In the second chapter of the Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hiker Survey, we take a deep dive into Pacific Crest Trail hikers' gear. PCT gear lists can vary wildly between hikers and (spoiler alert) it's impossible to find a perfect PCT gear list. That said, we can try. I've organized this post in
The Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey (2019)
Welcome to the results of the 2019 Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hiker Survey! The PCT Survey is now in its seventh year and I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to participate. You're all champions of life. And thank you, dear reader, for being patient while waiting
I Quit the Pacific Crest Trail – Best Decision Ever?
Earlier this year, I began my second thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Earlier this year, I prematurely ended my second thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail after nearly 1,000 mi / 1,600 km of walking northbound through California from the US-Mexico border. And if I'm being honest, I am quite
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ground Cloth Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ground Cloth is a 3.77 oz / 107 g rectangle of green DCF8 Dyneemaยฎ Composite Fabric measuring 96 x 52 in / 244 x 132 cm. It's a groundsheet, you know, that thing you put on the ground when you camp to protect your gear from whatever horrors may be strewn about your
Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks Review
The Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks are a 3-layer waterproof sock made of nylon, Lycra spandex, and polyester with a knit exterior, a waterproof membrane, and a moisture-wicking anti-bacterial lining. But I know what you're saying, "What the hell are you talking about waterproof socks?" I
What the new PCT permit rules mean for thru-hikers
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) announced this week changes to the long-distance Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) permit that will impact all thru-hikers. Scary stuff, I know. But why!? Why are there even more restrictions being imposed on PCT hikers? All these people want to do is go live
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Review
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is the lightest sleeping pad available from Therm-a-Rest and is designed with ultralight backpacking and thru-hikers in mind. It comes in three sizes (small, regular, and large), is made from 15D nylon, has an R-value of 2, and is 2.5 in / 6.5 cm thick. Compared
Complete and Final Pacific Crest Trail Gear List (Round Two)
A Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker's gear list can more or less define them out on the trail. Typically, what "you before the trail" thinks will be best for "you on the trail" don't perfectly align and tweaks are made over the course of the hike to accommodate the newly-found you out on the trail.
Why the CDT Is Better Than the PCT
The Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail are both long-distance hiking trail connecting the Mexican and Canadian borders of the United States. Every year, a class of hopeful thru-hikers sets out on (what is many times) a once-in-a-lifetime journey with the hopes of completing the
