My husband and I hiked the PCT from north to south in 1980. It was the most incredible experience of our lives (apart from having four kids). Back then we had to have food shipped from Canada as there were no resupply points, nor trail angels, nor communication of any kind. We basically disappeared for just over 4 months. At that time the trail was not complete and we had to rely on map and compass work, especially in northern Washington. Mount St Helen’s eruption took out southern Washington and we saw the second eruption from Cascade Locks. We hiked almost entirely in isolation. We would often go two or three weeks without seeing any people at all. Our packs were heavy (by necessity) and we wore 3/4 shank boots as there was no chance of resupply. All of our planning for the trail was done by mail correspondence with Warren Harding and he was incredibly helpful and supportive. Now, our youngest daughter and her husband will embark on the PCT this June from the north as we did 42 years ago. Their experience will be very different from ours’ but I’m sure it will be wonderful. Back then, nobody had even heard of the trail! Times have changed!

I enjoyed your video! My biggest thing is less planning more enjoying the journey! I started out planning out every mile after 3 weeks that was exhausting and unnecessary enjoy the trail and things will work out don’t over stress over miles or stops!

I started my 2018 PCT hike going SoBo through southern California. By going against the herd, I met so many hikers going the other way, but all my hiking was alone except about 1 hour with a day hiker. I also had a full week with no other hikers on trail when I started, and my last 3 weeks before flipping I saw no other PCT hikers (lots of day hikers on San Jacinto). It was actually a great time to really think my own thoughts, reclaim memories and to connect with the environment. I did once question my own sanity as I was hoping to see a bear that was sorta stalking me (not really imo, but curious and stealthy nonetheless). You know you've been alone for a long stretch when you start going Grizzly Adams.

I started backpacking when man first walked on the moon (July 1969). I was 16 and have hiked many of the best sections of the PCT in the PNW. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary and we still go backpacking together.

These are great tips that apply to a lot of things in life. :) Thanks for the tip for a garmin. I've been waffling on what to do about that. My husband and I are planning to do the PCT together. Have to wait a bit to make all the moving pieces come together, but it is really wonderful to share all of our hikes and adventures together.

Great advice, but I enjoy hiking in light weight pants and a long sleeved pull over shirt to avoid using sunscreen and insect repellant. The weight penalty is small since I shave a few ounces of liquid off the weight by leaving the sunscreen and DEET at home, and the feeling of not having those chemicals slathered on my skin and running with sweat into my eyes and mouth more than makes up for the small amount of extra weight. Hope you have a chance to hike the Sierra some day. It is the most beautiful place I have ever hiked.

Very informative. I just moved to WA state and I'm planning my first 3 day/2 night solo on the PCT. Thanks!!

I have never hiked, now 58, and now thinking I’d like to try. I like your information, delivery and voice. Your experience comes through without drama and arrogance. Very nice. Thank you.

When it comes to relationships on the trail, I follow the “Leave no Trace” approach.

Going slower is a good tip that needs to be heard more. I suspect that many hikers think that excessive heating, especially feet, is caused by traditional hiker footwear, pack weight or simply the miles. Whiles miles is definitely a factor, the other two are not major culprits. THE major culprits is simply going too fast. Counterintuitively, a heavier pack actually makes for a somewhat cooler hike because it compels a hiker (in most cases) to slow down. Of course pack weight is an issue of ability and personal preference.

Really well balanced video. Made me think and reconsider my startkit. Loved your Walk slower and longer advice. I always compete :) with others and myself, especially on trails... will have to remind me of your advice as I take on the PCT this may with my 16 year old daughter.

Great video. My husband and I are starting the PCT April 3rd. Not sure how we are going to balance your recommendation to hike alone with the recommendation to bring our awesome spouses LOL. We got a little excited and bought a lot of mountain house meals on sale so we will send a few resupply packages but I am hoping since we will not buy any Mountainhouse meals when we resupply on trail that they will be a treat when we receive them. I only plan to send 10 boxes. Thank you for the reminder to hike slower for longer. On a shakedown hike we rolled into camp exhausted 2 days in a row and definitely did not enjoy that. Going slower is a great strategy for us since we’ll be 55😊. We are so excited for our epic adventure together!

Thank you - I'm hiking it this year and some of your pointers were really helpful. Especially about the clothes and the resupply boxes.

Great video. This is the first video I’ve seen of yours, and definitely subscribed! Looking forward to checking out more of your content!

Great tip about walking normal pace. I would go out and try to kill it. Also, my family gave me a bivy stick communication device. I agree that 2 way communication is important. Seems like it will be great as it does not require a contract. Thanks.

I just did my first big hike, a 140 mile section of the PCT, and my number 1 change would be to take my shoes off two or three weeks beforehand around home in the yard to toughen my foot skin. It happens quick enough but this summer I never developed my 'summer feet' and I hit the trail with tender feet that just wanted to blister like crazy. I can also say I packed way too much food. I didn't realize how easy re-supply was so I packed for the whole journey right from the start. My best move was to do it with my son. It was excellent bonding time that'll bring back smiles for the rest of our lives...

Wow that was excellent info. Our son starts March 17. We felt for your wife when you were MIA for 3 days. We will be buying the Garmin. Thanks again mate. Cheers.

You covered all of the points I do on the Florida Trail. I hike alone so the only person I have to put up with is myself. I go ultralight and like the shorts with the mesh ( Bathing suit boxer type ) Synthetic , quick drying and comfortable. I DO NOT get in a hurry , go slow and smell the roses. It's not the destination I look forward to , it's the whole trip , especially each step of it. Start when I feel like it , take breaks & if a nice camping spot is located , stop. I only do sections and leave a hiking plan with the wife. Plus I believe in the "leave nothing but footprints , take nothing but pictures."

I hiked the HENRO as a thruhike in 2019 and my boyfriend joined me for two of the 7 weeks. it was great, as he had never been to Japan before and was able to show him this amazing place. At the same time I really enjoyed hiking by myself as well. We will do something similar for the PCT, though that will only be in 2025.

Wow you’ve made up my mind. No resupply. Thanks!!!

That last advice was the best.

Wow, the first time anyone has ever told me that hiking slower was ok. Thanks.

I agree with all... especially the 1st 2... However the last one i don't really like... Have significant other visit 2 or 3 times during your thru and even have them hike a few days... Having ANY hiking partner full time leads to too much stress imo... Great video

Thanks for the great advice -- especially walk slower and longer. This summer I found a video on backpacking by a rock climber who showed the difference in heart rate and oxygen usage (to measure exertion) by taking rock steps two at a time vs singly. I'd always though longer strides were more efficient but I was glad to be proved wrong, and I proved it myself by going slower on my next hike and it made a huge difference in endurance. (Not to mention more enjoyable!)

Bruh... you're 10p% right about the SPOT device. I'm from British Columbia and the thing takes 40 minutes to work when it does decide to work

Did anyone else see Perk & Dixie at 7:18 ? Lol small world! Thanks for all of the tips :)

I really like wearing shorts and tech shirts. I don't get the pants or Butten up shirts people use on trail!

with so much meh information out there, it's refreshing to see a video with good, useful advice. I thru hiked in 2o15, and i still learned some great tips from your video. Thanks!

Bro. Quality tips here, thank you.

Nice video appreciate the great tips. Especially not really needing re-supply boxes. I always wondered how necessary they were. 👍

Excellent tips! Well thought out.

Thanks for this. good info for people

Thank you! I was going back and forth on whether to bring my button-up shirt or my Tee and a layer and zip-up Fleece on the Camino! I was leaning your way! Lol 🤗✌️

This was a great post! Thank you! 🌞 I’m looking forward to looking through your page! 🙏

Great video man, I really enjoyed it 👊

Good on ya mate! Sorry, hiked it b4 seeing the vid but agree with your points. I hiked it with my partner, took us 7 months and I don't have a lid. Cheers, from downunder in NZ.

Surprised you didn't say that you would hike in the opposite direction next time. That would be 1st on my list if I was gonna hike the same trail. But I agree with all that you said, well done!

Great tips! Thank you so much. I've hiked the first 650 miles up to Walker Pass Campground and 200 miles in north California in 2019. It was such a crazy snow year so I couldn't finish it. But now I'm planning to go back in 2023. But I was surprised by you saying that you don't necessarily have to send food boxes to yourself. I thought it was impossible to buy enough food in Oregon and Washington in shops etc. I have to look more into it. But that would be awesome! Because like you said: how do you know what you want to eat 3 months later haha!

Best advice! Thanks for what you do!

Interesting Video... at one point I will do the PCT...and your item #1 is good to remember. What happened and what organization did you team up with? Cheers from LA.

My husband and I have been together 25 years this year. If we hiked a long distance trail together, we would separate and come back divorced!!! lol

Good video! I really dont understand how humans can hike that long, several days in a row. I hiked 15km/9miles 4 days ago, and got a blister. Rested for several days, and hiked 18km/11miles today - so now i have 2 blisters, lol! I wonder if my feet can even handle hiking 7km every day...

I talked to guys on the trail who used to do their own food caches at fixed points the year before their hikes. My how things have changed.

You hiked in shorts and a t-shirt omg I’m so curious. I’m also a ginger :) and I always hike in long pants / long sleeves. What about dirt into your shoes (or did you have gators?)? bugs / bites? sun protection? Doing the AT this summer, I’m quite curious

Is that your wife and baby at the end?? They're so adorable! I used to hike with my friend who had twins and I loved carrying one of them in that backpack thing. I really wish I had a boyfriend who would want to do the PCT with me... ~Trav

Good stuff. Thank you!

premade boxes are way more cost effective, but sooooo annoying. I gotta do it because I'm on a very strict budget, but if you aren't i agree, just avoid the fuss

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing. Subscribed to see more ☺️🙏🏻

If you have wife or husband that is willing to do long distance hiking with you count your blessings. My love of long-distance hiking may actually end my marriage. I hike with my dog alone, mostly because at my age no one I know wants to backpack anymore. I start early 530am and generally hike 12-to-14-hour days. I use only UL gear, mostly Zpacks. I am now doing bigger miles than thirty years ago. UL is the way to go.

Good info.

I want to hike the pct,but have no clue as to how to plan,what to,or not to take,and i dont really want to do it by myself,for safety sake.

Ty

marine corps? lets go I was army and air force (chair force) yes I know, but I'll be on the PCT in 2023 wish me luck! I bought your course a year ago it's been awesome made all my first solo trips a breeze!

Good advice

On my bucket list. Wanna bring my dog. Any hints

Sorry to hear your disappointment with Warrior Exped. I think the mission and intent are good. Hope you enjoyed some of the Peanut Butter pouches my company donated for the cause! Thanks for the vid.

Good stuff!

What backpack baby carry would you recommend? (Not a baby on the PCT, just in general.) 🤣🤣🤣 This was very informative. You should do your hour long one on this, too!! Thank you.

Excellent video content & useful experience based advice! Really appreciate it. I'm new to your channel & you may have covered this. What were your gear choices for the PCT? I imagine you made changes along the way. Can you share equipment (maybe refer me to a video) pros & cons? Also, when you forward shipped supplies where did you send them? I assume a post office. Thanks so much for the advice. I'm working my way up to through hiking. Did a bit in my youth. Now want to really slow it down for a richer experience & enjoy it more. Best Always......

Very informative. I'm getting ready to hike 70 miles sobo from white pass down the goat rocks with my girlfriend who is less experienced to hiking. I wonder if the altitude will be a factor, I believe it will get up around 7k feet. We seem to be about the same age/build as you and your wife. Is altitude something you guys would be concerned about? Thanks. I subbed :)

5:50 "No pants, well...you gotta wear something" Check out Jon 'Airborne' Schwarze. Dude hikes in boxers.

Good advice, great beard.

Greetings and salutations, thank you for the great vid. I am going to be hiking the PCT this May, excluding the desert section because I did it some years ago and just don't want to do it again for various reasons...cough poddle-dog bush, cough. My motto is the PCT at 63 and have been training for a while now. I have my gear dialed in, no lid, I use a Hyperlite Junction 3400 and love it, lightweight big 3 and the clothes as well. I'll be walking solo which I also enjoy very much, not married anymore unfortunately. I was just wondering if you had any other advice, especially for someone in my situation and all. Peace and good tidings from the Conejo.

Thank for sharing your very good tip freind

Good info. I was wondering if you carried any rain gear and also a down jacket.

Excellent information! I'm one hundred percent down with resupplying as I go, but. What about shoes? If hiking shoes need to be replaced every few hundred miles, how do thru-hikers manage that?

what were your start/end dates? great video 🙏🏼

Hey weird question. I have loads of arm tattoos too and was going to wear the long sleeve button up shirts. Yes I know they smell pretty bad but I’m worried about my tattoos in all the sun all the time. So did you just use sunscreen or just risk it in the sun?? Cheers

I couldn't find this question anywhere in the comments, but where did you get that banner? I can't find it anywhere online! Thanks!

05:15 You shipped your pants? Do a lot of hikers ship their pants? I've never shipped my pants. I wouldn't ship my pants. Aren't there places on the trail you could be exposed to poison oak or PDB or get cut up with spiky overgrowth without pants?

How was it hiking with warrior ex? I'm a vet who this summer is hiking the colorado trail, seeing I live here, and I am doing crowd sourcing to raise money for them. I'm completely funding my trek and gear personally, just trying to help other vets

What does lid means 😬 i'm danich so sorry for not knowing this

Helpful video. How did your wife let you go on pct by your self. That’s a Courage ! My wouldn’t let me 🥲.

Would you not get burnt in them desert with short sleeves? Even using sunscreen?

Great video with solid advice. Subscribing now! and also I spotted the boonie cover man, awesome

what the heck is a backpacking lid? i have been hiking my whole life, watching a decent ammout of videos about thru hiking bit this is the first i have ever heard of a lid.

When you say lid what are you talking about?

I have this idea in my mind that I'd need another ride while in town in order to get to grocery stores. I'm trying to avoid this during 2021 due to the COVID concerns. Is this not the case?

no cell when i did it just one thing you need to know 10x the money you think you need

It starts at 1:34

Have you done the at yet

Great content, quick and informative. Loved it, just found your channel. Is there a way to contact you via email regarding a PCT thru hike (Oregon only) I'm proposing doing this July.

Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was... Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short. Retrogrouch -noun 1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven. 2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . . 3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . . 4.If it's not broken don't try to fix it. . .

Damn, don’t get sponsored bro? we’ll see..gonna be tough

Love this guy! But he looks just like the default Runescape character model.

^_^ The SWEETEST Part of Your Video was talking about bringing "Your Wife with You" that was VERY SWEET and gave me WATERY EYES!? Yes I wondered about some of these people DASHING DOWN the trail? I thought is was ALL about the "JOURNEY", the "DESTINATION" is NOT important and if it takes me a "Year" to get there, COOL!? This is the next level in my "Minimalist Mindset", to do this in a time of EXTREMES = Heat, Crisis, Etc...ONE cannot let their fears get the best of Them!! You are BETTER than that these stories reveal it!? A friend of mine had hiked (Part of the John Muir Trail"), she encouraged me to see for myself? John Muir wrote about nature and the trial NOT to exclude anyone as we are ALL connected!! It is "Nature" we find ourselves and find the "ANSWER" to the "QUESTION", when you know the answer the question comes easily and vice versa!?

Did you see any bears? Did you (or someone in your group) carry bear spray or a firearm?

Should I be concerned/afraid of bears and cougars on the trail? Solo going soon.. I’m Canadian so grizzlies are a big concern always up here.

Sponsors are like government less is better

I’d hike alone more… but bring my wife.

#1 is the single most useless advice I’ve ever heard for hiking the pct. It literally applies to fewer than .01% of viewers and hikers.

Hike ALONE??!!! BAD Idea since SOOO MANY People have gone MISSING on THAT Trail specifically.. What HORRIBLE Advice!!!! BYE!

too many words