If you have read my PCT FAQ then you already know that I have only myself to keep me company on the Pacific Crest Trail, and if you haven't, then you know now.
When I first decided to hike the PCT, I very much wanted a companion (other than Moustachio), but following my initial research, I decided that flying solo might be the way to go.
Thus far I am enjoying the freedom that a solo hike provides (being naked at camp is really quite enjoyable), but I do see the benefits of opting to buddy-up as well.
THE SOLO HIKER
The first thing that a solo hiker will notice is the sheer amount of freedom that accompanies hiking alone (followed shortly by the realization they are all by themselves in remote wilderness, far from any help).
If you want to hike 5 miles a day, you can. 30? Alright. Need to stop every mile to take a long distance call? It's all you, buddy. You get to hike on your schedule without having to compromise, negotiate, or ever consider the needs of anyone else.
Also, hitchhiking just got easier! And what's that? People in town or on the trail are more likely to take pity on you and help your smelly, lonely self out? Awesome. Wake up when you want, sleep when you want, and take a day off when you want. HIking solo sounds like the tits.
THE NON-SOLO HIKER
So you have a friend, relative, missed connection, or otherwise relatable masochist in your life to join you on the PCT.
Super!
You now have backup (alternate target) in the event of a bear attack, you have someone to listen to your dull banter as you plod along the trail, you have someone to help you should some help-requiring scenario arise, and you have someone to help carry that extra roll of 12-ply ultra-plush toilet paper.
Traveling with another person (or persons) can be a great relationship building (or destroying) activity, and it can be nice to have someone familiar around (especially when you get lost).
Nights spent camping in good company on the trail are quite enjoyable (unless your companions snore), and the presence of another person can be helpful in the trail's trying times.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether hiking solo or in a group, you will meet other hikers along the trail, and you will find most of them to be rather awesome individuals. Thus far I have found around a 50/50 split for solo vs. non-solo hiking (and around 90% of hikers to be male; although I'm told the gender split is actually less dramatic – I'm skeptical).
In the end, alone or together, we are all just one big group of hiker trash on our way to Canada.
Stay classy folks.
Moustachiooooo!!!
You commented a bit on the lack of women on the trail but I’m wondering more about the percentage of women hiking the trail solo. Did you meet any? Did you ever read Cheryl strayed’s book wild? I’m really getting interested in doing the hike or at least part of it but I’m not sure if I could do it alone. Being female certainly adds extra risk factors to an otherwise already risky undertaking.
In my opinion being a female alone on the PCT doesn’t pose any more risk than would being a female off the PCT. I met a good number of solo female hikers, but once you get a few hundred miles in, most hikers (regardless of gender) have found a group to stick with. To remain a pure solo hiker is quite difficult.
I did read Wild, and I did not enjoy it. I went into it thinking it would be about the PCT, but instead found that it was about a personal transformation that happened to incorporate half of the PCT. Not that it isn’t a good book, but I wouldn’t consider it a book about the PCT.
My 19 year old son and I are planning on doing this in 2015 – he and I have gone through many journeys together – I’m excited to do this with him! I’m most worried about letting him be his own man – I don’t want to “mother” him during this process. Meeting others along way I’m sure will help!
Good luck to the two of you! Simply sticking with someone for the entirety of the trail is an accomplishment in itself.
Spot on. I hiked the CDT and the AT solo and the PCT with my sister. Both have their advantages and challenges. While we managed to stick together the whole way, I have found that I prefer the solo experience. I like the ability to HYOH and not be constrained by another person’s plans, needs, wants, etc. Though I’m definitely one for finding an awesome group to hike with, I like the ability to split off at will with no hard feelings.
I saw, and hiked with, plenty solo women on the AT (2007) and PCT (2013) but not so much on the CDT (2006). There are certainly risks involved with being a women hiking alone, but so are there in being a solo woman in a big city. Yes you’re more likely to have problems than a guy, but the odds are still way out there that you’ll find yourself in trouble, especially if you find yourself hiking with a group as usually happens.
My recommendation to all hikers is to plan as if you’re going to hike solo and that way you’ll be better set if your partner and you have to split ways. You can both continue on with few logistical issues. You’re personal issues are up to you. I’ve seen plenty of relationships made or broken on the trail. It’s a great test of your feelings and commitment to each other. Just don’t get into a paired thru if you have doubts about your relationship.
As for literature, Wild is absolutely NOT a fair representation of a PCT thru. Sure it’s an interesting read. Focus on trail journals and the PCT-LIST or the lists from the CDT or AT, you’re also able to ask questions and get help there where the published books only go so far.
-Osprey