want to do my first extended, long distance hike on the PCT. whats the best guide book for it?
long distance newb
Best guide book?
system
#2
I’ve used Schaffer’s from Wilderness Press. It can be a little too detailed at times but it gives you something to read in the evenings. It’s maps seem accurate and on a scale that is useful.
bowlegs
system
#3
Schaffer’s is still good, though with some inaccuracies. Erik the Black’s is also very good.
Robocop
system
#5
The 2004 should still be fine. Ollalies gone, the bridgeport extrememly expensive ripoff store may or may not be gone. IT closes for months at a time in the off season, and has been for sale since 2008 like most other bridgeport bussinesses. IF closed just take a quick hitch south to Mammoth and go to the Vons (Safeway)store, or the Lee Vining store(check out Mono Lake), or just shop for a few more days at the awesome Tuolomne Meadows store and go through to Meyers near Tahoe.
I would definetly go online if you plan on making mail drops, and double check the Post Office info. Also make really sure you get the Kennedy Meadows (Mile 700ish) UPS address right.
For the Sierra which will be really snowy, download the free “halfmile map” which shows nice detail, and have it sent to K Meadows.
The Wilderness Press guidebooks, have useful info but are quite heavy, and are pretty much seen as a joke on the trail. Very negative too. Every sections begining summary is pretty bad. I think only one section up in Washington has good stuff written. Most descriptions are like, “prepare yourself for a bone jarring descent that will destroy your knees.” or “meander through grotesque Joshua trees in this very unPCTlike segment.”
The data book too is laughable. You will cross dirt roads all day, and it will have “cross lessor dirt road” and a mileage. Leaving you to guess which of the dozen roads your at. Or after seeing a ton of lakes ponds and tarns say, “diminutive lake” HUH??? It doesnt even list the I-8 crossing.
Im contemplating just using the Data Book this year. Ive been through most of the trail twice before, so navi isnt that bad. Most times you can look at the ground and see what way everyone else went, and just go that way at trail intersections.
Dont worry about a GPS at all. Not needed on PCT. I know there fun to have, and are really cool, but unless one has the PCT programmed in. I dont think you could find a GPS trak for the trail that would fit on a unit.
Guino
system
#6
Bob Peeples, of Kincora fame, has a fantastic binder of info created for him by a PCT thru hiker. She created his complete with color photos, but I believe has the info for others minus photos. Sorry I don’t remember the hiker’s name, but if you contact Bob I am sure he would hook you up!
filly