I know my comment is way late but what are the temps you experienced. I think you started late March? What were the highs and lows in this first part of the trail? Envious of your adventure!!

Got a messed up hip failed thoracic surgery and bad knee, the negative self talk was real seeing everyone pass me even when I was pushing as hard as possible, comparison kills. I’m going back this March and however long it takes is however long it takes . Great advice.

Great videos!

HYOFH! YAS!!

Subscribed. Doing recon for this year. Are you editing on your phone? If so, what app?

Really useful. Thank you. I start my hike in April and it’s interesting to hear about your lessons. 👍

Great video! There were some hacks that I'm looking forwarding to trying! Quick question, why did you change boots and pack the waterproof socks? I am started mid-April so trying to determine if that would be necessary for me. Also, I 100% agree with you on the SuperFeet Insoles. I tried some on my AT thru and started having hip pain, removed them from my shoes and pain was gone. Ended up trying generic Dr. Scholls inserts - worked perfectly.

Thank you for your well presented content! Waiting for my application to be approved for an early May start! So excited I’m having trouble sleeping. Ha! So much research to do, particularly on ultra light gear upgrades. Would love to hear your recommendations. This is a bucket list, dream trip for me. Like you, I’m a an older guy (53) and this particular video has only added to the anticipation. Liked and subscribed.

Like the language or not gata stay true to who you are

Doing the trail 2025 starting March 27, so I'm enjoying watching what you did to get through the Sierra 👍

To each his/her own of course but I have three comments. AT & CDT vet here and I exclusively use the Altra Olympus shoe with Superfeet Hike insoles. Olympus is the only Altra model with Vibram soles and I find they adhere to rocks much better than the other models. Olympus and Superfeet insoles have never caused me problems though you are correct as to the cost of Superfeet as they only last about 1K miles. Crossing the Gila River 200+ times in NM caused no delamination of the insoles and I've never had any problems of blisters. Lastly, peanut butter jars do not seal liquids well. Talenti is the go-to as you said.

Excellent. I went sobo this year, and your list is gold.

Great video, you remind me of me. I need to work 2 more years so I can do this, it is my life long dream. I am visualizing.

A bit late to the party but if you need to "warm" soak check out the Cnoc Buc. It is a bit tricky to eat out of, as you have to hold it open with one hand. There are a ton of bad reviews but the 2024 version that I got fixed some of the problems. It is still a bit flimsy to get used to but works ok.

Absolutely love the content, the video and the organization of the series of PCT hikes. Is there a regulation against stealth camping or is it somewhat of a free for all? PS: Swear all you like. =)

Congrats! I hope to do the pct one day

whats your email im starting the at working on the triplr crown starting in feb2025

Thank you for the enlightened reflections. Great lessons for us all.

Congrats on your hike! Looks like a great set up. Jack R Better also makes an Alpha Direct fleece bag liner. Timmermade and Nunatak both make an Alpha Direct fleece and permeable wind barrier over bag for those colder temps and moisture management. For a jar option check out the litesmith cold soaking jars. They have a bunch of different sizes, all but the largest are under $5. Sadly, no ice cream included. They can handle boiling water though, have an extra no leak seal, and a smooth interior for easy cleaning. I love that damn jar 😅

Awesome.

thanks for the video! do you always hang the DCF or Ursack on a tree?

Thank you! Good music....at first. :)

Note to viewers: the actual hike might take a bit longer.

Cool! Happy Veterans Day!

Welcome home

I use a 32oz. wide mouth Nalgene Cantene. I'll definitely use the soap drops going forward. Thanks for the tip!

Good advice. 👍👍

nice. Encourage people to be even more lazy than they already are, lol

Just make sure you have good aim. Or else find a bottle with a wide enough mouth.

Worth carrying mirrorless camera or would GoPro phone camera suffice? Enjoyed your review

Thanks for filling my special request. Been using Gaia for all my planning. Need to check out FarOut. Did routes export to your watch ?

Great advice, Rob. Big fan of Gaia.

Man, if only the rest of the trail had places like Mellow Mountain Hostel. The vibes were unmatched.

Really enjoying your AAR content after your PCT through hike! Keep them coming 🤙🏽

I didn't know the pin drop feature existed on FarOut. I opened FarOut on my phone and tried to drop pins with my finger on the PCT red line and it didn't work. That's how I do it on Gaia with no problem, but not so with FarOut.

super helpful! thanks for the video

Some good advice, Bubblehead. You were my favorite PCT KZbinr this year. Possibly because I can relate to a fellow Bubblehead. The Brotherhod of the Phin... 200 miles to go before I complete my hike next summer.

Great reflections, great video !

I really enjoyed listening to your tips and experiences in this laid back format. Wish there were more videos like this out there. Thanks for putting it all together.

Great lessons!!! Thank you! I was listening to you while rucking around my neighborhood

Outstanding, Rob. Terrific advice, straight to the point and well considered. Noting your March departure date, and the imminent permit lottery, what are your thoughts on optimal departure times from Campo? I’m thinking late April as I aim to get to peak trail fitness during the Oz summer and don’t particularly want to face some of the snow conditions you encountered in the Sierra (appreciate there are no certainties in any of this, though…).

Thanks for sharing your lessons learned. Your problem solving approach seems to be an effective one. I always enjoy your opinions and insights!

Rob - Thanks. Great stuff. I would be interested in a piece on navigation: (1) electronic/paper/both, (2) how and how far did you plan ahead, (3) water planning, (4) campsite planning, etc. Al

For the Mental game here is one. Take time off when you need it but try not to take too much time off trail. It will vary from person to person but probably 3 days max unless there are other reasons your need more time. The longer you are away from the trail the harder it is to “keep your head in the game” and get back out there with the same motivation, purpose etc. Remember your Whys as was said in this video!!

If you had to do the trrail over again, would you ever consider doing it SOBO in order to traverse the Sierras with less snow or is NOBO the way to go?

Thanks for the video!!! Do you carry waterproof socks and gloves on the whole trail? And it sounds like a down jacket is not necessary?

Always pack your shelter in an outside pocket, never inside the main compartment. That way the main compartment stay dry First thing you remove from the pack and the last thing to pack up in the morning. Technically second to last to pack. Very last is your ground cloth. And very first thing at camp to remove is the ground cloth.

Great review - I really liked it!!! Which bear canister did you use in the sierras?

Hey Slide! It's Andy/Hot Mess, we met in Tahoe. Good to see the sleeping pad worked out for you, I was worried it might be too small. Didn't see the waterproof socks. How'd those do for you?

Ok , not trying to work blue/gross here I have yet to use the trail bidet, but in honesty we installed a bidet in the home place and I still feel it requires an "afterpass" with the tp. And that's with the pressure of house plumbing. How are people bypassing that?