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John Muir Trail (JMT) Comprehensive Guide
Planning the John Muir Trail can feel overwhelming. Permits, gear, resupply, food, footwear, weather, altitude, and figuring out what actually matters. We built this guide to simplify the process and help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Section 1: Start Here (Beginner Essentials)
- JMT Permits Explained
- Best Time to Hike the JMT
- How Hard is the JMT?
- First Time JMT Mistakes
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What Happens When an Eastside Sports Employee Attempts the JMT for the First Time
Section 2: Gear Guides
- JMT Complete Gear Checklist
- Best Shoes for the JMT
- What Gear to Replace
- Best Backpacks for JMT
- Water Filtration
- Sleep Systems
Section 3: Food, Training, and Prep
Planning your John Muir Trail hike? We made a curated JMT Gear Collection with packs, footwear, water filters, bear canisters, layers, and trail-tested essentials to help simplify your kit.
Shop Our JMT Gear CollectionDisclaimer: The information in these guides is provided for general educational and planning purposes only. Conditions, regulations, weather, trail access, and product availability can change quickly. Always verify current information with official land managers and use your own judgment. Outdoor travel involves inherent risks. Eastside Sports is not liable for injuries, losses, or outcomes related to the use of this information.
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