The John Muir Trail Gear Guide (2024 Survey)

In the second installment of this year’s John Muir Trail Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the JMT. John Muir Trail gear lists vary wildly between hikers, and (spoiler alert) finding a perfect JMT gear list is impossible. That said, we can try.

I’ve organized this in a way that I hope will give a comprehensive picture of the gear JMT hikers use. This post covers the highest-rated gear, the most common gear, base weights, gear advice, and more.

The gear covered here includes backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, insulated jackets, rain jackets, fleeces, shoes, socks, stoves, water treatment, trekking poles, ice axes, traction systems, bear canisters, satellite messengers/PLBs, luxury items, and more.

The goal is for this to be a useful resource for JMT hikers, so if there’s anything you think is missing, please leave a comment below. Now for this year’s John Muir Trail Gear Guide by the JMT Class of 2024.

Notes on the Data

• There were 468 completed surveys. Sign up for the survey here if you’re hiking the John Muir Trail next year.
• Some responses have been sorted and colored (e.g., northbound vs. southbound responses).
• I ask respondents to do their best to respond accurately. Not everyone answers every question, and not every answer is 100% accurate (e.g., a hiker may mistakenly report their longest day of hiking was 25 instead of 29 miles).
• I refer to respondents collectively as the year’s “class.” Remember, this is a sample, not a comprehensive survey of every JMT hiker.
• For stats requiring the length of the John Muir Trail for a calculation (e.g., average mileage per day), I use 214.3 mi / 344.88 km. This is the distance, according to FarOut (which I recommend downloading if you don’t already have it).
• I will release more detailed posts focused on JMT Resupply, JMT Demographics, JMT Horror Stories, and JMT Advice. To be notified of new posts, click here.

Notes on the Gear

• Backpacks: For weights/stats, I use capacities closest to 55 liters (if multiple options are available) based on this year’s average of 57.1 liters.
• Backpacks: Where it makes sense (e.g., for the most popular pack), men’s and women’s versions of the same pack, such as the Osprey Exos and the Osprey Eja, have been combined into a single pack.
• Backpacks: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest, Windrider, and Junction are all the same backpack but with different exterior pocket material combinations. These packs have been combined into a single pack where it makes sense.

• Sleeping bags and quilts: For weights/stats, I use the highest fill power available and the temperature rating closest to 20°F/-6°C (if multiple options are available) based on this year’s average of 18°F/-7.8°C.

• Insulated jackets: I’ve split up the jacket and hoodie/hoody versions of insulated jackets. For example, the Ghost Whisperer Jacket and the Ghost Whisperer Hoody are treated as different jackets. If you have any thoughts on this, please let me know.

• Ice axes: For weights/stats, I use the length closest to 60 cm (if multiple options are available).

• Highest-rated gear: Only gear used and rated by at least ten hikers is assigned an average rating. If a piece of gear does not have a rating, it was used and/or rated by fewer than ten hikers.

• All ratings listed are the average (on a scale of 1 to 10) from each hiker who rated the gear.

Most Common JMT Gear

I asked each survey respondent about the gear they used during their John Muir Trail hike. With this information, we can see the most popular (as in frequently-used) gear on the trail.

Here’s what this year’s “Most Common JMT Gear List” backpack had (and what that theoretical backpack was).

• Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa (34.2 oz / 968 g)
• Shelter: Zpacks Duplex (17.9 oz / 507 g)
• Sleeping bag: Enlightened Equipment Enigma (21.19 oz / 600 g)
• Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (13 oz / 369 g)
• Insulated jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded) – Men’s/Women’s (10.7 oz / 302 g)
• Shell: Outdoor Research Helium – Men’s/Women’s (6.2 oz/ 176 g)
• Fleece: Senchi Designs Alpha 90 (4.5 oz / 128 g)
• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak – Men’s/Women’s (22 oz / 624 g)
• Socks: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew – Men’s/Women’s
• Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 (2.4 oz / 68 g)
• Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze (3 oz / 85 g)
• Bear canister: BearVault BV500 (41 oz / 1.162 kg)
• Trekking poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (17.1 oz / 485 g)
• PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 2 (3.5 oz / 100 g)
• Ice axe: C.A.M.P. USA Corsa (7.1 oz / 201 g)
• Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11.9 oz / 337 g)

Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 4.57 lbs / 2.075 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 5.39 lbs / 2.444 kg
All gear*: 10.91 lbs / 4.95 kg
*This does not include trekking poles, socks, shoes, or snow-travel gear (since most JMT hikers didn’t bring an ice axe or traction device).

In addition to the items noted above, these total base weights (a backpack’s weight minus food, water, and consumables – like poop paper) are missing a few pieces of gear (headlamp, extra clothing, electronics, etc.).

This brings us over halfway to the year’s average starting base weight of 22.38 lbs / 10.15 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the MSR PocketRocket 2, does not include the weight of a pot.

What is the total price of all this gear? $3,145 (with one pair of shoes and socks – snow gear is again excluded). What was the average thru-hikers spent on gear before beginning their hikes? $866 (M = $600 | σ = $865).

Highest-Rated Gear List

In addition to asking each John Muir Trail hiker what gear they used, I asked hikers to rate each piece of gear. No point in doing what everyone else is doing if none of them are happy with their choices, right? I’ve also used the results to construct a top-ten list for each category surveyed.

Here’s what this year’s “Highest-Rated JMT Gear List” backpack had (and what that theoretical backpack was).

• Backpack: Durston Kawa (31.3 oz / 887 g)
• Shelter: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 (2.19 lb / 993 g)
• Sleeping bag/quilt: Feathered Friends Egret (27.5 oz / 780 g)
• Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT (16 oz / 454 g)
• Insulated jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL – Men’s/Women’s (6.7 oz / 189 g)
• Shell: Montbell Versalite – Men’s/Women’s (6.4 oz / 182 g)
• Fleece: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie (9.3 oz / 264 g)
• Shoes: Salomon X Ultra – Men’s/Women’s (24.7 oz / 700 g)
• Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight – Men’s/Women’s
• Stove: Soto Windmaster (3.1 oz / 88 g)
• Water treatment: Sawyer Gravity Filter (5.8 oz / 165 g)
• Bear canister: Bearikade Expedition (36 oz / 1.021 kg)
• Trekking poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (17.1 oz / 485 g)
• PLB: Garmin inReach Mini 2 (3.5 oz / 100 g)
• Ice axe: Not enough data
• Traction device: Kahtoola MICROspikes (11.9 oz / 337 g)

Total weight – Big 3 (pack, shelter, sleeping bag): 5.86 lbs / 2.66 kg
Total weight – Big 4 (Big 3 + sleeping pad): 6.87 lbs / 3.114 kg
All gear*: 10.99 lbs / 4.987 kg
*This does not include trekking poles, socks, shoes, or snow-travel gear (since most JMT hikers didn’t bring an ice axe or traction device).

In addition to the items noted above, these total base weights (a backpack’s weight minus food, water, and consumables – like poop paper) are missing a few pieces of gear (headlamp, extra clothing, electronics, etc.).

This brings us over halfway to the year’s average starting base weight of 22.38 lbs / 10.15 kg. Note that the stove included in this list, the Soto Windmaster, does not include the weight of a pot.

What is the total price of all this gear? $3,664 (with one pair of shoes and socks – snow gear is again excluded). What was the average thru-hikers spent on gear before beginning their hikes? $866 (M = $600 | σ = $865).

Backpacks

One thing everyone definitely (probably?) needs if they’re going on an extended backpacking trip? A backpack.

A backpack can do a lot to define a hiker, and you can usually tell a lot (or at least think you can tell a lot) about a hiker by simply looking at their pack. This first section will examine backpack stats and the most common/highest-rated backpacks among John Muir Trail hikers this year.

Here is the average backpack size used by thru-hikers.

Hikers’ most common complaints when it came to backpacks this year? Packs were too heavy (as in the packs themselves), and packs chafed the hips of hikers.

Most Common JMT Backpacks

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa was the most common pack on the JMT this year. It weighs 34.2 oz / 968 g, comes in two colors and three sizes, has a 60 L capacity, and a recommended max carry load of 35 lb / 16 kg (but 30 lb / 14 kg for comfort). It’s made from 100 & 200D Robic high-tensile strength nylon and has three different-sized hip belts to find the optimal fit.

Highest-Rated JMT Backpacks

For the second year in a row, the Durston Kakwa was the highest-rated pack on the JMT. It’s an Ultra 200X pack that weighs 31.3 oz / 887 g (in a medium size) and has a base price of $260. This pack’s maximum recommended load is 45 lb / 20 kg. 55- and 40-liter versions of the pack are available.

JMT Backpack Breakdown

Shelters

Shelters – essentially the umbrella term for tents because there are also options such as bivy sacks, tarps, pyramids, and lean-tos – are another essential piece of John Muir Trail gear. Hikers should consider whether they would like their shelter to be freestanding.

What is a freestanding shelter? It’s a shelter that needs only the tent body and its poles to be set up—no stakes or superfluous tie-outs are required. The year’s third-most-common shelter is an example of this: the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2.

Shelters that are not freestanding must be staked or tied out to be set up correctly. These shelters typically (but not always) use trekking poles instead of the more traditional tent poles to be set up – something to consider when considering shelter weights and prices. An example of this kind of shelter is the year’s most common shelter, the Zpacks Duplex.

Lastly, a semi-freestanding shelter is one that (typically) uses tent poles and can stand on its own, but that requires at least one stake or tie-outs to be completely set up. An example of this kind of shelter is the year’s highest-rated shelter, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2.

Most Common JMT Shelters

The Zpacks Duplex was the most common shelter on the JMT this year. It’s a $699, two-person, side-entry, 18.5 oz / 525 g shelter requiring two trekking poles to set up. It’s made from .55 oz/yd² Dyneema Composite Fabric and requires at least eight stakes to set up (not included in the $699 price tag).

Highest-Rated JMT Shelters

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 was the highest-rated shelter on the JMT this year. It’s a $480, two-person, side-entry, 2.19 lb / 993 g semi-freestanding shelter requiring at least two stakes to set up correctly. If you want to use it with just the fly and footprint (leaving behind the mesh body), the weight drops to 1.44 lb /653 g.

JMT Shelter Breakdown

Note: The Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1 and X-Mid Pro 2 are available in woven and Dyneema versions with or without stakes. The data above reflects the woven versions without stakes.

Most Common JMT Sleeping Bags

This year, the Enlightened Equipment Enigma was the JMT’s most common sleeping bag (quilt). The Enigma is highly customizable and comes in various lengths, widths, temperature ratings, fill powers, and colors. What’s the difference between the Enigma and the Revelation? The Enigma has a sewn footbox (i.e., the Revelation can be laid flat).

Highest-Rated JMT Sleeping Bags & Quilts

This year, the Feathered Friends Egret was the JMT’s highest-rated sleeping bag (quilt). The Egret is a women-specific quilt (that’s not to say men can’t use it) available in two lengths, four colors, and two temperature ratings. If the Egret is too small for you (since it’s tailored for women), the Feathered Friends Swallow is also worth checking out.

JMT Sleeping Bag & Quilt Breakdown

Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads are another must-have item on the John Muir Trail. Hikers have two options: an inflatable or foam sleeping pad.

Both have pros and cons. Foam pads can’t pop, can be easily deployed, aren’t noisy, and make acceptable LARPing weapons; inflatable pads pack down small, have higher R-values (i.e., they’re warmer), can (sometimes) be lighter, and make acceptable rafts.

Which sleeping pad is best depends on your personal needs and, in some cases, how much durability you’re willing to sacrifice to save weight. Most JMT hikers used inflatable sleeping pads, with 30% using some Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT version (regular, small, MAX, or the now-discontinued women’s).

Most Common JMT Sleeping Pads

This year, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT was the most common sleeping pad on the John Muir Trail. In size regular, this air pad has an R-value of 4.5, weighs 13 oz / 369 g, packs to 4.1 x 9 in / 10 x 23 cm, and is 3 in / 7.6 cm thick. It’s also available in short, wide, and large sizes.

Highest-Rated JMT Sleeping Pads

This year, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT was the highest-rated sleeping pad on the John Muir Trail. In size regular, this air pad has an R-value of 7.3, weighs 15.5 oz / 439 g, packs to 4.5 x 9 in / 11.4 x 23 cm, and is 3 in / 7.6 cm thick. It’s also available in regular-wide and large sizes.

JMT Sleeping Pad Breakdown

Insulated Jackets

Every John Muir Trail hiker should also bring something to keep the top half of their body warm—whether this is a base layer, a fleece, or an insulated jacket. Of this year’s class, 91.6% had an insulated jacket, meaning 8.4% said they didn’t bring one.

I’m using “insulated jacket” because “down jacket” isn’t accurate since not all jackets use down insulation and because the word “puffy” isn’t quite official. Also, I don’t know whether to spell the plural “puffys” or “puffies.” They both look weird.

Many of the most popular insulated jackets have hooded and non-hooded versions. Typically, the hoodless versions are called “jackets,” while the hooded versions are called hoodies (e.g., Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket vs. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody).

Most Common JMT Insulated Jackets

This year, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common jacket on the John Muir Trail. The 800-fill, 10.7 oz / 302 g jacket has a 10D ripstop shell, two zippered hand pockets, and synthetic insulation in the first baffle at both cuffs to prevent wetting out. This year, the jacket and UL versions of the Ghost Whisperer were also popular among JMT hikers.

Highest-Rated JMT Insulated Jackets

This year, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated insulated jacket on the John Muir Trail. It’s a lighter-weight version of the most popular insulated jacket, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer. It’s a 6.7 oz / 189 g, 1000-fill power-down hoody (there’s only a hooded version of the UL) with a 7D nylon shell and two handwarmer pockets.

Shells

John Muir Trail hikers typically don’t use shells or rain jackets daily, but they shouldn’t be overlooked; I don’t know what the nearly 6% of hikers who didn’t bring a shell were thinking. Weather on the JMT can be unpredictable, and getting caught on the trail unprepared in a storm could quickly become life-threatening.

Most Common JMT Shells

This year, the Outdoor Research Helium (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common rainwear on the John Muir Trail. It’s a $170 jacket that weighs just 6.2 oz / 176 g. It’s not going to keep you dry for days of continuous downpour, but that’s typically not expected in the Sierra during the popular JMT hiking months. The jacket has a single chest pocket and is made with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer fabric.

Highest-Rated JMT Shells

This year, the Montbell Versalite (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated rainwear on the John Muir Trail. It’s a 6.4 oz / 182 g jacket made with GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER fabric. It has pit zips, a pocket hem adjuster, and two hand-warmer pockets placed hiker up to not be in the way of a hipbelt, fanny pack, or harness.

JMT Shell Breakdown

Fleeces

Many hikers carry a fleece in addition to or instead of an insulated jacket. They are typically more comfortable to hike in (if you’re using your extra layers for more than just staying warm at camp) and can offer more versatility than a puffy, depending on the situation.

The split among hikers regarding whether they had a fleece was pretty even; 46.6% of hikers brought a fleece.

Most Common JMT Fleeces

This year, the Senchi Designs Alpha 90 Hoodie was the most common fleece on the John Muir Trail. It’s made with 78% recycled polyester, weighs 4.8 oz / 136 g in a size large (depending on the fabric color), and has a single front kangaroo pocket. The Polartec Alpha Direct 90 fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and semi-transparent.

Highest-Rated JMT Fleeces

The most common fleece on the John Muir Trail was the Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie. Melanzana products are only available locally at their store in Leadville, Colorado (not too close to the JMT). Still, it was widely enough used to receive the highest rating from this year’s class. Note that this fleece is commonly referred to as a Melly. It’s a 12.2 oz / 346 g pullover with a hood and a kangaroo pocket in the front.

JMT Fleece Breakdown

Shoes

Shoes are perhaps one of the most important gear choices for John Muir Trail hikers as they’re what’s literally moving you up the trail. They’re also one of the most individual-specific pieces of gear. Let me get this out of the way now and say there is no such thing as a “best hiking shoe.”

What may be the objective best choice for one person could easily be the objective worst choice for another person. The “best hiking shoes” are the ones that work best for the individual. Don’t be afraid of trying multiple models from multiple brands to find the most comfortable shoe for your foot.

This year, I’m breaking down shoes a bit more. I’ve included the type of shoe used, whether thru-hikers used waterproof shoes, and whether thru-hikers changed their shoe size during their hikes.

For more on hiking shoes, check out the Best Shoes for Thru-Hiking.

Most Common JMT Shoes

The Altra Lone Peak (Men’s/Women’s) was the most common shoe on the feet of John Muir Trail hikers this year. They cost $140 per pair, have a 0 mm heel-toe drop, and weigh 21.4 oz / 607 g per pair. Altra frequently releases new versions of the Lone Peak; at the time of publication, the latest is the Lone Peak 8.

Highest-Rated JMT Shoes

This year, the Salomon X Ultra (Men’s/Women’s) was the highest-rated shoe on the JMT. It’s a low-cut hiking shoe that weighs 24.7 oz / 700 g and costs $125 per pair. A waterproof version (men’s/women’s) is also available. Salomon occasionally releases new versions of this shoe.

JMT Shoe Breakdown

Socks

After shoes, John Muir Trail hiker socks take the most (if not more) damage from the daily grind of the trail. Darn Tough is the standout sock brand among hikers – occupying four of the five most common spots.

Hikers love these socks for their comfort and durability and because they’re “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life.” Basically, wear a hole in your sock(s) while hiking, and you can get a new pair (reasonable exceptions apply, such as fire damage or animal tearing apart). 61.3% of JMT hikers had Darn Tough socks on the trail.

For more on hiking socks, check out the Best Socks for Thru-Hiking.

Most Common JMT Socks

Darn Tough dominated John Muir Trail hiker feet this year, with the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (Men’s/Women’s) being the most common model. They are made of 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, and 3% lycra spandex; they have a medium cushion, cost $25 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. The fourth most common sock was the quarter-length version (Men’s/Women’s) of this sock.

Highest-Rated JMT Socks

The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight (Men’s/Women’s) was the year’s highest-rated sock on the John Muir Trail. They are made of 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% spandex; they have a medium cushion, cost $26 a pair, and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee. The third-highest-rated sock was the quarter-length version (men’s/women’s) of this sock.

JMT Sock Breakdown

Stoves

Hikers have many stoves and fuel source choices when selecting their backpacking stoves. These include denatured alcohol/HEET, solid fuel, liquid fuel, isobutane/propane (gas canisters), and even old-fashioned wood.

96.8% of the stoves carried by hikers used isobutane/propane gas canisters.

That said, some hikers were still stoveless (they did not carry a stove on the trail), and others changed their minds as the trail went on. Here’s a breakdown of what that looked like.

Most Common JMT Stoves

This year, the MSR PocketRocket 2 was the most common stove on the John Muir Trail. It’s a 2.6 oz / 74 g canister stove that requires a lighter to ignite (i.e., no push-button ignition). The push-button start version, the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, was the third most common stove. The reported boil time for one liter of water is 3.5 minutes (at sea level).

Highest-Rated JMT Stoves

This year, the SOTO WindMaster was the highest-rated stove on the John Muir Trail. It’s a 3.1 oz / 88 g canister stove that requires a lighter to ignite (i.e., no push-button ignition). It also includes an optional (to use) pot support that clips easily onto the stove. The reported boil time for one liter of water is 4 minutes and 2 seconds (at sea level).

JMT Stove Breakdown

Water Treatment

Despite what a small vocal minority of hikers may tell you, water treatment is essential on the John Muir Trail. Pooping your pants on the trail (or in town) because you have contracted giardia is not fun. On that note, be sure to sanitize your hands frequently, keep your hands out of bags of food – especially other people’s – and pour that delicious snack into your hand instead.

Hikers have many options regarding water filtration—hollow fiber membrane squeeze filters, pump filters, UV filters, and chemical treatments (e.g., bleach or iodine), to name a few. Yes, you can also boil water, but it is not a realistic long-term water treatment solution on the JMT, as the amount of time and gas it would take to boil all one’s water would be immense.

95.8% of hikers used a hollow membrane squeeze, gravity, or pump water treatment device. That is to say, just 4.2% of JMT hikers used chemicals or UV to treat water sources.

All five of the most common water treatments, as do all five of the highest-rated, fall into this category. These filters are typically inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use, but they can also clog quickly and are susceptible to freezing (and breaking), so it’s important to care for them properly.

Nearly 44% of hikers used the Sawyer Squeeze, the most common hollow membrane squeeze filter (and the most common water treatment overall).

Most Common JMT Water Treatment

The Sawyer Squeeze was (by far) the most common John Muir Trail water filter this year. It’s a $41, 3 oz / 85 g hollow fiber filter that rids your drinking water of protozoa and bacteria (and floaties). It can be used with Sawyer bags (included with the filter) or compatible water bottles (Smartwater is the bottle of choice for many hikers). The Sawyer comes in two smaller sizes, the Sawyer Micro and the Sawyer MINI.

Highest-Rated JMT Water Treatment

The Sawyer Gravity Filter was the year’s highest-rated water treatment device on the John Muir Trail. It’s a single-bag, $65 gravity-fed hollow fiber filter that weighs 5.8 oz / 164 g. It essentially pairs a bladder with the most common (and fourth-highest-rated) water treatment system, the Sawyer Squeeze.

JMT Water Treatment Breakdown

Bear Canisters

Carrying a bear canister on the John Muir Trail is a legal requirement all hikers must follow.

Bear canisters are essentially bear-proof (not scent-proof) plastic or carbon fiber canisters in which you store all your food and attractants (anything with an odor). The idea is to prevent bears from accessing your food and becoming food-conditioned (because once this happens, bears typically become greater threats to humans and are subsequently euthanized).

Most Common JMT Bear Canisters

This year, the BearVault BV500 was the most common bear canister on the John Muir Trail. It has an 11.5 L capacity and is made from polycarbonate (transparent blue plastic). The lid can be removed without tools (or coins), and the canister measures 12.7 x 8.7 in / 32 x 22 cm.

Highest-Rated JMT Bear Canisters

The Bearikade Expedition was the highest-rated bear canister on the JMT this year; it’s also incredibly expensive at $424. It’s made of carbon fiber, has a 14.7 L capacity, and weighs 37 oz / 1.049 kg. A notable difference between the Bearikades and other bear canisters is that the Bearikade’s lid does not completely come off and requires a coin (or other thin, hard object) to open.

JMT Bear Canister Breakdown

Trekking Poles

Not all hikers carry trekking poles, and not all do so for the entirety of the trail (be careful not to leave your trekking poles behind, especially in a hitch). Some hikers carry a trekking pole or two to set up their shelter, while others may use them for every step of the trail.

98.4% of John Muir Trail hikers used trekking poles this year.

If you’ve never used trekking poles before, they may be worth considering if you plan to hike the John Muir Trail. Here are the most common and highest-rated trekking poles from this year’s JMT class.

Most Common JMT Trekking Poles

This year, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork was the most common trekking pole on the John Muir Trail. It’s a 100% carbon fiber set of poles that cost $210, weighs 17.1 oz / 485 g (per pair), has cork grips, an external lever lock, and collapses to 24 in / 61 cm.

Highest-Rated JMT Trekking Poles

This year, in addition to being the most commonly used trekking pole, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork was also the highest-rated trekking pole on the John Muir Trail. It’s a 100% carbon fiber set of poles that cost $210, weighs 17.1 oz / 485 g (per pair), has cork grips, an external lever lock, and collapses to 24 in / 61 cm.

JMT Trekking Pole Breakdown

Satellite Messengers/PLBs

I am a massive proponent of carrying a satellite messenger or PLB in the backcountry. Honestly, recreating – at least thru-hiking – without one is borderline irresponsible (at best). Fortunately, these devices are becoming more popular; 85.1% of John Muir Trail hikers carried a satellite messenger or PLB on the trail.

What’s the difference between a PLB and a satellite messenger? A PLB is a device (generally) without a subscription and with a singular function – to send an SOS. PLBs generally use different satellite networks than satellite messengers and are (at least widely thought to be) more reliable. However, this is not to say that satellite messengers are unreliable.

A satellite messenger (generally) offers two-way communication and additional features such as real-time tracking or maps. Satellite messengers usually require a subscription to function (this typically includes the ability to send an SOS).

For more on satellite messengers and PLBs, check out the Best Satellite Messengers for Thru-Hiking.

Most Common JMT Satellite Messengers/PLBs

This year, the inReach Mini 2 was the most common satellite messenger on the John Muir Trail. The previous (now discontinued) model, the inReach Mini, was the second most common. The inReach Mini 2 is an awesome piece of equipment that can be used for two-way messaging, navigation, tracking, and as an SOS device. It weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g, has an easy-to-use mobile app, and requires a monthly (or annual) subscription to function.

Highest-Rated JMT Satellite Messengers/PLBs

This year, the inReach Mini 2 was the highest-rated satellite messenger on the John Muir Trail in addition to being the most commonly used. The inReach Mini 2 is an awesome piece of equipment that can be used for two-way messaging, navigation, tracking, and as an SOS device. It weighs 3.5 oz / 99 g, has an easy-to-use mobile app, and requires a monthly (or annual) subscription to function.

JMT Satellite Messengers/PLB Breakdown

Traction Systems

Similar to ice axes, traction systems are not something every John Muir hiker will need every year. If you’re unfamiliar with these, they’re essentially the younger sibling to a crampon – spikes on your feet to make travel across snow and ice easier. Most attach to your shoes via a stretchy harness and have spikes on the bottom below your heel and forefoot for traction.

This year, just 5.8% of hikers carried a traction device.

Most Common & Highest Rated JMT Traction Systems

This year, the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System was the most common traction system on the John Muir Trail, with 64% of hikers (who carried traction) using it. It’s an over-the-shoe, spikes-on-the-bottom system that weighs 11 oz / 312 g. It comes in four sizes and has stainless steel spikes.

This was also the only traction system with enough hikers using it to warrant a rating. In 2024, JMT hikers rated it 9.29.

JMT Traction System Breakdown

Highest-Rated vs. Most Common Gear

How do the highest-rated and most common John Muir Trail gear lists stack up?

Here’s a look at each.

JMT Gear	Highest Rated	Most Common
Total cost*	$3,664	$3,145
Total weight – Big 3	5.86 lbs / 2.66 kg	4.57 lbs / 2.075 kg
Total weight – Big 4	6.87 lbs / 3.114 kg	5.39 lbs / 2.444 kg
All JMT gear**	10.99 lbs / 4.987 kg	10.91 lbs / 4.95 kg

Note: The most common shelter requires trekking poles (or a separate kit) and stakes to pitch properly. The highest-rated shelter requires two stakes to pitch properly (and one additional if staking out the fly).

*This does not include the price of a fitness tracker
**This does not include an ice axe, traction, bear canister, poles, shoes, socks, or a fitness tracker
***This does not include poles, shoes, socks, or a fitness tracker

JMT Gear	Highest Rated	Most Common
Backpack	Durston Kawa	Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Shelter	Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2	Zpacks Duplex
Sleeping Bag	Feathered Friends Egret	Enlightened Equipment Enigma
Sleeping Pad	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Insulated Jacket	Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL – Men’s/Women’s	Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Hooded) – Men’s/Women’s
Shell	Montbell Versalite (Men’s/Women’s)	Outdoor Research Helium – Men’s/Women’s
Fleece	Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie	Senchi Designs Alpha 90
Shoes	Salomon X Ultra – Men’s/Women’s	Altra Lone Peak – Men’s/Women’s
Socks	Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight – Men’s/Women’s	Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew – Men’s/Women’s
Stove	Soto Windmaster	MSR PocketRocket 2
Water Treatment	Sawyer Gravity Filter	Sawyer Squeeze
Bear Canister	Bearikade Expedition	BearVault BV500
Trekking Poles	Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork	Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Satellite Messenger	Garmin inReach Mini 2	Garmin inReach Mini 2
Ice Axe	Not enough data	C.A.M.P. USA Corsa
Traction System	Kahtoola MICROspikes	Kahtoola MICROspikes

Base Weights

Base weight. The thing that completely defines some hikers, that others have difficulty defining, and that others don’t care about at all. Simply put, it’s how much your backpack weighs when fully loaded with your gear, minus the weight of food, water, and/or consumables (like your poopy paper).

Some hikers will tell you the best gear is the lightest gear and that there’s no benefit to carrying any “unnecessary” weight in your pack. Others will say that ultralight gear is little better than badly-sewn-together garbage and that having quality gear (without regard to weight) is the only way to live your best trail life. They’re both right, and they’re both wrong. The “right gear” is the gear that works for you (and that you’re happy with).

Ultimately, carrying a lighter pack is more enjoyable than carrying a heavy one. However, not having the proper gear if/when you need it can quickly eliminate any benefit realized from having a lighter pack. The base weight for you is the one you’re the happiest carrying. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise has no business telling you so.

Base Weights	Thru-Hikers	Thru-Hikers (1)	Thru-Hikers (0)
Start	22 lb / 9.98 kg	21.9 lb / 9.93 kg	21.9 lb / 9.93 kg
End	20.32 lb / 9.22 kg	20.2 lb / 9.16 kg	21.09 lb / 9.57 kg
Change	-1.68 lb / -762 g	1.7 lb / 771 g	-0.81 lb / -367 g
% Change	-7.9%	-8.1%	-3.8%

Other Gear Carried

The items detailed above are not the only items in JMT hiker backpacks. There’s a lot of gear that, while not completely necessary (shoes, for example), is still carried by many JMT hikers. If you think any of these should be added to the detailed breakdown, please let me know (headlamps are one I’m considering including in the future).

Gear Advice

To wrap up this portion of the gear breakdown, I have advice from this year’s John Muir Trail Class on gear choices and lists for future JMT hikers. Remember that each of these comes from a single JMT hiker, and they are not necessarily representative views of this year’s class (or myself).

• I recommend a sun hoody and consider pretreating it with permethrin.

• Bring rain gear and hold on to those SOBO Half Dome gloves. It was freezing at the Whitney summit this year. Minimize your gear and weight as much as possible without making yourself miserable.

• I brought a few luxury items, including a lightweight chair and an inflatable pillow. My base weight was higher than most people, but I was on the trail for 23 days, and for me, it was more important to be comfortable to actually enjoy the hike. I didn’t mind carrying the extra weight at all.

• I would not use Frogg Toggs again for rain gear. It was super cheap and impossible to hike in. I will bring only a high-quality lightweight rain jacket and no rain pants next time.

• It is 100% true that you pack your fears. I was overly worried about cold and packed things I never used like down pants.