John Muir Trail Gear Guide (2025 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 to 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.

Continue reading to learn more about gear needed to hike the John Muir Trail, written by Mac.

Kontribye ekriven

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

/

Halfway Anywhere: John Muir Trail Gear Guide (2025 Survey)

Mac

Last updated:

January 23, 2026

| 5 min read

John Muir Trail Gear Guide (2025 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 to 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.

Continue reading to learn more about gear needed to hike the John Muir Trail, written by Mac.

Kontribye ekriven

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

/

Kontribye ekriven

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

See author bio

Medya Mansyone

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

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Halfway Anywhere: John Muir Trail Gear Guide (2025 Survey)

Mac

Last updated:

January 22, 2026

| 5 min read

John Muir Trail Gear Guide (2025 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 to 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.

Continue reading to learn more about gear needed to hike the John Muir Trail, written by Mac.

Kontribye ekriven

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

/

Kontribye ekriven

Mac

Tyler 'Mac' Fox, the voice behind Halfway Anywhere, is a multifaceted adventurer, thru-hiker, bikepacker, ultrarunner, and van dweller, after a pivotal experience thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.

learn about the author

Medya Mansyone

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

browse all articles

Medya Mansyone

May 6, 2026

6 Min