John Muir is mostly visited for its spectacular views and definitely a rewarding challenge. But believe me; it should come on every hiker’s bucket list. In preparing, John Muir Trail Gear List comes at the top which is going to be the most exciting part of the whole journey and which should be carefully done. So here I bring you 21 pieces that are essential in your pack.
- Backpack
- Pack cover
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Rain gear
- Hiking clothing
- Hiking footwear
- Camping stove and cooking gear
- Food and water
- Water purifier
- Trekking poles
- Navigation tools
- Headlamp
- Power bank or solar charger
- Camp pillow
- Guidebook
- First aid kit
- Personal items
- Backpacking electronics
- Other gear
With only the right balance of weight, comfort, and affordability, you can measure out your success with the John Muir Trail Gear List. Hikers can have variations of gear on the trail, but remember the essentials and think about how comfortable you can be while backpacking on the long trail. So, let’s make hiking easy on the John Muir Trail.
Backpack
The backpack you are choosing for the journey is going to be the closest companion throughout the trail and should be of the right size, weight, and comfortability. It is critically important to choose the right backpack both functioning and comfortable.
It is always good to invest in a minimal backpack that is only around 2 lbs. Even though there are many solid options with a weight of around 2 to 3 lbs, all that my experience says is perfect no more than 2 lbs.
Most lightweight backpacks have simple frames for the purpose of keeping all gear weight to a minimum. And always make sure you pick the right backpack for the required weight capacity otherwise it can easily turn out to be uncomfortable.
Pack cover
As the chance you may get caught in a heavy sideways rainstorm over Muir Pass is high, it is essential to have a proper pack cover. It is critically important to keep your gear pack dry as possible throughout the journey. And by today, you can find new packs in the market with built-in covers for protection from the rain.
Tent
Your tent is going to be your safe place for the following days and is one of the heaviest additions in the entire John Muir Trail gear list. So, invest in right and turn it a chance to cut down some weight.
Both freestanding and non-freestanding are options for you here and most of the thru-hikers pick single-walled, ultralight tents that are non-freestanding. It takes some longer to pitch the tent and depending on the ground conditions, it gets harder. With quite a harder setup, they often come with interior condensation in many models. But it becomes the choice of tent for many when it comes to the John Muir Trail for it is being truly light than others.
Coming out of the lightweight frame if you are more considered convenient, freestanding is your tent category charging some extra weight. But here, you can still look for a lightweight model featuring a double-walled, freestanding category. For casual backpackers, these are perfectly fitting but tend to be heavier for thru-hikers. However, they score more from convenience and comfort if you can find the lightest one on the other side.
The market is full of tent variants as far as size is concerned. But when you pick one, consider the space for the right comfortability. Even if you are a team of two, think about 3-person tents instead of 2-person camping tents and have enough room for some extra pounds.
Sleeping bag
When you are heading to the trail, you have to be prepared for high elevations where the night temperature is going to be very low. Even on hot days like in summer, nights can be extremely cold and your sleeping bag is going to be your rescue.
Again, this is one of the heaviest gears in the John Muir Trail gear list but could not survive without. But still, you can play right with weight and warmth to find the right one for you.
The temperature rating of the sleeping bag is of utmost importance to verify whether it can keep you warm enough. In fact, this comfort rating requires your high attention and should be about 10°F higher than the lower limit rating.
Quilts are nice beneficial additions to the JMT gear list due to their finest warmth to weight ratios. In fact, they can perfect baselines for your sleep system. Most of the time, they are less realistic in their temperature rating than they appear. So there, consider adding about 20°F when you are calculating the rating.
Sleeping pad
A sleeping pad is another important thing you must have for a comfortable stay at JMT surviving on chilly nights. But remember it can easily add weight and bulk to your gear.
To make sure you are insulated from the cold ground, a reliable, lightweight insulated sleeping pad is capable. My recommendation is for a pad of R-value around 3 or even higher. With a wide variety of options out there you can find a remarkably warm and comfortable model with the right balance of weight. And for cold sleepers traveling during shoulder season will need one from 4-season pads with the R-value rating of 5 or even upper.
Rain gear
During peak season you will find hiking in sierras dry and clear. But we never recommend you to head into the backcountry with no right rain gear. Protection from rain is crucially important and it is about protection from hypothermia.
Luckily, you do not need heavy rain shells for mountaineering on this trail. Instead, get ready with a lightweight raincoat paired with rain pants. Keep these minimal as possible to reduce the entire bulk.
Hiking clothing
Getting layered and prepared for the worst possible is essential when you are going on trails for days. But clothing is an area for mistakes so often. And most probably it is about over-packing.
Consider packing clothes that can be layered easily and avoid packing multiple items for the same purpose. Get prepared with quick-drying synthetic clothing and here are the essentials to consider.
- Rain jacket shell
- Rain pants
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- A pair of hiking pants
- Hiking leggings
- 2 or 3 hiking t-shirts
- A pair of hiking shorts
- A long-sleeve shirt (can prevent sunburns)
- 2 or 3 pairs of underwear (pack extra if you required)
- 2 or 3 pairs of socks (if you use boots, consider adding thin sock liners)
- A pair of long john bottoms – good to wear at night but optional
- Warm hat
- Buff (optional clothing)
- A pair of gloves or mittens
- A Sun hat
As your personal preference, you can add on or cut down the listings. But remember not to overpack to avoid carrying extra bulk.
Hiking footwear
What to wear on feet is totally a personal thing and we noticed many wearing trail running shoes. But if you plan to experience winter and snow, a lightweight pair of boots will do the job.
Camping shoes, boots, trails runners, or whatever you decide to wear should be lightweight, supportive on feet, waterproof, and well-fitting on the trail. Here, choosing the right one pairs with your experience on the trails. Must be said that JMT is well-maintained and a lot traveled and would hardly be rugged.
Camping stove and cooking gear
Your camping kitchen system is another essential gear in the John Muir Trail gear list that takes considerations of weight more than others. If you are considering ease of use and speed, an integrated canister stove system will work perfectly. But if you think less weight and less bulk at JMT, you can go for an ultralight canister stove and mini cook sets. They may be less effective and less fuel-effective than Jetboil but can cut down weight considerably.
However, choosing the right camping stove is up to you as per your requirement. However, invest in high efficiency at the same time compact model best for boiling water and cooking some simple meals.
Making your own meals and having a morning coffee at JMT in a different mood can lift your experience up. So have the cooking gear you need to prepare your simple meals and pack lightweight cups, bowls, and cooking utensils.
The smartest tip is to plan simple meals in the backcountry.
Food and water
John Muir is a hard trail that takes a lot of energy from you. But do not worry; you can fuel up yourself with the right dose of food. Hiking the JMT burns plenty of calories and you need to charge up to stay fit on the trial. But remember you should pack your food correctly as there is a big chance you are likely to over-pack. You are going to be on the trail for weeks and along the trail, you get a few times to resupply.
Water is of utmost importance at JMT and you will need to carry enough water to the trial. But water is nothing much to worry here about carrying in bulk. All you have to do is have a fine water purifier as at John Muir Trail, you have enough access to water sources.
Water purifier
Along the John Muir Trail, you are rich in access to water sources like streams and lakes, and only you need is a reliable and lightweight water purification system. Luckily, most of the water sources in the Sierras are clean and clear. But here, choosing an effective water purification system is a must. Invest in a lightweight, fast operational model that requires no squeezing, pumping, or chemicals. For example, SteriPEN Ultra is battery-operated, and you will need a portable battery pack to keep it working.
In addition to your water purification system, consider taking some Chlorine Dioxide Pills as a backup just in case something goes wrong with your main water purification system.
Trekking poles
In John Muir Trail, elevation gain and loss so often and you will definitely thank later for adding trekking poles to your John Muir Trail gear list. They can be extremely supportive in dropping the pressure on your knees during long climbs and descents. And they can even use as tent poles in your shelter system if it is an ultralight system. For any hike, trekking poles are essential and so as in JMT.
Navigation tools
John Muir runs over 200 miles and you definitely need the right set of navigation tools. So, pack up maps and compass for further GPS and your favorite mobile apps.
On the trail over 200 miles, you will not find just one backpacking map working. And that is going to be sorted with the excellent “John Muir Trail Topographic Map Guide” from National Geographic. It has 48-page pamphlet-style maps in a set that is compact to carry, waterproof, and includes everything important like all location information, mileage, water access, resupply sites, camping sites, and more. Not only that, there are more map options you can try, and go with the most comprehensive, informative one. And do not forget to add the compass to your John Muir Trail gear list.
With mobiles everywhere, we find almost all hikers come with their favorite camping app installed for all information and GPS resources. Even they are not recommended to be your main source of navigation; you can get guide on-site information, and some other helpful hiking tips of your location. Some apps sometimes list campsites that do not follow National Park or Leave No Trace guidelines. Make sure your campsite follows them and drops down the impact.
Headlamp
A headlamp is an extremely useful piece of gear for lighting support that will not take much space, weight, or price. For all the night hikes, nature calls at night, or even in search of something inside the tent while others sleep, headlamps work smart enough. And for additional support, consider taking a camping flashlight too, just in case something goes wrong with your mobile flashlight. And before you start the journey, make sure the batteries are fully charged for all these items.
Power bank or solar charger
A portable power bank or solar charger going to be very much useful to keep some of your gear in working conditions if you are staying on the trails for more than two or three days. In fact, a small power bank will be of a lot of use to keep your mobile, camera, headlamp, and some other items working. And a solar charger can also do a fair job here as solar technology is getting better and improved regularly.
Camp pillow
With the right camping pillow in your John Muir Trail gear list, you would know the comfort of a peaceful night’s sleep. Consider investing in a feather-light, soft fleece layered pillow for comfortable sleep and will make it great to feel against your face.
Guidebook
Before you start your journey in the John Muir, you must have spent days in terms of planning. This is because of plenty of topics and resources to search through before you step your feet on. So have the right guidebook and you would find it extensively smart in planning ahead.
First aid kit
Just like in every other outdoor plan, it is essential to step feet on JMT with the right first aid kit. If you have the supplies at home, you can make your own personalized kit. If not, you can buy a built-in small first aid kit with the basics included. Having that, you can add the extras along with your everyday medications. And for a trip like John Muir, consider high about adding extra Band-Aids.
Personal items
As you are heading to JMT for weeks of hiking and exploring, you need the right items to stay comfortable, clean, and refreshed. It is always a personal plan to make your personal items listed. And here are mine to make you aware to pack the essentials without over-pack. You can always add or cut off the items per your individual preference.
- Toilet paper, wag bag, and the trowel (poop kit)
- Small towel
- Body wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Dry shampoo
- Mini toothbrush and a mini tube of toothpaste
- Dental floss
- A pair of sunglasses
- Watch
Backpacking electronics
As you are going to spend most of the time on the trails, you have to make your mind only to pack the essentials in the John Muir Trail gear list. And I find these backpacking electronics are a must and could definitely make success.
- GPS Transponder (emergency communication device)
- Digital camera
Other gear
There are some other items you should include in making your John Muir Trail gear list not at the top like a tent or backpack but can make so many things at ease by having. I put them in other gear in my list which is totally up to you to customize for your requirement.
- Multi-tool or camping knife
- A small notepad and a pen
- Camping lighter and fire starters
- Gear repairing tape
- Entertainment items (camping games, journals, or books)
- Insect repellent
- Bear canister
- Waterproof stuff sacks
You can get the most out of the journey by leaving no room for gear mistakes. It is all about the John Muir Trail gear list and hope you are ready for the adventures!
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