PCT completion versus AT

imported
#1

I’ve been following PCT journals this year, preparing for my own hike in the somewhat near future and noticed that this crop of PCT hikers are almost all towards the end (Washington). Besides major injuries, there hardly seems to be anyone dropping out because it wasn’t what they expected, or because they simply got tired of the daily monotony. Of course with the AT you see this all the time, where people lose interest. Are PCT hikers more commited, more serious, better prepared and realistic about waht they’re getting themselves into? What is the general completion rate among PCT hikers? Does this say something about the PCT based on terrain and weather? I’d love to hear peoples thoughts, from PCT hikers, AT and PCT completors or anyone else.

A-Train

#2

I planned on hiking all the way to Canada, but got off trail about 1300 miles in just past South Lake Tahoe. I really didn’t want to, but I told myself beforehand that if I wasn’t enjoying myself, than I was doing something wrong. Money was getting tight, and I felt like I was doing the wilderness and myself an injustice (maybe thats the wrong word) by just putting the miles in. I can’t & don’t want to speak for anyone else, but lots of folks got off trail right around the same time I did. And a bunch just before the start of the high sierras, too!

As for your questions:

“Are PCT hikers more commited, more serious, better prepared and realistic about waht they’re getting themselves into?”

I think you’re right on the commitment part; the majority of the hikers have either hiked the at before or some long trails…so they have a good idea of what to expect from they’re mind and body. Definitly more prepared and realistic for the same reasons, but serious…HAH! Most everyone I met was easy to be around & completely laid back. Lots of practical jokers (myself not discluded) Of course I would only see those big mile hikers for 5 minutes and then they’d be gone…maybe they’re the serious ones.

“What is the general completion rate among PCT hikers?”

Its higher than the at but with less hikers. I think there were about 300-350 who attempted this year and probably 150 will finish. I think yogis cdt04 journal comments on this.

“Does this say something about the PCT based on terrain and weather?”

In general, the miles could be grind. I remember a week in the desert where Id do 25+ miles nearly everyday just because I could. But I really think the experience and the tight groups that form on the pct trump the weather and the terrain in terms of keeping sane!

Munch

#3

yep-yep, all true. most people who hike the pct have done the AT or some other trail, so at least they know what they’re getting themselves into. “serious,” i don’t know. i really didn’t see anyone that struck me anymore serious than anyone i met on the AT. “more commited,” possibly, but again, i think it has more to do with experience.

as far as the weather, you really can’t beat it. i already miss it now that i’m back home in d.c. as soon as i stepped out of the airport it was back to that same-ole humiditiy and cloudy skies.

it’s gorgeous out there. nothing but blue skies every day. it was one of things that struck me the most about the west coast. it only rained on us a few times in the sierras (usually started as or culminated to hail), and this only happened during mid-afternoon and coincendentally while on the high passes. it also rained a couple of times in northern california, one day while i was in ashland, OR and once while in crater lake, OR where i got off.

the blue skies do have a certain draw back though; there aren’t any clouds to hide the sun, so basically it’s beating on you all day, especially during the desert. but if it’s breezy or you’re above 7-8000 feet, it’s really not that bad. the low, low humidity is awesome though.

i remember a few days during the desert though, there was no breeze what so ever. the air was as still as in an indoor room, and when it’s 100+ degrees outside with a blazing sun, it’s enough to make you gasp for air or nearly gag. not fun, so stay out of the noon sun by all means. it’s hot!!! like if you were to “drop it like it’s hot!”

you’ll kick-ass out there A-Train, and believe, the views will blow your mind.

siesta

#4

Generally about 50% of PCT hikers finish the trail, except in a really high snow year. That is largely because you have fewer complete newbies out there. On the AT a very high percentage have never backpacked before they start the trail. You don’t find much of that on the PCT. The ones who do try the trail with no prior experience generally get off very early as the desert takes a big toll on the unprepared. In the first couple of weeks we passed a lot of folks who got off the PCT; most did so because of physical issues, several because their dogs were miserable, and a few because they were bored with the trail.

Spirit Walker