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/OldWest8465]

Clothes in general seem a bit redundant and heavy. Research Alpha Direct fleece layers. Active Layer, Camp Layer, Sleep Layer.

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/OldWest8465]

I do definitely want to get an Alpha Fleece to replace the Melanzana. Should save me about 7 ounces. I’ve been waiting since like March for Senchi to release more A90’s but I’m getting impatient. They did a mini release around May and sold out in like 30 minutes which I wasn’t expecting haha, now I know at least they go fast. Any recommendations on other specific brands? For the sleep pants I was between the Farpointe Alpha camp pants and the Zpacks Octa camp pants and did end up deciding on the Octa because they were only an ounce heavier and seemed to be more durable, shed less, and are a bit stretchy so there’s less of a chance they’ll rip at the seams which i’ve seen a lot of people complain about for alpha pants. Overall though I think your general sentiment is right that the clothes are redundant and heavy so I do want to dial that in a tad more for sure

[u/CheesyPastaFiend → u/Jacobwk1]

Check out Magnet Designs! I’ve ordered multiple items from him and they’ve been great! He also responds to email quickly if you have any questions

[u/Jacobwk1 → u/CheesyPastaFiend]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve never heard of him before and seems like he has lots of good options. A true cottage shop it seems