Grant's Dream Setup vs Linda's Actual Setup

Linda asked me what I would pack for her upcoming PCT section trip. I gave her a 23-item list with weights, costs, and sourcing notes. She thanked me and then showed me what she was actually packing. Here is the comparison.

Grant's Recommended Kit (23 Items)

Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 ($569). Pack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($290). Sleep system: Western Mountaineering UltraLite bag ($745) + Thermarest ProLite Plus ($130). Boots: Merrell Moab 3 GTX (See Grant's full review →) ($150). Rain jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($189). Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($349). [Plus 16 additional items I have researched and sourced.]

Total for Grant's recommended kit (core items only): $2,422. Total including secondary items: approximately $3,800.

Linda's Actual Kit (11 Items)

Tent: borrowed REI Half Dome 2 from her sister (cost: $0). Pack: grey Osprey (purchased used, 2019, cost: approximately $80). Sleep system: Kelty Cosmic Down 20 ($180) + basic foam pad ($35). Boots: Merrell Moab 2 she's had since 2020 (cost: paid at the time). Rain jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell (borrowed from Grant, cost to her: $0). Navigation: AllTrails downloaded map on her phone ($35 annual subscription).

Total for Linda's actual kit: approximately $330 not counting items she already owned.

The Results

Linda has completed six multi-day trips in the past three years. All six trips: completed. All gear: performed adequately for the conditions encountered. Total gear cost: well under $500.

My gear is better. Also: Linda goes. These are both true. I am aware of both.