After an interesting year of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiking and PCT survey results in 2020, we're back up and running with a (more) normal year in 2021. The PCT Survey is in its ninth year and I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to participate. The PCT Survey is
A Note on this Year’s PCT+CDT Surveys
Hello, friends! This year's Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail Surveys will be posted a little later than normal. This is due to two factors. First, there are still people completing trails and filling out the surveys. Second, I am going to be completely disconnected from the date
Out and Back Podcast – Episode 41 Thru-Hiking Secrets
The Out and Back Podcast by Gaia GPS, hosted by Andrew “Shanty” Baldwin and Mary "Hiker Midnight" Cochenour, is by far the best conversation I've had with a podcasting duo. We delve into the results and stories behind the Pacific Crest Trail Survey and the Continental Divide Trail Survey before
NOW OPEN: The 2021 Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey
The 2021 Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey is now open for responses - fill it out here! If you hiked the Pacific Crest Trail this year (2021), as a thru-hiker or section hiker, this survey is for you. It doesn't matter whether you completed the entire PCT (i.e. if you got off early or section
Pacific Crest Trail Advice for 2021 (from the Class of 2020)
No matter what you do to plan for the Pacific Crest Trail, you're probably going to feel a little overwhelmed (you shouldn't). But it can seem difficult to answer questions like what gear do I get? Where do I resupply? Do I really have to dig a hole and poop in it and then pack out my toilet paper?
Pacific Crest Trail Horror Stories (Class of 2020)
As part of the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, I ask hikers what their lowest moments on the trail were and when, if ever, they encountered a situation where they felt legitimately afraid or in danger (e.g. when you're about to be eaten by a bear). Sadly, the PCT is more than following a line
The PCT 2020 Survey: NOGO vs. Hikers
The Pacific Crest Trail in 2020 has given us a group of hikers we don't typically see in a "normal" thru-hiking season - the NOGO hiker. Yes, there's now NOBO (northbound), SOBO (southbound), YOYO (both-bound), and NOGO (nowhere-bound). In fact, we have data from nearly twice as many people who
The PCT Resupply Guide: Class of 2020 Survey
After getting a Pacific Crest Trail permit and researching your PCT gear, the question many aspiring thru-hikers move to is that of resupply on the PCT. What is PCT resupply? It's the replenishment of the food (and other consumable items) carried in a hiker's backpack. Contrary to popular belief,