I’m HIKING The PACIFIC CREST TRAIL Again…Here’s WHY & What I’m Doing Differently | PCT 2023

[@TheHungryHiker]

Are you hoping to hike or backpack the PCT this year? Planning a PCT section hike or thru-hike and have questions? Got more questions about my upcoming PCT hike? Type them in the comments below!

[@adamvancleave8961]

I am happy for you,Kathleen...:) enjoy the journey!!! Take pictures!!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you and yes, there will be lots of pictures and videos!!!

[@conniesjourney5806]

just wanted to add...my PCT 2022 thru hike was not a complete thru hike, although I tried. It was my very first backpacking experience, all solo. Met amazing people along the trail. I am a backpacking addict now. I learned to be by myself on the trail. I was nervous along the trail. I learned so much. The PCT was more than what anyone could have described to me. I admire your contributions to our community. Thank you, again.

[@TheHungryHiker]

In my opinion, I don't think it matters whether you completed all of the miles of your thru-hike. What matters is that you got out of your comfort zone, you got out on trail and you did the dang thing. Plus, it sounds like you came back from your hike learning a few valuable lessons that you can take with you on your future hikes. That sounds like a very successful (and complete) trip to me!

[@topherjoe1]

I watched your recent hike in Washington and that is how I came to your channel. I never get tired of watching PCT hikes, it's how I unwind before bedtime when my brain is mush from work and after work chores. My step fathers daughter hiked it in 2017 with the snow and fires , she didnt video but told us stories. I started watching them on youtube in 2019, I have watched 2010 hikes and up to current year (a sobo just finished in December and am wrapping up with his videos) As vlogging became more sophisticated over the years I expected to expand my hiking video fascination to other trails, but it hasn't. They just can't hold my attention save a few who hiked the Appalachian Trail this year but it was because of their personality, not so much the trail itself. My love of the PCT trail is unchanged and even has intensified with the changes of the trail you mentioned. The Sierra's do fascinate me when heavy snow is present as it seems it will be next year, not for only the beauty of them but the sheer tenacity and bravery demonstrated by the hikers that conquer them. But, Washington remains my favorite section. Looking forward to following you!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for following along! The Washington section of the PCT is one of my most favorite sections of the entire PCT!!

[@rickkaylor8554]

Good luck on your hike. I'm looking forward to seeing the videos. I enjoy your videos and they always give me ideas on backpacking food. I'm looking at doing the PCT SOBO in 2026. Since I live near Campo, I'll be essentially walking home. Last year I did a short backpacking trip near Warner Springs in March and ran into SO MANY NOBO hikers. Going SOBO makes so much sense to me.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!

[@emilyjade3558]

Congratulations on being able to hike the PCT again!! Excited for you and can't wait to follow along.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@ThienNguyen-ec8yc]

Super excited to follow your journey! Good luck, happy hiking, and pack plenty of food!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Washington has many great hikes! I love living here, lots to choose from

[@TheHungryHiker]

I agree! The backcountry here in Washington is incredible. So many good options!

[@Topo.On.Trail1]

You are such an inspiration to me! I have always loved your videos, and you have given me the push to get back on trail. I've already completed 10 hikes in 2023, and I have so many plans for hikes and backpacking this year. The trail gives us the hike we need... not always the hike we thought we needed. Happy hiking!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I 100% agree with you - the trail gives us the hike we need, not the hike we thought we needed. So well said!

[@allenschneider1847]

Wishing you the best. Sounds like an amazing journey. Id love to do a PCT thru hike, Im retiring in 3 weeks from 46 years of pastoral ministry. But at 71 (almost 72) im pretty sure this adventure has passed me by. I look forward to seeing your posts on trail.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@daven.7685]

I am really looking forward to seeing more on your prep for this hike. You are, by far, one of the most helpful, informative, professional, and mature(!) presenters in this space, which I highly appreciate! Best to you on this new adventure!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks Dave! I plan on sharing prep videos as I get ready for my hike, especially when it comes to gear, food and my resupply strategy. As the time gets closer and I have these things planned for my own hike, I'll be sure to share all of the details here on KZbin, Stay tuned!

[@Mountian-Zen]

Good stuff, I’ll plan to follow your PCT hike. I recall watching some of your previous PCT hike.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome!

[@sfgirly64]

YES! super excited for you! 👏👏👏

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@lisasdayoff503]

I'm heading south also. But before that I'm bored. So I'm going down to do Campo to Kennedy Meadows. Im a hike my own hike person too. I just kind of plan on flip-flopping around. Doing available States ( sections) when snow( melt or fall) allows.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@shanksmare]

Good Luck! Hope you have a safe and rewarding trip.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@T-Flow79]

Congratulations!! I’m excited to follow along on your journey!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yay! Thank you!

[@harrytraction1380]

Congratulations! Safe travels.😎

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@marceetaylor3873]

I love every part of this!!! So cool!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yay! Thank you!

[@gaylewalker4239]

Cool cool. Keep trekking. 😀

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@pamelajoy67]

I'm excited for you!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@teddyhcuts]

excited about this and excited for you!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! 😀

[@robopkins]

Yeehaw let's go!! I thru-hiked northbound last year and I'm already thinking about LASHing the whole trail someday in the future. Totally get it. It's just an amazing trail. Love that you're starting at the WA/OR border and making your own rules, and it's looking like a good snow year to go SOBO too :)

[@TheHungryHiker]

The PCT has this crazy magnetic pull that always brings me back. Sounds like I'm not the only one!!

[@LucyLu1325]

Good luck! I’m so excited for you!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@stevehyt]

Best of luck to you! I look forward to the vids.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Cool video thanks for sharing Left a like to support your channel 👍🏽

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks!

[@andreacullen770]

We do love seeing the food AND I love seeing how much you enjoy it on the trail!! Exciting plans :)

[@TheHungryHiker]

And I promise to share all of my favorite (and maybe not so favorite) food that I eat out there on trail.

[@elisaadams2292]

Congratulations!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!

[@chuckhenderson4765]

" looking for the solitary experience" that says it all!, looking forward to seeing the updates and trail videos!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yup!! I'm ready to do this thing, truly all on my own...until I run into the NoBo hiker bubble. Then I'll have to share tent sites and town stops, but only for a limited time.

[@chuckhenderson4765]

@@TheHungryHiker I do all my backpacking solo, though mine are more backcountry and no need to share sites unless absolutely necessary , I only get two weeks of holidays so I am doing 100 km in Ontario's Killarney Park

[@erict5878]

YOU GO GIRL!! Can't wait to follow you on your journey!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for following along!

[@renevdhaar]

Love the idea of going sobo... nobo for me this year. (First time pct hiker)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Have fun on your hike. It will change your life in ways you can't even imagine right now.

[@georgemacdonald8899]

Cool, hope you have a great trip. I love doing some trails over and over again, I always seem to find something new and amazing when I do that. Seasonal changes, different wildlife, ...

[@TheHungryHiker]

That's right! It might be the same trail, but the experience is always going to be different, especially with a long trail like the PCT. So much of this trail has changed over the last 5 years. I can't wait to see and experience all of those changes out there.

[@bruckmeg]

So excited for you! Thanks for answering my question 🤍

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you and you're very welcome!! Thanks for submitting a question for me to answer!!

[@ladikmk]

That’s awesome Kathleen! You seem very excited and I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience. Thanks for taking us along too.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! I'm super excited and can't wait to start my hike!

[@carolguezen5829]

You are so inspirational! So excited that you are doing the PCT again. Your videos are filled with so much information and your enthusiasm has an catching energy.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!

[@oacy16]

Good Luck! I am starting on June 15th from White Pass. Very excited! Happy trails!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Whoo Hoo!! Are you heading SoBo? Doing the whole enchilada or section hiking? Hopefully you don't have to deal with too much snow.

[@seattlespice-lob5565]

Best of luck.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@adventureswithfrickandfrack]

My husband and I will be starting NOBO mid June from Shelter Cove. Hope we run into you.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Whoo Hoo!! If you ee me out there, make sure to give me a high five so I can give you a sticker.

[@just_joc]

I'm so excited for you Kathleen/Token! I look forward to following you along on your journey. Take good care and may you always be safe.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@emptynesthikers]

My husband and I are planning a three week hike this summer. Planning cascade locks to snoqualmie. We’ve been following you for a few years now and have learned a lot. Thank you..

[@TheHungryHiker]

Very cool. Have a great hike!!

[@mollyfrances2171]

So exciting! Pumped to see you document your journey!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!

[@keypenhikeralan4233]

I am looking forward to following you!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! Thanks for following along!!

[@mg9281]

SO excited for you! I can't wait to see all the new experiences you have this time around!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!

[@kevinb1756]

That’s awesome! I only recently found your channel but I find it incredibly informative and enjoy your positive attitude. Congratulations on hitting the PCT again and Happy Trails!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much! Glad you find my videos helpful. They're a lot of fun to make!

[@douglaspavkov4301]

Great to hear!! Good for you, I met you last year on the PCT, all the best and good luck to you.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@SpamMusubi308]

That awesome to hear! Don't forget your spork!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Haha!! I've since replaced the long handled spoon I lost during my Section L PCT hike. I'll make sure it's clearly marked before I get back out on trail.

[@SpamMusubi308]

@@TheHungryHiker or get really good at carving chopsticks 🤣🤣👍

[@candacetoms4927]

I’m so excited for you!!! I love the open mind you are bringing to this adventure. You are inspiring and empowering so many women to get out into the backcountry and explore. I have my section hike planned for this year, and I have you and The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System to thank for helping me prepare for it! Also, that book has been a great resource for planning my itinerary.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much Candace!! I've absolutely loved being a part of your backpacking journey. I also love getting to hike with you each week...Yay Winter Hiking!! I'm super excited to hear all about your section hike while I'm out on trail.

[@christopherlewis4950]

Get em girl I wish you the best make it (walkingman)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@hikingwithbarb9006]

Congratulations on your upcoming hike! It's gonna be a whole new perspective on the trail. Maybe we will cross paths as I will be heading NOBO in April. All the best on your hike!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! If you see me out there, say hi and give me a high five and I'll give you a sticker!!

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

Such an inspiration!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!

[@WatchMeEDC]

It’s going to be a whole new level of adventure for all thru hikers this year with the massive amount of snow and rain that California has received. Will be fascinating to see the reports and watch vids from Big Bear all the way north. Good luck to you and all those hiking this year and remember to just “Hike your hike!”

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@conniesjourney5806]

So excited to learn you are hiking the PCT again. Congrats on securing a permit. I just received mine and was shocked.... Not sure when you are starting. Hope to pass you on the trail. I started last year from Southern Ca border and made it to just over Pinchot Pass before having a knee injury. I skipped Forrester because I was on my own and was just a little nervous. Could tell my knee and shoulder were becoming overstressed...still made it over Kearsarge 3 times, Glenn Pass 2 times, Pinchot Pass2 times!!! This year I will hike covering as much of the Sierras, including Forrester this time, and going northbound as far as possible for 30 days. Sierras must be completed in 35 days! I will have to return home for work, then will return to cover as much of the Northern Sections as possible, hoping to avoid wild fires and snow. I will most likely utilize pack animals for resupply along the Sierra section. And a solar recharge set up. All solo. As all thru hikers know, one is never really alone on the PCT. Proper precautions will be taken! Like you, I have been training to strengthen my muscles with a professional, taking care of my disease and complications as much as possible with an amazing specialist. (I was diagnosed with a disease that affected my heart and ability to continue with training -infact I had to stop al training, couldn't increase my heart rate at all..no cardio. no strength training for two months - resulted in loosing my previous yearlong training condition!!! - and, just before my start date!! I went anyway and it was tough and exillerating at the same time. ) I have been watching more youtube, reading much more about the trail, buying more and more equipment... I love your channel. I hope to pass you along the way. I totally look forward to your gear list and learning about your dehydrating food recipes. You are an inspiration MOST OF ALL...THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHANNEL.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! I'm really excited to see the Sierra section of the PCT heading in the opposite direction this year. If you see me out there, give me a high five and I'll give you one of my stickers. Good luck on your hike!

[@erict5878]

It's good you are going sobo so you don't have to deal with the fire season in Oregon and California

[@TheHungryHiker]

Well, we'll see how wildfire season is this year. SoBos can still get affected by the fires and trail closures.

[@ThomasAnderson-sd6yt]

Serria range , as of the end of January is 250% snow, congrats and enjoy 😉

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yup, I'm well aware. If you watched my video, you'd know that I mentioned I'm heading southbound along the PCT and won't be near the Sierra until September, which by then the snow pack will be long gone. And yes, I plan on enjoying this trail, very much so. ;)

[@bjf10]

Super exciting, congratulations! I'm planning an Oregon Coast Trail thru hike this summer; my first long distance hike!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! Have fun on your hike!

[@bjf10]

@@TheHungryHiker thanks, you too!

[@Soltempest]

Congratz on the permit! I couldn't find this information anywhere, but I was wondering what the specs on your custom EE Enigma quilt was, specifically the down type and temperature rating?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Here are all of the details of my Enigma Custom Quilt: * Down Type - 950 * Temperature - 10 Degree F * Length - Regular * Width - Wide * Draft Collar Added * Outside Fabric: Purple 10D * Inside Fabric: Purple 10D * 23.85 ounces Enlightened Equipment Enigma Custom Quilt alnk.to/gVDabHc

[@ambermiller472]

I have been watching your channel for so long. It has been so fun to watch your channel grow, but even more, it has been amazing to watch you encourage the rest of us to get out and hike. Have a blast! I am so excited to follow you on this next big adventure!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!!

[@kidshaws5705]

I’m so excited for you… You are truly an inspiration for a lot of women, you are a inspiration to me as a man I haven’t been hiking for a long, long time, but you give me a different perspective how to hike it gives me confidence to go out and hike with my son and some of my children. Thank you so much!!! Be safe on your journey on the PCT this year. I’ll keep you in my prayers. God bless you.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!!!

[@bettyridenour2088]

I’m excited for you… I know you’ll crush it. Enjoy every minute. I’ll be cheering you along💕

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!!

[@trevorwarren7984]

Congrats on the new adventure!!! I look forward to seeing all the videos!!! I trail angel in Washington, if you are not being dropped off by family and looking for a ride to the trailhead, reach out!!!! Good luck, I hope it ends up being everything you can dream of!!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!!

[@trexinvert]

I've been following PCT hikers since 2019 and there is nothing better than "almost realtime" youtube videos of PCT hikers during their adventure. No stupid movie or tv show is better than the real thing. Produced and edited by the actual star and heroes. You guys. Since, I'm in California in know the terrain and the weather that you are experiencing. So, I almost feel like I am there with you all, while you are passing major milestone areas. I feel a real sense of connection with youtube vlogger hikers that post every few days, weeks or even a month as they are traveling the 2650 miles. I know you hiker/vloggers spend many hours editing during the nights and when in town are always on the hunt for electricity. We really appreciate your sacrifice and awareness of us watching and sharing in your amazing journey and adventure.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much! Yes, this whole KZbin thing is quite a labor of love (which some will never understand), but it's totally worth all of the time and energy, especially when I see comments like this. I'm still trying to decide how often I'll be posting videos while I'm out hiking. I don't want the editing process to take away from my experience of being out on trail, but I'd also like to bring you guys along with me if I can. I still have a few months to figure out my video strategy. Hahaha!!

[@hikergir01]

Go you!!! You have inspired me to do the L section with my little Hiking Diva. Last year was awful, with all the crazy snow we had I couldn't train, and then I decided to just take my time and start at Harts pass. The day before I left there was a landslide on the road to harts pass, then the fires all started. Uggg. But we did get some hiking done on the PCT on the J section and I helped some thru hikers out and my pup got her official trail name . Hiking Dive! ha ha . Good luck!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I remember the landslide up on Harts Pass. The poor NoBo PCT hikers last year not only had to deal with all of the fires in Oregon, near the Oregon/California border and the landslide up at Harts Pass, but all fires up north made reaching the Northern Terminus impossible. It was a crazy year out there. Hopefully you can get in plenty of training on some snow-free, lowland hikes this winter. Good luck on your hikes this year!

[@randywarnock2937]

I started backpacking when man first walked on the moon (July 1969). Most of my backpacking has been in the PNW. I have hiked many sections of the PCT. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary and we still go backpacking. We wish you well!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

So cool and very awesome!

[@davidrobinson5180]

Congrats! I would like to see the items you are upgrading. Comparing your original PCT backpack with a new one, weight, size, etc...and why...that kind of thing would be interesting.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I was already planning on putting together a video featuring the backpacking gear I'll be bringing with me for this trip, but I love the idea of comparing the gear I brought in 2018 to the gear I'm bringing this time around. Great idea! Thanks!

[@ArtistryOfAdventure]

Just found your channel. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I plan on hitting the PCT one day. First we were thinking of trying the West Coast Trail though. New sub!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@maureenobryan6141]

Super excited for you! I've been section hiking the PCT over the past two years. It hooks you, for sure! Would love to do a few miles/day or two with you when in OR. I've done a few sections there, but happy to do again and catch a few miles with you! I'm near Cascade Locks. I have a section planned in S. OR for very end of summer, but you will have already passed through. Let me know if I can IM you re: meeting up, ok.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! If you see me out there, make sure you give me a high five so I can give you a sticker. :)

[@hikerwoody182]

enjoy hiking Oregon and California. Did you hike border to border on your previous attempt?

[@TheHungryHiker]

I hiked from Mexico to Canada 😀

[@douglasconrad8969]

Yea! Can't wait. Your vids rock!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you so much!!

[@memathews]

Congrats on hitting the PCT again this year for a 5-year anniversary cruise! We may cross paths this summer, a retired USFS friend has decided to do the Oregon segment this summer heading NOBO and asked me to come along. I did 50 miles in 2.5 days on the PCT last summer, so with a little training and some luck I might join him for a 100 miles or so.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! If you see me out there, make sure to give me a high five and I'll give you a sticker!

[@lenisteingen3036]

I definitely want to hike the PCT again too!❤ I’ve lost my heart to it forever

[@TheHungryHiker]

Same! The PCT has forever stolen my heart. It was truly love at first thru-hike for me!

[@lisaweppler1669]

i love watching your channel and the content. Just curious why hike the PCT again as opposed to CDT or AT??Peach

[@peregrintook310]

This! Go for the Triple Crown!

[@TheHungryHiker]

In my video, I answered this. I'm hiking the PCT again as a way to celebrate the five year anniversary of my first thru-hike on the PCT and I still have some unfinished business out there. I have no desire to hike the AT. Maybe the CDT one day.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Nah. Not interested in going for a Triple Crown.

[@kristinneuschwander9936]

Congratulations! I have learned a lot from watching your videos and am making the leap to backpacking (mostly solo) this year - both excited and nervous! I have a few sections of the Oregon PCT planned … “Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - Oregon” has been a great resource. 😎

[@TheHungryHiker]

Love it! I have that guidebook as well. Time for me to study up on hiking Oregon along the PCT this year. :)

[@IPv6Freely]

Heck yeah! Good luck!! If you need anything for the trip let me know :)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@Jermeister]

Loving that bear-paw wiggle you do for links in the description! It's become a Kathleen signature for me! 😄🥰

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for reading the video descriptions. I always wonder if anyone is reading those. Hahaha!!

[@Jermeister]

@The Hungry Hiker Nerds like me, do. 🤭

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Best of luck. Crow✌️

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@mtbjonny9502]

Hi, I hiked the PCT in 2018 and hope to do it again this year. At the PCT I learned that no plan is a good plan.. but I would be interested to know how you felt about the PCT post Syndrome ??

[@TheHungryHiker]

I wrote all about my experience with post trail blues on my blog. Click here to check out the post, Dealing With the Post-Trail Blues: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2018/10/06/dealing-with-the-post-trail-blues/

[@Jalartifact]

♧ Best of Luck ♧

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@jimeadie4415]

Looks like it could be a record high snow year in the Sierras. June 15 could be a sketch entry date. Micro Spikes may not be adequate.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Well, it's a good thing I don't plan on entering the Sierra in June. As a southbound PCT hiker, I wouldn't be reaching the Sierra until sometime in September. By that time, the snow will be long gone. I will probably need microspikes for parts in Oregon though.

[@kathyschrenk75]

My son graduates from HS in May and then will start his nobo hike! What behavior do you appreciate from a young man, to make you feel comfortable as a solo female? On past hikes did you encounter male behavior that was not blatantly problematic but that made you uncomfortable? Hope those questions make sense. I'm excited for him to start his adventure, and to follow yours as well .

[@annvansteenkiste8337]

Great! If One is section hiking over several years, What kind of permits do you need?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Check out the PCTA’s website for permit details: permit.pcta.org

[@hjr2693]

Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Question, should you get a permit for section hikes in the PCT?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! To answer your question: the long-distance PCT permit is only for hikes over 500 miles. If you are hiking in a section on the PCT that's under 500 miles and isn't in a permitted area like the Sierra section/JMT and/or in a national park, then you wouldn't need the long-distance permit. Check the PCTA's website for more details about permits and permitted areas along the PCT: www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/

[@TheHikingChick1]

Woohoo!!!👏👏👏💛🌻

[@TheHungryHiker]

My thoughts exactly! :)

[@theomnipresent1]

I hiked the PCT SOBO this last season in 2022. Some advice in the spirit of no expectations. Hiking against the flow of NOBO's means you will pass EVERY SINGLE ONE going the other direction. This is not true for them surrounded by others with similar northbound speeds. The most solitude for me was northern Washington in the beginning before other NOBO's and SOBO's started catching up.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I'm anticipating hitting the NoBo bubble somewhere in Oregon. Honestly though, with the record snowfall year in California this year (and it's not just in the Sierra!), it's hard to say where I'll run into the NoBo bubble. I imagine there will be a lot of slip flopping and creative hiking routes going on this year. Pretty unlikely that most will be able to do a continuous footpath. It's getting more and more rare each year to hike this trail traditionally. We'll see how it goes!

[@roberthavard6930]

👏👏👏

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks!

[@kbrumit]

I have a couple questions for you. We will be backpacking down to Havasupai Falls this summer. One question is, what do you do for coffee/caffeine? I am wondering if you are not a coffee drinker beause I haven't seen that in the videos I have watched so far. Maybe I need to break myself from caffeine before my trip. If not, do you have suggestions as to what works well for people who like coffee in the morning. Another question is, when temps are really warm, how do you know that the foods you brought along are safe to eat. I see you like salami and cheese but there is no way to keep it cold so how do you know if it is safe to eat still? Just trying to process what I will take...thanks.

[@TheHungryHiker]

You are correct, I'm not a coffee drinker. I know, I know. A lot of people are shocked by that. Coffee just isn't my thing and never has been. I do like tea, but I don't need a caffeine jolt on a daily basis in order to get me going. I'd say I'm more food motivated than anything so as long as I have food in my food bag that I'm excited to eat on my breaks and when I get to camp, I can happily hike all day long. As for cheese and salami out on trail - salami is pretty shelf stable and doesn't;t need to be refrigerated. For cheese, during the warmer months, I'll bring with me a hard cheese and eat that first, usually within the first couple of days of being out on trail. If something looks and smells weird, I don't eat it, but honestly I love cheese so much that it never stays in my food bag for very long. Hope that answers your questions!

[@kbrumit]

@@TheHungryHiker, thank you so much for replying. It definitely answered my questions. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Enjoy your Sobo PCT hike. I live in Northern California. I'd love to be a trail angel for you when you come through my neck of the woods. 😊

[@juliang7698]

You look very cute with the pig tails in your thumbnail image!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks!

[@erict5878]

YOU have the very BEST attitude! It's all about hiking your own hike..If you want to stay a day longer that's fine..If you want to hump one day and rest 2 days after..thats okay. The perfect trip is " No agenda" or as John Lennon put it.."Let it be" you need to be very whatever happens happens and deal with it. Move on. And remember there are sections where you need bear cans and others you don't, which changes what you do or do not need to carry

[@TheHungryHiker]

Exactly!! One of the first lessons I learned hiking the PCT was to go with the flow. I found I enjoyed my hike so much more once I relaxed and just hiked my hike.

[@wdfaust6097]

Kathleen, is your trail name “pickles”?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hahaha! Nope! My trail name is "Token" Here's the story on how I got my trail name back in 2018: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2018/11/12/trail-names-and-how-i-got-mine-on-the-pct/

[@unuversalhiker4341]

CAN WE DO AN INTERVIEW ON HIKERS DREAM WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Not sure what Hikers Dream is...

[@unuversalhiker4341]

@@TheHungryHiker Hi, Im interviewing Hikers to promote their adventure on the Hikers Dream pod cast, Ive started a you tube channel --Unuversal Hiker- hope you can come on!

[@eskimoinohio1460]

How many miles a day do you average?

[@TheHungryHiker]

It depends on the hike and the overall trip itself. Out on the PCT this year, I've been averaging anywhere from 20 to 25 miles a day, depending on the section.

[@johndub6543]

I would be interested to know how people can afford to take such long periods of time off.

[@TheHungryHiker]

The answer to that question is going to be different for everyone. Some people are able to still keep working while they're out on trail. Some people are able to save all of the money they need for a hike like this. Sometimes it's a combination of both of these. For some people, they might not have any money saved at all, but they still manage to make their hike happen anyways. It's a lifestyle change, no matter whatever someone decides to do when it comes to planning and preparing for their hike. If you want something to happen bad enough, you figure out how to make it happen. I can tell you from personal experience, planning and preparing for a trip like this isn't easy and requires a lot of sacrifice, but these are sacrifices I'm willing to make because it's that important to me to hike this hike.

[@donavinhikes816]

Why not do a different thru-hike?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Clearly you didn't watch my video.

[@donavinhikes816]

@@TheHungryHiker Seen a lot of why your hiking it again. Most have missed the why your not doing a diffreent thru-hike, that happens. Don't worry about it. I will not be watching anymore.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Good for you!! There are plenty of other KZbinrs out there who create content, which I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

[@lisajohnston6422]

Watch this KZbin video: WARNING Filming in National Parks is banned for KZbinrs by Jeven Dovey posted 5 days ago.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I saw this video. This has been on ongoing thing for the last few years and isn't a new issue. Not all content creators are "banned" from shooting video in national parks. The rules have been rather vague, but as someone who has a very small camera and is a 1-person show, I'm not likely to disrupt anyone else's experience out on trail when I film my hikes. It's more so when the production requires multiple people, multiple pieces of equipment and is likely to have an effect on others experience in the national park that these rules and permits are targeting.

[@lisajohnston6422]

@@TheHungryHiker Great, just wanted to make sure you knew the latest updates.

[@ittotaq]

starting in july from oregon/california sobo. hoping to meet up with ya!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Be sure to give me a high five if you see me out there!

[@MG-ze3lf]

Wondering how people have the time and money to just take off and go on through hikes?

[@TheHungryHiker]

That's funny. Someone else already asked this same exact question here in the comments. Here's my answer: The answer to that question is going to be different for everyone. Some people are able to still keep working while they're out on trail. Some people are able to save all of the money they need for a hike like this. Sometimes it's a combination of both of these. For some people, they might not have any money saved at all, but they still manage to make their hike happen anyways. It's a lifestyle change, no matter whatever someone decides to do when it comes to planning and preparing for their hike. If you want something to happen bad enough, you figure out how to make it happen. This doesn't just go for thru-hiking, but really anything in life. If it's that important enough to you, you'll make it a priority and will do whatever you can to make it happen. I can tell you from personal experience, planning and preparing for a trip like this isn't easy and requires a lot of sacrifice, but these are sacrifices I'm willing to make because it's that important to me to hike this hike.