PCT 2025: NOBO w/ Herniated Disc

  • Big Four 4.81 lb
  • Clothing Worn 0 lb
  • Clothing Packed 2.07 lb
  • Kitchen 0.73 lb
  • Toiletries 0.79 lb
  • Electronics 1.32 lb
  • Phone 0.59 lb
  • Miscellaneous 0.36 lb
  • To Decide 0 lb
  • Seasonal 0 lb
  • Total 10.66
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Consumable 0.53 lb
  • Base Weight 10.13 lb

Clothing Worn is marked as Zero Quantity so that the Total Weight will be my Baseweight and standard (non-food) Consumables combined. I consider "Total" to be my true baseweight.

Main changes due to herniated disc: Carrying lumbar pillow for sitting in chairs, litesmith pillow for elevating my feet for stomach sleeping (easier on the back for me), foam pad instead of inflatable so I can take many laying down breaks on trail. I plan to hike only 20 minutes at a time at first, then resting for an hour. I won't be able to regulate body temperature by walking, so I've increased the amount of clothing layers. Also added solar (untested) since my breaks are longer and may need more power. Also got a heavier power bank that charges in 1 hr and precise percentage shown and time needed to charge, which helps me get out of town quicker and back on trail where it's safer to take breaks lying down.

Overall this kit ended up expensive because I needed to keep the weight really low but also add in lots of warmth

********Gear is super personal, this works for me but other people with herniated discs may need something different! Especially packs, many people would benefit from a lightly framed pack instead of the frameless one I have. It's just what I'm used to, and I pack it so stiffly it feels like it has a frame!

** Seasonal Gear: If marked (Yes), I used it for at least part of trail. Probably swapped it in for the Sierra section. Most winter gear I swapped in for when I reached Washington.