How Much Money I Spent on the PCT, Dealing with Heat, & Best Ways to Train

How did my thru hike of the 2,653 mile Pacific Crest Trail go? Today you all asked me a bunch of questions regarding my hike, and I tried to answer them!
MY GEAR LIST (Weights, names, links)
jupiterhikes.com/gear/
Stats from my PCT hike
jupiterhikes.com/2022/10/17/p...
PCT landscape paintings by me!
jupiterhikes.com/product-categ...
I started the PCT May 10th, and finished August 1st for an 84 day thru hike. My goal from the start was 90 days so I was happy to have done that! This however was actually my second attempt at thru hiking this trail, my first in 2018 was cut short after an accidental trip which caused a severe injury. So this time around in 2022 I really worked hard to train more before the hike, and pay closer attention to my bodies needs during the hike. I went on many shakedown hikes prior as well, and had even done some shorter thru hikes in prep for this longer one. I was as ready as I ever was going to be. Lessons I am taking into my future hikes.
In this video we talk about the time I dealt with altitude sickness in the Sierra, if the PCT is overcrowded, returning to the PCT after being injured before, what the best way to train and prepare for the PCT is, how I dealt with the heat of the desert, what lessons I learned on this hike, how much money my hike cost, gear changes I would make if I did it again, and the worst advice I got while out there!
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - Altitude Sickness
1:41 - Overcrowding
2:51 - Returning After Injury
4:00 - My Paintings
4:21 - My Favorite Town
5:17 - Training & Preparing
5:46 - Dealing with Heat
6:30 - Speed & Pace
6:48 - Getting into Thru Hiking
7:43 - Lessons Learned
8:34 - What My Hike Cost
10:19 - Dealing with Footage
11:03 - Cold Morning Starts
11:40 - Strongest Emotion
12:52 - Gear Changes
13:39 - Future Hikes
13:57 - Worst Advice
14:24 - Making New Friends
THE GEAR I USED:
Shorts - amzn.to/36VWUJV
Shirt - amzn.to/3LHGLGC
Shoes - amzn.to/3u6FMKm
Watch - amzn.to/3r29XQM
Hat - cieleathletics.com/
Backpack - palantepacks.com/
Pack Liner - www.gossamergear.com/
Quilt - enlightenedequipment.com/
Sleeping Pad - www.gossamergear.com/
Tarp - zpacks.com/
Tent Stakes - amzn.to/3bKgoRq
Ground Cloth - pamzn.to/3Kcrwp0
Wind Pants - amzn.to/3j5MlXd
Rain Jacket - enlightenedequipment.com/
Fleece - www.kuiu.com/
Socks - amzn.to/3DDlk73
Beanie - zpacks.com/
Sun Glasses - ombraz.com/
Bug Headnet - amzn.to/3NKSkyP
Spoon - amzn.to/3cA3mVG
Food Bag - amzn.to/3rOVfeu
Water Filter - amzn.to/3LFuAua
Bear Can - amzn.to/3Mtsi2u
Trowel - amzn.to/3u6VIMr
Knife - amzn.to/3r3psb7
Toothbrush - amzn.to/3tkN4GY
Floss - amzn.to/3FnONTa
Lighter - amzn.to/3zLQkyD
Blister Tape - amzn.to/3qZ55f9
Chaffe Cream - amzn.to/3bNorNu
Lip Balm - amzn.to/35Gs1Zk
Sunscreen - amzn.to/3wadTRt
Flashlight - amzn.to/3tmjRM6
Camera - amzn.to/3uMp7MW
Memory Card - amzn.to/3vrBOdZ
Tripod - amzn.to/3eEFAL6
Headphones - amzn.to/3KhEPVi
Micro Fiber Cloth - amzn.to/38FIyLh
External Battery - Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mAh 60w
Wall Charger - Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2-Port
No Bad Days Hiking Shirt!
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Hiking Essentials Shirt! jupiterhikes.com/product/hikin...
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/
If you would like to get access to content I create about this type of stuff I don't share anywhere else join me on my Patreon!
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If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:
www.jupiterhikes.com
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[@JupiterHikes]

Thanks for watching! Here's some more questions that were asked after I already filmed the video. - How do you push past the 30 mile barrier? Trying and trying and trying some more! It's something I've tried for 8 years now, you gotta make those mistakes first hand and take the lessons from them. - Longest water carry? 20 miles, never more I don't think, but there were a handful of 20 milers. - What is the best date to start? That varies for everyone, as your own pace is a huge factor. I think start early if you plan to go slow(5months), and start late if you plan to go fast(3months). This I think will help to avoid fires in the north, and timing with snow in the Sierra. Though in the end part of the adventure is dealing with the conditions you are given! - Primary dinner? Beans and rice near every night! If I didn't have that it was often bagels cream cheese, some salami and cheese - When would I wake up and go to sleep? 5am - 10pm give or take an hour, usually I got 8 hours of sleep though. - Tips to track fun stats? Before I began my hike, I already knew the majority of data I wanted to keep track of. It gave me something fun to think about pre trail, and something fun to do later while hiking - Tips for snow? Carry the necessary gear unless you are very confident in conditions ahead. Take it slow! Hike in a group. You'll get better at it fast. - Most difficult resupply? I didn't feel anywhere was too crazy. This trail is pretty well established with many options! - How did I decide when to take zeros? I think days off are most beneficial early on, so I took most of them in the first 700 miles. After that it was more scattered as my body was more hardened. In the end I should have taken one more, somewhere in Washington. I tried to take them based on need, and not want. Though that certainly isn't the most 'fun' way to do things! - How much pain was I in daily? Close to zero! Most of the time I was enjoying the movement. Hard breathing and some muscle fatigue or soreness of course. The only times I felt pain was leaving Kennedy Meadows with 7 days food, and in the final 100 miles when I got shin splints. - How long did it take for my shin splints to get better? About a week! Lots of stretching & minimal walking - What motivates me when times are bad? Those very same bad times are what motivates me! In a thru hiking context I love the adversity, and though it would be nice if everyday were sunshine and fun, the thought of what I'll get through perseverance is motivating - How much extra time do I spend filming per day, and not hiking forward? About an hour! - Was it hard to not attempt a yoyo with gasket and mooch? No! I very much was satisfied with my hike, and was already very deep in planning my post trail adventures with Sprocket!

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

"Read the room" THANK YOU for saying that... no one wants to be harassed on trail.

[@ThanatosWings]

Some people just aren't good at talking to people they don't know though. Some are shy. That's the vibe I got from that question. I'm very picky and very shy as well. I also need to be safe cause I'm lgbt and I don't want to be attacked again.

[@ThanatosWings]

I get that some people (maybe cis het men more often, idk the stats or if their are stats) don't understand lack of interest from the person they're talking to. But I've experienced the opposite. Before transitioning, as a woman, I had plenty of partners, but since becoming a man and now enby, people who show interest in me that I choose to talk to suddenly and sometimes violently declare they're not interested. I've been single for 10 years while looking for a partner as a man. Idk how men deal with this and the loneliness and self hatred that comes from so much rejection consistently, all the time. I'd really like to meet someone and get married and spend my life with them and my experiences and the beauty I see, and let me be in love them. I'd also like to develop some strong meaningful friendships. But I have always been rejected by people and I also don't know how to meet people. I'm not bothering people who are busy, seem occupied or not interested. I'm only talking to a few people who show interest or are flirting with me. But then they're are not interested a week later. They decide this on their own and don't talk to me about it. It's really difficult to deal with. I think its because I'm bald or have bad skin. Idk. I'm very kind to everyone I meet. And love good conversations. All I know is as a man, no one's interested. And I feel for this person trying to make strong social and relationship connections in the community they are a part of and spend their time in but find themselves isolated.

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

@@ThanatosWings That's why communication is important. It's the people who won't take NO for an answer, and see it as a game to continue harassing after they have been asked to stop, that is not cool.

[@SirWetBiscuit]

​@@ThanatosWingslol

[@TheHikingChick1]

I love your answer to the final question. Respect other people's hike.👏🌻💛

[@midwestmikeonahike]

My thoughts exactly!

[@dillonaelliott]

I love this too!!!

[@JiTiKeRo]

It's not Bumble...geez

[@infinityhike]

"Smile and laugh and make jokes about the adversity you've put yourself in. . . Walk at a slow, comfortable, conversational pace. . . Read the room." Sage advice.

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

I love your answer about the felt emotions both alone and with others. Good stuff.

[@jhonyermo]

What a GREAT ASS 15:10 video. Jupiter, just a regular good egg, 🥚 and a very personable guy.

[@brittanykopke6133]

The last tip was stellar!! Thank you for that! 💕

[@mattrulz98]

That last answer! Yes. I love it.

[@lifthearth]

You’re a great example for smiling and laughing through the tough times. Way to go Jupiter - “on the beach” attitude!

[@jeffreycarman2185]

9:32 It’s not just the cost of living for a couple of months on the trail for regular people who have jobs or businesses. Another big financial consideration is the lost income for months. It is essentially a three-month vacation, it’s going to be expensive.

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Great content Jupiter

[@ruthconner4923]

Love how real you are

[@HolisticHikes]

Your inspirational Jupiter, congratulations on completing your goal, and then some! Excited to see what’s next for you.

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

Love you Jupiter! Always impressed with your determination and motivation. Good going...

[@fomo6789]

Congrats, man! So impressed with your athleticism, stamina and positivity!

[@lukasmakarios4998]

"A stupid tip: deflate your pad." Not stupid at all. 100% it works. Sometimes, it even works too early, when your pad dies in the middle of the night. You WILL get up, if only to fix it. LOL. Love your paintings. ❤ That got the thumbs up.👍🙂

[@Marcela.Isabel]

I always enjoy your Q&A videos. Very informative and your are knowledgeable with your craft. Thanks for picking my question 😊

[@peterjohnson6273]

Mindset and attitude... Doing anything, fun or work, those two things will carry you through a lot. Thanks for the vid's, Jupiter. :)

[@ZafleTheGreat]

I've lived out of my van in sister's. I totally agree with you about it. Wonderful, helpful community and great proximity to nature/hikes.

[@davidsixtwo]

A lot of loud people online complain a lot about the permits, but I agree that I think they work well at spreading out the crowds. I hiked back when there was still a kick off, and I feel like there was more of a big bubble sometimes then.

[@JupiterHikes]

I think the permits are great! I've done the process three times now, and know how bad it can feel with an 'undesirable' date, or not getting one at all the first go around. But many cancel later, and many dates can be changed. Even then this is a big adventure and dealing with whatever you're given is part of it

[@troyboone4893]

Solid as always brother :-) PS- I left a day ahead of you when you did the AZT. I was also on my bike so we never had a chance to cross paths. Anyway, even though I'm mostly a bikepacker I get a lot of inspiration from your videos. And really appreciate your relaxed, easy going perspective. Cheers!

[@mariekewemmers4715]

Love your last answer!!🙌 Haha im proud of you for finishing so fast, but selfishly wishing you wouldve stayed out longer so we could enjoy more of your fantastic vlogs 💕

[@DesertDaisy60]

“A positive attitude through the adversity”, not your exact quote, but exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you Jupiter!!!!

[@michaelb1761]

Looking forward to the off trail hikes, especially if they include the Sierra High Route or Kings Canyon High Basin Route. As far as getting unsolicited advice on the trail from others, I just smile and say thanks. They're trying to be helpful. Much better than the time I asked someone coming the other way about the trail ahead and they just grunted and scowled at me.

[@valentineqin2608]

the heat vs. beach answer is hilarious! such a jupiter philosophy haha

[@davef5916]

man im looking forward to seeing off trail jupiter!

[@andyyanchan]

Great video!

[@hilandmalt]

Sisters has a great vibe. I love the smell of the juniper after the rain.

[@jeffs6229]

Thanks for answering my question about the artwork! I have wanted to bring a small (very small) plein art kit but I never have time in my hike or the extra room in my pack. Thanks for sharing and congrats on completing the PCT!

[@JupiterHikes]

I bring a small kit on short fun hikes, but for these longer ones it's been really great to wind down after the hike and paint from the photos and memories!

[@JNeff99]

After hiking PCT thru Sisters I took my wife there 4 a vacation. I also loved the place. It's got great outdoors yet close enough to Bend's big box store.

[@CameronConnor]

Starting May 10th, Will be fun to compare my pace to yours. I plan on going fast, but not THAT fast.

[@Ericidryfly]

Jupiter again Congratulations on finishing the Pct.. Great decision on putting out your videos after you finished the hike. Will be doing a training hike in the Julian area this Friday. Relaxed 3 day 2 night hike from Penny Pines to Scissors. Time to test some new gear and see what works.

[@JupiterHikes]

Sweet! I actually am filming this from the Julian area, though I think I'm moving on it's been a great place to be. Have fun with the gear testing

[@sirsir108]

One thing I've been doing as far as training for this upcoming season is wearing my bag on day hikes or sometimes when I take my dog for longer walks and I toss a few small sandbags and from a weight vest and a full load of water and food in the bag so on the weekends I'm doing roughly 12 mile hikes with 32-35lbs and do some pretty steep declines (I had the most trouble with downhill last year) my thinking is if I practice with a bunch of extra weight then when I get out this summer it will feel much easier and normal if I have long food and water carries .... last year I was coming off a calf tear so I did practice hikes with everything but my food and my dogs food then when I got out it was way harder than I anticipated so I'm trying to do the opposite this year

[@woodyshepherd6904]

Very cool! You should do these regularly!

[@libertycoffeehouse3944]

There is cool and then there is Jupiter cool. You are the coolest.

[@memathews]

Sisters, huh? Excellent choice, but it's pricey. Having access to both the Three Sister Wilderness and Mt Jefferson Wilderness is pretty special, and don't forget the direct access to the Oregon Desert Trail to the east of town. Great answers to the questions!

[@russhay422]

So nice to see content that isn’t weird, lol.

[@mmanationall696]

It´s exactly what I do, deflating my neoAir XD Works great!!

[@ElidelPirineu]

Thanks you

[@Steezeeyy]

Liked for "leave them alone" 👏👏👏

[@shelly6644]

Just curious, how many baguettes were you trying to take out of town since that’s a reason for a bigger backpack? Lol 😜 Liked your answer in that last question. Will miss the weekly PCT videos.

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyy

[@HitTheTrailJack]

84 days... absolute beast. congrats man! Any tips for us who are heading into the sierra this year with there being this much snow?

[@JupiterHikes]

heck man I dunno when you start so it's hard to say but if you're starting in march, i would consider skipping san jacinto or at least carrying micro spikes and axe for that and big bear and baden powell. I would take your time, be analytical, and act safe. My friend whos done two early start high snow year pct thru hikes says he loves it because you just go straight up the climbs then glissade all the way down the other side. Less people for him and a more interesting experience. Do what you do, and have a great time!

[@michaellundphotography]

Aww I was just in Julian! Nice area =)

[@Le-Abdollen]

nice one 😎

[@RC-qf3mp]

What hat do you recommend? Specifically, did you prefer the sun hat you had on your first pct or the small baseball style cap you have in your recent pct gear list (and which you seem to be wearing in the video )?

[@aaronkonzek4440]

u rock

[@markellison143]

Care to share which off trail routes you’re doing? I’m looking to get on the Pfiffner beginning of July. If you’re looking at it around the same time maybe we could look at shuttling each other.

[@Iggylux]

You are a good person, maybe stupid said, but you are more than ok.

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Do the GET I only made it to the Gila Hot Springs before I quit

[@wolfeadventures]

Very helpful! Are you going to post videos on your SDTCT hike?

[@JupiterHikes]

At some point!!

[@wolfeadventures]

@@JupiterHikessweet!

[@MikeInTheWoods]

Where do you park your van when you go off for a thru-hike?

[@cakeandchaos]

You look just like an older version of my brother. It’s insane. 😂

[@brian_onthetrail]

Thanks Jupiter for your videos and hard work. I was really hoping you would have gone deeper into your training. How specifically do you train? How many miles do you put in each week running, biking, hiking, etc. Do you go to the gym? Do you do any strength training exercises, etc. Do you sit around during the winter getting fat like I do and use February to June to get back into shape?

[@JupiterHikes]

More time on your feet, more hiking, go do a shorter thru hike (or many) before your big thru hike, train with your fully weighted pack, play tennis everyday, go on walks everyday, start running slowly, start a diet. There is no secret recipe. Anything you do will make you better off. And frankly I hardly mention training because most people start slow and take lots of zeros. Just learning their gear, *lightening their pack weight*, and choosing proper shoes will be significantly more important and thus my focus on talking about going on many short trips instead. The faster someone wants to go, the more training will benefit them. Otherwise the easy recipe is a lighter pack, slow pace, and well fitting shoes!

[@richardcoe9749]

Amazing job, brother! Just finished watching the whole series. Quick question, I am really wanting to get into tarp camping for my primary shelter. Do you have any recommendations for good starter tarps?

[@andyveres3982]

He uses the Zpacks 7x9 dcf tarp

[@andyveres3982]

If you want a cheaper option. I use a trap made by borahgear made of silpoly.

[@JupiterHikes]

Starting out with a silpoly tarp, or any tarp that's under 100$ is great. 7x9 is kind of small to begin so consider 9x10 or larger. Follow that up with only using it during prime times and good weather, and ease into the rain and winds as you gain confidence in it. You may find you just prefer a tent and sell the tarp! Who knows, but it's fun trying. As you use it in worse conditions remember the tarp is just an extension of your campsite selecting skills. Natural cover adds a lot

[@JNeff99]

Buy a tarp, take it out amd practice using it. It has limits but it has positives.

[@kurterikson9441]

Would love to hear about your experience using a tarp on the PCT. How many nights did you pitch it? Did you have to make any changes when going through the sierras? Any issues with the desert winds?

[@JupiterHikes]

No issues for me. Only used it three times total I think, every night just cowboy camping. Most would probably be happier with a tent for the mosquitoes (at least in Oregon)

[@dustinnagy6011]

I do the same thing with my sleeping pad to get myself going 😂

[@nedanother9382]

your in LoCal baby! you're home! Wanna get a beer? you're probably 30 mins away

[@Tyradius]

Wow 20k they must of had vallet service at the towns. All Pinnacle freeze dried food on trail, plus steak and lobster at 5 star hotels. 😮

[@JupiterHikes]

Probably a lot of beer, and a lot of hotels! If I only took a handful of zero days, imagine what taking a couple every week for 6 months could do to a budget

[@danielnunez3206]

can someone elaborate on how people are spending tens of thousands of dollars on a hike? i mean is that all on food and like buying new socks?

[@Bibs123]

Awesome advice. Especially when things get hard. A guy wrote a book about the mental aspect. It's called Pushing North by Trey Free. Every prospective thru hiker should read it.

[@sonntagshans]

April 20.... I knew you were a stoner! How many grams of weed do you carry? What titanium pipe can you recommend?

[@gumbi8989]

Do you think having an all black backpack would be a horrible idea for the desert section? Because of how hot the pack might get and effect the things inside? I have a black pack, and I love it, but don’t wanna give it up if I don’t have too.

[@JupiterHikes]

I do not think that will be a problem! Many people you will run into will have very dark colored packs. I myself have done about 2,300 mile of desert hiking with black/dark backpacks and have not noticed a difference vs when I did the PCT in 2022 with a white one

[@CharmingGecko]

You should look at the Volpi Fastpack. It can go from 25-40L and weighs 11 oz in Ultra 100.

[@treehugger3181]

👊

[@nomadicrecovery1586]

You’re always a bat outa hell bro

[@scheieryannick409]

so a beach with snakes hey ?! ;-)

[@katlw136]

"You should leave them alone and read the room". 👌🙌 YES! I just fell in love with you more. Thank you for speaking up for the all the women who want to feel the same autonomy and freedom men might feel a little more easily on the trail.

[@nickel0eye]

shhhhh! I'm trying to call sisters home when i grow old! haha!!!

[@JupiterHikes]

Oops! It is a very terrible place no one should go!

[@nickel0eye]

@@JupiterHikes haha! We all know that isn't true!

[@XA1985]

Are there plenty of fishing opportunities in the pct? I want to bring my fishing rod to save on food

[@JupiterHikes]

You're not really going to save on food that way, but in a few sections it'll be fun. I'd probably only carry it for the Sierra Nevada section

[@Le-Abdollen]

how many SD cards did you carry and what capacities? what charging cable/plug/power banks do you use?

[@JupiterHikes]

I ended the trail with 3 SD cards, as for the power and battery questions in the video description you can find a link to my gear list to see specifics!

[@Le-Abdollen]

@@JupiterHikes ok cool, what capacities were the SD cards?

[@XA1985]

It took u 84 days to do the whole pct? How many miles did you hike a day and did you take days off?

[@JupiterHikes]

Most days for me were between 35 and 45 miles. I only took two days off

[@XA1985]

@@JupiterHikes savage 😎

[@ambulowan]

Very interesting to hear about too small of a backpack. I always thought that fast hikers who pack out lots of food for lots of days would benefit the most from a bigger framed backpack that can carry a heavy load more comfortably. Would you go for some UL framed one or just more Volume on a small one. Did the Dyneema Mesh which is not very stretchy play into this? You can stretch regual mesh to 5 times the size you can with the Dyneema mesh. Also interesting the money you spent with such a fast hike. Inflation aside, looking at some people who spent 10k-12k and more, most of their cost was for restaurants and accommodation which they had lots of.

[@JupiterHikes]

I would still use a frameless ultralight pack, just like 5 - 10L larger!

[@jhonyermo]

@@JupiterHikes Such as a Pa' lante Desert Pack? That should do it I am guessing?

[@JupiterHikes]

@@jhonyermo exactly that one! You got it

[@ambulowan]

@@JupiterHikes Interesting i thought you used the Palante Desert Pack as you pack is white. As for the 5 - 10 Liters, this is exactly what a normal Mesh give you. Even more. There is a new more resistent Mesh out there that stretches more than the Dyneema Mesh that everybody uses but still far less than normal Mesh.

[@JupiterHikes]

@@ambulowan I do not wish to overstuff the outside mesh. I see many people do this and always think they should have gotten a larger pack!

[@edchapman1900]

Do you hike between 3 and 4 mph on average? What about sprocket?

[@JupiterHikes]

I hike between 2.5 and 3mph!

[@edchapman1900]

@@JupiterHikes so a 50 mile day would be approximate 17 hours?

[@JupiterHikes]

@@edchapman1900 yes. Most days for me though we're 40-45

[@edchapman1900]

@@JupiterHikes thanks for the response

[@Max-ti4oq]

does taking a zero mean having a day off?

[@JupiterHikes]

Yes! And a 'nero' is nearly-zero but for me I usually consider it a half day, while 'zero' is a full day off

[@Max-ti4oq]

@@JupiterHikes cool!