While completing the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey hikers share the moment(s), if ever, they found themselves in a situation where they felt they were in legitimate danger or when they were legitimately afraid. The Pacific Crest Trail is a test of mental, physical, and emotional endurance.
Pacific Crest Trail Hiking Advice for 2023 (& Beyond)
Chances are that things won't go to plan on a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. One of the best things you can do to prepare for a PCT thru-hike? Talk to PCT thru-hikers and see what they would do again, do differently, and suggest that others (i.e. you) do. Questions like what gear do I get? Where do
Hikers’ Lowest Moments on the Pacific Crest Trail (Class of 2022)
In the yearly Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, hikers share their lowest moments on the trail. That is, physically, mentally, and/or emotionally; the literal lowest point of the trail is Cascade Locks, Oregon. Yes, social media is filled with photos of sunrises, sunsets, and mountain vistas, but
Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide (2022 Survey)
In the third installment of the Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we cover what's probably the biggest (perceived) logistical issue on the PCT, resupply. After hikers get their gear sorted, questions surrounding resupply become the object of PCT hiker fascination. What is PCT resupply? It's
The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2022 Survey
In the second installment of this year's Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, we dive into gear for hiking the PCT. Pacific Crest Trail gear lists 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 in a way
Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey (2022)
The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey is distributed to PCT hikers at the end of the hiking season every year with the goal of capturing a snapshot of the year's class and providing a useful resource to future PCT hikers and recreators. The Survey is now in its tenth year and I would like to extend a
New Rules for Getting a PCT Permit in 2023
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) has - again - updated the process for obtaining a Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) permit. The permit process has evolved over the years and has never been perfect, but with the huge demand for the limited number of permits available each year (especially
New Bear Canister Regulations in Desolation Wilderness
The Forest Service has introduced new food storage regulations in Desolation Wilderness requiring overnight users to now carry "a canister designed to prevent access by bears." Simply put, bear canisters are now required in Desolation Wilderness. This impacts everyone recreating in Desolation