Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - Basic Information

[@pdx427]

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

[@ironpig701]

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

[@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

[@M_Hess]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@bkbland1626]

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

[@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!

[@kerstinshaded8084]

Thank you Cheryl and Reese for taking us out on this journey - 15 years later 🙏

[@karukun0212]

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

[@jimksa67]

love your presentation- honest and caring!

[@RedAkumaSan]

Great summary of how to get it together for a safe, fun, exciting PCT thru-hike adventure!

[@diverwil97]

Hi Jack and Barb. Thank you for such an informative video. August 2010 a few friends of mine invited my to go camping/Hiking South Sisters (My very first actual hiking trip ever..... I WAS HOOKED!!!). It was there that we meet up with about a dozen or so PCT'ers. Ever since then I've been contemplating on doing it. I'm hoping to do it next year at the earliest. ice been reading up on it and watching and subscribing to a lot of hikers/trailtrash that has given me a wealth of information. Thank you and to everyone else that provides all this great stuff and not keeping it to yourselves (hahaha). Looking forward to seeing you someday on the trail. Stay safe and well.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Wowsers, what a great overview of what a rewarding experience it might be. The high point for me was when Jack was scooping silty water up with a container lid...I kinda think that says it all. Thanks so much for making this video!

[@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

[@SteveBarlowE]

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

[@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.

[@mahensiri]

Thank you for this great video. For a dreamer of long distance hiking, it taught me a lot (and was so heartening that at certain points it filled my eyes with tears).

[@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.

[@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 ..

[@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.

[@Foxyfreedom]

Ah I did waterwheel falls last year. It was an amazing 10 miles of the PCT. beautiful canyon

[@alanainsley9175]

Thank you! I watch dozens of PCT videos, this was by far the most informative. You're an inspiration. Thank you!

[@georgewashingotn]

Great video. I've been planning my 2015 hike for awhile now, and I can't believe I'm just now seeing this. Thank you Tequila Jack.

[@monicasherpa4584]

Was confused on where to start planning but I have a better idea now after watching this.Thank you for the awesome information you provided in this video !

[@H.pylori]

Great introduction to the PCT. I had heard of it in the past, but the movie "Wild" renewed my interest. Much of what you say Cheryl Strayed experienced or learned the hard way. I look forward to viewing your other videos on the trail. Thanks for your attention to detail.

[@Breeder333]

2017 i am totally doing this finally. i remember being in school when they completely finished the trail in the 90s and even at that age i knew this would be something I did. thanks for your videos, Jack. they are very informative and make the experience seem accessible as well as fun. hope to see you guys out there✌

[@StamfordBridge]

Did you do it? If so, did you make it?

[@Breeder333]

@@StamfordBridge unfortunately my hike was cut short because the farm hand I had take care of my property couldn’t handle the obligations that came with the farm life. Still plenty of life to do the rest

[@juliusulit1141]

Who else watching 2019? 🙋‍♂️

[@Diddley_Squat]

2020

[@alviacasteel8855]

2021

[@Caramel_Latte_is_Delicious]

2021 here too :)

[@kerstinshaded8084]

I am - in 2021 🙋‍♀️

[@danielshoden4681]

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

[@HovingtonInstruments]

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

[@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!

[@JasonCaster]

Love it! I've been planning my 2015 hike for about 8 months now. Still learned a few new things from your video! You rock!

[@brianmoreno1492]

I really enjoyed your video and all the information you provided. I hope to hike the PCT in the near future. Thanks again

[@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!

[@tristansittler3615]

i realy hope to take on this trail once im older. im a 17 yeaar old from a small town in southern Texas, and love nothing more that going out camping and hiking. until the time when im ready im gonna keep on training for it!!!

[@brads6220]

Jack you truly are an inspiration. I loved this video so much! I already want to thru-hike but now I feel it flowing in my veins. Thank You for that

[@alexanderpatino]

This was super helpful. I'm planning to hit the trail from Campo at the end of April this year and I've never traversed serious snow at serious altitudes, so that's the most worrisome part of the whole thing, but this was a terrific recap of essentials. Thanks so much for this.

[@jandbpct]

+Alexander Patino End of April is a great time to start. So far, even with the El Nino, it is looking like an average snow year. I think most of the snow is in the Pacific Northwest and it should be pretty much melted out by August/September. But keep an eye on the snow levels, March can be very wet! Go to this site cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/snowapp/swcchart.action to follow and study. Click on 2010-11 to see what it was like when we hiked it. Compare. Good Luck! Safe Journey!

[@tonywestbrook9876]

Thank you for this video. The confidence, information and energy you offer here is such a gift!

[@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.

[@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!

[@chanthataing7042]

Great and Informative video! Thanks for sharing and now looking forward to my own adventure on the trail.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

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

[@vidawheat529]

This is a great video, it was everything I needed in a short non-boring way. I am excited to try a section of the PCT.

[@ruthlane7438]

The best video I've seen about hiking the PCT---thank you, Jack & Barb!

[@christopherpowell1880]

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

[@avici0182]

Thank you for this informative and motivational video.

[@mountaincat8]

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

[@KenLaSalle]

Thank you for this terrific video! I have begun putting my plan in motion to thru-hike the PCT in 2017. I'm picking up gear and putting miles on my feet and, most importantly, putting money and time aside for the (possibly) 6-month trek. I can't wait!

[@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.

[@bikemeow1854]

Great video, you two are awesome! Good information. Now I REALLY want to hike the whole trail. Probably can't do that until I retire. My line of work doesn't allow 5 months of vacation at once. Thanks for all the tips and fun shots of other hikers.

[@Rootplay]

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

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

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

[@michaeledwards7967]

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

[@SensatiousHiatus]

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

[@loonabella]

What a motivator and inspiration 🥰

[@iamtsunami]

Great video, and great advice on so many levels. Wife and I are planning a 2018 through hike and came across your video, lots of good points, many new to us. Especially liked the part on re-supply, this is a point we keep coming to in our planning, and the idea of the bounce box is a good one. Happy trails!

[@tyneedancer24]

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

[@ivo-aceto]

Hey Jack, thank you for this very informative video for anybody who wishes to think about hitting the PCT trail. I don't think I'll ever do it (I am over 60 and live in Europe) but I surely liked it.

[@sweilems]

good job Jack and Barb , i wish i could do this trail one day!!! its my wish!

[@richarddirksen4501]

Thanks for the video Jack! There are lots of vids about the PCT available, yet one with basic information not so much. So yours is very much appreciated. I am planning for the PCT already for a couple of years but hopefully somewhere within the next 2 years it is a go. Thanks again for everything 👍

[@sanniyasin]

At the end of this video I just felt a lot of love to this guy.

[@nerfdad8443]

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

[@Ali-7676]

great video......another small tip....when crossing swollen streams, undo the waist belt of the back pack.

[@paulathepheasant2008]

AliMD76 why do you undo it?

[@Over50YearsOffgrid]

Paula, it is because if you get swept off your feet you want to be able to ditch the pack to swim for your life. I unclip the chest straps as well.

[@BrosephRussell]

Great video I would one day like to hike the PCT or maybe a section at a time . Thanks again for sharing Joseph Russell

[@CabinetOfCuriosity]

Thanks for the video. I always like when equipment recommendations are given. I realize that they are individual to a person, but good starting points.

[@steel3025]

Excellent information Jack! Thank you so much for taking the time to post this video.

[@ecthelion1735]

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

[@mfree2go]

Much respect. Thank you for this video and the words of encouragement. from Berkeley, California

[@allthingsblue6990]

Aiming for partial in 2021. Thank you for this!

[@olivergastelumjr3755]

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

[@mimibuckles]

Incredibly helpful. Thank you for all the information. I learned lots from this that I hadn't seen in other videos.

[@GMoneyMacTao]

this was really fantastic... thank you so much. As I approach retirement I'm gearing up (mentally) to do major adventure hikes around the world (I currently live in Singapore, so no hiking here!). The triple crown in the US is in my sights as either the kick-off or, if I start here in Asia, maybe the final exclamation to my post retirement adventures (that will most likely span the remainder of my life). Thanks again... this helps a lot as I begin planning (5 more years before I head out).

[@cardiackidjones2848]

thank you so much for your very informative and well done vid on the PCT. You and your wife have been an inspiration to me and I too would like to do the PCT

[@JayFAdventures]

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

[@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.

[@jamessobredo7847]

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

[@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

[@LloydLesterIII]

your amazing I live near the desert hot springs off of deep Creek and walk PCT and would love to hike more.

[@athomewithrosa]

I'm preparing for a 2019 thru hike! I'm so excited and learning as much as I can. Thanks for this video.

[@AnthonyRosbottom]

Great video. Thankyou! I'm in the UK but really want to do the PCT some point in the next few years. Looks like a lfe-altering experience.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Fantastic recommendations for hiking you number one

[@Chrismzeller]

Thanks for the info--and the motivation! I'll see you on the trail someday.

[@emmalee7365]

What a great video! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm starting my hike on April 4th! I'm so excited!

[@maxmohanmedia98]

Thank you for the detailed caveats and hints....

[@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.

[@wtr7]

Excellent video with great information. Targeting PCT 2020. Thanks.

[@erkanulku1021]

Terrific. Thank you for this wonderful informative video. Someday I am gonna be there as well.

[@zashminbalderama544]

i so envy people from us and canada and europe and other countries don't wont have much difficulty in entering the US for the PCT . im from asia and i reallt want to finish that trail, but getting the visa and much more the plane ticket to go there will cost me a lot of bucks. but then i still finished watching and listening to your video as if i can really do the pct. thanks, so 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!

[@scotts8339]

Thank you Jack! Great video. I have watched a few of your videos and really appreciate the effort and explainations. I do hope to do the PCT someday. Best to you!!!!

[@ronaldrose7593]

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

[@JRhunter02]

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

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my friend. I viewed every second of this fine video. Thank you so much for sharing. Your video was very informative. Take care and be safe out there.

[@scepticrat]

Excellent video, very informative. Thanks for sharing your insight and experience!

[@ChrisSlack]

Great video!! I'm going to dabble in the PCT soon since I live an hour from the trail.

[@oldsalt1320]

Thank you so much for this video. I appreciate it. I am currently planning my PCT adventure for May 1/16. I'll be getting on the trail at Echo Lake, at least that's the pan so far, and ending at Manning Park, B.C. There was a lot of valuable info in this video. Thanks again.

[@jamesfaris2012]

+Mark Lentz well mark i will see you there my name is Jim Faris in campo april 2 see yha

[@jandbpct]

+Mark Lentz If it is a big snow year (like it is looking to be), May 1st may put you in some serious snow, from Echo to Old Station and again in No California and even Oregon. When we hiked in 2011 (a big snow year) we encountered difficult conditions from Echo to Alpine Meadows then we flipped ahead to Old Station where the going was much better. And, we were at Echo on June 28th and Old Station in early July!. Read about it here www.postholer.com/journal/Pacific-Crest-Trail/2011/JackandBarb/2011-06-28/Food-need-more-food-or-less-snow/24211 May 1st may be too early. Be prepared, be careful!

[@luisguerreromilla4496]

musica popular

[@jamesjarvis8807]

+James Faris I plan on going to Campo around that time. How are you getting there? Public transportation, etc?

[@oldsalt1320]

+James Jarvis I've had a change of plans. I have had to cancel the PCT trip for this year. Unexpected costs on my end has forced me to cancel. Also with the value of our dollar against the US dollar dropping almost daily, the trip has almost doubled in cost. As a full-time student and a part-time, minimum wage worker, the trip had become impossible to fund. Maybe next year. On the plus side, I live in Ottawa, Ontario which is very close to the Appalachian Trail, so my gf and I are going to do some hiking there instead.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Thanks so much. Found this very informative and great to see a perspective from a more mature hiker.

[@daniellemartin3667]

thankyou for this video, really helpful, me and my partner are aiming to do a thru-hike in a couple of years time, we're from England, UK

[@OutdoorShellback]

1,000th like! Recently became inspired to look into hiking one day, and this video is a real eye opener into how much planning and prep work goes into a big one like the PCT. Thanks for the heads up and all the info. Hope to hit the trails one day!

[@elizabethtipton4193]

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