PCT Southern California Gear List: Campo to Kennedy Meadows

PACK WEIGHT
Base
Base 11.429 lb
+
Consumable 8.569 lb
=
Pack
Pack Weight 19.998 lb

This is a section list, not a full PCT list. It covers the first 702 miles (1,130 km) of the Pacific Crest Trail, Campo at the Mexican border to Kennedy Meadows where the Sierra begins, for a northbound start in April or early May, five to seven weeks of walking.

Water rules everything here. Carries of 20 miles (32 km) between reliable sources are routine, and the stretch along the Los Angeles Aqueduct can run past 30 miles (48 km) without water when the caches sit empty. This list carries capacity for 5.5 liters: two 1 L bottles, a 1.5 L bottle, and a 2 L CNOC bag that doubles as the dirty bag for the Sawyer Squeeze. The habit that matters: check the FarOut comments and the PCT Water Report at every town stop, then plan each carry off the newest report instead of the map.

Sun is the second system. April desert sun outworks sunscreen alone, so shade counts as gear: a Gossamer Gear umbrella at 5.8 oz (166 g), a sun hoodie worn all day, sun gloves, and a wide-brim hat. It looks like a lot until you walk a 15 mile (24 km) exposed stretch at noon.

The cold is the surprise. April nights at Mount Laguna and around San Jacinto drop into the 20s F (well below freezing), so the quilt is a 30 F Enlightened Equipment Revelation backed by a synthetic puffy; cold sleepers should take the 20 F version. And sand eats shoes. Plan a fresh pair around Big Bear or Wrightwood rather than nursing one pair to Kennedy Meadows.

Base weight: 11.4 lb (5.2 kg) before water. Copy the list and resize the water capacity to your start date, your pace, and the year's reports.

Big three

5 items · 53.652 oz
Plex Solo tent Many desert nights are cowboy-camping nights; it still earns its spot when the wind picks up or San Jacinto weather moves in.
1 ×
14.568 oz
Tent stakes (8)
1 ×
2.293 oz
Polycryo groundsheet For cowboy camping. Sweep the spot and check for spines before you lay it out.
1 ×
1.587 oz
Mariposa 60 Heavier than a frameless pack on purpose: loaded with 5 L of water and four days of food, it still carries straight.
1 ×
34.286 oz
Nylofume pack liner
1 ×
0.917 oz

Sleep system

3 items · 34.357 oz
Revelation 30 quilt (850 down) April nights at Mount Laguna and near San Jacinto dip into the 20s F. Sleep in the puffy those nights, or take the 20 F version if you run cold.
1 ×
19.189 oz
NeoAir XLite NXT (regular) Inflatables and cholla don't mix; clear your site and keep the groundsheet under it.
1 ×
13.051 oz
Aeros UL pillow
1 ×
2.116 oz

Cooking and water

9 items · 15.944 oz
Squeeze filter Check FarOut comments and pctwater.com in every town and plan each carry off the newest report, not the map.
1 ×
2.998 oz
Vecto 2L water container Desert sources are often troughs and shallow seeps; the wide opening scoops water the bottles can't reach.
1 ×
2.61 oz
Smartwater bottle 1 L
2 ×
1.34 oz
Smartwater bottle 1.5 L Total capacity is 5.5 L. Fill for the carry ahead, not to capacity by default; water is the heaviest thing on your back out here.
1 ×
1.728 oz
Purification tablets (backup)
1 ×
0.353 oz
Titanium 750 ml pot
1 ×
3.633 oz
BRS-3000T stove Plenty of hikers cold soak this section instead; a screw-lid jar saves about 5 oz if you can live without hot meals until the Sierra.
1 ×
0.882 oz
Mini Bic lighter
1 ×
0.388 oz
Long-handle titanium spoon
1 ×
0.67 oz

Sun protection

6 items · 13.827 oz
Lightrek hiking umbrella Runs 10 to 15 F cooler underneath. Rig it to a shoulder strap with shock cord so both hands stay on the poles.
1 ×
5.855 oz
Sun gloves
1 ×
0.882 oz
Ultra Adventure hat
1 ×
2.787 oz
Sunglasses
1 ×
0.882 oz
Sunscreen 3 oz
1 ×
2.998 oz
SPF lip balm
1 ×
0.423 oz

Clothing packed

7 items · 31.535 oz
Torrid APEX jacket
1 ×
8.395 oz
Ultra-Lite2 rain jacket It rarely rains on this section; a $25 shell is the honest match. Swap in something serious before the Sierra.
1 ×
5.503 oz
Fleece beanie
1 ×
1.411 oz
Merino sleep top
1 ×
5.291 oz
Merino leggings
1 ×
4.938 oz
Micro Crew socks (spare)
2 ×
2.293 oz
Spare underwear
1 ×
1.411 oz

Clothing worn

5 items · 32.699 oz
Echo Hoodie Worn every daylight hour; hood up over the hat brim on the open stretches.
1 ×
4.057 oz
Running shorts
1 ×
4.233 oz
Micro Crew socks
1 ×
2.293 oz
Lone Peak 9 (pair) Sand and decomposed granite shred shoes. Plan a fresh pair around Big Bear or Wrightwood, not one pair to Kennedy Meadows.
1 ×
20.812 oz
Dirty Girl gaiters
1 ×
1.305 oz

Electronics

6 items · 19.577 oz
Phone
1 ×
7.055 oz
inReach Mini 2
1 ×
3.527 oz
NB10000 Gen 3 power bank
1 ×
5.291 oz
NU25 UL headlamp Night hiking the aqueduct stretch is standard practice; you'll use this more than you expect.
1 ×
1.587 oz
Charging cables
1 ×
0.705 oz
USB-C wall charger 30 W
1 ×
1.411 oz

First aid and toiletries

7 items · 7.654 oz
First aid kit
1 ×
3.175 oz
Leukotape strips Grit plus sweat means blisters. Tape hotspots at the first sting, not at camp that evening.
1 ×
0.353 oz
Toothbrush
1 ×
0.353 oz
Toothpaste (travel)
1 ×
1.058 oz
TP and ziplock
1 ×
1.058 oz
Deuce #2 trowel
1 ×
0.6 oz
Hand sanitizer
1 ×
1.058 oz

Miscellaneous

3 items · 17.461 oz
Carbon trekking poles (pair)
1 ×
16.014 oz
Classic SD knife
1 ×
0.741 oz
Repair kit (tape, pad patches)
1 ×
0.705 oz

Consumables

3 items · 130.514 oz
Trail food, per day
5 ×
23.986 oz
Fuel canister (100 size, full)
1 ×
7.055 oz
Electrolyte tabs You can't out-drink desert sweat with plain water; dose a bottle at every refill on hot days.
1 ×
3.527 oz

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Safety Disclaimer: This packlist is shared for informational purposes only. Always use your own judgment and common sense when packing for any trip. Consider your personal comfort, safety requirements, weather conditions, trip duration, and skill level. TrailGearList and the packlist creator are not responsible for your safety or comfort. Pack responsibly and stay safe.