I'm planning on hiking the pct for just about a month this summer. I'm looking for someone who has had experience with the PCT in California to give me advice. Thanks!
2007-10-20 07:06:21 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Other - Outdoor Recreation
Although I have not done the PCT myself yet, I have done a lot of long distance backpacking and I just finished an excellent book that you should read called "Dances with Marmots: From Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail" by George Spearing.
Spearing was a firefighter from New Zealand who just decided to come to America and do the entire PCT in one shot. His book is not exactly a 'how-to' guide to the PCT, more a travel log of his adventures, but it definitely points out some of the challenges, has a list of all his gear, and gives some good learnings on what to do and what not to do. Moreover, it is a really great - and often humorous - read.
Another book that you will definitely need for the PCT is the "Pacific Crest Trail Map and Trail Guide" by Wilderness Press which outlines the entire route in sections of topo maps. Spearing makes it clear that this was critical due to the often poorly marked trails and long stretches between water.
Beyond that, the key to any long distance backpack is to stay light and not carry more gear than you need to. If you are going in summer, consider a bivy sack or tarp rather than a full tent. Have enough layers to stay warm and dry, but don't get so caught up in having 'clean' backups that you carry extra weight - if you are doing it for days at a time, you will get grudgy and just need to be OK with it.
There is also a company that he mentions in the book that will mail food caches to you at locations along the trail at specific dates, you only have to carry food from one drop point (usually a post office) to the next next.
2007-10-22 14:23:11 · answer #1 · answered by sascoaz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
4 to 5 to 6 months, provide or take. time without work paintings? that suggests having a job, that's a state of ungrace no longer often like minded with long-distance trekking. Many, a lot of human beings stay and not making use of a nicely-known "job"; and a few of them hike the PCT. Your suitable source for guidance is "path existence" via Ray Jardine, the 2009 replace to his classic previous Backpacking. there's a entertainment classification at the two ends of the earnings spectrum!
2016-10-04 05:42:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dances With Marmots
2016-12-10 11:00:43 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yo...take some water and some hiking boots. And of course a North Face camping tent.
2007-10-20 07:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by SleepingBeauty =) 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
route finding skills are very important the trail is not well marked. water can be a real problem. guide book and maps are a must
2007-10-20 19:18:20 · answer #5 · answered by snow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋