In the second installment of the 2020 Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, we'll take a look at the hikers who were actually on the trail this year. Normally, this information is covered in the initial survey publication, but because of many hikers choosing to cancel their hikes due to COVID-19, I
The 2020 Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey – Part I: NOGO
This late into the year, I'm sure we've all been reminded plenty that 2020 is/was, to say the least, different. The 2020 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiking season was no exception. I considered not conducting a survey this year as I didn't want to encourage getting on the trail. But since I don't
The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Gift Guide
Sure, you could take a look at the 2020 Thru-hiker Gift Guide, but what if you're not just any thru-hiker? What if you're a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker? Yes, every thru-hiker thinks themself special and those found (or about to be found) on the PCT are no different. So what if your loved one
How to Connect the SoSHR and the SHR
The Sierra High Route and the Southern Sierra High Route are two incredible routes through California's Sierra Nevada that are each remarkable on their own. However, it is possible to connect these two routes into a single and most epic journey through the Sierra. Here's how to do it. The
Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Comparison (Class of 2019)
In preparation for what's going to be a very odd year of hiker surveys (the 2020 surveys for anyone reading this sometime in the future - if the world has managed to survive), I've decided to finish the final member (for now) of the Pacific Crest Trail Survey Family from last year's PCT Class - the
Backpacker Radio #79 | Mac from Halfway Anywhere
Last month, I sat down and talked to Backpacker Radio about pretty much everything I've ever done in the outdoors up until this year. You can start listening at around 10 minutes in and then sit back to enjoy the last eight years of my life compressed into a little under two hours. Long by many
Continental Divide Trail Week 14: Yellowstone
Week 14 on the Continental Divide Trail takes us through the northern end of the Wind River Range, over Knapsack Col and then out to the town of Dubois just as we're running out of food. The trail then heads into Yellowstone National Park where we make a stop in Grant Village before heading toward
Forester Pass Guide: Approaches, Crossing, and Snow
Forester Pass, the 13,153 ft / 4,009 m pass named for the United States Forest Service workers who "discovered" it, is the highest point on the Pacific Crest Trail and is the first Sierra pass encountered by northbound Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hikers (and the final pass crossed by southbound
PCT Class of 2020 Survey Now Open
It's been an interesting year, to say the least (and we still have more than three months to go). The Pacific Crest Trail, officially, was off-limits for most of 2020, but I know that there were/are still a lot of people out on the trail; I even gave a ride to some international PCT hikers from Echo