PCT Thru Hike - Guide to the Sierra, 2020 and beyond - Part 2 Resupply

[@preacher9681]

You're the first and only thru hiker i've come across that goes this deep into doing the sierra's early spring. Thank you for that!

[@richclark7475]

Hi Restless Kiwi - Having seen many pct videos since your hike, I realized that your content by far and away was and is the best. I loved everyone of your episodes. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@romenhiking8623]

Honestly, the BEST video that I have ever seen on the re-supply options through the Sierra's. You are a credit to the hiking community and I encourage you to continue to produce the excellent content. I will be starting on May 1, 2020 and will be using your video as a guide. Thank you.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I am glad you have found it useful. Hopefully with your start date the snow will not be an issue for you.

[@hikerJohn]

This is one of the most useful and informative videos Ive seen on the Sierras and Ive seen dozens. Ive been thinking about it for days. I hope to be a medium speed hiker with a lot less snow and a lot less food weight @ 1.2 pounds per day and no stove and no sugar. It will be a boring diet but I've already tested that I can do boring by doing 1200 miles in 2019. I'll be packing 20 extra pounds of fat under my skin and expect to lose all of it.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks John. Food doesn't have to be interesting in the Sierras as you will be ravenous for anything. Pretty impressive daily food weight.

[@kenthiasoutdooradventures2294]

This is an amazingly helpful resource for anyone planning a PCT thru-hike (like us!). No one else has ever done anything even remotely as comprehensive and detailed. You obviously put a ton of time and research into this video. Thank you!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome. It is something I would have appreciated so thought others might also think so. If it helps even one person the work is worth it.

[@hikeoverheels5429]

AMAZING video!!!! Helping me have more confidence to get through this section!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I am glad you found the video helpful. Good luck with your hike

[@4-SeasonNature]

Oh my. Such a thorough review. You must be a very meticulous planner for your work and life.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

My job used to be largely about organising and planning and now I have retired that has turned to my adventures.

[@vickiebartnicki4216]

You have given great information for future PCT hikers on all passes and exits. Great report. Thank you Kristine. Blessings and safe adventures.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Vickie

[@llo70422]

How detailed is this. Wow! Super organized and all ducks are in a row Wow! All Sierra travellers need to see this Good work and lots of people should refer to this. Perhaps you should contact the park service for the Sierras as you have so much pertinent information.that so many people should know before they go. Good work mate Sheila. Vancouver BC 🇨🇦

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Sheila. I am sure the parks service have better experts than me but I am glad you think my video is helpful.

[@erichighsmith7299]

Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful commentary, please keep the videos up. I’m starting my PCT journey March 10th 2020. I’m worried about starting early and the snow in So Cal and the mountains that are in ‘the desert’ and also reaching the Sierra in a high snow year (to be determined)... but I do feel confident and will not give up.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Eric. I understand having an early start date can be concerning but you never know what will happen. It could work out better than a later start date in some circumstances. For 2019 some of those that started after me (23 Mar) ended up with quite a bit of rain in the desert and had the difficult task of tackling the Sierra during the thaw with horrible soft snow, raging rivers and having to get up at 3 or 4 am each day to cross passes

[@allangmiller]

How did it go? I've got 9th March 2023. Reasonably happy, as snow worries me less than spate.

[@TheHikingChick1]

This is awesome! Thank you for doing this series! I'm so impressed by you!🕺🥾🤷‍♀️

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Happy you liked it.

[@MudFlap62]

Spectacular information. Well done. Any PCT hiker should keep this series. Love your videos.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks. I am glad it is useful.

[@jonathanisak1116]

Fantastic Information! Thank you so much for sharing. 2021 cant get here soon enough!

[@erichighsmith7299]

Talk about can’t get here soon enough, I’m starting March 10th 2020 78 days away. Can’t get here soon enough; laughing nervously haha.

[@surfk9836]

Bravo! I look forward to your snow skills video. Having bagged a few peaks in my day, I sometimes cringe when viewing videos of ascents of passes and the techniques (or lack there of). There are a couple of self arrest videos from PCTers, but nothing too in depth. Also a stream crossing instructions would help immensely.

[@rkatrails]

I second the motion on river crossings.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Noted for a future video.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I will do a river crossing video, I think I have enough video from my hike to put it together, though finding more rivers to cross is not an issue in NZ

[@keithkennedy3144]

fantastic work. i'm in France and trying to have a resupply strategy. you have done all the work. thank's again

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome Keith. All the best with your preparation. I love that stage. Doing all the research, getting your gear ready and having the building excitement of the adventure ahead.

[@ChantelleDinkel]

I can vouch for the shutters you get when going down Shepherds Pass... I only did a section hike from Lone Pine to Independence but got it in my head that going over Kearsarge Pass was going to be too scary.. (nowadays I wouldn't be scared to go over but I was underprepared, overloaded and overwhelmed)... someone had told us that Sheaperads Pass was easy and all down... but it ended up being hard to follow and a large super steep frozen snow shoot greeted us and we had to cross at 7am that had no trail over the ice/snow... (beginning of July)... this was my first time using crampons and a few steps in I realized my outer foots crampon was loose, but there was no way to go back... gosh that was scary... the scree after was super deep and very steep. Also, there was no way to hitch out of there, we didn't pass a single car while we walked from the trailhead the whole way to Independence. One cool thing we found at the top of Shepherds Pass was a broken glass bottle that had "1 quart of milk" printed into it. I can just picture some hiker/shepherd 100+ years ago taking that glass bottle up there and breaking it by accident... Thank you for such an informative video! I love your videos, they show how much you care about the community and passing on the knowledge to help others is greatly appreciated. Thank you so so much for your time, I know your videos will help a lot of people! Perhaps even me if I end up doing the PCT someday or one of the other trails you hike in the future.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

That would have been a scary experience going down the pass like that but neat piece of history to find. I am glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@ChantelleDinkel]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker I watched this today, I thought you might enjoy it, it was filmed last night. Its a talk with some of last years PCT hikers and a fundraiser for the PCTA kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKLFoH-KhM-Ff68

[@Jerrymc1975]

This is golden!!! Thank you for taking time to share and educate us. Very much appreciated

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome

[@hikerJohn]

I think I will try the following I can do 20+ mile days but for conservative scheduling . . . PCT 2020 Sierra Resupply = 350 miles (aprox) Kennedy Meadows 105 (7 days) to . . . Independence vi Kearsarge Pass 85 (6 days) to . . . Muir Trail Ranch 49 (3 days) to . . . Reds Meadow 36 (3 days) to . . . Toulumne Meadows 75 (4 days) Sonora Pass 23 days + 5 days off trail = 28 days @ 15 miles per day ============================================ K M 105 (7 days) Independence vi Kearsarge Pass 100 (7 days) Vermillion 68 (5 days) Tuolumne Meadows 75 (5 days) K M North 24 trail days + 5 days off trail = 29 days @ 15 miles a day I'd appreciate feedback if I need to make corrections.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I think given your previous long distance experience, normal 20+ mile a day speed, light food and May start you will probably go faster than you have planned. I would go with the second option. If the thaw is finished you can reduce your food reserve and probably drop to 6 days to kearsarge, and drop to 4 days from TM to Sonora. If the thaw is still in progress then reserve of a day needed for last two sections where rivers can be an issue.

[@SensatiousHiatus]

This is some really helpful information...the table at 28:21 is immensely helpful!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks. I am glad you have found it helpful

[@richardross7219]

Great briefing. I hope that all planning the PCT watch these videos. Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year. Good Luck, Rick

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Rick. Happy holidays to you as well

[@trailhead8263]

Thorough and informative! Thank you!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks

[@marnieandnoelle]

Hi, we met you (and had lunch with you!) at PCT Days 2019 🙂 This is such a helpful video! I know it's been awhile since you posted this, but I'm wondering if you have the summary charts available anywhere for us to print out. We are thru-hiking this year. Thank you!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I am sorry but they are in storage while I am travelling so I don't have access at the moment. The best I can suggest is doing a screenshot from the video and printing from that.

[@wmpopper]

Happy New Year 2020 Restless Kiwi...Thank You for your outstanding 2019 PCT information and videos...

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Happy New Year to you as well. Thanks for watching my videos and your comments

[@grampakilt]

I am another mere mortal compared to RK (symbolic bending of the knee here). A comment. 2008 was a regular snow year. I entered the High Sierra in mid-June and made it to VVR without resupply in 14 days. (I would have made it to Mammoth but summiting Whitney chewed up nearly 2 days.) Yes, I was hungry some of the time, especially on the pass climbs. In 2020 I plan on retracing my steps. Not needing to repeat 2008 (plus nearing 70), a resupply out of Kearsage was anticipated. But now I'm not so sure for I've read reports of thrus following the keto diet needing 20-30% less volume/pounds of food with no loss of energy, if not improved endurance. So, since I've been on keto for a few months, I'm now wondering about trying a 2008 repeat. Foolish? GK

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Wow you were pretty badass in 2008 carrying that much food over that distance and all the passes. As for this year I can't comment on the effects of a Keto diet but suggest not making any decisions until a couple of weeks before getting to Kennedy Meadows. By then you will have seen the effects of the Keto diet, and fitness/age, on your hiking and know what you can do.

[@hikerJohn]

I'll be starting the first of May so I hope I can get through the sierras a little faster than many did in 2019

[@romenhiking8623]

I also have May 1, 2020 start date. Best of Luck

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Fingers crossed for a little less snow for 2020.

[@pungo147]

Where did get the list of exit passes that you show in this video? I'm thru-hiking the PCT in 2023 and it's expected to be a heavy snow year. I'm starting March 9th and expect to arrive at KMS around the beginning of May. Really good information in your videos! Thank you for sharing.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

The best information was Halfway anywhere.com. He does a useful resupply guide. There are also some nice maps showing resupply points on the PCT official Web pages.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Excellent video. Very well put together. Subscribed. ✌️

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks for your support

[@rkatrails]

Another winner! Thank you!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks

[@roberthavard6930]

👏👏👏

[@jackiehorn3724]

WOW!! Thnk you so much! Way above and beyond he call of duty. Thank you!!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome Jackie

[@Chrissytees]

Thank you for such a helpful video! We are currently hiking this year and looking at alternative exit points. Many of the exit points you have listed aren’t on FarOut. Could you share what websites or resources you used to find the trails? (I.e Buckeye, Burro, Virginia pass)

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

I am sorry but I don't remember. I used Halfway's resupply guide for a lot of info

[@talkstorytarot]

Awesome!!! Thank you.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks Malia

[@cheryl_the_horsechick]

Christine. Did you do a resupply south of Kennedy meadows? I can’t find it on KZbin. I am section hiking San Diego to Kennedy. Thanks. Cheryl in tehachapi.

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi Cheryl. No I did not resupply between Tehachapi and Kennedy Meadows. I took 8 days food though I ended up quicker than this.

[@SolarEagles]

What sections of the PCT did you have an ice axe? What factors do you use to decide to carry one? Same two questions for crampons? Thank you for your videos!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Hi. I had my ice axe from Mt Baden Powell until Lake Tahoe. I had only planned on using it from Kennedy Meadows but reports from Baden Powell were saying it was essential, though in my oponion not needed for me. Crampons I carried from warner springs (mile 114) as reports of the trail near San Jacinto were not goid, especially the trail under Apache Peak and I was glad to have them. I stopped using them from Beldon (mile 1295). My decision of when to start carrying was based on trail reports of people in front of hard snow or ice on steep slopes. I stopped when the steeper sections were finished. I only used my ice axe around 10 times where it was steep with runout below I wasn't comfortable with.

[@SolarEagles]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker Thank you for that. It seems like it would be very hard to time your Ice Axe to arrive at the post office when you need it. Any advice on that? How is the Axe stored in limbo while you don't need it?

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

@@SolarEagles I was intending to purchase my ice axe from the outfitter at Kennedy Meadows but I ended up getting a Ride from Wrightwood to a nearby REI to buy one. In a normal year getting one from Kennedy Meadows is a good technique. Their prices were the same as REI and you could pre order. If you already own an Ice Axe have someone send it a couple of weeks before you get to the required location and have the post office hold it.

[@SandCrabNews]

EXCELLENT & INFORMATIVE!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks

[@willardwooten9582]

Very well informative for anyone going through the Sierras but with the new rule changes would it be wise to maybe go SOBO for the unexperienced hiker with the 35 day limit .

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Unfortunately SOBO are juggling starting after the snow melts in washington and getting through the Sierra before the snow starts. This means they have to be doing decent miles right from the start. I considered this option but felt I was not fit enough to go SOBO.

[@willardwooten9582]

@@RestlessKiwiHiker In 2017 Hurlgoat went SOBO spending 35 days in Washington with 80-90+ degrees no rain and had no snow in October in the Sierras and finished 12-27 Oh and he did the Sierra High Route .

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are right it can be done if the weather plays the game.

[@SolarEagles]

Thank you!

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

You are welcome

[@susanolson3611]

🙂

[@BigDukeX]

👊😎...

[@davesanders9203]

I hope you get this in time. A fellow female adventurer (lives in a motorhome) is visiting your fine county. Check out her latest video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIHFlIZud7t5o5o

[@RestlessKiwiHiker]

Thanks for this Dave