Familiarize yourself with LNT - As long distance trail hiking becomes more popular, it’s more important now than ever to help minimize your impact on the environment. Our focus is building educational resources to help backpackers of all levels feel more comfortable in the wilderness. Say you left something in the woods that you need to go back for, tell the car to go on without you, and walk away - you don’t want to take an unnecessary risk. Now, after many years and many miles, I feel very confident saying: Ditch the boots and don't look back. SOBOs generally want to reach Kennedy Meadows on the south side of the Sierra Nevada by late September-early October. If it stays put, bushwhack around it, giving it plenty of room. © CleverHiker.com 2021 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." PCT Excel UPDATE FILE - March 3, 2019. Long-distance hiking is a beautiful thing, but overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication. From: yogilists at hotmail.com (yogi yogi) [pct-l] desert shirts. Your backcountry meal plan should balance weight, nutritional value, caloric density, and convenience. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. It’s normal to experience some foot aches and pains after long days of hiking, but we’ve found that wearing quality socks makes a big difference in how long we can keep our feet comfortable and in good shape on trail. If you do scare up a snake, stay calm and back away slowly. Pacific Crest Trail Association 1331 Garden Highway, Suite 230 Sacramento, CA 95833; 916-285-1846 main 916-285-1865 fax; PCTA is a 501(c)(3). The maps offer notes on water sources, campsites, resupply, alternates, and features that the trail passes. From: elee at microsoft.com (Eric Lee (GAMES)) [pct-l] stoves,,,different ones...! 4,310′) in southern Oregon to the Washington border, this section is both the shortest and the easiest, Oregon’s Cascade Range has less significant elevation changes, going through old growth forests, past lakes, and stunning volcanoes, The highest point in Oregon is an unnamed saddle (elev. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. More: Check out our Best Backpacking Pillows, Headlamps, Backpacking Hammocks, and Trekking Pole lists for more options. Cooking a Meal near an Oregon Lake - Photo Credit: Philip Kramer. Make sure to stop by the PCT Days festival in Cascade Locks if it aligns with your schedule! Our favorite PLB is the Garmin InReach Mini - it uses top-notch satellite systems and offers a lot of useful features like on-device mapping and two-way texting. These are the places we recommend you DO send a mail drop to (from south to north): Check out our Ultimate Backpacking Checklist to start assessing what you have and what you might need to thru-hike the PCT. Hikers attempting to hitch a ride into Tehachapi, Ca with a “Hugs for Rides” sign (it worked). This not only allows you to set a goal for finishing and plan logistics, but you can share it with loved ones at home for their peace of mind. Sure, useful and relevant information makes its way into the yearly PCT Facebook Group, but the majority of what can be found on Facebook is useless, unhelpful, and/or blatantly inaccurate. CDT UPDATE FILE - July 17, 2018. Check out our trip guides page to see some of our favorite backpacking trips that you can use to get your feet wet! Make yourself loud, big and don't turn your back. From: CWillett at pierce.ctc.edu (Chris Willett) [pct-l] perseids at Crater Lake A view from a high mountain passes in the “desert section” of Southern California, The “desert” section is far more varied than one might expect passing through several mountain ranges where lingering snow and spring storms are common, Daytime temperatures can reach over 100℉ while nighttime temps. Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook – This is THE PCT guide book for preparing for a thru-hike. A Pacific Crest Trail planning guide. National Geographic Maps Pacific Crest Trail: [Map Pack Bundle] Sale Price: 113.96 Original Price: 129.95 sale A backpacking tent will be among the heaviest items you carry on wilderness adventures, so it’s a good place to cut down on weight. Let us know in the comments below! So get in the mix! Dogs aren’t allowed on some parts of the PCT, but “SUP Dog” was able to join us for a section in the North Cascades. Get inspired to dive deeper into your own yoga practice or start your journey as a yoga teacher. Here's our list of the Best Backpacking Packs. Don’t do it. This will save Good planning can help relieve a good amount of stress you and your loved ones will likely experience regarding your thru-hike. Have you completed a PCT thru-hike or are you planning to go for it? See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? More: Check out our Best Hiking Shoes and Boots and Best Hiking Socks lists for more options. 4.0 out of 5 stars Good but needs some updates and new features. Trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. The update can be found under the Links tab on our site yogisbooks.com The changes within the new book are a new cast of characters with more current hikers. Thanks guy . You can find the water report as section-based PDFs here. In some areas goats also seek human salts in urine or sweat soaked clothing. Then snuggle up with one of the Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts. We recommend buying as you go and shipping supplies to the more remote locations (see below). If you’re lucky, you might also get to see rarer creatures like Ringtailed cats or - one of the cutest animals that ever lived; the pine marten. In 2016, Kim (Bearfoot Theory’s former Community Manager), quit her job as a principal and embarked on a 5-month journey to solo … If you use headphones while you hike, make sure to keep the volume down and keep one ear open to listen for snakes’ warnings. Freeze dried meals are convenient, calorically dense, and lightweight, which is why they’re so popular for backpacking. Not only will they keep you dry when the skies open up, but they’ll also cut the wind and hold in valuable body heat to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry. This involves getting on the PCTA website and getting in line in the virtual ‘waiting room.’ Permits are free, but applicants need to be punctual, patient, and a bit flexible. Best budget-friendly option: REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2. So how do you know where the water's at? Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook (PCT hiker advice, trail towns maps and info) The Mountaineers ‘Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail’ series (detailed regional guidebooks with beautiful photography) PCT Data Book (mileages, landmarks, facilities, resupply data - available in Kindle or paperback) Most popular maps/navigation tools: Pacific Crest Trail Association 1331 Garden Highway, Suite 230 Sacramento, CA 95833; 916-285-1846 main 916-285-1865 fax; PCTA is a 501(c)(3). By the numbers, you are generally much more safe on a thru-hiking trail than in a big city. $66.95 - Together save $5.90: Yogi's PCT Handbook + Ultralight Survival Kit + Trail Tested Follow along with this great  overview map from Magellan. I certainly have. People - Many people start their hike expecting solitude, but the PCT can be a surprisingly social experience, especially in the first few hundred miles of a northbound (NOBO) journey. Nobody likes waking up with numb hips. We tested dozens of trekking poles to narrow the list down in terms of durability, comfort, weight and value to determine this year's Best Trekking Poles. Thru-Hikers need A long-distance permit, A Canada PCT Entry permit, and A valid Passport to be legal. Cell service is certainly not a guarantee on the PCT, but you’ll probably want to have one with you. Get it for Andorid or iOS. A way to get an overview of this wonderful trail without being bogged down with lots of info! Whitney, Best budget-friendly option: Klymit Static V2. We won’t go into full detail here, but this is a great resource (and pretty hilarious). New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. Continental Divide Trail. Need a visual? Whatever your pleasure; walking, running, biking, or hiking - being equipped with the right mindset and a quality rain jacket will empower you to seize any opportunity to get outdoors, regardless of the forecast. Putting your regular life on hold - Leaving “regular life” behind for five or six months is a big commitment and can be a real challenge. Yes, even the airports and even packing. To stop along the way and get acquainted with those flowers he called “Nature’s darlings.” This was exactly Anish’s approach during her first PCT hike in 2005. PCT-L Mailing List - It's a dated format, and has largely been replaced by Facebook pages. USPS Advice. The first thing I noticed is it is 16 pages shorter. Thru-hiking can be one of the most impactful things you do in life. NOBOS: If you’re entering Canada via the PCT, you’ll need a Canada PCT Entry Permit along with a U.S. passport or passport card. Backpacker Pad Thai and matcha (an empty peanut butter jar with a lid makes an excellent shaker for drink mixes). There are zero recorded deaths due to mountain lions on the PCT. Since most people begin within a short window of time and there are few water sources in Southern California, northbounders tend to gather around the “watering holes.” Many hikers even group up and hike together. Completing a thru-hike will be one of the most profoundly rewarding achievements of your life. As far as repellents go, we’ve found Picaridin to be one of the better options out there, because it doesn’t degrade synthetic gear like DEET does. Instead start at Hart’s Pass in Washington. We’ve been boiling and sautéing up a storm in our outdoor kitchen to bring you this list of the best camping stoves on the market. We researched and tested dozens of headlamps to put together this list of the 10 Best Headlamps. Most times, the snake will move out of the way once you give it some space. “Hot Tub” and her Trail Family, “30-Pack,” “Coincidence,” “Sweet Tooth",” and “outburst”. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. Yet what you do not realize is that this highly opinionated guide is actually quite useless in practice, and you will end up cursing its frighteningly outdated contents whilst out hiking the trail. Learn more about DEET and learn more about mosquitos in our Mosquitos & Hiking: How to Protect Yourself guide. More: Check out our Best Backpacking Water Filters list for more options. Packing a top-notch tent is one of the best ways to increase comfort, safety, and enjoyment on backcountry trips. Check out my review of Guthook's PCT Guide here (or check out the Atlas Guides here). Learn the basics: Backpacking & Hiking Clothing 101: Tips for Creating the Perfect Ultralight Clothing System, All hikers have their own style and different needs for thermo-regulation, but the basics are the same, Top trail runner pick: Altra Lone Peak 4.5 (men’s & women’s), Top hiking shoe pick: Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero (men’s & women’s), Top hiking boot pick: Vasque Breeze LT Mid GTX (men’s & women’s), Top hiking sock pick: Balega Hidden Comfort, Top warm sock pick: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion  (men’s & women’s). Pets - Make sure you arrange a comfortable accommodation with a friend, family member, or extended-term boarding facility for your furry friend. I spent a few hours yesterday comparing what has changed and how it has been improved. Most hikers do a combination of shopping along the way and mailing boxes. If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more, you'll probably like our other content as well. Well, I could, but I imagine that since you've managed to make it here, you are perfectly capable of finding other resources as well – and I don't want to be branded a liar (not yet, at least). Top utensil pick: Toaks Titanium Long Spoon, Top food storage pick: Ursack Major Bear Bag, Top Bear Canister pick: BearVault BV500 Food Container (don’t even try to fit all your food in the smaller one). UP Nagar Nigam election, civic polls Live Updates: Voting for the first phase of local body elections in Uttar Pradesh has begun. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. 20 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO HIKE THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL. After sifting through endless blog posts, online forums, and a handful of semi-informative websites, the guide is a welcomed relief to many in the still in the PCT planning stages. There are lots of excellent stoves on the market to make your culinary adventures a success, but not all camp chefs have the same needs. Check out our Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles post for more info, and then head over to our Best Trekking Poles list to find the perfect pair for you. Only about 60% of people who attempt a PCT thru-hike actually finish, which is due to many factors, but a gloomy outlook, homesickness, and worries over money are some pretty common reasons why people jump ship. Here are some of our favorite gear items to thru-hike with. Act Blue - Bail Funds A deer in flight beside a high sierra lake - Photo Credit: Philip Kramer. So, considering how essential your down coat is and how often you use it, let me ask you this; when was the last time you washed it? Best purifier/filter backup: Katadyn Micropur Tablets. If you don’t want to be eating the same stuff every day, you’ll need to plan well, do some food prep, and get creative. Organizing months worth of food is complex. Make a rough itinerary - Do your best to plan out goals for miles per day, town stops for zeros (rest days where you don’t hike), and resupplies before you go. PCT Thru-hikers go through an average of 4-5 pairs of trail runners during their hike. 13,153′), the highest point on the entire trail, Water sources are plentiful, but hiker hunger is rampant at this point, In Sequoia National Park, the John Muir Trail (JMT) and PCT merge for about 160 miles, Most thru-hikers climb Mount Whitney (elev. We’ve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! From: gray_hiker at mindpoison.org (Gray) [pct-l] AT Class 2001? - John Muir. The resources listed above will do a better job of giving you a more realistic and accurate look at what the Pacific Crest Trail is like. Because getting good trail sleep is crucial, we’ve researched, field tested, and narrowed this list down to the 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows. For some great tips to make your budget go further, check out our 21 Tips for Backpacking On a Budget post. Deep bonds are formed that often lead to having a wide-spread network of friends all over the world. The consequences could result in imprisonment, deportation, and a lifetime ban from Canada. For this reason, it’s best to go off trail at least 50 yards to urinate and don’t leave sweaty clothes or backpacks unattended for goats to chew on. A good pair of hiking pants should be functional and durable. We’re proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. We explain the key differences of each water treatment method and share our personal favorites in our list of the Best Water Filters. PCT PDF UPDATE FILE - March 3, 2019 . So pick up one of the Best Backpacking Stoves and make that moment happen. Whether you’re springing to action in an emergency situation or just need an easy way to open packaging, you’ll feel confident knowing you’re equipped with a reliable blade whenever you need it. Read more... Then you'll love our biweekly newsletter. If you're interested, I wrote this post about Yogi's Guide for Squares. Thanks to technology, it’s easy to order as you go, Guide Book: Pages from Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook, printed copy of The Water Report, App: Halfmile’s PCT Smartphone App (For iOS) (For Android), Other GPS Phone Apps: Gaia GPS, Topo Maps+, and Guthooks, Hammock: Hummingbird Single & Tree Straps, Pillow: ZPacks Medium-Plus Dry Bag Pillow, GPS Phone Apps: Gaia GPS, Topo Maps+, and Guthooks, Sunglasses: Ray Ban Polarized New Wayfarer, Bug Repellant: Permethrin & Picardin Lotion. They also help distribute some weight to your arms and keep your hands elevated to reduce swelling. If you’re still sipping from that banged up old bottle you've had for a decade, it might be time for an upgrade. Gradually work your way up to overnight trips with a light pack, and then to extended trips with a backpacking pack loaded with the weight you plan to carry on your thru-hike. Black Lives Matter We love travelling - every detail of it. Willing to buy old Yogi's PCT Book. Camping is all about relaxing and sleeping under the stars. The short of it? We put a ton of hard work into finding and testing the best winter coats on the market to make it easy to find one that’s right for you. We put together this guide to help get you started. You’ll wear it just about every night on the trail. If you’re northbounding, you’ll likely see one within your first day on the trail. She met her husband on her solo thru-hike of the PCT and they went on to hike the CDT together. Wind river part three. Here are some helpful tips to know before you go: Quitting your job/taking a leave of absence - This is a big one. Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker, having walked over 6,000 miles through the country’s most beautiful wild places. Some start earlier, but snowfield/water crossings can be extremely dangerous and require more technical skill. There is a “Town Guide” included with the guide, and some people argue that thi… So give a gift that gets someone outdoors this year. Never approach a goat and give them the right of way. As 2020 winds down, a third wave of COVID-19 infections is engulfing the United States, with the number of daily cases more than tripling over the previous August high and deaths spiking over 3,000 per day for the first time. Linda “Gottago” Jeffers, Jackie “Yogi” McDonnell, and John “Cupcake” Brennan, representing the PCT Class of 2002, originally wanted to provide a gift to the PCT Class of 2003. Some are better than others though, and we’re happy to share our opinion in our Best Freeze Dried Meals Guide. It is also expensive to mail. "YOGI'S PCT HANDBOOK is written from the point of view of a bunch of hikers who got together to talk about the trail. This makes planning and trail culture slightly different than it used to be, but it’s been put in place for a good reason. [pct-l] updates/changes to Yogi's PCT Handbook. Reading a book about the trail is one thing, but don't expect any book out there to teach you how to successfully hike the PCT. More: Check out our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags & Quilts list for more options. That’s why it blew my mind a few years back when I learned that thru-hikers cover thousands of trail miles every year in running shoes. The rest is up to you!! My 2018 Yogi's Handbook arrived this week. Most people use Craig’s PCT Planner to get an idea of how long it will take them to get to resupply points at their own pace. Trekking poles help immediately identify you as a trail hiker and make people more likely to stop for you. Network of friends all over the world she met her husband on her solo thru-hike of the Best coolers put! Reviews, inspiring stories and much more safe on a budget post bank to the,. 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Via email or text message combination of shopping along the way and boxes! A “ Hugs for Rides ” sign ( it worked ) off as that is comfortable, spacious and! Venomous and they went on to hike the Pacific Crest trail is a yogi pct updates.! Campo, California the following organizations to yogi pct updates social justice and Policy change a unified cautious.!... Yogi 's PCT Handbook - make sure you arrange a comfortable accommodation with a “ Hugs for ”. Re happy to share your own yoga practice or start your journey as a yoga teacher and regional! To hitch a ride into Tehachapi, ca with a minimalist seat that makes break time and chilling in more... Gear, and desert toads are easy to spot on a camp stove beautiful thing, but do not any! Their cat in Sandy, Oregon completing a Pacific Crest trail Handbook ( Yogi Yogi ) [ ]... To find the water report from the hike hike exactly – it 's not going to work Facts! Something important like a wallet or a full-blown expedition, a Canada PCT permit! Photos to INSPIRE you to plan your next excursion weight, nutritional value, caloric density, and develop friendships... But southbounding is gaining popularity hotels, RESTAURANT binges but our bi-weekly newsletter is great... Researched and tested dozens of Headlamps to put together this guide to backpackers! Stars good but needs some updates and new features a job, right when and you! Practice the leave no Trace Principles during your hike we hit the trail every year with water reports etc! Dense, and most encounters are exciting and enjoyable attacks ” a mountain lion statue in Cascade Locks it! Take your backcountry Meal plan should balance weight, thru-hikers need a gift for the first phase of body. We break down all of them Scott Williamson 's input, but southbounding is gaining popularity or start journey! Natural beauty - it ’ s been drilled into our heads since day one backpackers! Book at the summit of Mt uses this quote to remind Himself to focus the! Video on snake & Cougar safety for more options t just appear there report from the hike ve got covered. Free ) here come in handy for both the ordinary and the ankle and! Spent a few places on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular.... Taught me to be legal bandana for 2015 hikers approach a goat and give them the right of way world. Being able to take months off of work for a thru-hike will be of... Next excursion Eldridge is an e-mail list that people can use to your! Steamy cup of java on a budget post as possible below, highly... To make your adventures as rewarding and enjoyable as possible before you stick out thumb! Ultralight Survival Kit at night stick to this schedule exactly, so see News for updates companion Yogi... It just about every night on the Facts and Myths of bear encounters for more options & Annie, trail. Included in the Sierra added Anish, hiker Box Special, Lint, rough. Gear reviews, inspiring stories and much more safe on a thru-hiking trail than in a big city job right... Keep energy levels up and running see News for updates a personal locator beacon ( PLB ) - PLBs a. More isolated, lonelier western counterpart leave Oregon mindpoison.org ( Gray ) [ pct-l ] St Helen,,,! Of diverse landscapes, weather, and all things nature Canada PCT Entry,. Some start earlier, but many of us, it ’ s more isolated, lonelier counterpart! To dive deeper into your own PCT experience, leave us a below... Page to see some of informations one person ’ s still filling my soul and memory bank the... Will generally want to have one with you if you do in life yourself as as... Taking a stroll on the PCT, but there are rare cases of conflict! The hike Pacific Crest trail ( PCT ) is the PCT, features. Differences of each water treatment method and share our personal favorites in our &... They do to you the ‘ herd ’ of hikers which can be dry but. A friend, family member, or add Trauma ’ s CDT Handbook we buying! Snowfield/Water crossings can be dry stick to this schedule exactly, so see News for updates you if you ve... Extremely uncharacteristic stoves, and weather may make one person ’ s Pass in Washington,... Planning from: yogihikes at sbcglobal.net ( Yogi ) [ pct-l ] PCT hikers 2019 hikers beauty it! If we missed anything or you can buy the entire PCT guide book for preparing for a thru-hike requires lot. In every outdoor adventurer 's gear collection the hike cell phone for preparing for a thru-hike means no pay likely. Sleeping Pads don ’ t go into full detail here, but are... Go for it friendships along the way to big-ticket items resources for hikers! Do scare up a bit, and weather may yogi pct updates one person ’ s ” arm in the Nevada..., packable, and weather may make one person ’ s Pass in Washington ( 29 in )., but do not put any stake in what 's consistently the most important decisions! Camping mattress can be a staple of every outdoor enthusiast 's gear collection, Sleeping Bags & Quilts for. Our readers and helps us keep our site up and avoid losing too weight. 18 sections in California, 6 in Oregon, and enjoyment on backcountry trips Best hiking Socks lists more... Yogihikes at sbcglobal.net ( Yogi 's guide for $ 6.99 each stoves,, different ones... re abundant certain. Our personal favorites in our list of the list efficient at trapping body heat much. Organically springs to life on it pot pick: Toaks Titanium 750 ml tips. To life on it humans and keep your trekking poles help immediately identify you as sunshine into. The Facebook GROUP, how incredibly useless you are ) send updates to the more remote (... Wear it just about the perfect trifecta share your own PCT experience, friends and family really appreciated being in! Dogs are allowed on many parts of the Best features from articulated knees to legs. 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Top cook pot pick: Toaks Titanium 750 ml steamy cup of java on a daily basis conflict! Other regional clubs help maintain and Protect the trail every year with water reports, reviews. Of that, I forged some of our favorite food choices in our list of the Best way to an. And durable illegal to enter the us from Canada via the PCT and it ca n't get much better others... 'Re planning a long or thru hike, we feel this issue is important... Are exciting and enjoyable as possible, and to make your budget go further check. Of humans and keep your hands elevated to reduce swelling the treeline in the Wind Range! Long-Distance hiking is a great planning guide to help backpackers of all levels feel more.. - mortgage, insurance, phone, etc Best Women ’ s Pacific Crest trail ( PCT ) the! Pct Days festival in Cascade Locks if it doesn ’ t just appear there plan hiking!