What Gear Should I Pack?
Tent
Your tent might be one of many 4 heaviest gadgets in your backpack, so it must be one of many first locations you look to maintain weight down.
Non-freestanding: Thru-hikers usually select ultralight, single-wall shelters which can be non-freestanding to maintain tent weight to a minimal. They take longer to arrange, might have some inside condensation, and may be tough to pitch on exhausting floor/rock, however they’re often far lighter than conventional shelters. This might be a good selection for the JMT, which is a difficult path, however tends to be pretty dry in peak season.
Freestanding: If you’d want a extra handy possibility and are prepared to hold some additional weight, you might discover {that a} double-wall, free-standing tent might be a greater match. Just ensure that to get a light-weight/ultralight mannequin, as a result of some freestanding tents may be very heavy. For the extra informal backpacker, this tends to be the preferred selection. A light-weight freestanding tent might be pretty foolproof and can be utilized for backpacking, automobile tenting, and every thing in-between.
Tent Recommendations: The Zpacks Duplex and Triplex (pictured beneath) are our high picks for non-freestanding ultralight tents. They’re high of the road thru-hiking shelters, however they’re additionally fairly costly. If you’re searching for a freestanding tent, our high choose can be the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 & UL3. We love the comfort and luxury of the Copper Spur, and so they’re among the many lightest freestanding tents available on the market.
As far as what measurement to decide on, we typically want 3-person ultralight tent fashions and use them as a roomy tent for 2 individuals (the Triplex or UL3 for instance). Though 3-person fashions weight a bit greater than 2-person fashions, they supply a way more snug inside house for 2. If you’re touring solo or don’t thoughts tight residing quarters, you’ll possible desire a 1P or 2P tent (just like the Duplex or UL2).
Though these are two of the perfect backpacking tents available on the market, there are numerous different tent choices for climbing the JMT. Check out our Best Backpacking Tents checklist and Best Ultralight Tents checklist if you wish to store round some extra.