John Muir Path Gear Checklist: What to Pack — CleverHiker

What Gear Ought to I Pack?
Tent
Your tent can be one of many 4 heaviest objects in your backpack, so it needs to be one of many first locations you look to maintain weight down.
Non-freestanding: Via-hikers typically select ultralight, single-wall shelters which might be non-freestanding to maintain tent weight to a minimal. They take longer to arrange, could have some inside condensation, and could be difficult to pitch on exhausting floor/rock, however they’re normally far lighter than conventional shelters. This might be a sensible choice for the JMT, which is a difficult path, however tends to be pretty dry in peak season.
Freestanding: When you’d favor a extra handy choice and are prepared to hold some additional weight, you might discover {that a} double-wall, free-standing tent can be a greater match. Simply be sure that to get a light-weight/ultralight mannequin, as a result of some freestanding tents could be very heavy. For the extra informal backpacker, this tends to be the preferred selection. A light-weight freestanding tent can be pretty foolproof and can be utilized for backpacking, automobile tenting, and every little thing in-between.
Tent Suggestions: The Zpacks Duplex and Triplex (pictured under) are our prime picks for non-freestanding ultralight tents. They’re prime of the road thru-hiking shelters, however they’re additionally fairly costly. When you’re searching for a freestanding tent, our prime choose could be the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 & UL3. We love the comfort and luxury of the Copper Spur, and so they’re among the many lightest freestanding tents in the marketplace.
So far as what measurement to decide on, we typically favor 3-person ultralight tent fashions and use them as a roomy tent for 2 individuals (the Triplex or UL3 for instance). Although 3-person fashions weight a bit greater than 2-person fashions, they supply a way more snug inside area for 2. When you’re touring solo or don’t thoughts tight residing quarters, you’ll possible desire a 1P or 2P tent (just like the Duplex or UL2).
Although these are two of one of the best backpacking tents in the marketplace, there are numerous different tent choices for mountaineering the JMT. Take a look at our Greatest Backpacking Tents checklist and Greatest Ultralight Tents checklist if you wish to store round some extra.