Coming from Europe where ultralight gear is much more expensive than in the states (if available at all) I'm wondering if it's possible to buy a tent, backpack, cooking gear etc. at the PCT Kick Off? I know there's outdoor vendors, but I'm not sure if they're there just to show off new stuff or to sell a wider range of merchandise...?

It is possible. This year there were several cottage companies along with a full service outfitter represented. Also, if you stay with a trail angel in San Diego before kick off, you can go to REI. A few foreigners came empty handed this year with no problems.

Thomas,
There were a number of vendors at the ADZPCTKO this past year. We intend to return this year (LightHeart Gear) assuming we're invited, and although I can't speak for others, I suspect that a number of them will return also. Some had inventory to sell and some had limited supplies. This past year was our first year and we thought it was a great event! You can see a list of some of the vendors at the ADZPCTKO website. In addition, there was a local outfitter who carried a wide variety of things if you were not able to find the items you need from the other vendors who participated. They even made some runs back to their store to get models, sizes, or colors of certain things that they had not brought to the event. I got the sense that they were very accommodating. I would suggest that if there is something specific that you know you may want, contact the vendor ahead of time to make sure they save and bring at least one with them for you.
Marc Penansky
LightHeart Gear

There's a great selection of ultralight backpacks and shelters. While you might find the following things, I would not expect to find them: clothing, cooking gear, sleeping gear and water treatment/purification.

For those other things, may I suggest having those items shipped via USPS general delivery to a post office that's convenient to your trip to the border? The Campo post office might be perfect since you'll be walking near it within your first minutes on the trail, but check to make sure its hours work for you.

Contact the companies ahead of time and see what their event inventory will be. Some of the stock on things like backpacks or shelters can be limited at some of the vendors. I've known hikers who bought a replacement backpack there but didn't receive it for a few weeks further up the trail since they were sold out. You could order some of what you know you want ahead of time and have them bring it to the event for you to pick up. I would at least recommend hitting the booths as soon as they have set up. But as a previous post mentioned, a San Diego based outfitter (A-16) will be there and they can get any sort of mainstream gear you want (they can have gear brought from their store to the event by the following day in many cases if you need to buy it) so there is a fall back position if you have a must need piece of gear to get inorder to hike and non of the other vendors have any stock.

If you are going to be staying at a trail angel's place in San Diego (they will pick you up at the airport,train,bus station and take you to the border the following day having let you stay at their home overnight), they usually have no problem taking you to one of the major outfitters in town (REI being a favorite) as well as a grocery store. That way you can get more normal things like clothing, etc. Yogi's handbook mentions a few trail angel names and contact info and others often post their services on the PCT-L email forums.

Edited by Miner on 11/08/2011 15:49:35 MST.

i second sean's idea of contacting the cottage guys ahead of time. perhaps zpacks would be a great place to start. i know he was there this past year. if you got in touch with him ahead of time, he could outfit you with shelter, rain gear, sleeping bag, and pack.