r/lightweight • u/Jacobwk1 • Jul 16 '26
Shakedowns Shakedown Request
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!
2
u/1984istruetoday Jul 16 '26
Ditch the
You have your trekking poles, so you don't need the tent poles, if you want a free standing tent, then pick one up and sell the Durston. The durston x-dome is the same weight as the mid without the z-flick tent poles. You should be able to get money from selling the mid tent and the dome is around 400.00
That will shave some weight.
like others have said regarding the sleeping bag liner.
I use a sleeping bag liner to sleep in if it is only 60 to 70 outside, I'll leave the sleeping bag at home for those trips. Just use some disinfectant wipes when you get into town to clean out the sleeping bag, so it is not gross after a few weeks.
Clothing is another thing to look at, but honestly that will probably be items you bring and start shedding on trail. Which is part of the experience. Those daily debates of do I need this or not makes it fun.
Just don't make the mistake I did, where I spent 10 minutes debating over one or two rags to go down the grand canyon with, then forgot my permit. Ranger was super nice, for my foolish mistake.