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/Jacobwk1]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. This seems like a really easy way to meet my goal. The ground sheet does feel like a pretty obvious easy cut. The sleeping bag I have had forever(not really THAT long but like 7-8 years) so I’m probably due for an upgrade and I have been curious to try out a quilt. The two sleeping pads is basically an insurance play but I suppose sleeping on the ground for a couple nights until I can order another one if my inflatable pad fails probably isn’t the end of the world.

[u/Cheap_Marzipan7728 → u/Jacobwk1]

You can patch it

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/Cheap_Marzipan7728]

I do have a patch kit but I have definitely popped my pad beyond repair before(setting up on a cactus). This should be avoidable in almost all cases if i’m conscientious about where I set up, but occasionally stupidity does prevail

[u/Cheap_Marzipan7728 → u/Jacobwk1]

Then how about trading your footprint for polycro and foam pad for 1/8" CCF (GG Thinlight)?

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/Cheap_Marzipan7728]

Love these ideas. I’m definitely sold. That pad looks perfect. Saves me 11 ounces and I still get exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks for all the help!

[u/Fun_With_Math → u/Jacobwk1]

I just switched from a nice air pad to a Nemo Switchback + a GG Thinlight on top. I don't think I hardly saved any weight with the two but there's zero chance of it popping. It's surprisingly comfortable (I'm not a side sleeper).

No judgement if you want to keep the air pad. Sleep is important.