Appalachian Trail vs Pacific Crest Trail

[@CleverHiker]

Great video Will. Love the in-depth information comparing the two trails and giving your perspective. Very valuable stuff for anyone considering these two trails. Well done!

[@tomspane1690]

Thanks for ALL these videos, Red Beard! They frickin ROCK! Just an FYI, born and raised a Washingtonian Backpacker by my Eagle-Scout-dad, you're going to get WAYYY more out of the Sections up here in the Summer time. Oh and the water sources get way way more abundant up here too. Looking forward to next years Washington Vids!

[@jaylineff]

Due to the AT's proximity to more towns the # of Trail Angels is greater. These generous folks have been blessed life savers and an incredible welcomed sight to see and meet. For me, it's the AT mostly because of the history, more varied scenery, terrain, wildlife & overall camaraderie. Plus, seeing & chatting up the more folk along the AT really helps thwart too much loneliness & keeps you sane. Mostly. :)

[@downundasvideos6402]

Hey Red Beard, I've told a few of my former AT hiking buddies about your videos and they hadn't heard of them. Feedback from them yesterday was that they think they are great... they think your spot-on no nonsense narrative is one key thing that makes them stand out. Downunda - Australia

[@RedBeard0924]

Awesome, always trying to keep it real ✌🏼️

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Will, I super appreciate your thorough, yet concise analysis of both thru-hike trails. I am planning to start with the AT in April of 2019, and my mains reason for doing so are 1) the frequency of towns close to the trail, 2) the number of hikers (advice / help), and 3) I live within 40 minutes of the Smokeys. * subscribed *

[@carelbrendel8447]

If you've finished your PCT and other American trails, please come to Europe. We have some beautiful hikes. Not so much wilderness as in the US, but amazing mountain scenery. You will enjoy the GR20 on Corsica, the GR10, GR11 and HRP trails in the Pyrenees and both GTA trails (Italy and France) in the Alps.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

You do a very good job on your daily video log videos. I also liked this one because you answered some questions I have had for years regarding the similarities or differences of the AT and PCT. thanks for doing such a good job of the narration and sharing, as it is helpful.

[@TrueToad]

Will Thanks for your fine coverage - Living on the East Coast I did the ATC back in 2013 with great pleasure. Your assessment is really accurate on the ATC. I have yet to do the PCT but hope to in the next couple of years all things willing. Thanks again for your insight on the PCT. In 2017 I will start to do some more in depth planning and research.

[@stevehanisch8510]

Will, as I've said before, your videos are some of the best out there. Got busy with a new job, so I haven't been keeping up, but I'll be taking a Saturday soon to watch your entire PCT hike in one sitting. Congratulation and best wishes on your next adventure!

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks for the kind words. The PCT was incredible now I'm off to work for a bit but I have some incredible trips planned for this next year. I'll be back soon.

[@norkisserrano]

A very well non-bias opinion on both PCT and AT. I've climbed Mt. Whitney twice and you're absolutely right the view is just grandeur and breath taking.

[@rb30athorn]

The best trail comparison and overview I've come across!

[@maximusmeridius1272]

Wow, I just stumbled on this video of yours. Amazingly informative video Will. You have provided a phenomenal job of breaking down and comparing both trails. All food for thought. Thank you.

[@baconloversupreme]

Really love the videos man, thru hiking the AT in 2017, hope to see more from you!

[@staceybucklin3932]

Yes! I've been waiting for this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@RedBeard0924]

So, are you aiming to hit the PCT soon? Frankenstein and Bliss are doing so this next hiking season I believe.

[@briansnyder8494]

Will, Have you thought about the CDT. Joe Brewer just completed it and it is absolutely beautiful.

[@RedBeard0924]

Some day after finishing the PCT, but right now Chile is most likely calling my name to venture into Patagonia. Stay Tuned.

[@rolandoperez8248]

+Will “Red Beard” Wood What trail are you doing down there?

[@87Khein]

+Will “Red Beard” Wood, do you think you'd ever consider an Alaska hike?

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

+JoJo Fogarty it's a surfing g movie, lol.

[@jazzhiker1]

Will, this is a great video. Lots of really useful information and insight. Just the video I have been looking for that answered the question of "which one". Thanks and keep making more videos.

[@ZitawiD]

You're the man Will, I'm attempting The PCT next year this video was super helpful, thanks for posting. -Flip AT class of 2015

[@YC80087]

Love your comparison between the two trails! I am from the east coast and AT for me is magic. Due to my work schedule, I couldn't thru-hike as of yet but one day...I will! Thanks red beard :)

[@banyantree8618]

Great insights and basis to start evaluating which trail to do, or which one to do first....

[@cathywright4946]

Will, just wanted to thank you for the video, and encourage you to come back and finish the 800 miles you missed on the PCT. Since you missed Washington State, you missed the best part, come when our trails are as snow-free as possible. Enjoyed your words about the AT!

[@jessesmyser5931]

You're a machine, thanks a ton Will! I'm living vicariously through you.

[@michaelb1761]

Excellent comparison of the two trails. I have not through hiked the PCT, but based on the sections I have hiked, it definitely isn't the place to start backpacking for the first time (regardless of what Cheryl Strayed wrote). Then again, that is what I love about the portions of the PCT I have hiked, the seclusion, the challenge, the epic views and the effort that it takes to get those views. It's hard for me to imagine a more grand and beautiful trail than the PCT - though I've been told by through hikers that the northern Rockies can stand toe to toe with the Sierra - but, that doesn't mean it is the trail that everyone should hike if they could only hike one long trail.

[@ivi122]

I love and enjoyed watching this video...I love hiking but never have done thru hike or backpacking. I'm a day hiker...but hope to one day do overnight hikes. Thanks for the info!!!!!

[@Jbish85]

Dude, I completely agree with you.. I grew up on the AT but now live in SoCal near the PCT.. great video my man!

[@carriegerry3236]

Wow this helped a lot! Goal is to eventually do both, but deciding which to do first and I've been very back and forth!

[@mookloud2]

Thanks for posting this stuff, Will. You are appreciated. A bunch.

[@catreadsbooks]

Great information. Thank you for sharing. Happy Hiking to you too!

[@ml2mercer2011]

Hi Will. One thing you didn't mention were the white blazes (signage) and all of the shelters every 10-15 miles on the AT. Sure seems like the AT offers a lot of "hand holding" compared to the PCT. Great video and very informative - thanks!

[@RedBeard0924]

Very true, the blazes aren't necessary on the PCT for most sections because oftentimes there are no other trails.

[@mathews0618]

Great video! It's hard to find informative videos like this.

[@erikgiggey4783]

well balanced and well done video Will. appreciate the honest opinions of someone who has done both. for me the AT has been calling since I was a wee lad and it is the one I must do but the cdt and pct as well as the north country trail all seem appealing. as a hammocker though I think both the cdt and pct are out

[@BENCMEN]

Thank you so much for this video. We consider to do the AT due to water management! thanks!!!

[@drewwatts2803]

Haha. Lack of people, Lack of close trail towns, Lack of road crossings. Sounds like the PCT is still the trail for me.

[@JenPenn]

Thank you for this video with the comparison of the two trails! It was very helpful.

[@uptrail7169]

The views from the PCT were stunning. Now for watching your videos I like the PCT. If I had to hike one of the trails I'd pick the AT for the water sources and shade from trees. Both of the trail videos from you were great! Thanks for sharing your videos! Bob

[@deadheadhoodie]

+uptrail71........ok so we subscribe to the same people Sintax77 and now Will Wood.....

[@uptrail7169]

Yes! Red Beard is awesome. You can check out my channel list for others like Gator Miller.

[@deckiedeckie]

Yeow red...I really enjoyed your assessment....clear and concise!

[@chrislaroche152]

Great breakdown, thank you. Been thinking of a PCT thruhike.

[@mmmckinney8317]

Hey man great video. My wife and I did the AT 2014 and loved it, looking to do the pct 2017, it's great to here the comparisons about both.

[@cbennett1]

also a prospective 2017 PCTer. see you there lol.

[@kevinspake7338]

There is only one couple that I know of that successfully through hiked the PCT with horses. There are certainly some sections that can be traveled with horses but there are other sections that are all but impassible for all but the most experienced (and lucky) equestrians.

[@tommessig2060]

Looking forward to the rest of PCT and CDT ;) Keep up the great work.

[@lunastrat]

BTW, watched all you vids. Great, great job.Really learned a lot.

[@planetjohn5224]

I just wanted to say thanks for this video especially, but all your other videos as well.

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks for the thanks ✌🏼️

[@felipepena3695]

Will, dude you have amazing videos! I want to get into hiking!! Is there anyway you can make a video on how to prepare for a hike... For example, Picking a good trail, finding out where the water sources are, camping spots, what GPS you use, what altimeter you use, etcc.. There are plenty of gear videos out there, but no one talks about the prep work that goes into these long hikes and even overnight hikes. Thanks a lot and thanks for not following the rules of society!! So refreshing!

[@mumblic]

Very clear comparison, helps a lot.

[@MountainFisher]

I hiked the Muir Trail and there is no need for carrying water once you get to the Sierra. 1st time I did the JMT was 1971 in June and cramp-on's were needed, also an ice ax. The first person to hike the PCT was in the 70s. The CDT as a trail wasn't there in the 70's. In the mountains bears ARE a problem. I used to work and live in Mammoth and the bear problem under 10,000 is a problem and in some places higher.

[@robertedwards741]

Hey brother, I'm a Infantry Veteran, I must say "your a animal". Keep rocking, Godspeed brother

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks my friend and more importantly thanks for serving our country! ✌🏼️🇺🇸

[@robertedwards741]

+Will “Red Beard” Wood keep making good vids, enjoy your work and drive. Thank you for that comment, just letting you know that you're a beast.

[@tomashize]

This is SO helpful. Thank you very much.

[@Twinville2]

Great video. Very helpful. I don't think you talked about the camping/sleeping differences between both trails. I've read that there aren't any shelters on the PCT and very little trees in the southern section. Oh and lots of rattlesnakes on the PCT. I'm guessing that an enclosed tent is a must have on the PCT?

[@noobie1890]

nahhh some people just do with bivy sacks and tarp shelters as well as hammocks (but rattlesnakes don't climb, so you're good there)

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thanks again for all the videos, this one was really informative. Is the CDT next (after finishing off the PCT)?

[@richardpowell7501]

As always, good stuff. Guru status forthcoming!

[@maddymat]

Always wondered about this! Thanks for posting :)

[@franidelaserna]

Will, love your videos (saw the entire PCT list) and I like how even handed you were on this one. When are you planning on getting back on the road to finish the northern section?

[@zimmermandk]

Thank you very much for all of your videos, very inspiring!!

[@RedBeard0924]

+zimmermandk thanks my friend

[@robertwood4783]

you nailed that - well done

[@GatorMiller]

Will, I've enjoyed all the videos I've watched of yours. This one especially has a lot of great information. The PCT sounds like my kinda thru-hike. Gotta make some money first though. Keep Gettin' it done!

[@RedBeard0924]

Do it man! But I can't guarantee you will like it more than your trip on the AT but maybe so.

[@girtisholland]

+Gator Miller The legendary Gator! Id love to see you do the PCT!

[@michaelmcdermott5329]

Hi Will I watched all the way to your unexpected end. I'm from the Connecticut so I know how you feel about the forest however those views on the PCT are so beautiful. I really enjoyed your adventure from the trail to the trail angles to the towns and the people. When you return to finish will Daniel be going with you? You guys seemed to be a good match. I'm sure he felt terrible for taking you off trail but it sure was good you were there. Maybe the wolves would have got him:) . Anyway I'll be watching for your finish in the future. Thanks again peace.

[@RedBeard0924]

+Michael McDermott thanks for reaching out. Hopefully Daniel and I will finish together. Honestly we both have said we wouldn't mind just doing it all over again. I was out of money too so it would have been tough for me to finish regardless. Really glad you have enjoyed my videos.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Will; really ahve enjoyed your videos. I know you're hard at work with Zpacks now, so understand why the vids are not as prolific. :-) One question now that's it's a couple of years later, but, how hard/easy would it be to use a hammock north of Kennedy Meadows? From a lot of videos I've seen, although you're not in the forest as much as on the AT, it looks like there are enough trees near the trail to make it feasible. I'm planning on this for either next year or the year after and know I'll need a tent for the desert portion, but was planning to switch to a hammock once I got to KM and beyond. Thanks for whatever advice you can give! Cheers! DonP

[@nattoluvsyou]

lostagain definitely wouldn't recommend it through the sierras. A lot of the time you're above treeline and there would just be nowhere to hang.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

the sections on the PCT you missed are rainforest..once you get north of sisters into mt jefferson and mt hood areas its all rainforest to the canadian border..only time you wont be in the trees in above the treeline on mt hood and in the washington cascades..

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

i used to live on mt hood and spent lots of time on sections of the pct around there and other connecting trails

[@ColoradoCamper]

+matanuska high I was thinking the same thing. I've heard people refer to the Oregon PCT section as "The Green Tunnel" because you rarely get views outside of the lush forest. I would be curious to hear Red Beard's opinion after he completes the remaining PCT sections.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

in southern regon its more open some sections even desert like dryer..but once you get in the northern cascades its for sure a green tunnel an into washington...mostly only near tall volcanoes its dense green as they hold back the rain and its a more wet climate..living at the base of mt hood i know all about the rain..lol starts in oct and doesnt end till june or july.. at least when i lived there..been a lot dryer since ive moved.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

the alternate section following eagle river gorge near the columbia gorge is beautfiul rainforest..its where me and my wife had our first date in 2003..13 mile dayhike to tunnelfalls and back to the mouth of the river..any waterfalls tunel falls being my favorite cut 100 ft up right through the rock behind the waterfall..its a 200 ft falls..there are so many along that trail it breathtaking..many of those pics still hang on the wall in my house ..tunnel falls ,mitleko falls ,punchbowl falls and smaller unmamed ones..the whole tail is cut out the side of the sheer 200 foot cliffs with a cable for a via ferrata ..but ive never used them most dont..but there is one spot near the falls you actually have to strattle a gap that is missing brooke away that you def wanna hold onto the cable..lol ive always wanted to rappel into the canyon..but only way out is by kayak.. which we ran into some filming a movie called "better than rodeo:" or something.. about drpping some of the 40 foot falls...first attempt one guy broke his he was the first of the crew we saw hiking out..his kayak was toast but he was ok..offered him a toke. and hiked on ran into the rest of the guys coming out ragging kayaks..anyway..that is one of the best ..actually i think its the best hike ive ever done and ive hiked hundreds of trails and dayhikes and pretty much every cool hike in the northern oregon cascades.....but its also more crowded than other hikes as the easy car acess to the first 6 miles.. other hikes is the ramona falls ..i think that is part of the pct..ive hikes that many times also up near mt hood..it was close to where i lived in zigzag and brightwood....cool dayhike near there rarely ever hikedc but in my top oregonhikes is castle canyon..if you can find it ..but its on some maps its it rhody(rhodedendron)..back in a neighboorhod and small sign parking spot..barely marked..trail is also hard to follow just keep going up and up....lol when you get there you will know by the rock formatins over loking the valley down below. climb out on the spine and look ..its scary and amazing..i did it on mushroom..:) but still its breathtaking...watch out for cougars..saw tracks and poo..enjoy oregon..my second favorite state to Alaska..

[@brianrobinson702]

Hey Red Beard. I totally envy you. Being a father of 4, having a wife with epilepsy,& working 70+ hours a week. I just wanted to tell you that while I'm sure at some points in your hiking you may feel some what alone, but please rest assured that all the people like me live vicariously through you. I wish I had the time to do what you are doing. If I could only give one piece of recommendation for your future hikes when it comes to your videos. Please do a what's working for you and not for you (gear wise) I'm a little shocked to hear about your steripen. Another thing. A thru hike of The Great Wall of China. Good day.

[@benschmaltz5789]

Just finished my first AT thru hike. Hopefully, I can do the PCT soon since I'm moving from Atlanta to San Francisco. What about permits and park regulations on the PCT? On the AT, the Smoky Mountain National Park was the only place that required permits. In VT and NH, there were some places where you were "supposed" to pay to stay at a shelter. Overall, I felt the rules were fairly relaxed.

[@RedBeard0924]

You must have a Thru Hiker permit that is free before you begin. If you venture into Yosemite NP you must have a separate permit to camp. Also a bear canister is required through the national parks.

[@daniel.creative]

Great analysis and thank you for both your AT and PCT video series-- they're both fantastic! Did you happen to record any data or statistics (i.e. average speed, daily miles, total days, conditions, calories/day, water/day) for either or both of the hikes? I understand that capturing the added level of metadata may be bothersome but was just wondering. Happy Hiking!

[@robislookin]

Great info and a balanced report. What about sleep systems. I.E. hammock or tent?

[@LLandLuv]

Very informative, great video.

[@timothyciarlette8250]

Thanks for this review, it was very interesting.

[@shawn7913]

Just recently found your videos and binge watched the AT videos. Great job, thanks for sharing. I live in the Atlanta area too (Stockbridge) and was curious if you could recommend any local trails for an overnight hike to get my feet wet. Looking for a good beginner trail. I will not have super expensive ultra light gear for my first hike.

[@RedBeard0924]

Hike the approach trail from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain where the AT officially begins. About 14 miles round trip with 1 or 2 shelters along the way and plenty of camping.

[@mcspank718]

Thank you for making this video Will. Keep doing what you do =)

[@tammymartinez7488]

If you want to see a grizzly bear than do the cdt. Yellowstone and Montana have them, but bring bear spray

[@downundasvideos6402]

Camera Question:- Hey again Red Beard, we were trying to figure out your camera setup... I assume you are using a GoPro or Mobius on the hike and your video is so smooth... what sort of gimbal or other device are you using to get such smooth results? PS: I'm now long retired and a knee problem stops me from any hiking over hilly or uneven surfaces, so I'm getting my hiking fix through you. THanks so much.

[@RedBeard0924]

No GoPro for me I am a strong supporter of Sonys action camera the Sony HDR-as200v. It has less of a fish eye look and its stabilizer is unreal. I am literally holding the camera when hiking and filming and it is that stable. I occasionally use the StickPic when filming in selfie mode using my trekking poles. Otherwise nothing else just my hand and the camera.

[@60westpro]

great job on this -- PCT 2016!!!!!

[@rallen1449]

Love your videos Will, Thank you brother!

[@henrys3629]

Do you have to worry about bulls on the trail. My brother and I came across one here and we went as fast as we could through blackberry bushes when it started in our direction. Chair had a tough AT.

[@arenhoward2358]

Wow! That was very informative. Thank you.

[@lindamcentaffer5969]

Good advice, but one thing: there are large portions of the PCT that are impassible to horses.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

I love how you listed bees, wasps, hornets, and ants in wildlife😂

[@user-it6gl1vv7v]

Smackin video mate! Spot on

[@norkisserrano]

Can you please do a post Thru-hike gear review? we wanna know how your new gears works, the Zpack tent, sleeping bag, water filter etc. so we will have an idea when we upgrade our gears based on your tested gears. thanks in advance.

[@RedBeard0924]

I will try to get this up soon but I will tell you the sleeping bag was incredible and blew my mind, the tent was perfect but the wind was super strong on the PCT so you have to make sure to not camp on super exposed cliffs and my Steripen was an epic fail and I would not recommend it for backpacking. I sent it home week 1.

[@norkisserrano]

+Will “Red Beard” Wood - Can't wait to see the video and thanks for some sneak peek of some of your gears as you mentioned.

[@TroggyTrog]

Darnit! I was expecting to see an 80's style WWF match-up of AT vs. PCT, winner-takes-all! LOL But, seriously, cool vid and good comparisons, thanks!

[@redlodgeflyingclub6875]

Will...are you still planning on doing a post thru hike review of your zpacks 20 degree bag? I'd love your feedback on how it held up, etc., after extensive use.

[@TomsBackwoods]

Great job man! will you be doing a post trip gear report like you did from the AT? Did anything you brought not work for you?

[@taozenqi1000]

+1 on the post gear review!

[@RedBeard0924]

Soon I did not like the Steripen everything else worked perfect for me!

[@MrWinger1951]

I live about 20 miles from the AT and have done sections over the years but there is no way I would do an AT through in this day and age due to the numbers of hikers, the partiers and the shelters that attract them. That and the total lack of self reliance needed to hike the other trails in this country. AT hikers are for the most part just walking from shelter to shelter and town to town, and have no concept of a wilderness experience. Yes I want to go days without seeing other hikers as you referred to. I never stay in shelters and never go into towns. Sometimes its a whole lot better to do lesser known trails and enjoy the isolation and self reliance that they require. I hope you will be doing the CDT as I will follow your adventures there as well.

[@RedBeard0924]

You would find the AT is not actually like you have described it. There may be some partying in and around towns, but that disappears very quickly as people quit within the first few hundred miles or so. I rarely stayed in any shelter and chose to Stealth Camp away from others. This provided me with the seclusion that I was seeking. The articles posted about an out of control party up the trail are inaccurate and being used in order to bring more regulations to the trail.

[@michaelb1761]

Really? I thought the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho would be the second largest Wilderness, then I saw they weren't designated as "wilderness" but National Forest. However, if you want solitude, the Sawtooth Mountains are definitely second only to Alaska. The Idaho Centenial Trail that starts at the Idaho/Nevada border and runs the length of Idaho includes 200+ miles without a single road crossing - not even a 4WD dirt track - heading through the Sawtooth National Forest. Whether or not it is officially designated as Wilderness, it doesn't get much more remote than that. While I have never hiked on the East Coast, all you need to do is look at maps of the PCT and AT to know that the PCT is more remote. It isn't even close. You are frequently 40+ miles from the nearest road where you could even possibly hitch to the nearest town which is another 40, 50, or more miles away. That's what draws me to the PCT. I want seclusion and wilderness when I hike. I also like those epic views that go beyond words or pictures. The kind of views that touch your soul and need to be experienced in person.

[@Don-md6wn]

Wow, maybe a couple of thousand people a year even attempt to through hike the AT, about a quarter complete it, and that's still not enough to impress some people. MrWinger, how does somebody go through the 100 mile wilderness section of the AT in Maine without having any concept of a wilderness experience?

[@Rincon009]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@coopercannabis5413]

I can't wait to do the pct with my brother.

[@SlyDz420]

What did you use for a food bag? That is my main concern for my up coming hike of the AT. Thinking of getting an URSack but it doesn't block odors alone so it worries me for when I'm hiking. ps Great video on the comparisons. Much appreciated.

[@RedBeard0924]

+SlyDz420 the most popular food bag on both trails and the one i used on both trails is the ZPacks Food Bag. If you hike either trail from start to finish you will see that there is no other bag chosen more often. Wouldn't recommend the URSack. ZPacks Bear Bag check it out.

[@lunastrat]

People frequently forget that California is almost 800 miles long. So yeah, it does take awhile to hike thru it.

[@maurastp]

I watched Joe Brewers CDT thru hike, and the one thing that I thought was that you would not like the tremendous about of flat road hiking. It would be interesting to find out the percentage of road hiking that Joe did. CDT had beautiful sections, but really long boring sections too.

[@RedBeard0924]

If the trail is officially closed requiring road walking I hitch 😉 I'm not 100% a purist hiker.

[@yogaphotographybydaniel]

Hello I am from Mexico and I would like to know with how much approximate money is enough to achieve the Appalachian Trail? Considering Lodging and Meals

[@RedBeard0924]

If you stay out of towns as much as possible and can control spending, Ive heard of people spending as little as 2k on trail. I however spent about 4k in 7 months on trail.

[@tongqingtonychen9847]

Great summary!

[@deadheadhoodie]

Will I dig all your videos.... what's the next big adventure gonna be

[@RedBeard0924]

Finish the PCT, Chile and Mt Rainer. Stay tuned.

[@jteskey1106]

Dude u are a riot . Thanks for posting your videos of the trail.. How much weight did u lose hiking the AT?

[@RedBeard0924]

I lost 50 pounds on the AT

[@matthewspecker]

Thanks for the great videos.

[@MayoGurrrl]

Hey +Will “Red Beard” Wood - don't think I'd be able to take a full 5 months off work but was half thinking of hiking either the AT or PCT for between 5 to 7 weeks or so. Do you think this is a good/bad idea and if good are there particular sections of each you would recommend. Travelling from Ireland so added logistical issues but sure we will see! :)

[@RedBeard0924]

I think it is a great idea and you will find there are many others doing sections especially on the AT, the PCT doesn't have as many section hikers for that short period of time because it is tough to pull of logistically. Most section hikers on the PCT are out there for 2-3 months attempting all of California. I would recommend the AT for you. I would say start at Springer Mountain in Georgia and try to hike to Hot Springs, NC or Erwin, TN. This would be an incredible hike through many great places including The Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Or you could do a more difficult section and hit New Hampshire and or Maine. More secluded and much more difficult hiking but truly incredible. Good luck on your decisions! ✌🏼️

[@clintonnovak4640]

what is your go too source for PCT info? like maps and water sources, and mail drop locations?

[@RedBeard0924]

+Clinton Novak Yogi Book is ok I really recommend the Guthook app on iPhone.

[@americanmanscouts4915]

good videos man. what camera do you use? Im going to get the gopro 4 what do you think ?

[@JustinBrown1]

It looks like the A.T. and then the John Muir Trail (to get the views) if you can only do one super long trail.

[@yogaroutineect]

Thanks for review.

[@MayoGurrrl]

I'm laughing here as I was just asking myself this very question!!! :D Thanks!

[@Brentbrussell]

If you're doing a post trip gear report, how about a section on that Columbia hat you're always wearing?

[@RedBeard0924]

Good idea, I will tell you the hat is pretty much just a hat, the Omni freeze is not noticeable but I love the fit for me.

[@RussFye]

Great video, Will! How do you handle the bear situations on the AT? Are they something to really worry about?

[@dmolition123]

Not Red Beard but an AT thru hiker, the bears are not something to worry about until maybe Shenandoah NP, that was my first bear experience and then I didn't see one until the New England section, and that was the last one.

[@RedBeard0924]

I too didn't see my first bear till Shenandoah NP and then didn't see one again till Jersey but I say about 15 in jersey and around 25 total on the trail. No issues at all. The only time it was a bit scary was in Shenandoah because the bear had Cubs and she was within 15 feet from me grinding her teeth but she didn't do anything.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Thanks, I would have thought the exact opposite. How about bears and deadly animals ? Any bears on the PCT? Would you say the PCT is generally easier than the AT? (OK I go to that part, the PCT is harder) Would it be better to hike the PCT first in terms of experience ? I was wondering about crime or danger ... which is better? What is a "drop box?"

[@ericprice7761]

Did you have any problem with the rocks giving you sore feet or bruising on the bottom or arch of your feet? If so, how did you solve or reduce this? Love the vids great job, and thanks for taking us along.

[@RedBeard0924]

I did not but this is a very common thing for many long distance hikers. In fact my hiking buddy 2-Tone developed bruising on the arches of his feet and it was incredibly painful. He would take a day off but it always came back. Most people I talked to with this issue just had to ignore it because it never stopped.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Make a rock plate for your shoes. Milk or plastic juice container. Use your inner soles as a template. Goes under your innersole. Protects your feet from the rocks :)

[@joesweeney7216]

Will, in terms of physical difficulty how would you compare thr JMT section of the PCT to the NH and Maine section of the AT?