Why the PCT

Ahh. Well, because I have always wanted to. Ever since I learned of long trails, I have wanted to take on the PCT. It is to me, the all-american backpacking adventure. As a Virginian who spent much of his time on the local AT, the PCT retains some mystery, some far-off feeling that I couldn’t wait to adventure into.

How did it Go?

Well, in short it was brilliant. The greatest event of my life to date, a most enjoyable challenge. It was very difficult at times, constantly uncomfortable, sore, hot or cold, and sometimes bored. But it was also transcending. There were moments of bliss and sheer delight, great enthusiasms and wholesome joy. The PCT gave me space, physically and mentally to consider the more important but never urgent questions of life, it gave me perspective on the norms and forces that had shaped my life to this point. I couldn’t be more glad to have done it, and very proud to have completed it.



Why SOBO?

Well a few reasons, none too philosophical, mostly just simple preference:

  1. Timing - I had a job that was scheduled to end early in May. I knew I could haul it out to the trail and start at Mexico, but I wanted to take my time in preparations.

  2. Quiet - SOBOs don't experience the "herd" you may so often hear about. I take to the trail not for the trail culture, but for the quiet and unbroken nature. SOBOs experience more of that.

  3. Bugs - They aren’t nearly as bad headed south, and you pass through them instead of hiking with the hatching season.

Preparations

Preparations were simple but lengthy. Watching John Z's and Neemor's thru hike videos on Youtube to acquaint myself with the trail, as well as reading other blogs. Got my permit in early March and began planning my resupply strategy.

Did significant gear testing to test different pieces of gear as well as my comfort levels. And to keep my legs under me.

Primary resources used:

Gear

Gear is critical, and when you decide to walk 2500+ miles, it needs to be right. You can make changes on the trail, but its best to have the gear you want before you go. Over the spring before my thruhike I spent a lot of time on shorter trails making sure my gear kit was exactly where I wanted to be. When I started the PCT, my baseweight was 7.61lbs. When I ended, I had added some cold weather gear and a heartier sleeping pad bringing me up to about 8.75lb. The gear I started the trail with is here.