Need knee Surgery -- AT or PCT?

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#1

Looks like I have a torn medial meniscus and some cartilidge wear, both knees. Surgery is forthcoming. I had been planning an AT thru hike. I have done some sections, including 100 miles of Vermont in one trip so I know the rough type of terrain.

My question is if I should consider trying the PCT first since from what I understand not only is the grade not as bad as the AT, but the trail itselfs is generally not as rough too. I’d rather try whichever would be less stress on the knees after surgery I guess.

Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

John

#2

I’d say your reasoning is accurate. I’ve only experience about a third of the PCT but I would say the tread is much smoother and the grade not as steep. Pennsylvania alone would be a reason to avoid the AT for those with bad knees.

One advantage I see for the AT though is that if you were having problems, it would be much easier to get off the trail and get medical attention.

Another is that you will not have to carry as much water on the AT. I never had blisters on the AT but I’ve had several instances on the PCT. I think it is primarilry due to carrying extra water weight and the heat.

If you live on the East Coast it might also be more convenient on the AT to take a week or so off now and then to rest your knee.

jalan jalan

#3

The other concern to have with a thru hike of the PCT is the big mile days you need to do to finish. In spite of the easier tread my body was in a lot more pain after finishing the PCT than when I completed the AT. Maybe it was because I was a few years older but I think it was the consistently higher mileage per day.

Another option is going out on the PCT and just letting your body decide what your miles can be. Do you want a complete thru hike or just want the fun of being out in the woods/wilds for 6 months? If you let the expectations about the need to do a thru hike go your injury need not be a hindrance at all. It will allow you to just take it easy and enjoy being out there. That could be done on either trail or in your back yard.

…but thru hiking is sweet…maybe the florida trail…

Fester

#4

Thats a great idea Fester. I suppose the only issue with that would be the logistics. In So Cal, you’d still be dependent on water caches and you would have to carry more food then normal.
I guess you could just plan your hike for minimal mileage, say 12-16 miles a day and then if you feel good, you could go further. To me, this would be ideal. I always feel like I’m rushing a little too much when I’m hiking. I usually hike until the sun goes down, pitch my tent in the fading light, bareley manage to cook a meal before collapsing into a deep slumber. Man, I need to slow down!

:cheers

jalan jalan

#5

Tore mine in 2001 a year after hiking the AT. Had the surgery and have since hiked the PCT, CDT, most of the AT again and some other shorter trails. The knee will never be what it once was. However, with the use of poles, keeping the pack wieght as lite as you comfortably can and hiking your own pace you should be able to enjoy any trail.

TC