6. Gear
a. Clothing
“My face is sweating, but I’m still freezing.” – This is a normal morning in the High Sierra. While the clear air and high altitudes allow the sun to shine with unknown power in early hours, they are also responsible for rapid temperature drops after sunset. So if you are hiking in the summer months, apart from a rare rain shower, days will be warm and nights will be cold. It’s that simple.
During the day, most hikers wear… To read more, click here
b. Hiking
Shoes & Boots
Undoubtedly the most stressed piece of gear on your trip will be your shoes. Any good shoe has a thick, cushioning sole with non-slip tread. Beyond that, there are different opinions on which style is best suited… To read more, click here
I strongly recommend using your prospective shoes on a few hikes to break them in and see how they handle. If in doubt, try another pair – getting your shoes right is essential. Then again, do not take shoes that are too worn down and have little tread left. You would not want their early exodus on the 222 miles.
Socks & Gaiters
A good sock can significantly add to your hiking comfort. Most modern trail socks are made of merino wool or polyester. Both fibers have outstanding properties regarding moisture wicking and temperature regulation. Thick socks, especially those with hidden seams, provide cushioning and help the shoe evenly embrace your foot, reducing rubbing and blisters. Though less stylish in a shoes-shorts combo and slightly warmer, socks that go (well) above your ankle collect less sand and stones, keep your legs cleaner, and protect against the sun.
Another way to keep out sand and stones are… To read more, click here
Backpacks
Just like shoes, an ill-fitting backpack can cause considerable pain – chaffing along straps or back aches from a restrictive fit. There is also a multitude of styles, capacities, and functionalities. Here is a list of decision criteria to find a pack that is right for you… To read more, click here
Trekking Poles
Chapter 5 Preparation & Planning offered some advice on how to correctly use trekking poles. They can be of great service both for propulsion and providing a sense of security on steep stretches of trail. Here is what to look out for when purchasing trekking poles: To read more, click here
c. Sleeping
This section supports your decisions in putting together a comfortable sleeping environment. To most, this will consist of a tent, sleeping bag, and a pad. However, there are some alternatives.
Shelters
If you are hiking as a couple, you will probably share a tent. Should you be joined by a hiking buddy, the weight savings might be exceeded by the benefits of separate sleeping arrangements. Here, you have three options to choose from… To read more, click here
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags come in an overwhelming multitude of varieties. It is all the more important to understand which are the relevant features for this adventure and those to come. A sleeping bag is a significant investment that should last for 15+ years.
Below is an overview of important sleeping bag properties to help you make an informed decision… To read more, click here
Sleeping Pads
A sleeping pad should literally support a good night’s sleep. The two main criteria are cushioning and insulation. You can count on the ground being hard and cold wherever you camp along the JMT. There are three popular and equally suitable alternatives:
Air pads, similar to the ones used in swimming pools, have a thin air-tight shell that is inflated through a mouth valve. In order to cut down on weight, they are often semi-rectangular in shape. They are very light weight, rollup very small, and offer exceptional cushioning - especially those with a thickness of 2in/5cm and up. On the downside,… To read more, click here
Sleeping Gear
Apart from the clothing you wear in your sleeping bag, additional gear for comfort is some form of pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, and insect repellent.
An alternative to packing an inflatable pillow is… To read more, click here
d. Food & Drinks
While Chapter 5c Food discussed the type of food and drinks to bring and send as resupply, this Chapter focusses on the various gears needed to store, prepare, and eat the food as well as treat and store water.
Bear Canisters
For the storage of food and any other scented items, bear canisters are mandated in most stretches along the JMT – especially at Yosemite and Mt. Whitney. This means, you will carry a bear canister throughout your journey. As you may not need a bear canister on many other occasions, you can choose to rent, buy used, or buy new.
Bear canisters for rent are available at selected outdoor stores in California, directly from some manufacturers (see list below), and at most wilderness permit offices. Check the respective rental terms, especially regarding returning the canister via mail.
When purchasing a new bear canister, there are a few things to look out for. As a first step, the canister must be national park approved (SIBBG for black bears, IGBC for grizzly bears).
Here is a list of the currently approved models: To read more, click here
The most important criterion for choosing a canister is… To read more, click here
Bear spray, pepper spray, and other deterrents are prohibited in several national parks and especially in Yosemite National Park
Using a bear canister properly and keeping your campsite food and odor free is precaution enough. Save the weight of carrying a spray that could harm both you and the wildlife.
Stoves & Fuel
The preparation of your meals will undoubtedly require a stove, as campfires are prohibited above certain elevations (see Chapter 4c Campsites) and illegal all together during droughts. Two stove fuel types are most common and almost certainly in stock at resupply cabins: To read more, click here
That leads to the very important question of how much fuel to carry. This is a function of how much mass needs to be heated from/to which temperature at which elevation, ambient temperature, and efficiency circumstances. Assuming we want 8oz/235ml of hot water for coffee in the morning and 8oz/235ml for porridge/oatmeal, none for lunch, and 16oz/470ml for an instant meal in the evening along with one cup of tea at 8oz/235ml, that… To read more, click here
Pots, Pans, and Utensils
Deciding which kind of pot and/or pan to bring depends on your choice of food and on the amount of people you will be cooking for. For example, if you are cooking for 1-2 people, one pot of approx. 3x6in/7.5x15.5cm with a capacity of just over 32oz/0.9ltr is sufficient. The more liquid the contents are, i.e. soups or water, the better the heat energy circulation and the narrower the pot’s base can be. Especially if you plan on only boiling water during a summer trip, an integrated canister system is the quickest, most efficient way of heating. However, if you intend to prepare solid meals, opt for… To read more, click here
Water Treatment
As discussed earlier in the book, it is advised to treat any water in the High Sierra before drinking. There are six options for doing so: To read more, click here
Water Storage
How to store the treated water for convenient and frequent access is also worth putting some thought into. Two options are most common: To read more, click here
This leads to the question of what size your container(s) should be and how much water to carry after each resupply. My non-scientific answer is… To read more, click here
e. Medical & Personal Care
For light weight enthusiasts, the following is especially painful. It deals with bringing several items of which you hope never to use them – not once, not for any purpose. Nonetheless, a well-equipped first aid kit is vital in an emergency. Your medical kit should include any personal medications you regularly take, including such that were recommended by your doctor for this specific trip. There are various well equipped pre-packed first-aid kits. Also, hikers have different needs and standards regarding personal care when outdoors. Limit yourself to the minimum you feel comfortable with. Below are some suggestions on what to pack: To read more, click here
f. Miscellaneous
The following gear can be just as important as the gear listed earlier, it just does not fit in specific categories. To read more, click here
g. Pack & Adjust your Pack
As you pack your backpack, do pay attention to two things: the weight distribution and the internal organization of your gear.
Regarding weight distribution it is important to… To read more, click here
A well-considered internal organization and distribution of gear among the compartments and pockets of your pack can save time and nerves.