What to Replace Before the JMT (Gear That Won’t Last the Full Trail) | Bishop Resupply Guide

Most hikers starting the John Muir Trail (JMT) already have their gear dialed, or at least they think they do. 

The problem is, some of that gear won't last the full trial. 

Shoes break down faster than expected. Improper sock choice leads to blisters. Fuel runs out sooner in cold conditions. And small issues turn into major L's once you're deep in the High Sierra. 

That's why many hikers end up replacing key items when they get to "real civilization" (Bishop). 

This guide breaks down what gear to replace before the JMT, how to know if yours will fail, and what to fix before it becomes a problem. 

Most Common Gear Replacements before and on the JMT

• Trail runners / hiking shoes
• Socks
  
• Sleeping pads
• Water filters or purification backup 
• Trekking poles & their tips
• Sleeping bags (surprisingly)
• Gear patches for holes in your tarp or tent
• Foot care supplies (blister care)

When to Replace Your Shoes for the JMT

Shoes are the #1 piece of gear that fails on the JMT. Most trial runners last 300 miles under load, and less in rocky terrain like the sierra carrying a heavy pack.

If you're starting the trail with 100-200 miles already on your shoes, worn tread, or compressed cushioning, they likely wont make it.

Signs you should replace them before starting:

• Flattened midsoles
• Slipping traction on rock
• Foot fatigue early in the day

Don't risk starting the JMT in worn-out shoes

• Shop our best trail runners for the JMT
• Add fresh insoles for support
• Check out Injinji socks to help prevent blisters

How Much Fuel Do You Need for the JMT?

Fuel is one of the most commonly miscalculated items. Colder temps + longer cook times = higher usage. Many hikers either run out early or stress about it. Don't start the trail with a half full canister. When leaving a resupply point, we recommend having 1-2 full smaller fuel cans or one larger one. 

Backup Water Treatment for the JMT

Squirrels chewing through your filter bag, someone dropping their Sawyer straight into a fast-moving current, or a filter freezing solid overnight, we've seen it all happen year after year.

Nature has a funny way of testing your gear at the worst possible time, so do yourself a favor and carry a backup.

 Shop water purification tablets and the ever-reliable Platypus QuickDraw Filter so you can still drink safely, even when things inevitably go a little sideways out there. 

Sleeping Bags and Pads

After almost 50 years in business, we've learned one thing pretty quickly: some thru-hikers are excellent planners... and some are just hoping for the best.

You'd be surprised how many people pack their old 30 degree sleeping bag and assume the Sierra will just "be nice" about it. Unfortunately, the mountains don't really negotiate. 

Old, compressed down or zippers on their last life are not what you want when you're at elevation for 3 weeks straight. Trust me, after a 15-mile day. the last thing you want is lying in your tent wondering if you're actually going to stay warm in Grandma Betty's bag from the 80's.

Sleep is your saving grace on trail. That's why we carry top brands like Western Mountaineering. Handmade bags in the USA with 850+ fill down, you can be confident that every night will be a cozy and warm sleeping experience. 

On a similar note, people underestimate how warm their sleeping pad should be, or maybe they're just unlucky enough to pick up a hole in it halfway thru their John Muir pilgrimage. Check out the staff favorite backpacking pad: Thermarest XLite NXT. 

Where to Replace Gear Before the JMT (Bishop Resupply)

Bishop is one of the most common resupply points for JMT hikers entering via Kearsarge Pass or exiting for a reset. It's also one of the best places to replace worn gear, restock on freeze-dried meals, fix problems with your kit, and enjoy some yummy town food before re-entering the backcountry. 

Stopping here mid-trail? Stop by Eastside Sports to fix your kit!

FAQ

Should I start the JMT with new shoes?
If your current pair already has significant mileage, yes. Most won’t last the full trail if worn.

What Can You Buy in Bishop for the JMT?
You can essentially replace any and everything in your kit. Sleeping bag not warm enough? Ripped a hole in your tent? Snapped both tips of your trekking poles off? We got you covered here at Eastside Sports.