It seems that 15 mile days are average and a good rule of thumb on the AT. I met Myles Murphy, (www.walkingthewest.com) and he and his partner averaged right at 22 miles a day on the PCT carrying “too much weight in the form of food.”
Myles indicated that there were a few that averaged closer to thirty miles a day on the PCT while he was hiking. So now my q. What would you estimate to be the equivalent of 22-25 mile days on the PCT to be on the AT?
Airwick
Airwick
The ammount of miles you cover a day completely depends on your physical ability and the type of terrain you are going to be covering. If your strong and looking to push yourself, consider 20 to 25 a day through GA and NC and as the terrain gets easier you perhaps would be able to bump up the mileage. Moderately fit hikers usually push 13-20 on the A.T.
‘The’ Day Hiker
So a hiker that can average 22-25 on the PCT would only be able to do 20-25’s on the AT?
Willie
Well, The Wandering Bull averaged 25-30 mile days last year, while I only averaged 10-12 mile days. Of course, he is in his 20s and I’m in my late 50s… It all depends on the person. Most of the folks I know averaged 12-18 mpd, with some 20+ days.
Red Hat
If a hiker were to average 15 miles per day on the AT, then he would complete the trail in about 21 weeks. Most take 24 to 26 weeks for a thru-hike. I suspect that the difference is days off. 15 miles per day is probably per hiking day. And most hikers average one day off per week. Thus, the overall average is probably closer to 12 per day.
Peaks
It would be interesting to see what the “record” for time is with someone carrying all of his own gear. Not one of those fully supported deals but someone starting at Springer, going to Maine with their own backpack fully loaded.
Airwick
Airwick
I’m glad they don’t track officially such things like fastest hike with a full backpack. It would also depend on what qualifies as a thru-hike. Would they have to pass every white blaze or merely walk the distance? What about the one who has a support crew so he doesn’t have to go into towns to resupply?
nrkybill
For the most part I’d say 16-18 miles a day on the AT would be equal to 22-25 on the PCT. Of course that changes a bit depending upon where you are at (Sierras, Glacier Peak Detour, etc.) but overall I’d say you can do at least 25 percent more miles per day on the PCT.
Skittles (RICH)
It does seem to me that the PCT was somewhat less rough, rocky, slippery and obstructed than the AT, and provided considerably more terrain conducive to “idyllic walking.”
Conan.
Conan
I think I was the fastest female last year (anyone know if I’m wrong?) and I did the AT in 4 months exactly (South to North). Ranger Super Danger (an Ironman) & I passed everyone. It wasn’t fun. If you start out at around 10 and end at around 20 miles/day, you might actually enjoy yourself. But we hate hiking, so we just wanted to finish.
Shera, Princess of Power