Advice

8 Reasons to Start a NOBO PCT Hike in March

8 Reasons to Start a NOBO PCT Hike in March

On April 4, 2016, my partner and I left the Southern Terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail full of wonder. We were excited for what the trail held in store...

Feb 20, 2017 : Andy Dischekenyan
“Adult” is a 5-Letter Word: Don’t Neglect These Things Before Your Hike

“Adult” is a 5-Letter Word: Don’t Neglect These Things Before Your Hike

Preparing for a thru hike can be lots of fun, but it's not all shakedown hikes and candy bar taste tests.  There's just a lot of stuff to do.  Some of...

Feb 15, 2017 : Righteous
What it’s Like to Leave a Loved One Behind to Hike the PCT

What it’s Like to Leave a Loved One Behind to Hike the PCT

A week away from the beginning of my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, the southern terminus and the California desert were the furthest things from my mind. I’d thought of little...

Feb 10, 2017 : Chuck McKeever
When Ultralight is Too Light

When Ultralight is Too Light

PCT hikers are notorious for obsessing over their base weight. Thru-hikers might start the AT with two camp chairs and a thermos strapped to their pack, but PCT hikers look...

Feb 10, 2017 : Maggie Wallace
Trail Wisdom: Sayings, Proverbs and Mantras

Trail Wisdom: Sayings, Proverbs and Mantras

If a thru hike does nothing else, it gives you a lot of time to think. On any given day my thoughts would run the gamut from future life aspirations...

Feb 9, 2017 : Bug Juice
What They Don’t Tell You About Thru-Hiking the PCT

What They Don’t Tell You About Thru-Hiking the PCT

The following a guest post courtesy of 2016 PCT thru-hiker, "The Cloak of Chillness".  Have a story to tell?  Share it here. I knew about the desert. The scorching sun,...

Feb 2, 2017 : Guest Post
Wait! You’re telling me Mountain House isn’t ultralight?!?

Wait! You’re telling me Mountain House isn’t ultralight?!?

When buying ultralight gear thru hikers expect high performance for minimal weight but at a typically higher cost. Thru hikers should have the same performance expectations of food consumed on...

Jan 30, 2017 : Aaron "Sling" Owens
How to Successfully Thru-Hike as a Couple

How to Successfully Thru-Hike as a Couple

For eight years I dreamt about my solo thru-hike of the PCT. I lost myself in thoughts of trail life, trail families, river crossings and town misadventures – all done...

Jan 16, 2017 : Andy Dischekenyan
Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide

Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide

It’s that time again: Time for this year’s PCT class to plan their resupply. Last year, around this time, I was dehydrating apples and beef in a panic, flipping through...

Jan 4, 2017 : Maggie Wallace
Ultralight Backpacking 103: The Skill Set

Ultralight Backpacking 103: The Skill Set

The following series on ultralight backpacking is brought to you by Gossamer Gear, a leading UL gear manufacturer since 1998. Gossamer Gear is a small, passionate company whose mission is to...

Dec 26, 2016 : Caet Cash