OUR MOSTLY EXHAUSTIVE JMT GEAR LIST
- Wind-proof Jacket and Pants.
- Hiking boots.
- 4 pairs of hiking socks.
- 1 pair tall compression socks.
- 1 pair shorts.
- Neck gaiter.
- Boot gaiters.
- Ultralight down jacket (hood optional)
What should I bring to the John Muir Trail?
I include recommendations for the big JMT gear items such as your tent, sleeping bag, bear canister, sleeping pad and water filter, all the way down to the little things (watch, sunscreen, maps, and more).
Do I need gaiters on the JMT?
Gaiters (optional) – Will keep rocks and dirt out of your shoes. Dirty girl gaiters are recommended.
What size backpack do you need for JMT?
The most common capacity for JMT packs is definitely in the 55-65 liter range. This makes sense given the need to balance lightweight gear with enough space for a bear can and many days of food. A couple of the packs on the smaller end are obviously too small to fit a bear can.
How much water can you bring on a JMT?
As a rule of thumb, it’s pretty common to hike with no more than two liters at any given time along the JMT. Though many of the water sources you’ll find on the route run clear and appear free of sediment, you’ll still want to filter your water. We used the SteriPEN Ultra as our main purification method on the JMT.
What is a good base weight?
What is a good base weight to aim for? A good backpacking base weight is 15lbs, which does not require ultralight gear to achieve. However, 10 – 12lbs is a great goal to aim for, being a happy medium between comfort and weight.
Are bear canisters required on the John Muir Trail?
JMT hikers must properly store their food while on the trail by using an approved bear canister (which protects your items not only from bears, but also from rodents). All food, toiletries, scented items, and trash must go in your canister, and you must lock it whenever it is not in use.
How cold does it get on the JMT?
I hiked the John Muir Trail in September. Daily highs were around 65-75F, and the lows were 15-30F. June and September have similar temperature ranges, while July and August are typically 10-15 degrees warmer.
Where can I camp on the JMT?
The Top 10 Campsites On The John Muir Trail
- Lower Cathedral Lake (mile 17)
- Thousand Island Lake (mile 43)
- Lake Ediza Junction (mile 47)
- Virginia Lake (mile 72)
- Bear Creek (mile 96)
- McClure Meadow (mile 119)
- Lakes North of Pinchot Pass (mid 159)
- Middle Rae Lake (mile 172)
How old is the John Muir Trail?
Twenty-three years, and many man-hours later, the trail construction was completed in 1938; the year of the 100th anniversary of John Muir’s birth. Appropriately named, the John Muir Trail offers some of the most scenic vistas in California’s Sierra range.
What gear should I pack for a JMT trip?
I include recommendations for the big JMT gear items such as your tent, sleeping bag, bear canister, sleeping pad and water filter, all the way down to the little things (watch, sunscreen, maps, and more). I also include some of the gear I packed and then ditched at the car before setting off on the trail in an effort to reduce my pack weight.
What gear do I need to hike the John Muir Trail?
In this complete John Muir Trail gear list, I share every piece of gear I packed for my John Muir Trail hike. I include recommendations for the big JMT gear items such as your tent, sleeping bag, bear canister, sleeping pad and water filter, all the way down to the little things (watch, sunscreen, maps, and more).
What is the best mountaineering bag for JMT?
For the JMT, I recommend the 20-degree Enlightened Equipment Revelation quilt. If you prefer a standard mummy bag, the Western Mountaineering Versalite 10 degree bag only weighs 2 pounds and is incredibly warm. Sleeping Pad : Therm-A-Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad – Just enough cushion to keep your back happy.
What is the best tent for hiking the JMT?
If you’re traveling solo or don’t mind tight living quarters, you’ll likely want a 1P or 2P tent (like the Duplex or UL2). Though these are two of the best backpacking tents on the market, there are many other tent options for hiking the JMT.
