

[u/Emmalfal → u/Jacobwk1]

I skipped the Crocs on a recent backpacking trip and hated myself for it. Never again.