Hiking in 2014 - Pacific Crest Trail

imported
#1

Hey, I’m looking for advice about hiking the trail and what not, this is going to be my first real hike. Any good advice for hiking the trail. I actual live near by Idyllwild and see the hikers coming through all the time, so I’m also looking for people that wouldn’t mind alsoeeting up for some sections of the trail. My hiking exp. Is pretty much stuff I learned in the marines. So I am looking to build off that knowledge from that as well before I go for the trail.

Luvrobeer

#2

Oh I plan on also ultra light hiking the trail

luvrobeer

#3

Sweet. What are you doing next summer? If you can take a vacation from planning, physical training and fund raising for your 2014 PCT thruhike, you should go on a medium-sized (200-400 miles) hike next summer. That way, your thruhike will become your second real hike (see how I did that?), and you’ll be able to draw upon the experiences and lessons learned from your new first real hike in 2013.

From my experiences, ultralight hiking is more than just purchasing and packing less than 10 pounds of gear. Sure, the scale may make you an ultralighter, however the scale can only judge the weight of a hike, not the gravity of it. In order to be a successful ultralight backpacker, you should have a knowledge base and comfort level with your hiking systems that allow you to successfully carry less gear without sacrificing your safety.

If you pack your backpack for the first hike as you plan on for your second hike, that will be a great display of how your second hike will/could/would/should go. Not that you wont change any details (your gear, your strategy, your mind) between hiking in 2013 and hiking in 2014, but think of how much more informed that you’ll be. Making changes to your gear and your mindset as you see fit is not just optional and fun, it’s also been a necessary part of my long distance backpacking enjoyment. If your concern is honestly, truly that the PCT in 2014 is going to be your “first” real hike, then getting another hike out of the way will punch that concern in the face!!! Boom. Solved.

Mad props for taking this on, and packing less is surely the way to go, even if ultralight isn’t. Feel free to check out my PCT journal from 2005, and contact me if you need. Happy planning and happy hiking.

jewel thief

#4

AZT might be a good short 2013 boot camp (spring or fall)… maybe do part of it that crosses the Grand Canyon & you will quickly learn to decide how much water you need to carry, or die trying !

LT might be a good, short training trail on the other coast… Rutland to Burlington; or Burlington to Canada.
Green Mountain Vermont is extremely rainy so you won’t?have to worry as much about water. You can just buy the short guidebook & a map with the shelters/lodges on it.
While often boggy up high, the dirt on the steeper parts of this trail seems to have washed away; so you will probably want something stouter than trail runners (that I wore & hobbled off needing to use a cane). Enjoy the luxurious lodges !!

Ozark Highland trail ? is maybe the best training option, with PCT like ridges & fairly plentiful water (spring/fall)

inchworm plumber

#5

For training and to get a feel for long distance hiking, I’d suggest hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s about 180 miles, a loop trail so you can easily drive to your starting point and your vehicle is waiting for you at the end of your hike. You can “town” resupply at two or three places and the Nevada side will let you get a feel for water rationing (how little or too much to carry). Plus, the TRT is a “close” drive from Idyllwild.

bowlegs

#6

Thanks, for all the tips! Right now I am looking at either hiking the John Muir trail next summer (to give me a taste of part of the PCT) and the Tahoe Rim trail, honestly I think the TRT looks like a fun one for a start.

Luvrobeer

#7

I’m also contemplating joining PCT class of 2014. But is it bad that I have qualms about missing the World Cup?

PCV Ellen