PCT Thru Hike - Guide to the Sierra, 2020 and beyond - Part 1 Overview

[@markcummings6856]

A fountain of knowledge from an experienced, accomplished, genuine hiker and person! Thanks Kiwi. Happy Trails

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Mark

[@SolarEagles]

Disclaimer, you mortals may have different results

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Ha ha

[@hapahiker]

Class of 2023!! Thank you for making this detailed video about your time in the Sierra. Early April start I'm looking at a mid-May entry as well. Super helpful to see that it's possible :) most people recommend taking my time in the desert to give snow time to melt. There's just so much snow this year I've been thinking of going BEFORE the melt, I hope. Thanks again!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I am glad you liked it. You definitely seem to be in for an interesting year. Our year was only a little higher than average at this time but we had several storms in April and may.

[@llo70422]

Amazing presentation. Super organized and I hope lots of people see this video because it’s loaded with information. Good on you for doing this. Detail is everything and you have covered this to perfection. I think everyone should have to view this before travelling through because a lot of people need this type of overview Way to go for doing this........

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Sheila. I am glad people are finding it useful. Credit to Jackie for suggesting it.

[@rkatrails]

You do an incredibly amazing job on your videos. So we'll thought out, so detailed yet to the point. I think you win the prize for an incredible, genuine continuous footsteps, thru hike of the PCT. Great job!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks for this lovely comment. Much appreciated

[@koendebelie197]

Thanks so much for all this wealth of information !! This really is a treasure trove! Thx a lot for taking the time to put all of this together !

[@richardmarquardt6246]

Great synopsis of your sierra section. Reminded me again of what an incredible section you accomplished in those conditions especially considering you were solo. One advantage of solo is you don't have to negotiate with anyone but yourself as to route and mileage each day. Several groups I followed on KZbin often did not have as quick a time though the Sierras. Disadvantage of solo (which you did not have) was one needs be very sure of one's capabilities. Of the folks I watched you easily demonstrated the most skill and confidence through that section in those conditions. Congratulations again on a great PCT in 2019.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Richard. I definitely enjoyed not having to deal with group dynamics, especially when I was tired and wanted to stop, and also when I was feeling good and just wanted to hoof it fast.

[@landonthings]

Thank you so much! I am at Kennedy meadows preparing to roll out, so helpful. Very excited to finally be here!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I hope you survived the snow. Looks like you are having a challenging year

[@vickiebartnicki4216]

Thank you Kristine (Homemade.) As always great information. Thanks for showing us the Sierra and your hike one again. Great accomplishment going through the Sierra in 2019. Looking forward to your next video Blessings and safe adventures..

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Vickie

[@martindohnal55]

Hi, nice to see a video from you, we met in Chester at the church where we were camping. Congratulations for acomplishing this big journey and good luck on your next hikes :-) Grasshopper

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Grasshopper. How did the rest of your hike go

[@martindohnal55]

I had problem with my ankle in Chester, after 3 Zeros it got a bit better so I continued hiking few hundred miles, then got problem with achilles. Unfortunately had to quit at Crater Lake, but it was right decision looking back. Enjoyed the trail and one day will have to come back to finish it.

[@Mountian-Zen]

I followed you all the way, day by day thru the Sierras was SO IMPRESSIVE. Was quite obvious to me you had significant winter mountaineering exp. Excellent Video.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks. I was fortunate to have the experience to enjoy my time in the sierreas

[@kuhnology8803]

Restless Kiwi, good to see your helpful video's! Thank you again and again for all the useful information and insights for someone how has been their and done that. Watching your trail posts from last year was joy. Well done.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Kuhn. I am glad you found it helpful

[@exopisode]

This video was really interesting. I am planning on hiking in northern Finland this winter, so some of these tips are very useful. Thank you!

[@markcummings6856]

GalaxyFanFan You should check out her thru hike videos of Finland.

[@exopisode]

@@markcummings6856 Was it not Norway? :o But thanks anyway, I will check them out!

[@markcummings6856]

GalaxyFanFan That’s right, sorry. Norway it was. Have fun!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hiking in Finland in winter sounds challenging, at least there are no big mountains but pretty extreme temperatures.

[@exopisode]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker Yeah, it is going to be really cold! I am taking my fathers sled and my snowshoes with me because of the snow. I will be careful :-)

[@kenthiasoutdooradventures2294]

Thank you so much for making these instructional videos. We are going to be rewatching these multiple times over the next few months. With our mid-March start date we fully expect to have similar snow conditions when we hit the Sierras.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome. You must be having fun doing your planning now

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

Thank you very much for this. I have a late March approved date. The Sierra with snow, food supply and navigation has been a concern. I drove to Bishop, did the posthole and rainbow falls just to get an idea but snow was only on the higher peaks. The realization of my approval date and the daunting thought that this is a reality is enough to get my best physical and mental planning in to place, after all, who would walk from Mexico to Canada when you could get a train, plane or automobile. Well I guess I'm one of those.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

We are all crazy for doing this according to those who dont attempt it but they are unaware of the rewards this sort of trail give. It can seem daunting but is better doing it than thinking about doing it. I hope you have fun preparing for the trail

[@charlienancy9768]

Very informative. We watched all your videos through the Sierra. Thanks for putting it all together. So exciting to watch you on that section.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Charlie

[@clinthart6796]

Thanks Kirstine, saves me re-watching your Sierra vids! Fantastic contribution for future venturers.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Clinton.

[@sablerubycocoa]

Fantastic reference video for future hikers!!! So glad you were encouraged to make these!!!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Karen

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Kiwi, thank you for your deatailed report of the Eastern Sierras. You did a fine job. I understand the reason why permits are now required. Times have changed. When I summited Mt. Whitney no permits were required. Over the years, popularity of hiking and backpacking has grown dramatically. You're to be commended for your accomplishments on the PCT. Exceptional filming and narrating on your part. The very best to you Dear. Please take good care of yourself. How is Mum? 🤗

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Ronald. I agree with the changes but it is definately going to be more challenging for PCTers. Mum is good thanks, our Rakiura Track hike is next week.

[@davesanders9203]

Another great review. Of course it was more exiting watching your videos as you were actually doing it.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Dave

[@gooster777]

Thanks so much for taking the time to provide this excellent advice. Looking forward to the rest of the parts.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome Steve

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

You did a great job hiking the PCT. I Like how you did your charts. You are so very efficient. You dear lady, impress me. 👍

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks. It was nice to have a reason to play with excel again and do some prett charts. I am an excel weanie but don't use it much now I have retired

[@travelinbeat]

This series of AMAZING and PERFECT for me as I prepare to embark onto the PCT in what I hope will be the completion of my Triple Crown! This year the southern Sierras have almost double the snow they had to this point in 2019 and I am taking a ton of notes from your very detailed and well-prepared series on your experiences! I am curious to know why you chose to cover only the southern Sierra. Did conditions just get way easier north of Sonora? I will be sharing your series on my channel (@travelinbeat) and hope to help a great many hikers with you amazing presentation(s)! Looking forward to hours more watch time on your channel, taking notes and enriching my understanding of what lies ahead! A MILLION THANKS!!!!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I am glad you are finding these videos helpful. You are definitely in for an interesting time this year with the extreme conditions. It should be a satisfying way to complete your triple crown. I stopped the series at Sonora Pass as the next section was not as challenging for resupply and not as remote. The snow conditions were still challenging, and there were a couple of "pucker up" times in this section, with some very steep and exposed slopes. The last snow I came across was just before the 1/2 way mark, the day before Chester.

[@travelinbeat]

@Restless Kiwi Thanks so much!! What kind of traction did you use / would you recommend? I am torn between crampons and snowshoes, certainly would prefer not to carry both but will certainly consider doing so if that seems the most prudent move

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I used Kathoola K10 Hiking Crampons and loved them. They were easy to put on and off, secure, and provided good traction. They worked well with my Altra Lone Peaks. I did consider snow shoes but decided against them. There were only a few small periods, maybe 5 hours total when I really would have liked them but most of the time they were not needed. It is a lot of extra weight for limited use. I followed some tracks of a couple who had them and they only seemed to use them a couple of hours a day.

[@lvm3487]

I am unable to find Part 5 of your PCT Sierra series. I don't see it in your playlist or elsewhere. But these are great, thank you!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi. I am sorry but I didn't get around to making that video

[@MudFlap62]

Wow. Fantastic video. Thank you for the detailed information. Well done. A video for every PCT hiker for sure.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome

[@jackiehorn3724]

Very very informative! Thank you so much! Look forward to rest of the series. Am passing this link forward.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Jackie. All due to your clever suggestion.

[@meganv1735]

Very informative!! Be very glad you are nowhere near Mammoth over the next few days. They are having some crazy high winds and will be getting dumped with snow. 🥶

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Megan, that would be pretty impressive seeing Mammoth covered in snow, but hiking through it would not be fun

[@dankhikes1595]

Thank you for the very detailed video. It's strange, the new PCTA permit regulations don't seem like they will be effective at stopping flipping and coming back to the the Sierra later. As I read it, as long as you don't begin the southern Sierra you can return at any time and start the 35 day clock. So instead of bailing at Kearsarge Pass to flip, everyone will just flip from Kennedy Meadows or (better option) Walker Pass and come back later. It may actually exacerbate the problem, because people who could have made it will choose not to start the Sierra from fear of 'losing' their permit. In order to actually address the problem there would have to be a limit on how long after your start date you may enter the Sierra on a PCTA permit.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Dank. You raise an excellent point and I like your suggested alternative. You should email PCTA with the suggestion.

[@scottgrafelman2390]

Nice videos! I subscribed. I do have two quick questions: #1: How do you navigate to stay on the trail when it's covered in snow. Are there trail blazes on the trees to follow? #2: Looked like you kept your regular shoes and socks on in the river crossings. Did you change shoes/sock when you got across? how do you keep you feet dry and unfrozen after a river crossing like that?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Scott. For navigation in the snow there were no blazes or markers to follow. I used the Guthook app with phone GPS and backup paper maps and compass. Sometimes I had footprints but othertimes nothing. For crossing rivers I didnt change shoes, I just kept walking afterwards and the water drained out of the shoes quickly. I wore Merino socks which meant my feet felt dry even when they were still wet. I had learnt from other hikes that taking shoes and socks off to cross freezing rivers is dangerous as your feet get numb quickly and you cant feel the rocks under you. It is better to have wet but warmer feet.

[@jameslogan8193]

Super useful. Thanks !

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Glad it was helpful

[@stephenegli4387]

Nicely organized and informative. Thanks!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Stephen

[@niamhdoyle8460]

Hi Homemade! I'm wondering when part 4 and 5 might come out for your Sierra videos? Thanks again for making them, they're so helpful!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi. Sorry I have gotten caught up with other things. I was hoping to have it done before my next adventure but missed out so unfortunately it will now be another 6 weeks

[@HitTheTrailJack]

this is incredible thank you so much for sharing! As someone who starts April 19th NOBO I'm too headed for quite the snowy time in the Sierras, and I was wondering if you had any musts as far as gear that you are really glad you brought?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Jack. I am glad you found it helpful. In terms of gear I loved the Kathoola K10 Hiking Crampons. I took an extra sitpad to go under my mattress for insulation from the snow. A bit of gear not thought about is a snow shovel. I used a light plastic plate as an alternative. The main uses were digging survey pits to check avalanche conditions and most nights to clear and flatten snow for my tent. If you are hiking with others it would speed up digging in the event of an avalanche rescue. Also plastic bags to keep your feet dry

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker awesome I am diving into all your videos on this its a wealth of information and will prove so valuable this year. Truly great stuff

[@BigDukeX]

Clear and concise 👊😎...

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks

[@frayk2]

Amazing Ty for this!!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I'm glad you found it helpful

[@monicarandeen8698]

Really informative. Looking forward to the rest of the series. P.S. you're a badass!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Monica

[@wmpopper]

Professor R. Kiwi...Happy Thanksgiving.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Ha ha. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well William

[@DTADL]

Jan 2023: Great job. Can u provide metrics on a typical Sierra day of food: Calories, Carbs (grams), Protein (grams), Fat (grams). Was that enough for you? Access permitting, I’d like to resupply in LP, Independence to Bishoo, VVR, Mammoth, Tuolumne - using the 450 can. Otherwise I’ll have to upgrade to the 500.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi. Unfortunately I didnt track that. I have been hiking long enough I know instinctively what I need in hot and cold weather. My video for Day 58 shows all the food I took for the next section from Kersearge Pass to Mammoth which due to snow closuresaffecting VVR and Tuolome was 11 days.

[@gooddoogs]

Great video. Thanks for making!

[@GoThruIt]

Awesome video! I have a similar start date for 2020 so this really helped out.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

That is great to hear. I didn't originally want that start date but in hindsight it is the perfect timing.

[@niamhdoyle8460]

This is great, looking forward to the next parts! I have the same start date as you for 2020 and am hoping its not too early... there's a week long course available before I start in the UK which teaches snow skills (eg using ice axe and crampons, avalanche awareness etc). Do you think these would be helpful fot the sierras or did you find you could learn as you go?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Niamh. If you have the opportunity to do the course I strongly recommend it. Learning as you go can be risky. Ideally you would join a group with an experienced person and they could teach you. However some subtle questioning of some self claimed experts quickly led me to realise a couple were full of hot air. While a week long course will not turn you into an expert it will give you the confidence and skills to negotiate the mountains and be as able to filter out the false "experts". Having some skills learned from an expert instructor could be the difference between enjoying the mountains or enduring them

[@niamhdoyle8460]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker you're star this is so helpful. Thanks a million!!

[@ulrichschluter9120]

Thanks for the great information. What kind of shoes did you wear? Trail Runners or did you change to more sturdy ones like boots?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Ulrich. I wore trail runners the whole time even in the snow. I had slightly thicker socks for the Sierra but only wore then a couple of times for the first hour or two of the day and they were then too hot. The rest of the time it was my thin merino socks. I also used plastic bags over the socks a couple of times but also only for the first hour. I found keeping the rest of my body warm meant I seldom had cold feet. My crampons (Kahtoola K10) worked perfectly with my Altra Lone Peak shoes.

[@jonathanc3443]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker hi, did you have a pair of microspikes in addition to the hiking crampons, or did you stick to just the hiking crampons? What are your thoughts on carrying both? Perhaps using the spikes when the terrain is flatter and switching to the crampons for passes or steeper traverses?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

@jonathanc3443 Hi. No I didn't take micro spikes and would not recommend taking microscopes in addition to hiking crampons, take one or the other. There were a few times I walked over rock or on dirt trails in my K10 crampons and they were fine. The decision on microscopes vs hiking crampons is purely dependant on snow/ice conditions. I decided I wanted more protection as it was a high snow year and cold temperatures and there were a couple of times I was very glad to have the extra spike length. This was on the steep icy side slopes.

[@standingonmountain3975]

You're an amazingly strong person, mentally and physically. Respect! It's Sierra, not Sierras. This word is Spanish and cannot be changed to Sierras.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thank you for the advice on Sierra vs Sierras. I will try and remember this for my next video

[@susanolson3611]

Wonderful, thank you. That last photo! 🙂

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Susan. Yes I thought the photo captured my joy at being in the mountains. It was an expression I had a lot in the Sierras.

[@purplewindpct]

Wow! What a huge help!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Robert. I am glad you found it helpful.

[@natalieroy4849]

Isn't this going to increase the risk of people getting hurt or worse because they can't skip ahead and may take on challenges (snow/rivers) they aren't necessarily prepared for? Or they are rushing to finish in 35 days?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Natalie. That is my fear with the rule changes. I understand the need but the issues you mentioned are a real possibility

[@dougfisher3198]

Wow ! So impressive, Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. Question: Do you know what the approx. temperature was through the Sierra? How much below zero was it on the snow days or how much above zero on the sunny days?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Doug. The coldest I recorded was 23 degrees F (-5 degrees celcius) at 0700 so I imagine in the early hours of the morning it was even colder. It was below freezing every night but on most days it went above freezing as soon as the sun came out. I definately had to be careful to keep my water bottles warm while walking a couple of days until around lunchtime. The warmest it got between Kennedy Meadows and Mammoth was 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). From Mammoth to Sonora it went up to 57 F (14 C) one day. The cold didnt seem to change more than a few degrees when it was sunny or overcast

[@richardross7219]

Very good. Would snow shoes have helped? Good Luck, Rick

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Rick. In a few small areas they would have been good but I don't regret not having them. However a pair of light weight skis with skins would have been great.

[@dannybirks7354]

brilliant, Thank you for the hard work..

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome. The next video on resupply will be out in the next couple of days

[@conniecolbert3144]

Restless are you ok? No where near the volcano I hope. Safe hiking!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Connie. I am fine. Currently in the South Island so well clear. Thanks for thinking of me.

[@camilomoreno6895]

Wow, this was very informative ! thank you. What are your thoughts about snowshoes in this area? Worth the extra weight or not?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Camilo. I am afraid I have to give a non definitive answer. The decision on using snow shoes depends on the snow conditions and your experience with them. If you ate going through during the thaw they nay be of more use than going through whike the snow is still hard. For me I did not regret not having them as there were only a few occasions where the snow was soft. Personally I thought cross country skis would have been more useful than snow shoes

[@lennyhikes2781]

How did you find the trail through the snow? Did you have an InReach?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Lenny. I mainly used the Guthook application on my phone, only turning GPS on to get a fix and then straight off to save my battery. I had paper maps and compass as a back up and there were a couple of times I used these instead as it was easier with the bigger perspective the paper map gave. I did not have an inreach but did have a satellite phone as my safety device

[@willardwooten9582]

Quite the year for snow but you tore it up as did Little Skittles . Boy if those new changes were this year look at how many would have missed out . Now is the decision time do I go early or late , if I go late do I finish Wash in lots of snow if I go early will their be as many snowstorms in early spring . Maybe is now the time for more SOBOs yes the desert will be cold and freezing but the Sierras ought to have no to little snow .

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are right, big dilemma for future PCTers.

[@chilipeppertrekker5439]

How do you think they will enforce the 35 days? How will they know when a hiker enters and exits the Sierra? Thank you for your videos!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi. I think it will be the normal rangers enforcing the 35 day limit. They may have rangers around Kennedy Meadows more frequently now. Of the 3 rangers I encountered in 2019 one was just N of Kennedy Meadows. That ranger wrote the date and location on my permit.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Nice coverage of resupply while trekking through the Sierra. Some things to note: There is no such thing as official trail milage on the PCTs. They are all unofficial and vary depending on the source. Distances from trailheads to towns are more reliable. The tourist guide designations for hikers don't always jive with actual geographic features. The ACTUAL southern Sierra is south of Kennedy Meadows, but for hikers KM is where the Sierra begins - kinda confusing. For hikers, the real issue is resupply locations and permit restrictions since rumor has it that there is some actual enforcement of rules in the Sierra especially where bear cannisters are required and camping too close to Mt. Whitney. idk how aggressive that enforcement actually is. In other places, I've noted very selective compliance with the rules for long distance permit holders especially in the use of smartphone apps which designate heaps of campsites that hikers use in clear violation of the permit. Enforcement: I never saw any. I have noted at least that it's the rare PCT hiker who casually leaves garbage behind. I wish that was as true with day hikers. Finally, it's a common hiker mistake to talk about The "Sierras" no such thing (I made the same mistake for a while to my shame) - I'm not a tourist and don't wanna sound like one. It is The Sierra Nevada or just Sierra is acceptable.

[@ricmricm]

Thanks for the info! It's been very useful! How are the permits enforced? I'm worried that if one gets sick in the sierras part of the hike, you won't be able to do it in 35 days.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Ricardo. The permits are enforced by the rangers. There were none when I went through but as the snow melted they were out in force. It will be an issue if people get injured getting through in 35 days.

[@nokyanleung]

Hi! Is your trailname homemade? I remember you made your own pack right!?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi. Yes correct on both counts.

[@Aaron-cz5tz]

Well done!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks

[@hikerJohn]

I suppose I read it but it never sank in about the 35 days rule. What are the borders to this section and how will they enforce it?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Hiker John. The borders are Kennedy Meadows and Sonora Pass. At this stage I think it is just the park rangers enforcing it.

[@hunterrex232]

Are you going to hike another trail in the USA? CDT ADT

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Rex. At this stage I am not planning on doing another USA long trail. I am doing one long trail per country as there is so much of the world to explore. In 2020 I am bikepacking Kyrgyzstan and 2021 loking at a thru hike in Japan

[@hunterrex232]

Restless Kiwi ok thanks

[@hunterrex232]

I would of like to seen you trek the cdt but I’ll keep watching your trail blazing

[@mersymaradiaga]

What month did you go through the sierras?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I left Kennedy Meadows 12th May but it was a high snow year.

[@godsok1]

Your awesome!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Bob

[@tandyjenkins7495]

I just learned that a volcano erupted in you country. I hope you and your family are safe and not near the volcano.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Tandy I am currently in the South Island so safe from yhe volcano. Thanks for thinking of me. My thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured. Very sad.