INSPIRED TO FOLLOW IN CHERYL STRAYED’S FOOTSTEPS AFTER SEEING "WILD"? FIND OUT HOW TO PACK SMART FOR THIS BUCKET LIST JOURNEY.
Throngs of fans inspired by "Wild", both the movie and the memoir it’s based on, are now hitting the Pacific Crest Trail, the country’s longest thru-hike, in record numbers.
Those who know Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild’ story may recall that she wasn’t exactly the smartest packer. Learn from her rookie mistakes and don’t bring a “Monster” (Strayed’s affectionate name for her over-stuffed backpack) filled with things you don’t really need. It will literally, and figuratively, wear you down. So what are the essentials to pack? Here’s our list of what to pack for your own ‘Wild’ Pacific Crest Trail adventure.
Backpack
Size and model will depend on your own measurements and the length of your journey, so make sure you get a proper fitting from an outdoor specialist store. Either way, add in the ultra-lightweight Pack-It® Specter Packing Organizers to keep all of your gear organized, so you're not pulling apart your whole pack on the trail.
Navigation:
Headlamp (LED is recommended and don’t forget to pack extra batteries!)
Compass
Trekking Poles
Food/Cooking:
Camping stove
Fuel
Energy Trail Mix
Travel Mug/Utensils
Cookware
Mini Lighters
Shelter:
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Tent
Jumbo Trash Bag (Hikers recommend this for quick shelter during rain and wind.)
Hydration:
Collapsible water sack/bottle
Water Filter
Water Treatment
Toiletries:
Toilet Paper
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Blister Repair
Anti-chaffing cream
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant
Hand Sanitizer
Clothes:
Moisture-Wicking Underwear
Base Layer
Lightweight rain jacket and pants
Hiking Boots
Hiking pants (Ones that zip off into shorts recommended.)
Thermal bottom
Hiking Socks
Long sleeve quick-drying travel shirt
Sandals (You’ll want slip-on shoes to change into after setting up camp.)
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Gloves
Thermal Pants
Other Essentials:
Pocket Knife
Camera
Notebook/Pen (You’ll want to channel your inner Cheryl Strayed after all!)
Sunglasses
Paracord (Use for laundry hanging, bear bagging, etc.)
Duct Tape (Great for all types of gear repair. And, hopefully, you won’t be using it to keep your shoes together like Cheryl.)
First Aid Kid
Superlight TSA Lock® (Keep your tent/bag locked if you’re at a campsite.)
All Terrain Money Belt (Keeps money handy around camp.)
Talisman
You won’t find this on any official Pacific Crest Trail packing lists, but Cheryl Strayed carried her favorite book of poems, Adrienne Rich’s The Dream of the Common Language, during her entire 1,100-mile-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail to keep her company at night and her spirits up.
Taking an object that lifts you up–whether it’s your favorite book or even a few photos of your loved ones—will be worth its weight.
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