I'm not up there with the lightest on the trail (see full list). On the other hand I can easily shed some weight, if necessary.

Some luxury items for a long trip have been added, like the Exped Synmat UL 7, heavier than the Thermarest Neoair that most people will carry. But judging from my son Simon's experiences last year om the PCT, the extra weight is worth it: he slept like a king on the Exped, while constantly waking up and having the trouble to inflate the Neoair in the middle of the night (it has a tendency to lose some air).

Also, I have base camp clothing, a treat most people om the trail do without.

Most people will choose a Big Agnes Copper Spur 1 or 2 UL. It's more or less a default tent on the PCT. I've chosen a Tarptent Rainbow; a little lighter, lots of space inside, and more privacy.

I will also carry a ground sheet, a thing I noticed you need in the desert last year. The sand and the rocks will tear hard on the floor of your tent otherwise.

Also the sleeping bag liner is a luxury, to keep the sleeping bag clean, and add some extra warmth, if needed. The smell from some of the sleeping bags on the trail last year was awful...

Music is important to me, so I will bring a pair of good headphones. Politics is also part of my everyday life, so I will carry an Anker battery pack 15 000 mAH.

Last time i hiked the desert I laughed at the silly Dirty Girls gaiters. No more. After a 28 mile day in the desert the spores and nuggets of sand gave me two large aching blisters just under my ankles.