top of page
Search

Echo Pass to Donner Summit - Pacific Crest Trail Section Hike Gear Prep

  • Writer: Kristin Jones
    Kristin Jones
  • May 26, 2020
  • 5 min read

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I attempted to hike the I-50 from Echo Lake to I-80 at Donner Summit section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Below is a detailed list of what gear I took and some notes on what worked well and what I would have changed.

My new Tubbs snowshoe system, wearing trail runners, silicone shoe covers and hiking gaiters.
Mile 4 and the snowshoes are on for good.

Preparing for my Hike

I have been inspired to hike the PCT for many years, and following my return to the states in March and being only an hour and a half drive from the trail it was time to make it happen. I knew of the section between I-50 to I-80 west of Lake Tahoe from reading many PCT hiker biographies (and not just Wild) and knew that this 65 mile section was very achievable in a single stretch without resupply, meaning I could do it self-supported and isolated in order to protect myself and local communities from Covid-19.


I spent hours extending my PCT gear spreadsheet as well as perusing tons of gear reviews and sales, for my needs both specific to this section and for future hikes to ensure I had the best supplies (Note: for sizing I am a women at 5'4", 145 pounds so typically a size Medium or 6 in the US or 10/12 UK, shoe size is 9.5 US or 41.5 Europe, and I run colder and sweatier than most people so that impacts my purchases).


Tent

Backpack

Sleep System

Hiking Attire

Extra Layers

Additional Gear

For food I prepared the following:

  • Cold Soak Ziploc bag of Oatmeal, Chocolate Whey Protein and Chia Seeds (500 calories each x 4)

  • Cold Soak Ziploc bag of Dehydrated Beans and Veggies with Garam Masalam Seasoning (650 calories each x 2)

  • Patagonia Red Bean Chili (600 calories x 1)

  • Premade Tortilla with Black Bean Burritos (300 calories x 3)

  • Tortillas (150 each x 3)

  • Cold Soak Ziploc bag of dehyradted refried beans (150 calories x 3)

  • Mini Snickers (60 calories x 60)

  • Love Crunch Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Granola Bars (160 calories x 3)

  • Homemade Trail Mix of Banana Chips, Pineapple, Mango and Banana, Sugar Covered Nuts, and Pitted Dates (About 800 calories in the Ziploc)

  • Raspberry Emergen-C Hydration+ (30 calories x 12)

  • Mio Black Cherry with Caffeine (0 calories)

The gear list is extensive and surprising after writing it all out and after food and water my pack weighed 35 to 38 pounds. Since I only ended up staying out for 3 days/2 nights I did not need as much food and the items noted with a * above could have been removed if I had gone when there was less snow/warmer conditions.


Overall, I was quite happy with my gear, with a few changes and callouts that I'll share below. I'll post more extensive reviews over time.

  • Garmin InReach was critical for my families peace-of-mind as a woman going solo and into snow conditions. It was super helpful to in order to coordinate my mid-hike change of plans to get picked up.

  • Snowshoes were imperative for this hiking during this time of year. I wouldn't have made it past 4 miles without them.

  • My layers were perfect except for 1 additional pair of socks would have been nice once I went through a river. I was able to keep layering clothes and even rain pants at night when it got cold in my tent.

  • The silicone waterproof shoe covers were a great idea for a vapor barrier and kept my feet warm despite being wet from snow and water all day. Unfortunately, these fell apart after 1.5 days of hiking but the concept is great and I'll keep working on it.

Some small changes:

  • Since I brought snowshoes I could have left my microspikes at home

  • I understand the air pad rating now as my Forclas has only an R-Value of 1.6. If I camp in cold conditions again, I'll invest in a higher value pad.

  • Don't include the chia seeds in my oatmeal - it wasn't as good cold in a ziploc bag as it didn't mix as well.

  • Better seasoning for my dehydrated beans and veggies. I'll work on some more recipes and post here.

  • I can't wait to try out my Enlightened Revelation Quilt with the extra width. I'm a stomach/side sleeper and also try to read on my phone at night while zipped up and it was so hard to find a comfortable angle to stay warm and see my phone.

  • I'm going to switch to the smaller Bear Canister. The 500 is really too big and pushes against my back/the frame of my bag and while it is helpful for storing more gear than just your food and can be a stool - it's just a beast to get in and out and pack/repack.

  • While I love my Cutlery Multi-Tool it's heavy, too short and gets messy quickly. I'll use that for road trips and car camping and find something simpler and lighter for my hiking gear.

Comments

bottom of page