I'm stoked that you found it useful!

Thanks! I'm glad you find them helpful!

+David Jeter Absolutely no problem! I love helping new hikers!

+vet61man Thanks! I agree about the electrolytes. Very important. I carry a Mio Fit now and shoot some into my water a couple of times per day. Absolutely helps to maintain that "normal" feeling.

Really? What's your trail name?

ive had many trail names over the years but got the trail name safety hat at kennedy meadows, you may have been sitting next to me. im kiking that pct again mo fo damn nice trail dude

Douglas Hurdle I used my food bag as a pillow when cowboy camping and threw it into my vestibule when in my tent. Rodents aren't a huge problem (but they are present) on most of the trail until you get into Washington, then they are abundant and fearless.

Douglas Hurdle I should clarify that I used an Ursack bear-proof bag for the entire trail other than when a bear can was required. This meant that rodents couldn't get to my food as long as I cinched the top of the bag nice and tight.

Yup. That is definitely true. It was 93 degrees when I did a hike last year in southern arizona and my hike loop was 4.5 miles roughly. I drank plenty of water beforehand and by the time I was done my urine was golden. 2 liters of water was okay but I probably should have taken more. Otherwise it was comfortable for the most part. For people that hike when it is really hot start as early as you can before temperatures spike. The crack of dawn is ideal.

+Absurdginger Hopefully you understand that this video is very pacific-crest-trail-specific and is not meant as a comprehensive "how to hike in every desert ever" instruction manual. It definitely sounds like the Southern California desert is more forgiving than what you're used to. Happy hiking!

Stampede Hey! I'm starting the 22nd. If I can afford it you just might!

+Larry Cloyes G-d bless you and thank you for your service

+Will Penley it's hella called nor Cal !

+David Jeter My personal opinion? Leave him at home. I love dogs as much as (if not more) than then next guy but when you take them on trail you aren't giving them a choice about walking miles and miles every day for months on end. In terms of being a hinderance though? I never saw anyone have any problems other than when passing through certain state/national parks where dogs aren't allowed. Your dog would get so much love and attention from everyone. It's a very warm and fuzzy (no pun intended) community.

Gordon Tendick There's plenty of forest hiking in Arizona, even some alpine. Go check out Flag

franklinj480 No, you're right. I've summited Humphreys a few times and backpacked Mount Baldy and the Mogollon Rim. I have some experience, but haven't spent more than 4 days consecutive days in the forest.

+Gordon Tendick I would but it would be a very short video. Bottom line: forest hiking is easier than desert hiking. The only new challenges are mosquitos and greater potential to get lost if you go off trail.

+David Jeter do a google search for Halfmile's Water Report. It's a free, frequently updated document that lists ALL of the trailside water sources, how they are flowing, and when they were last checked. Honestly it is the most important information a hiker can carry in the southern 700 miles. More so than maps. It is off-season though so make sure you check when the water source was last reported on.

+David Jeter Any section is possible to be hiked in winter (trauma and pepper proved that point) but I think you would be fairly safe in jumping on section A. From the boarder to warner springs (mile 109) the only spot that I would imagine getting snow would be Mt. Laguna.

Nature Calls Thanks! I might just take you up on that.

Nature Calls You're talking about Washington section J right? Not California section J?

Yep Washington. So J would be the middle section, I could reach either side. I am directly on Snoqualmie pass route and Stevens is pretty easy too. At least, if you remember, dinner at Snoqualmie. Or if you are with a group, we could do a barbque.

Nature Calls That's very generous. We'll keep in contact.

+sacha bergeron I don't yet because I view mountain and forest hiking as requiring much fewer specific skills but I've had enough requests to that I might make one. By the time you hit the sierras most of the snow will have most likely melted away leaving only occasional patches that will be very easy to navigate over (as long as you're careful). There will be tons of footprints to follow. In regards to temperature, because of the time of year you'll be hitting the sierras, they will be much much warmer than you think. You'll spend many nights completely out of your sleeping bag because it's so hot. The desert in spring and washington in fall will both be quite a bit colder than the sierras at the peak of summer (which is when you'll be hitting them). Hopefully that was helpful and I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have.

+Kale Scown I was under the impression that we have had highest snow level in past few years

+Will Penley They are ugly little bastards, no denying that! haha At this point though, after discovering that they are harmless and only want to be near you for warmth or shade I developed a bit of an affinity for them. Plus they're the natural enemy of scorpions so I'm ok with them being around.

MrKenny1955 Meet one on trail! Best way to make new friends!

agree. they aren't the brightest of animals.

Candy Granger Those are all on the docket for this week.

Absolutely not!! Once water is converted to urine and stored in the bladder it cannot be reclaimed/reused by the body, and should be excreted whenever the need arises. Holding your pee is very dangerous and can lead to UTI's and sever bladder distention .