Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - Basic Information

[@pdx427]

This might be the best video about through hiking I've seen. Thanks very much.

[@juliusulit1141]

Who else watching 2019? 🙋‍♂️

[@Diddley_Squat]

2020

[@alviacasteel8855]

2021

[@Caramel_Latte_is_Delicious]

2021 here too :)

[@kerstinshaded8084]

I am - in 2021 🙋‍♀️

[@AussieBushGirl-ManuToigo]

Last year I trekked on foot over 200 miles of the Serengeti in Tanzania. You could say that was my test. I have been aching to trek the PCT for a couple of years now with the thought of going alone. I have a lot of survival and wilderness experience my whole life and so feel very comfortable about being alone. Perhaps, 2017 will my year to trek the PCT, but who knows. I just might wait to do it the year I turn 50. I've done some epic stuff already and love the experience of being wild and letting go of all things bad in the past and being able to disconnect from comforts and modern ways.

[@caligal1090]

thats so awesome! my goal is to eventually hike the PCT by 2021 and to hike the john muir trail as practice, and possibly section hike parts of the PCT as well...did you ever hike the PCT?!

[@sempergumby3929]

Your adventurous spirit sounds awesome. If and when you hike the Pacific Crest Trails, I hope it is fulfilling for you. It usually is, I think, for those who hike their own hike. That said, most "new school" hikers are going out these days lost (no map skills and 100% reliant on electronics), clueless (no bushcraft skills), and unprepared (entitlement thinking that does not impress mountains or weather) Well, at least we got chopers for the rescue (California will not publish any rescue info, but there are MANY) I'm really enjoying my PCT hiking (old school style), but I do wish I would have gone before the first smartphone ever hit the market.

[@LifeIsASideQuest]

Have you done it yet?

[@AussieBushGirl-ManuToigo]

@@LifeIsASideQuest Call dang it. In 2017 I started my own business taking kids on survival and outdoor adventures as a summer camp which is really doing well. But over the years my knees have been quickly degrading from massive surgeries done in my 20s when I broke both my knees. So last year I ended up seeing an orthopedic surgeon and I need knee replacements for both knees. But I ain’t given up yet that is for sure. I have to go back to Australia to get them done under military compensation and so maybe now that I’m 53 I would say I’m going to do this before I turn 60

[@amandajackson2346]

Awesome vid. Very helpful. Going to hike the PCT spring 2018. Can't wait!

[@despiteallmyrage6813]

Amanda Jackson Me too!

[@MrFishPirate]

That's my goal also. Was supposed to be this year, but "stuff" happened. Will be there 2018!

[@Sponhexagonal]

Amanda Jackson Hey, me too!

[@rememberthis23]

same!

[@LloydLesterIII]

spring is here let's go!

[@MrJayMeBe]

Spring 2017. Let the planning and preparation begin! Thanks so much for the videos, they will be excellent reference as well as motivation.

[@MrCornMango]

See you out there bud!

[@brainstorm656]

I was planning to try about that time too

[@alexdo9388]

+Jamie Bernier I plan on hiking the trail in 2017 as well, let's see if I can do this

[@anilkraft1479]

Did you make it?

[@fosterwayne6684]

I lived in California, I went east to hike the AT in 88, moved back out to California so I could hike the PCT, met my now wife, and we went back east so she could hike the AT in 93 now we have to wait until retirement to do our next long trail :( I'm still hopeful. Awesome video, very well done, thanks.

[@despiteallmyrage6813]

foster wayne which was harder? The AT or PCT? Also, which one was a better experience? I live on the east coast in Boston. I've never fully experienced the wilderness out west, which is why im planning on hiking the PCT vs AT. But i am pretty inexperienced when it comes to hiking. I do plan on getting in a lot of practice/experience. But I'd still prefer to hike the easier of the 2. I also have asthma. So the less uphill the better

[@fosterwayne6684]

Unfortunately, I didn't hike the PCT when I went back out to California, I chose to hike the AT again with my wife instead, I do wish I took her on the PCT instead of the AT, but I think the AT would be my first choice for a first long hike. Good luck, hope you get the chance, it's well worth it.

[@despiteallmyrage6813]

foster wayne Thanks for the info. Oh, i definitely will. I've been preparing for 2 years now.

[@ironpig701]

Well Im like 7 years late to this video. But wow how great a video. Lots of great information.

[@castilloadamejuan1]

Thank you so much for this video, I'm an active duty military member I just climbed mt. Fuji a few weeks back and I went to Mammoth with my wife and I'm falling in love with the out doors my dream is to hike the PCT trail thank you so much for your video.

[@falcolf]

I didn't know that you could enter Canada from the PCT! I thought that that was forbidden; if not that would be awesome for me (since I'm Canadian!) Right now I'm just thinking about the PCT though. I've never done a solo weekend backpacking trip let alone anything long distance (except for day hikes. I've done 25 kilometres or more in one day before day hiking.) I'm kind of expecting to carry more weight since I won't have anyone to share the load with. Also I didn't realize that long distance hikers ate so much junk food haha!

[@jandbpct]

Falcolf - I believe that with ID, Canadians can just saunter right in, no papers necessary. Even in Manning Park, no one ever asked to see my Canadian Entry Permit but I would never cross the border without one. And it is best to perfect your hiking and backpacking skills before tackling the PCT. You can travel light too, a full pack with five days of "hiker food" and a liter of water might be about 12-15 Kg. Remember, each day you hike, your pack gets lighter from the food you eat!

[@falcolf]

Jack and Barb Thanks, but are you sure about that? We need a passport for reentry at other places on the border between our countries! (Although I believe you completely about Manning. I can't see people being sticklers there.) And not to sound overconfident but my hiking skills really don't need perfecting. I have literally been hiking since before I could walk in very rough terrain at high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains, often on some very hazardous bits of trail up on high ridges with loose scree and despite having only done short backpacking trips with my family, I'm absolutely confident in my ability to do that too. I am no newcomer to backpacking either. I'm only a newcomer at doing it for weeks on end as on long distance trails and doing it alone. I already absolutely know how to pack an expedition pack properly, how to take only what I need to go as lightweight as possible (I am extremely picky about what I take in my pack anywhere) and I am very knowledgeable about my equipment. I was trained in outdoor skills by a professional wildlife biologist, I know about bears, survival, building emergency shelters, no trace, water purification - physically, knowledgeably, I can handle the PCT. I can handle weight. I'm the fastest hiker in my family when I want to be (mostly I stick with the pack) and we're all very good hikers. I hike better than I run! I work in an outdoor equipment store, so I'm well educated about ultralight backpacking, since we sell a lot of stuff for it. By extra weight, I only meant that as a solitary hiker I will have no one to share the heavier parts of the load with (such as the 2-3 lb tent,) so by that merit, my solo pack will absolutely be heavier no matter how much light gear I use. :/ There's nothing that I can do about that. I'll be limiting comforts down to a camera and small sketchbook/journal which should help. Hopefully the heaviest thing that I will be carrying is my 3L platypus.

[@jandbpct]

falcolf Not sure about the type of ID but I expect your passport should work fine. Years ago we could pass the border with only a drivers license but not anymore! You just won't need the entry permit but again, I am not sure. I didn't mean to harsh you on the skill set, I couldn't tell from your first post how experienced you were. You will have no problems on the trail. The hardest step is the first one, making the commitment. Best wishes, JnB

[@M_Hess]

I am an AT Thru Hiker and preparing to thru hike the PCT in 2020. Thank you for some great information.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Such a great video, felt like I was watching a Discovery channel documentary. Subscribed!

[@bkbland1626]

Some great dance moves there at the end. Groove on, Tequila Jack!

[@jimksa67]

love your presentation- honest and caring!

[@avici0182]

Thank you for this informative and motivational video.

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for all the great information..

[@Raychristofer]

Great video very inspiring, I always wanted to do something like this since you visiting Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes and Tahoe. But realistically I like to see a video about how different individuals go about making it possible. Many have mortgages kids jobs bills and other responsibilities they may never able to leave for more than a week at a time. It would be cool to hear the individual stories of different ones doing the trail and how they were able to go about setting themselves in a position to do it. You're right it takes a lot of time and effort to make a video when you're doing a difficult hike but I'm glad you did it also.

[@karukun0212]

Wow. I've seen many through-hiking videos, but this is by far the best. Great details, and inspiring.

[@caligal1090]

gonna attempt the PCT by spring 2021...just starting hiking and havent even gone backpacking once lol...only problem is i am not retired or jobless so im not sure how this is gonna work out...time to quit school i guess or leave early lol (wish me luck!) additionally, would have to leave on or before april 1 to make it back by my birthday (sept 2 lol) online classes it is i guess... EDIT: and yes i was inspired by cheryl strayed but dont worry i will be much more prepared than she was haha

[@joesantm]

Tara god luck Tara .. follow your dreams

[@jandbpct]

You can do this! It takes about 5 months, train in advance, travel light. Be good for 15 mile days at the start and you will rock!

[@michaeledwards7967]

Cool video....thanks. Planning a 2021 through hike and this was very helpful. Michael from Ireland.

[@0zthehikingsailor]

Nice info thank you. On my plan list but hiking the AT in 52 days. Can you help me with my 1000 please?

[@tyneedancer24]

FANTASTIC VIDEO- Mahalo, so much information, and enthusiasm -well done

[@olivergastelumjr3755]

Hello I love your music I was just listeningto the soundtrack from 1492 before I watched your video

[@christopherpowell1880]

Thank you so much for that really concise and well put together information. Food for thought........

[@rajutailor9292]

What a fantastic blog rather documentary, I felt as I was there but certainly made my desire to hike PCT much much more stronger. Sir you have explained everything so much in detail piece by piece and I am truly thankful of it. My question I am US citizen with 🇮🇳 Indian origin, would with some dietary restrictions, would it be issues? Another question if I section hike in 3-4 year span how would my experience will be different from yours? Once again thank you so much.

[@viniciusolavio]

thank you Jack, thanks for all your words. Your vid make me feel like I really can do this... In June I will be a volunteer on AT conservancy, for 4 seasons, and in July I will be a volunteer in PCT, for 10 days... I'm very excited for this experience, and really wanna learn everything to some day make a thru-hike.. Thank you again... And your 18 min vid is a short time compared to preparation and importance of what you taught me ..

[@wjsegarra]

April 2020. Great video. Thank you. Wish I could social distance on the PCT.

[@georgesbondorjr2483]

Jack and Barb, Thanks much for a very informative video. Hopefully I can use the phrase "If not now, when?" on my wife and get it done! I really liked your phrase "Ride Bride". Never heard that one before and I have been reading journals on TrailJournals for the past 15 years!

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

what's the differents from a Homeless person living out of a backpack and a thru hiker with only a tent . . .and a backpack?

[@unsung4189]

Well done thank you to you and your wife. I will be leaving for the AT on April 19th 2020 and then the PCT soon after. My dog and I are inseparable and am willing to forfeit anything unrealistic and impassable for her . Assuming everything from the Sierras north is unreasonable can you advise a dog on the trail. Thanks again... Unsung....

[@McSebbo1122]

Thank you really much. You really got me with your last sentences :"When not now, when then?... If this is your tream pursue it" I can't stand to don't do it. For me it is a huuuge adventure, because I don' live in the US, but in germany.

[@Butchrknife]

Hi Jack Great video for the through hikers or someone who want info. I had double hip replace in Dec, and I am looking forward to weekenders! But it's great to live through you through hikers! Happy trails!

[@misterdaveusa]

I am! Still good info, though technology has improved. Jack had it dialed in for back in the day. I believe Casa de Luna and Hiker Heaven are shutting down so check that out before counting on them. Guthook is the goto app for the PCT but waterproof paper map backup is a great idea. Thanks Jack and Barb, hope you're still out there.

[@bartedwards3097]

I'm not planning to hike the PCT (age / hip surgeries) but I did watch the whole video. In the last two summers I have had several hikes in South East Asia. I'm doing Machu Picchu in two weeks.

[@jefffoy530]

Hey sir, watching your video and using as a reference guide. I’ve never done the pct , but live in a spot it passes through and have done some parts of it because of that. I’m wondering about where you live, I known that sounds weird, I’m sorry. It’s because I’m specifically wondering about conditioning before the actual full hike, and what you did to prepare. My average elevation is between 5-7 thousand, but we have up to ten thousand and I run around up there a little bit. Any info you have or if you’re up for questions, I appreciate it regardless. I’ve also been considering this for a year or two. I’m only a minute into you video but wanted to message you, I’m gonna finish it now.

[@jamessobredo7847]

Wonderful and very informative video…Thanks for making it and for posting!

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Just stumbled across this video. It's a couple of years old, but still it's really sound and good advice! I'm planning on doing the attempt in 2018, but have to get several ducks in a row before then.

[@JayFAdventures]

Just came across this great video. This will be very helpful in planning my 2021 thru hike. Thanks!

[@plushplums]

Keep PCT clean and pristine! Preserve the beauty of the wilderness. That means poop properly when you're out in the wilderness and don't trash the ecosystem. Keep it how you found it. Burn your garbage, don't litter on the trails or campsites. Protect the natural environment.

[@T1ddlywinks]

A bit off topic, but was Lindsey Stirling playing around the 16 minute mark?

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

Thanks so much! I start my thru hike mid April and love seeing videos like this. Cheers for sharing ☺️🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@SteveBarlowE]

Best PCT video I have watched. Thank you so much for putting this together.

[@danielverduzco4327]

Watching 2-5-2021 awesome video and information thank you.

[@edmsupplies]

Followed your hike in 2011. Nice video thanks.

[@blakefuruike3879]

I just want to say thank you this is so incredibly helpful and straight forward. I’m gonna do it in a few years!

[@jasonbeil7093]

So helpful I’m scared about the snow and river crossings this year

[@marywitt4597]

Wow such great information you gave here, thank you so much. Can you tell us what camera you recommend, model and make?

[@mountaincat8]

I appreciate this video. You offered tons of useful information in a very short time frame. Great Job!!!

[@vickiwark8761]

If not know, when? That is what I am asking myself. Thank you for the video and I am looking forward to checking out your online journal.

[@amandaflowerbud]

I just found out about the PCT yesterday. I don't know if I'll ever make it there but I'm going to try. At the very least it's good motivation to get out and hike locally.

[@Voodoo8648]

You kinda look like John Kasich.... I wanna hike PCT or AT so bad

[@indigoflier]

I'm 52. Thinking of leaving at end of May. Thoughts?

[@davidglidden1334]

Very nice,informative very inspirational from Nantucket,Ma

[@alg11297]

What would possess a normal person to do this? Really. After attempting to watch the film "Wild" any sane person wouldn't regard this as a trail but an endurance test for no reason.

[@nerfdad8443]

Awesome video...! Best info for the PCT I have seen so far. Thanks! Hope to do the PCT someday soon.

[@danielshoden4681]

Excellent music and Video presentation!!! Well done!!

[@ChrisVores]

I noticed crossing those creeks the hip belts of your packs weren’t disconnected. I would recommend to anyone crossing a stream with fast moving water to disconnect your belt and chest straps so the pack doesn’t drag you down and drown you

[@Rootplay]

Great video explains a lot for people considering doing this tru-hike. Thanks!

[@gregmicco5838]

your the man tequila jack hitting the trail may 13th! video helped!

[@JohnDoe-bp5yi]

I cannot wait to get away from the burdens of modern day society and hike the PCT. It will be done!

[@walkingtwobytwo7122]

Thankyou for the info. Well put together and hopefully this Aussie girl will make it over there.

[@garygoldsmith9844]

Awesome! Twenty books in under 20 minutes……thanks

[@EclecticExplorations3000]

Great video! Thank you. It was very informative.

[@kevinkaiser5498]

Great video!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@allthingsblue6990]

Aiming for partial in 2021. Thank you for this!

[@kyseely118]

coulda done withouth the toenail bit. Other than that, awesome and helpful. Thank you!

[@ferdinandkieck9241]

howsit its Frikkie here from south africa its one of my dreams to do the PCT thanx for the info was very helpful and hopefully i get to see you all on the trail soon

[@Tracer42o]

Thanks for the vid! you and barb seem like cool people to hike with! =)

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Fantastic recommendations for hiking you number one

[@raxstars]

awesome video - eternally grateful for the mentoring!!!

[@o-boboh5352]

for food - if you buy on the trial - you are supporting the small communities that support the thru hikers

[@bthomson]

Visit Tobyintransit for an interesting group of videos. He is planning a thru.

[@JRhunter02]

This is an excellent video! Very well done you answered every question I had and then some.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Jack, great video my friend. It was very informative. Take care and be safe.

[@Kennymiester]

April 26th, baby! See you then Campo!

[@matthewjogden]

Fantastic video! Great info clearly put.

[@ulfen92]

Some day I will be on the trail. Thanks for this video.

[@ecthelion1735]

Great music choice! Vangelis -- Conquest of Paradise (near the beginning)

[@jag1870]

Learned a lot from your video. Thanks for posting!

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Very nice video.Thanks a lot !!!!!!

[@boxcardonny]

THANK YOU THIS VIDEO WAS VERY HELPFUL

[@BrianBehrmann]

Awesome. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@danielleonard8450]

Excellent guide! Thank you!

[@elizabethtipton4193]

Great information that I haven’t seen in other videos thank you!

[@RedPanther879]

how can one do this with 600$- thats all i have. i find that there is a lot of hidden expenses when planning this

[@marilynsikes4726]

Thank You Thank You Thank You... If not now? Then when? I love it.

[@cjfetters]

Hi Jack - How old were you when you hiked the PCT?

[@tullochgorum6323]

Outstanding effort - many thanks!

[@dallasgross7293]

why so much junk food? all i see are chocolate bars

[@jefffoy530]

This is absolutely incredible, 🙏

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Excellent recommendations thanks

[@2cyco911]

awesome info video i plan on doing the pct in 2016!

[@maximusmeridius1272]

OUTSTANDING INFORMATION JACK! I was wondering what kind of gloves you wore at the beginning in the desert portion of the hike (they were the silver looking ones and it looked like you cut the fingertips off). Would you recommend these gloves for others?

[@jandbpct]

+Maximus Meridius They were Dr. Shade Glacier Gloves and Barb and I loved them! They keep the sun off your hands, they keep you from getting blisters when using your hiking poles, they offer some warmth when it is cold and they dry quickly. My one pair made it all the way to Canada but they were pretty thrashed by then. I now have a new pair, from Amazon.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Ud es el numero unto gracias thanks very much see you soon

[@harmony331000]

Very helpful thank you so much!!

[@seamusmcloughlin4431]

Great video, a great help. Thank you

[@SensatiousHiatus]

Excellent work Tequila Jack! I'm northbound and down in 2020...definitely going to check out your blog! ✌

[@jhonyermo]

"PRE" Planning? WTF is that? I guess there is POST PLANNING TOO? Isn't all planning done PRIOR ?

[@jandbpct]

Jhon - So, you are back at "this point in time"! See your comments below from 3 years ago.

[@scottfergusson8411]

Ropes and Anchors when crossing that water

[@nathalieboucher3726]

Hello Barb and Jack, I did watch your videos a couple time...I planed to do the PCT Nobo mid-April 2017. I am working hard to do it safely. Unfortunately, my husband will no be available to do it with me. But, I am trying to find a Hiking Partner from a safe referral...it will be the 1st time I will hike by my own. If you think you can provide me a referral, I will take it! I will wait for your answer and provide you my info if you have a referral. Thank you so much for sharing all those precious informations. Alice from Montreal (Quebec) Canada - I am bilingual but my first language is french. Ho, and by the way, I am a First Responder.

[@jandbpct]

Alice - sorry about the delay in replying. Do not worry about finding a hiking partner. There will be many hikers just like you solo on the trail in April and May. Even the first day you start there will be about 50 other hikers starting - hikers are good, friendly people. You will likely end out hiking in a "pack of friends" and have a great, safe journey.

[@danielyacykewych4066]

Hi Jack. Great video even having hiked the PcT 1.3 times. Did u like your Circuit on the PCT? Did u ever want more space? Anything additional to add about your pack?

[@jandbpct]

Daniel - I loved the pack and used some extra padding under the shoulder straps (cut up sleep padding, smooth) in the Sierra when it was overloaded (45 lbs with extra food and bean can). However, this movie is 9 years old and there are some other good packs out there. You can see what was in my pack here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTMhqGfgcyJjc0