PCT Gear List and Strategy for 2024
This PCT gear strategy is based on 20,000+ PCT miles of trial and error
Mike Unger on the PCT near Mt. Rainier. Mike is one of a handful of people who has thru-hiked the PCT three times—twice northbound from Mexico to Canada and once southbound from Canada to Mexico. Photo courtesy James “Cober” Taylor.
January 17th, 2024
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Mike Unger is one of a handful of people who has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) three times—twice northbound (NOBO) and once southbound (SOBO). Together, with editors Naomi Hudetz and Liz Thomas, author of Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike, this PCT gear list features what we’ve learned on six Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikes, in addition to numerous other long trails and routes.
Our goal is to walk you step-by-step through what gear to carry as weather and ecosystems change along the Pacific Crest Trail. We also offer tips on how to get the most out of your gear for each section of the trail.
Whether you’re planning the ultimate long-distance hike or section hiking parts of the PCT, want comfort gear upgrades or ultralight essentials to move fast, this in-depth guide will help you create a PCT gear checklist, while offering strategies for hiking and developing self-care routines to thrive.
With this PCT guide, our goal is to help you complete your goal, however big or small that might be.
Considering hiking the PCT Southbound? See our PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy.
WHAT IS THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL (PCT)?
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,650-mile trail that traverses between Mexico and Canada and goes through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Most PCT thru-hikers start in the spring from the Mexican border and head northbound (NOBO) in hopes to arrive in Canada before the cold and snow. A PCT thru-hike typically takes 4-5 months and travels through deserts and mountain ranges at elevations near sea level to over 13,000’.
Thru-hikers must prepare for a wide range of conditions and will need to make two to three significant gear changes during the trip. Whether you prefer ultralight gear or want a complete gear list tailored to luxury, this story discusses gear strategies for each of the four distinct ecosystems and conditions that a northbound PCT hiker faces.
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas on the PCT near Mt. Hood. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas
the pct CAN BE APPROACHED AS 4 DISTINCT HIKES
PCT SoCal High Desert (jump to this section)
PCT Sierra (jump to this section)
Warm and Buggy PCT NorCal and Oregon (jump to this section)
Cold and Wet PCT Washington State (jump to this section)
TWO Northbound PCT GEAR LISTS
For those folks who prefer to read about gear in list form, we provide two gear lists. These reflect two schools of thought on gear choices. Neither is better than the other and they're designed to meet the needs of different kinds of hikers, skill sets, budgets, and ways of experiencing the trail.
pct gear list
This lightweight gear list is highly recommended for first-time thru-hikers because the items are intuitive to use and time-tested on the PCT. The less mental energy spent on gear, the more mental energy you have to develop a self-care routine and strategies to thrive so you can complete your goal.
| GEAR | MODEL | WEIGHT (OZ) | WEIGHT (OZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACK, SHELTER, SLEEPING BAG | Women | Men | |
| Backpack | Six Moon Designs Swift X | 38.90 | 38.90 |
| Waterproof Pack Liner | Six Moon Designs Pack Liner | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Shelter | Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker | 26.00 | 26.00 |
| Tent Stakes x 7 | MSR Ground Hog | 3.50 | 3.50 |
pct ultralight gear list
This is the gear list we recommend for those who have long-distance hiking experience but are looking to upgrade or tailor their gear list for a drier, western climate. This ultralight backpacking gear list requires some extra skills to manage.
| GEAR | MODEL | WEIGHT (OZ) | WEIGHT (OZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACK, SHELTER, SLEEPING | Women | Men | |
| Backpack | Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet | 17.50 | 17.50 |
| Waterproof Pack Liner | Nyloflume Pack Liner | 0.90 | 0.90 |
| Shelter | Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape | 11.00 | 11.00 |
| 7 Tent Stakes | Vargo Titanium Stakes | 1.75 | 1.75 |
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO HIKE THE PCT?
Yes, if you plan to thru-hike, section hike, or overnight backpack on certain sections of the PCT, you will need a permit. Depending on the distance of your trip, you may qualify for a thru-hiker or section-hiker permit, which will cover you along the PCT corridor as you travel on National Park Service, National Forest Service land, and other public land. For shorter trips, contact the land management agency of the trailhead where you plan to start for information on how to get a permit.
Treeline editor Liz Thomas on a section of the PCT in Southern California that does not require a permit for overnight camping. However, to thru-hike the whole trail or any section in the Sierra, you need a PCT long distance permit.
How to get a PCT Permit
What is the pct THRU-HIKER PERMIT?
If you’re going more than 500 miles in a single trip, you can get a long-distance permit from the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Colloquially called the “golden ticket” by hikers, this permit covers thru-hikers and section hikers through multiple national parks and forests—saving you time from having to contact and get permits from each separate park and land management agency.
Don’t let the permit system intimidate you. Each year, the PCTA announces the date it will release the thru-hiker permits. For 2024, the first release date was in November 2023.
There’s a quota of how many thru-hiker permits can be released per start date and direction (northbound or southbound), and also limits to the number of section-hiking permits (500 miles or more in a single trip).
We expect permits will continue to be available in November 2024 for the 2025 thru-hiking season.
Because you will have limited time to secure your permit, make sure you know your starting trailhead, finishing trailhead, and start and end dates before the day you start. Know your dream start date, back-up start dates, and itinerary ahead of time so you can move through their system quickly. Talk with your family, your boss, or anyone else whose lives may be impacted by your trip before this time so you can schedule accordingly.
2024 PCT THRU-HIKER PERMIT STRATEGY
The 2024 permit system has been streamlined compared to previous years to make it more equitable, reduce the chance of crashing systems, and take out some of the stress of the process.
Here’s what else you need to know about the long-distance PCT permit application process this year:
Registration Required First
First, to apply for a permit, you must first register yourself on permit.pcta.org before the actual permit release date.
There are two dates to register. You could have registered between October 24, 2023 at 10:30am PST and November 3 at 5pm PST. This is the registration to apply for a permit in November—not the actual permit!
You could have registered by December 21 by 5pm PST to be eligible to apply for a permit in January.
For the pre-application, you will enter things like your name and address, but not dates or where you want to start.
After registering, you will receive a randomized time slot for when you can log on during permit release day.
Pro-tip: In 2024, our permits were was emailed out the day before the permit release date.
For some people, it may go to your email’s spam filter. Be sure to check!
PCT PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
You can only apply for a permit after you’ve registered.
Permits are free and one is required for every member of your group.
The northbound thru-hiking season starts March 1, 2023 and ends May 31, 2023 (meaning thru-hikers can start as early as March 1st but can't start after May 31st). 50 permits per day are available for those 91 days (50 permits x 91 days)
The permit application for thru-hiking in 2024 began on November 14, 2023 at 10:30am PST. The PCTA released 35 (of 50) permits per day of the hiking season. The total released in the first round is 35 x 91 days.
The second round for northbound hiking permits became available on January 10, 2023 at 10:30am PST. The PCT gave out the remaining 15 permits per day of the hiking season (15 permits x 91 days)
Additionally, permits for southbound hikes started on January 10, 2024 at 10:30am PST. The PCTA gave out 15 permits per day of the hiking season. The first day that southbounders can start their hike is June 15, 2024 until July 31, 2024 (meaning permits are not issued for southbounders for dates starting before June 15th). This means 15 southbound permits x 46 days.
Hikers who get their permits in November but are still given a time slot in January in case they need to change their start date.
What to do if I missed the PCT permit dates?
If you’re reading this after the deadlines have passed for all of the northbound and southbound permits, make a check-in on this calendar page a part of your daily to-do list, multiple times a day. That chart shows you what dates and permits become available as people with permits cancel their trips.
Otherwise, consider reaching out to the PCTA to see if there are alternative flip-flop options for a PCT hike available to you.
how the pct permit application works
Under the new system, you will be assigned a time slot. You will be given advance warning so you can re-arrange your schedule to ensure you are in front of a computer during your appointment.
Make sure you have your information ready to go when it’s your turn. That includes name and address, start location, end location, start date, end date, names and birthdays for your children (if hiking with kids).
You’ll have about 20 minutes to fill out the application, but it’s unlikely it’ll take you that long.
It’s also likely you’ll have to fill out other permits before your trip. Those may include a California Fire Permit, a Canada PCT Entry Permit, and permits when you pass a checkpoint in Oregon or Washington. Apply for these after you’ve secured your PCT permit.
PCT PERMIT FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES
The new linked permitting process is set up to make things easier for couples, friends and families who are hiking together. For example, with a linked permit couple, one person can set the dates for both of the group and reserve two slots. This ensures they get the same dates for the same permit.
With linked permits, each individual in the couple (or family) will still have to print individual permits. However, you are not required to hike the trail together (as is common with other permits). This is helpful if you decide that once you start your journey you have a different pace or someone gets injured and needs to leave the trail etc.
PCT SECTION HIKING PERMITS
Section hiking permits are easier than thru hiking permits to obtain.
You must hike 500 miles or more to qualify for a section hiker permit.
You can usually skip permit release day because there isn’t as tight of a quota.
Still, the sections near the Sierra or other high demand areas are subject to a quota. The sooner you apply for a section hiking permit, the better. In prior years, permits that included a segment that goes through the Sierra were “sold out” by April.
What happens once I get a PCT permit?
Once you receive notice that your application has been accepted, you will need to watch a video on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. You must agree to follow the rules before being able to print your permit.
You need to agree to follow the rules before being able to print your permit.
You are required to carry the printed full-size permit on you at all times. No digital or shrunk down versions allowed.
Pro-tip: save your permit as a pdf to your computer and phone in addition to printing it. Your window for printing it is short so a saved pdf gives you some back-up options.
As mentioned above, be sure to apply for other required permits like your California Fire Permit and Canada PCT Entry Permit.
Expect to have your permit checked when you start the trail, as well as by rangers along the way. Rangers most often stop PCT thru-hikers in the Sierra (especially Yosemite), Tahoe (especially Desolation Wilderness), national parks, and the Three Sisters and Washington area in Oregon.
PERMITS TO HIKE LESS THAN 500 MILES
If you are hiking under 500 miles or do not want to obtain a PCTA long-distance permit, you can obtain permits for specific sections where required.
Many areas of the PCT, outside national parks and high traffic areas, do not require permits.
Treeline Review editor Naomi Hudetz in the Oregon Three Sisters Wilderness on the PCT near sunset. Photo by Liz Thomas
Physical Training for the PCT
We recommend starting any thru hike with a good base fitness level. Ideally, you’d spend some time building your thru-hiking-specific fitness.
PCT TRAIL-WIDE STRATEGIES
Attempting a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike or any long-distance section hike of the PCT has similar strategies, even as you go through different distinct ecosystems. You’ll be on the trail for weeks or months through hot dry deserts, over snowy mountain passes, and fording raging creeks. There are also long monotonous days, nagging aches and pains, and mosquitoes...lots of mosquitoes.
Whether you’re thru-hiking or sectioning, you should approach the PCT like a series of shorter hikes between resupply points or larger trail sections. Stay flexible—change your approach, your gear system, or food strategy as needed.
Perhaps most importantly, remember long-distance hiking is hard. Everyone has aches and pains. Everyone has days where they don’t want to hike or consider quitting. Stay strong. You can do this.
The following are overall strategies for the entire trail. Later on in this story, we have gear strategies specific to certain sections of the trail.
Two pairs of Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes with gaiters on the PCT. The gaiters on the left are by Dirty Girl and the gaiters on the right are by Altra.
PROTECT YOUR FEET
Most PCT hikers experience foot issues such as blisters, damaged toenails, or strained ligaments. Foot injuries are a major reason hikers quit or slow down their hike. We have a whole section on Footcare for the PCT below.
Air out your feet during breaks, soak your feet whenever possible, change your socks regularly, and immediately address all issues (hot spots, rocks in shoes, etc.). Invest in high quality hiking socks for this trip.
Most hikers find that using a trail runner or lightweight hiking shoe instead of a hiking boot allows their feet to dry out better to reduce the number of blisters in the desert.
See our full guide on How to Take Care of Your Feet When Hiking and Backpacking for the trail-tested advice on foot care for hikers.
MANAGE YOUR MONEY
Running out of money is one of the most common reasons people end their PCT thru-hike.
Choose your gear well the first time and you won’t have to spend your limited thru-hiking dollars on replacing damaged gear or switching out gear that didn’t work for you.
In particular, find a backpack that fits you and your gear well. It’s very common for thru-hikers to purchase several packs over the course of their first thru-hike as they search for the best. See our Best Backpacking Backpack for ones that consistently work on different trails. Additionally, you can see time-tested gear options in our article and video Thru-hiking Gear: What’s in my Pack?
Limiting your town stays (i.e., zeros) is the easiest way to preserve your funds. We know one PCT hiker who eats a can of beans as soon as he enters a town to help reduce his restaurant spending.
Mike Unger eating a pizza on the PCT in the Sierra. Photo by Naomi Hudetz
resupply strategy
Eating enough on the trail can be surprisingly difficult. Certain energy bars or trail mix that tasted good on a previous weekend backpacking trip can become unbearable after a few weeks (or days) on a thru-hike.
It’s hard to know what will taste good after months on the trail. Therefore, we don’t recommend first-time thru-hikers rely heavily on food boxes they make for themselves at home.
Opting to buy food along the way at local grocery stores and markets gives you the flexibility to change your diet as your tastebuds change on trail. That being said, if you have dietary restrictions, dehydrating your own meals with a home Food Dehydrator for Backpacking Meals may be necessary.
Be open to changing your food strategy based on what you crave on trail. You need to fuel the engine that is propelling you along the trail. See our section on Hiker Hunger below for more tips. See our article or video on Thru-hiking Food: What I eat on a Long Hike to see breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options from vegetarian, vegan, omnivore, budget, and gluten free hikers.
BEAR AWARENESS
Bears are present in nearly every section of the PCT. Bears are rarely aggressive, but they are opportunistic. Never leave your pack unattended (even when you are relieving yourself), keep a clean campsite, and consider cooking a few miles before you stop and camp. Carry bear canisters when required and consider OdorProof food bags and even Ursack bearproof bags in areas of known bear or critter activity. See REI’s guide to Backpacking in Bear Country and Food Storage and Handling in Bear Country for more info.
waterproof and charge YOUR ELECTRONICS
Many hikers choose to use their phones to take photos, stay in touch with folks back home, and supplement navigation. Trail dust and moisture are tough on phones and cameras. Get yourself a good phone case and consider a rugged waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof camera. Keep your electronics in your sleeping bag at night to keep your batteries from freezing and failing.
How to charge electronics on the pct
Your phone battery is unlikely to last days, so most hikers carry an external battery and cords needed to get extra chargers on trail.
Remember that in addition to charging your phone, you’ll likely have other items that need charging like headlamps, hiking watches, or Personal Locator Beacons/two-way satellite communicators.
Some devices like the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS watch may be able to run on solar battery alone over the course of your thru-hike of the PCT. Other electronics may require a boost of charge from a battery or a portable solar charging panel. Remember: towns can be more than a week apart on the PCT, so choose your electronic charging strategy based on the number of devices you need to charge and how often you plan to use them.
The Tamarack wildfire as viewed from the PCT near Carson Pass. The Tamarack fire ultimately closed the section of the PCT from Ebbett’s Pass to Carson Pass, forcing hikers to get rides around the fire. Photo by Liz Thomas
Wildfires and Trail Closures
What to do about wildfires on the PCT
Wildfires are an annual occurrence on the PCT. Always check for trail closures before you head into a new section of trail. The PCTA has a closures webpage that is updated almost daily as conditions change. Apps like FarOut will also have updates, often in the user submitted comments section.
If you see smoke or suspect a fire, check to see if there is a fire nearby and make a safe decision accordingly. Read the How to React to Wildfire section on the PCTA’s website for how to report fires, react to nearby fires, shelter from fires, and assess the danger of a nearby wildfire.
What to do about wildlife closures or other trail closures on the PCT
After a wildlife, some sections of the PCT are closed for several years (even when there is not an active fire). These fire closures typically last a few years so trail builders can rebuild eroded trail, remove downed logs on the trail and burnt trees near the trail, and give the forest soil some time to re-stabilize. Other trail closures, like a “temporary” endangered species closure in Southern California, have existed for more than a decade.
Trail closures and adapting to them are part of the PCT experience. As with all trail skills, the more you know before you go, the better you will be able to be flexible as closures come up.
In many cases, the PCTA website will list alternative trails that you can take to keep your footsteps connected (i.e. not have to hitch-hike around a fire closure). In some cases, an alternative trail does not exist and you will have to take a bus or get a ride and skip the closed section.
Check the website before you start your thru-hike to develop a plan to get around areas that you know will stay closed during your thru-hike. Before you enter a new section of trail, check the website to ensure that you are not about to enter a recently closed area.
LEAVE NO TRACE and town etiquette
When you sign your PCT permit, you agree to follow the rules set out in Leave No Trace (LNT). LNT is composed of seven ethics for the backcountry. LNT acknowledges that we humans are a guest in the outdoors and we seek to leave the PCT in better shape than we found it. The goal of LNT is to create an outdoors that will be as beautiful for future generations as it is now. See Leave No Trace’s website for more on the seven principles.
When it comes to PCT thru-hiking, there are several gear hacks that can make LNT easier.
AN EASIER WAY TO DEALING WITH POOP
LNT requires you to bury human waste 6-8” deep. We recommend carrying an ultralight backcountry potty trowel (bonus: it doubles as a stake). Potty trowels dig deep through rocky and rooty soil much better than using a rock or your shoe. It’s become standard for thru-hikers to pack out their used toilet paper (for a few years, it was getting pretty gross along the trail corridor).
We’ve found the easiest way to do this is by including doggie waste bags in your potty bag. Treat your used toilet paper like you would picking up dog waste in a park. Tie off the bag and put it in your trash bag. Easy, simple, and clean.
Note that if you plan to summit Mt. Whitney, you’ll need to carry a human waste bag (aka, WAG bag) and pack our your solid waste and toilet paper. You can usually pick one up at the Crabtree Ranger station below Mt. Whitney.
Read More: Essential Backpacking Accessories
SHOULD I HAVE A CAMPFIRE ON THE PCT?
Most PCT thru-hikers find they don’t have time, energy, or interest in campfires. They’re not very popular among thru-hikers these days. In the past, thru-hikers have started campfires that got out of control and burned significant parts of the trail while also putting firefighters and local towns in danger. In many years, campfires are banned along the PCT.
If you want warm food and the comfort of a fire, there’s a simple solution: carry a backpacking stove with a fuel canister. We recommend carrying a backpacking stove with a fuel canister rather than an alcohol stove (which has been banned in many parts of the trail now).
Related: Best Backpacking Stove
Read more: Best Backpacking Cooking Pot
Mike Unger on his third PCT thru hike. Many thru-hikers choose to listen to music or podcasts to pass the time on their hike. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
LISTENING TO MUSIC ON TRAIL
Many hikers choose to listen to music, podcasts, or books on the PCT. While Bluetooth speakers work great for hanging out in the backyard, they aren’t appropriate for the PCT. Nor is it appropriate to play music out loud on your phone while hiking. The reason is because much of the PCT is federally designated wilderness and its purpose is to create a refuge for people and wildlife away from the sounds of the city.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t listen--it just means that Leave No Trace ethics (and your fellow hikers) ask that you use a set of headphones instead.
If getting wires caught in your backpacking straps are what annoys you, we’ve enjoyed hiking with wireless earbuds, which now have the battery life to last a day of hiking.
If having something in your ear is what bothers you, we recommend the Shokz Open Run. They use the technology developed for hard-of-hearing folks so that they won’t damage your eardrums after extended use. Plus, they allow for situational awareness so you can hear the music but still hear that bear behind the tree.
Related: Best Wireless Earbuds for the Outdoors
trail town etiquette and trail angels
Trail town etiquette for thru-hikers is a key piece of being a good ambassador for the trail. It’s showing respect for those who live in gateway communities near the trail as the important part they play in conserving the land and providing services for hikers. Being respectful in town is a way to ensure future PCT hikers will have the same access to trail town services as you do. Who knows? If you hike any portion of the trail again, as a day hike or thru-hike, that could mean you!
I wrote this full article on Trail Town Etiquette: 10 tips to be a good hiker in town.
HOW TO REDUCE SWOLLEN FEET AND BLISTERS ON A pct THRU-HIKE
Most northbound thru-hikers will get blisters in Southern California. Your feet swell in the heat and the persistent trail grit can wreak havoc. Good foot care is essential...remember you will need your feet to carry you more than 5 million steps. For more info on foot care, see our article on How to Take Care of Your Feet When Hiking and Backpacking.
The following are foot care strategies we use:
1. NEVER IGNORE THE FIRST SIGNS OF AN ISSUE
It’s a hassle to stop to take a rock out of your shoe or address a “hot spot”. However, the potential consequences could lead to days of misery, and could potentially end a hike. We have found that Leukotape is much better than duct tape at dressing blisters and “hot spots.” Leukotape will stay adhered for days through sweat, dirt, and water.
Pro tip: Use Neosporin or Polysporin on popped blisters and open sores. Let your feet air out at night and change your bandages regularly.
2. Consider camp sandals
Some hikers choose to bring lightweight hiking sandals to use as camp shoes. Wearing a different pair of shoes in camps gives your hiking shoes and feet time to air out and dry. In a pinch, we’ve heard thru-hikers using their hiking sandals to walk dozens of miles when their main hiking shoes cause too much pain to continue. See our Best Hiking Sandals guide for lightweight thru-hiking recommendations.
3. WASH AND AIR YOUR FEET WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Take every opportunity to soak your feet and calves in naturally flowing water sources (but never in enclosed water sources like tanks and at least 200 feet downstream from where people collect water).
No water nearby? During breaks take your shoes and socks off and elevate your feet and legs.
4. Wear trail running shoes
Most hikers choose to wear trail running shoes instead of hiking boots or shoes, especially in the desert. Lighter weight shoes have many benefits, but one is that they generally air out better, preventing moisture that can contribute to blisters. The majority of thru-hikers in the last few years have opted for the men’s and women’s Altra Lone Peaks.
Alternately, if a trail running shoe doesn’t provide enough stability or support, you may also consider switching from to a hiking shoe, which may offer more stability. Some hikers find an insole or added footbed like Superfeet Green or Sole Performance Insoles.
Read More: Best Hiking Shoes and Best Trail Running Shoes (men’s and women’s)
5. Use clean socks
If possible, rinse your socks out every day (collect water in a ziplock, agitate, and dump at least 200 feet from water sources). Then attach each sock to the outside of your pack to let them dry. Choose socks made of synthetic or wool material, not cotton, which can retain moisture and contribute to blisters. See our Best Hiking Socks guide for suggestions.
6. Massage your feet
Pro-tip: Naomi swears by massaging her feet at night. Even if it's only for 30 seconds per foot, it’s one evening ritual she never skips no matter how tired she might be. She suffered through a lot of pain in SoCal and now swears by the healing power of massage. Her ritual also includes ankles and calves. If you don’t want to touch your own filthy feet, use sleep socks or bring a Rawlogy lightweight cork massage ball (that can also be used on other aching body parts).
7. USE ANTI-FRICTION CREAM
Both Naomi and Mike start pre-conditioning their feet a couple of weeks before a thru-hike with Trail Toes, an anti-friction cream designed for ultra-runners. They continue to use the cream during the hike for “hot spots” and when their feet “pucker” from being constantly wet in the Sierra. Trail Toes also works great for chafing in lieu of Bodyglide.
8. WEAR INJINJI TOE SOCKS OR LINERS
Blisters between your toes caused by grit are very common. Altra Four-Point Gaiters are a big help. While we have found Injinji toe socks to be great at preventing blisters between the toes, they can be a hassle to put on every morning.
9. WEAR GAITERS
Lightweight gaiters, like Dirty Girls or the Altra Four-Point Gaiters, help reduce (but don’t eliminate) grit getting in your shoes. They also allow you to have a little personal flair on the trail. An added benefit is that they help keep your shoes tied.
10. PROTECT YOUR BONES AND JOINTS
Foot injuries are not just at the surface. In fact, the injuries that take hikers off trail often are stress fractures or knee issues, which are exacerbated by overuse. As with blisters, as soon as you feel something off in your feet, take a break. Expect to keep your mileage lower than your ability at first and then ramp up slowly.
Your toe, foot, and ankle muscles are much slower to develop than your leg muscles. Consider adding collagen powder supplements to your daily routine, which may help with protecting joints. Protect your knee joints on the downhill by using trekking poles. See our guide to Best Trekking Poles for our recommendations.
11. SOAK YOUR FEET IN EPSOM SALTS IN TOWN
A warm Epsom Salt foot bath works wonders for just about any foot ailment. In fact, it’s a good idea whether or not you have any foot issues. You can get Epsom salts in many trail towns or consider mailing yourself a small amount in a resupply box.
Mike Unger filtering water at a source on the PCT in Southern California. Photo by Liz Thomas
HYDRATION ON THE PCT
Hydration is a serious business on the trail. You will have multiple 20+ mile water carries in Southern California (also in Northern California and Oregon). You can’t rely on water caches.
Fully hydrate at every water source (known as “cameling-up”) before filling up your bottles. Then, as you fill up bottles, make sure you pack out enough water to safely reach the next guaranteed water source. The following are several other recommendations.
Related: Best Water Filters and Purifiers for Backpacking
DRINK ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE
Naomi claims she lacks the “thirst” gene. She has to force herself to drink on a regular schedule.
Mike writes about how he set an alarm on our Garmin Instinct GPS Hiking Watch to remind him to drink on his thru-hike. Naomi uses the same trick on her newer Garmin Instinct 2S Solar hiking watch.
WOMEN & HYDRATION
We have known some women hikers who deliberately do not drink as much as they should because urinating can be a chore (Naomi fully admits to this). Learn how to urinate efficiently and practice before you hit the trail.
If you’re wearing pants, learn how to urinate with your pack on. If you’re wearing shorts or a skirt, learn how to urinate standing up. Carry a “pee rag,” which is much more convenient than TP.. We like the Wander Wipe from Wander Woman Gear. We recommend selecting the optional retractable leash so that you don’t have to take off your pack to access your Wander Wipe. Many hikers use a similar product called the Kula Cloth, which we also like, and wrote about in our Gift Guides and Eco-friendly Gear Swaps guide.
Related: Best Hiking Skirts and Dresses
USE ELECTROLYTES
Electrolytes are essential in Southern California and a good idea for the entire hike. Water alone is not enough when exerting yourself in hot and exposed conditions.
During Mike and Naomi’s PCT NOBO hike they came upon a hiker sitting in the shade with his head in his hands, unable to continue hiking. He didn’t understand what was wrong because he was drinking lots of water. They asked if he used electrolytes and he wasn’t. He was possibly headed toward hyponatremia. So they gave him a packet of electrolytes and it was like a light switch was turned on. He immediately came back to life and was able to continue hiking. Lesson learned: electrolytes matter.
The good news is that electrolytes are easy to find and come in many forms. Flavored and unflavored powder drink mixes, flavored and unflavored liquid drops, flavored tablets that dissolve in water, or capsules to swallow are all readily available. Pick the form you are most likely to use and use them regularly in Southern California. Salty snacks are also good–in fact, you’ll likely find that you crave salty over sugary foods. That’s your body telling you what it needs. Listen to it and feed it accordingly.
Read our in-depth review of electrolytes written by a nutritionist-turned-thru-hiker, where we discuss the pros and cons of each type of electrolytes, when to take them, and more.
Using two CNOC waterbags, a Sawyer water filter, and a Sawyer coupler accessory, you can create your own gravity water filter system. Photo courtesy Naomi Hudetz.
DRINK MIXES
You will drink a lot of warm, poor tasting water in Southern California. We find it helpful to carry a drink mix to improve the taste of water. Mike and Naomi’s favorite non-electrolyte drink mix is the True Lemon line of mixes. They are low sugar and taste great.
Pro tip: Keep a separate, dedicated water bottle for drink mixes to prevent contamination confusion. We like the wide-mouthed Vitamin Water bottles for our drink mixes.
DIY GRAVITY FILTER
Mike and Naomi like to use the Cnoc bags as a gravity system with the Sawyer Squeeze filter.
You use a Sawyer coupler to attach two Cnoc Vecto bags to a filter. Using this system, you can filter two liters in less than five minutes--all hands-free without any squeezing. They strongly recommend using Nite Ize gear ties to hang the Cnoc/Sawyer gravity system.
Treeline editor Liz Thomas likes to use her Sawyer Squeeze as an inline filter. Using a Platypus Hoser, she cuts the hose and inserts the Sawyer Squeeze using the Fast Fill Adapter. She fills the Platypus with dirty water, sucks on the bite valve of the Hoser, it travels through the filter, and voila! Clean water.
Mike Unger’s hiker hunger has kicked in.
DEALING WITH HIKER HUNGER ON THE PCT
“Hiker hunger” is the insatiable hunger that most hikers feel on a long-distance thru-hike eventually. For some people, it may take a while for hiker hunger to kick in. In fact, we’ve known quite a few hikers who actually lose their appetite during the first few weeks of a hike. When this happens, your energy levels drop and motivation goes along with it.
We have some strategies to help through hiker hunger:
Your taste buds may change. Foods that you think you will want on trail may not end up being palatable when you’re actually on trail. While you’re hiking, listen to what your body craves, write it down, and buy it at your next resupply.
Because taste buds change, we don't recommend resupply boxes as a strategy for most thru-hikers except at a very few towns that otherwise don't have robust resupply options (e.g. Hikertown, Kennedy Meadows, Vermillion Valley Resort, Muir Trail Ranch, White Pass, Stehekin). Resupply boxes can become costly to ship, especially if you don't like the food you mailed yourself and have to buy all new food.
If hiking food isn’t cutting it for you, carry out town food. We’ve been known to carry out an entire large pizza and/or sandwiches (with condiments on the side). Avocados, carrots, and apples will hold up well in your pack if you eat them in the first couple of days. Scones and muffins also hold up fairly well.
Take regular meal and snack breaks and eat even if you’re not hungry. Tell yourself that food is fuel and your body needs it.
Don’t be afraid of high-calorie foods that you may not eat off-trail. Most hikers choose to bring foods that are high calories per ounce (120 calories or more). Fat is your friend. Eat Nutella right out of the jar.
Sometimes when it is hot or you are at altitude, it is easier to drink than to chew. Consider carrying supplements like vitamins or drinking high-calorie or high protein drinks to supplement your diet and recovery.
Fording Wallace Creek in the Sierra in June 2006. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
PCT RIVER FORDS AND CREEK CROSSINGS
River fords and creek crossings are potentially the biggest danger on the trail. You may wonder why there’s no bridge at a tough crossing; PCT thru-hikers reach the Sierra during peak snowmelt in June, turning creeks that are a rock-hop in July and August into challenging obstacles. Sudden bursts of snowmelt can wash out bridges, which are expensive to put in and replace. You’ll find bridges where you’ll really need it, but otherwise, expect to get your feet wet many times per day in the Sierra.
You can also read more about How Not to Die on a Thru-hike or in our article on How to Ford a River.
HERE IS OUR ADVICE ON RIVER CROSSINGS:
Take a Course: We strongly recommend you take a river crossing course or a Swift Water Rescue class.
Don’t ford Alone: Never ford a dangerous river or creek alone. If you are hiking solo, wait for another hiker (don’t worry--you shouldn’t have to wait too long during prime PCT hiking season)
Cross Rivers in the Morning: Rivers and creeks are most swollen towards the end of the day after the snow has a day’s worth of sun-brought melt. There’s no shame in deciding to end a hiking day early (camp on the safe bank) and wait to cross a ford in the morning. All the thru-hikers on our staff have done it multiple times.
Bypass the Ford: Is there a way to reconnect to the PCT that doesn’t require doing this ford? A classic example of using the map to bypass a ford is in the Sierra. The infamous ford of the South Fork of the Kings River claimed the life of a thru-hiker in 2016. See this ford bypass map for how it works.
Find a Different Place to Cross: You don’t have to cross where the trail crosses. Don’t worry. Your hike won’t be invalid. Look upstream and downstream for crossings that look slower and shallower.
Look for Logs and Rocks: We advise scooting across (no shame in that) and keeping your center of balance low, maintaining 3 points of contact at all times. As with any ford, check downstream beforehand to ensure there aren’t eminent waterfalls or debris where a body could become trapped if you were to fall off the log.
Assess Depth and Current: Test the water depth using a trekking pole or throwing a rock into the middle of the creek to determine how it “plops.”
Identify Your Entry and Exit Points: Avoid steep banks, tree branches, or debris where it can be tricky to exit from the water quickly.
Look Upstream and Downstream: If swept downstream, you don’t want to go over a waterfall or get caught in debris or trapped by a downed tree trunk.
GET YOUR GEAR READY FOR A FORD
Make sure your shoes are tied securely for the river/creek crossing. Mike has come dangerously close to losing a shoe during a crossing. We strongly recommend crossing with your everyday hiking shoes to protect your feet and for additional traction, although some people prefer to cross in their camp shoes or hiking sandals.
Remove baggy clothing. A friend of ours has nearly been trapped in a ford by his “MC Hammer” pants. Some friends prefer stripping down to their undies before entering a ford (bonus with that system: your hiking clothes stay dry).
Double bag any electronics and make sure your pack liner or trash compactor bag is sealed tight. A wet phone is a bummer and a wet sleeping bag can be deadly come nightfall.
Strap or Unstrap backpack for Fords?
Most experts (including the New Zealand Government) recommend releasing your sternum strap; however, there is disagreement about whether to release your hip belt before starting a ford. Justin “Trauma” Lichter, one of the pair who thru-hiked the PCT in the winter, suggests otherwise in his book Trail Tested: A Thru-hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Backpacking. Lichter writes you should consider how that may impact your body’s balance. The Hiking Life (see Additional Resources section) has tried it both ways and writes about his experiences with each system.
FORDING STRATEGY
Face upstream to watch for debris coming your way. Use your trekking poles (or a nearby stick), maintaining three points of contact with the ground. Move downstream at an angle (read links below, especially the comments section, for more examples on what that looks like).
For step-by-step fording instructions by one of the most accomplished hikers in the world, Cam Honan, at The Hiking Life or from Outside Magazine’s interview with NOLS instructors.
Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz and Mike Unger hiking on the PCT in Southern California.
HIGH DESERT (MEXICO TO KENNEDY MEADOWS SOUTH)
Distance: 700 miles
Elevation Gain: 120,000’
Elevation Loss: 117,000’
Minimum Elevation: 1,200’
Maximum Elevation: 9,300’
The start of the PCT can be a jarring experience, even for seasoned long-distance hikers. There will be hot days with very little shade, very cold mornings with frozen water bottles, multiple 20+ mile water carries, and blisters, lots of blisters. Hiker hunger takes a while to develop so you’ll likely drop a few pounds.
Everyone has pain and fatigue in the PCT in Southern California. It can be demoralizing. Most hikers will want to quit from time to time. You are not alone. It gets better. Never quit on a bad day.
Liz Thomas on the PCT in Southern California.
Recommended Gear for PCT Southern California
• Sun hat
• Extra water capacity - a collapsible water bag like the CNOC Vecto or Platypus bags
The first 800 miles of the PCT are known to destroy hikers’ feet. Celebrate every mile marker. Here, Treeline Review photographer John Carr celebrates the 300 mile mark. Photo courtesy John Carr.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF PCT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
HOT DAYS
Most folks expect hot weather in southern California, but you also need to be prepared for the lack of shade and intensity of the sun.
A good sun hat is essential, but also consider a long-sleeve sun shirt and sun gloves to protect your skin and limit the amount of sunscreen needed. Long pants, despite the heat, can protect you from painful sunburns on your legs (though plenty of PCT hikers wear running shorts). Pants will also help protect you from the ever-present cacti (more on this later).
Southern California hiking proven strategy: Take breaks in the shade and use a chrome dome umbrella. Photo by Liz Thomas
Related: Best Men’s Hiking Pants and Best Women's Hiking Pants
Another SoCal strategy is to make your own shade with a chrome dome umbrella. It’s amazing how much cooler you will feel under the shade of an umbrella. Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz always uses an umbrella in the desert for sun protection. It can be tricky to attach an umbrella to a backpack, especially in the typical southern California wind. You should plan to hold the umbrella when in use (or use a hands-free umbrella attachment system; however; the hands-free system doesn’t work well in windy conditions). So, if you always use trekking poles, an umbrella may not be a good option.
Pro tip: When using an umbrella in the wind, do not fully open the umbrella. Open the umbrella about ¾ of the way and try to keep it pointed into the wind.
Related: Best Shorts for Thru-hiking
Read More: Best Men’s Hiking Shorts and Best Women's Hiking Shorts
Consider adopting a siesta schedule during really hot stretches. Early afternoons can be uncomfortably hot. Instead of fighting the heat, find a shady spot for an extended rest.
On Mike and Naomi’s PCT northbound hike, they cooked “dinner” during their afternoon siesta. Sometimes it’s best to hike before sunrise or after sunset when temperatures are cooler.
Bring a good headlamp if you plan to do any night hiking. See our Best Headlamps guide for more suggestions.
Pro tip: Situational awareness is especially important when night hiking. Snakes and other creatures are more active at night. Also, keep an eye out to not trip on other hikers sleeping on or near the trail.
hydration: CARRY EXTRA WATER CAPACITY
PCT hikers should plan to carry at least 6 liters worth of water capacity in Southern California. It may be more than 30 miles between water sources. Do not rely on water caches. Check the Far Out app for recent comments as to rather water sources are flowing.
We recommend using reliable, compact water bags in the desert. Mike and Naomi started using the Cnoc Outdoors water containers in 2018 for a hike of the Grand Enchantment Trail–a rough desert and mountain route between Phoenix and Albuquerque.. They have also used the Cnoc bags on the Arizona Trail, Great Divide Trail, Idaho Centennial Trail, and PCT.
They find the Cnoc bags to be more durable than Platypus bladders or Sawyer water bags. Their 2-liter Cnoc bags have been dropped, squeezed, and carried through thorny brush. They’ve never had one fail. They can’t say the same for Platypus or Sawyer bags.
COLD NIGHTS
You are also likely to experience some of the coldest nights on the PCT in Southern California. Be prepared for subfreezing nights. Mike had to switch from a 32-degree sleeping bag to a 20-degree sleeping bag in Big Bear City (250 miles into the hike) because of numerous nights in the mid-20s. Liz has thru-hiked the trail with the Katabatic Palisade 30F quilt with an added liner in the Sierra and northern Washington.
See our Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking story for our suggestions for 20-degree sleeping bags for folks of different sizes and sleeping styles.
Remember that sleeping warm isn't just a function of not having a warm enough sleeping pad. Your sleeping pad contributes to how well you sleep, too. By far the most popular pad is the NeoAir XLite, which has good insulation to weight ratio. Take care of it in the desert, though. Inflatable pads are more subject to popping in the desert. See our Best Sleeping Pads guide for recommendations.
Wear your rain gear on cold or windy mornings to stay warm in Southern California. Photo of Treeline photographer John Carr near Snow Creek on the PCT.
For cooking on cold nights and breaks on chilly or windy days, we carry an insulating puffy jacket and a warm hat throughout the entire hike, including Southern California. See our Best Down Jackets and Best Synthetic Jackets guides, which both have lightweight suggestions for thru-hikers. We're partial to the Patagonia MicroPuff synthetic, which is warm when wet and has a similar warmth-to-weight to ratio as down. In a pinch, you can wear your rain jacket and rain pants for extra warmth.
Pro tip: Protect your water filters (Sawyer and BeFree) from freezing at night by sleeping with them in your sleeping bag or quilt. Filters that use a ceramic filtering system will crack at below-freezing temperatures. Sleeping with your electronics will also save battery life.
LOTS OF WIND
Southern California is very windy. That’s one reason why you’ll see so many windmills near the trail. The wind can be annoying during the day and lead to miserable nights. It’s common for the wind to pull out stakes and collapse shelters.
Try to camp in wind-sheltered areas (if possible), but also consider heavy-duty stakes like the MSR Groundhogs. There are lots of lighter stakes available, but the Groundhogs are great for staying secure in rocky conditions. We have never had a Groundhog break when we unintentionally pound it into a rock.
Pro tip: If the ground is too sandy to securely hold a stake, place the stake flat on the ground and secure it with rocks. We have also used trekking poles in lieu of stakes in extreme conditions.
Related: Best Backpacking Tents
Yep, it can be cold in Southern California! Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
DRY YOUR GEAR
Use your break or siesta time to dry your gear, especially your sleeping bag and tent. While it’s less likely to rain in Southern California than other parts of the trail, your sleeping bag can lose its loft—its insulative properties—from dew, condensation, and body moisture. A few minutes in the sun (be sure to secure it from blowing away) will keep you warm during the cool nights.
Drying out your tent daily will help with its durability and reduce mold/odor (plus, it’ll save you from carrying an ounce of moisture). One reason we like Dyneema Composite Fiber (aka cuben fiber) tarps and shelters (aside from being lighter in weight than other fabrics) is that it holds onto less moisture so dries more quickly.
Drying out your gear during breaks is a routine habit you should establish early on. SoCal is a good time to practice. By the time you reach cooler and wetter climates, it will become essential.
Rattlesnakes are very good at camouflaging themselves. Naomi almost stepped on this one next to the hiking trail. Photo courtesy Naomi Hudetz.
TICKS, RATTLESNAKES, POODLE DOG BRUSH, AND CACTI ON THE PCT
We consider ticks the most dangerous animal we may encounter on a hike. Fortunately, Southern California ticks rarely carry Lyme disease, but ticks can carry many other diseases that can ruin your thru-hike and in rare cases, impact your life for years.
We strongly recommend that you do daily tick checks. Ticks are relatively easy to remove if found early. We consider a tick card or tick removal tool an essential piece of gear on the trail.
You will likely see a few rattlesnakes along the trail. Rattlesnakes like to curl up under shrubs along the trail. We have come close to stepping on a resting rattlesnake on several occasions. It’s important to maintain good situational awareness. If you listen to music or podcasts on the trail consider “open-ear” headphones like the Shokz Open Run that allow you to hear the rattlesnake’s distinctive warning.
Avoid poodledog bush! This fragrant plant grows after fires and can lead to an irritating rash.
Poodle dog bush is a native plant that grows in burned areas of southern California. Touching it can cause a severe allergic reaction similar (and sometimes worse) than poison oak and ivy. PCTA trail crews do a great job removing it from the trail; however, as it pops up after wildfires, there is usually a section where you’ll see poodle dog bush growing along the trail. In the spring, it has distinctive pink/purple flowers and leaves that look like a poodle dog. In the fall, it loses its distinctive pink/purple flowers, but can still be identified by its pungent “cannabis-like” smell.
We include the jumping cholla cactus in the list of potentially dangerous creatures of the desert. Those of us that have been attacked by the jumping cholla will swear the cactus launched itself into our calf. Removing a cholla is tricky. We strongly recommend you keep a simple hair comb within reach at all times in the desert. This is the most effective method for removing a cholla.
Donohue Pass in the Sierra on the PCT on June 29 during a big snow year. Hikers may gather in the few areas that aren’t covered in snow for lunch breaks. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
PCT SIERRA (KENNEDY MEADOWS SOUTH TO DONNER PASS)
Distance: 450 miles
Elevation Gain: 85,000’
Elevation Loss: 83,000’
Minimum Elevation: 6,000’
Maximum Elevation: 13,100’
Don’t underestimate the potential dangers of the Sierra for a northbound thru-hiker. There are numerous sketchy snow traverses and dangerous river and creek crossings.
Learn proper ice axe and river crossing techniques and team up with other experienced hikers. The snow may completely obscure the trail making navigation trickier. See our guide on Thru-hiking Risk Assessment—including on how to manage group dynamics in potentially dangerous situations.
You’ll need maps — paper and electronic preloaded on your phone — and may want to consider using a GPS Hiking Watch with compass, altimeter, and barometer if you are not already doing so.
You will need to add additional gear (bear canister, ice axe, additional warm layers) that will bump up your pack weight. June is the “shoulder season” of hiking in the high mountains. Our video on How to Thru-hike in a Big Snow Year and How to Prepare to Thru-hike in a Big Snow Year See our Guide to Shoulder Season Backpacking on how to take the gear you already have and continue to use it in cooler seasons.
Due to altitude, extra weight, elevation gain, and rough, snowy terrain, your daily mileage will decrease. That means you should plan for bigger foot carries (and more foot weight). But luckily, there’s one heavy item you won’t have to worry too much about carrying: water is plentiful (no more 4+ liter carries!).
The trail doesn’t cross a road for nearly 250 miles (another reason you’ll be carrying more food than usual). You’ll be climbing a high mountain pass nearly every day, so you’ll be burning more calories, too. It’s amazing. You will feel incredibly lucky to be in one of the most remote places in the country during a rare time of year.
Descending a pass in the Sierra on the PCT during a big snow year may require walking on snow for most of the day. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR THE PCT SIERRA
Bear canister (this is required from Kennedy Meadows to Sonora Pass. In recent years, rangers have been checking for bear cans at Kennedy Meadows and Cottonwood Pass. They will and have ticketed and fined hikers that did not have bear cans. Rangers can also escort non-compliant hikers out of the park. Note that rangers have ticketed PCT hikers who they deem are carrying bear cans that are too small to carry all their food. If unsure, carry the bigger bear can.)
A bigger volume backpack that can accommodate a bear can, either inside the pack or strapped on top. See our Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks guide for recommendations.
Ice axe - most thru-hikers opt for the Camp Corsica as it is the lightest weight ice axe certified for mountaineering.
Ice traction device for your shoes (aka ice grippers) like the Kahtoola MICROspikes.
Trekking Poles (If you aren’t already carrying poles, consider bringing them along for the Sierra. This will help with river/creek crossings, icy slopes, and the more extreme elevation loss and gain).
Additional insulating layers (depending on your pack weight goals, we like a combination of some of the following: long underwear, wind pants, additional base layer top, heavier insulating jacket.
Read more: Best Long Underwear for Men, Best Long Underwear for Women, Best Base Layers, Best Down Jackets, Best Synthetic Insulated JacketsOptional:
GPS Hiking Watch with compass, altimeter, and barometer, if you are not already doing so
Head net/bug spray (from Yosemite to sections further north)
Bug net inner for tarp (if your tarp doesn’t already include it)
Sunglasses and lots of sunscreen—the sun reflecting off the snow is brutal
Postholing is a common problem for PCT thru-hikers in the Sierra when there is snow. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF THE PCT SIERRA
snow travel
You will likely be traversing steep snowfields on the mountain passes, crossing fields of icy snow cups, and occasionally postholing to your waist. Every snow year is different. We will likely not know this season’s snow conditions until April 1. However, you should plan for potentially dangerous snow travel. We recommend taking a class on snow navigation and travel prior to hiking the Sierra. The trail will likely be completely obscured by snow for much of your hike in the Sierra. Be sure to preload maps on your phone and consider using a GPS Hiking Watch with compass, altimeter, and barometer, if you are not already doing so. We also recommend taking an off-trail navigation skills course before heading into the Sierra.
A PCT thru-hiker glissading in the Sierra. Glissading is a skill of controlled sliding that can reduce time to descend from passes, but requires the proper gear and skill set to avoid hitting icy and dangerous spots. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
The following are some strategies for snow travel:
LEARN HOW TO USE AND CARRY AN ICE AXE
It’s important to learn how to safely and effectively self-arrest. You’ll hear us say this a lot, but take a class if you don’t currently have ice axe skills. Even if you do have ice axe skills, we recommend taking a refresher before heading out on the PCT. You may need your skills every day and need to call on them when your body is tired and your mind is not as alert. REI offers classes around the country.
Most thru-hikers opt to use the Camp Corsica, which is generally considered the lightest CEN-B/Type ice axe on the market that has a third-party certification. While many hikers will frown at adding the extra weight by carrying an ice axe (the Corsa is 7.2 oz for a 50 cm version), on the plus side, an ice axe makes a great “cat hole” digger. Some ice axes can be used as a tent stake alternative as well.
Carrying an ice axe is not enough. Err on the side of taking out your ice axe more than you think you need. Too often, Search & Rescue crews find the remains of those who have slipped ice axes on the back of their pack instead of in their hand. If you’re going to buy an ice axe and carry it, then you use it.
PLAN FOR CHANGING SNOW CONDITIONS
Expect icy snow conditions in the morning and soft snow in the afternoon. Microspikes or some sort of winter traction device for your shoes can help with travel in icy conditions. Dangerous snow traverses can be easier to negotiate in softer snow conditions.
Related: The Best Winter Traction Devices (Microspikes and Crampons)
PROTECT YOUR SKIN AND EYES
You may have thought the desert would be the place you’d get sunburns. It’s also the Sierra.
We’ve hiked with folks who failed to wear sunscreen and ended up with second-degree burns that took them off-trail.
We’ve also hiked with folks without sunglasses who got snow blindness from the sun reflecting off the snow and white granite.
See our guide to Best Running Sunglasses for recommendations on sun glasses designed for high output activities.
Mike Unger in the Sierra on top of Muir Pass. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
At altitude, the sun glare from the sun is very intense. In the Sierra, the sun reflects off the white snow and white granite and you travel for long periods above treeline. If you didn’t pick them up for the desert, make sure you wear high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes (not gas station sunglasses!). High quality means a pair of polarized sunglasses that protect against both A and B UV rays. Need prescription sunglasses? Check out Zenni Optical for prescription glasses and sunglasses under $100—and you don’t have to worry about destroying your $500 sunglasses on trail.
Wear sun-protective clothing and carry lots of sunscreen. The tricky thing about the Sierra is that temperatures are often cool or even cold, so it’s easy to forget that you need sunscreen. Don’t be fooled. If you don’t want to slather on sunscreen, wear long sleeves and long pants.
See our What to wear in Yosemite guide for more about how the sun reflects off white granite in the Sierra and ways to layer and protect your skin in the Sierra.
Using trekking poles to maintain three points of contact at this Sierra creek crossing on the PCT. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
RIVER FORDS AND CREEK CROSSINGS
PCT thru-hikers reach the Sierra during peak snow melt, which ends up in rivers and streams. PCT thru-hikers must cross these rivers and streams. For most northbound hikers, the Sierra will have the swiftest and deepest river crossings of the whole trail. Notable crossings include Evolution Creek, Bear Creek, Mono Creek, Kerrick Creek, and Virginia Creek.
See our section on River Crossings and Fords for tips, how to get your gear ready, and fording strategy.
Hikers gather on the one spot of dirt to camp in the Sierra during a high snow year. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
DEALING WITH WET FEET AND COLD NIGHTS
Your feet will likely be wet throughout the Sierra section. The melting snow and frequent creek crossings keep your feet wet. The only positive is that once your feet are wet, there is no reason to try and avoid the water. Stay on the trail, just walk through those puddles.
Keep a dry pair of socks to sleep in. We also recommend that you apply an anti-friction cream, like Trail Toes, on your puckered feet.
Nights are likely to be very cold in the Sierra. Carry insulation layers to sleep in. Expect frozen shoes in the morning.
Pro tip: Loosen your shoelaces before you go to sleep if you expect freezing temperatures overnight. This will help you put on frozen shoes in the morning. We also recommend putting wet shoes in a pack liner or trash compactor bag and putting them inside your tent to reduce the chances of them freezing.
SLOWER TRAVEL/CARRY ENOUGH FOOD
Liz Thomas on top of Muir Pass at the Muir hut in mid-June on a 100% snowpack snow year (neither a high snow year nor a low snow year). Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
Snow, creek fords, and high altitude travel will lower your daily mileage. You also need to plan your day around the optimal time to ford a creek or climb a mountain pass. Creek levels are generally lower in the morning, thus easier to ford, while mountain passes can be icier and more treacherous early in the day.
Your hiker hunger will likely be in full force. Carry enough food to stay comfortably fed and energized for the Sierra.
If altitude is suppressing your appetite, we’ve had luck using drink mixes to deliver our bodies some basic essential nutrients. We use electrolytes and supplements like protein powder to alleviate muscle fatigue and collagen powder to ease sore joints from the extreme elevation gain and loss of the Sierra.
DEALING WITH MOSQUITOES (YOSEMITE NORTH)
Mosquitoes will likely make their first meaningful appearance near Tuolumne and be with you through much of Oregon. Prepare yourself. Carry a bug headnet, bug-proof clothing, and bug spray. If you have the time during a rest day in town, treat your clothing with Permethrin before entering the Sierra. Once dried, this spray makes your gear bug repelling for up to 30 washes.
Pro tip: A hooded windshirt, like the Patagonia Houdini, is invaluable in buggy areas. It’s easy to pull out and wear whenever you stop hiking long enough for mosquitoes to find you. If you don’t have a wind shirt, your rain gear will work.
Pro tip: DEET bug sprays can react chemically with certain gears and plastics. In the heaviest buggy areas, sometimes DEET is the only repellent that works. However, we suggest taking care when using DEET and opt for Picaridin (a DEET-free gear friendly but still effective bug spray) in less buggy areas. Bug repellent lotions stick to the skin better and tend to be more effective (if you’re willing to get your hands covered in lotion).
Liz Thomas under Mt. Thielson on the PCT in Oregon. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
PCT NORCAL/OREGON (DONNER PASS TO CASCADE LOCKS)
Distance: 1,000 miles
Elevation Gain: 156,000’
Elevation Loss: 163,000’
Minimum Elevation: 200’
Maximum Elevation: 8,400’
Northern California is tough for a lot of thru-hikers. You have made it through the hot and dry desert, postholed through snowfields, and crossed raging rivers. You have your trail legs and figured out everyday trail logistics. So why do we see so many thru-hikers quitting in Northern California?
The exhilaration of finishing the Sierra is replaced with the realization that you are not even halfway complete. Thru-hikers need to start looking at the calendar and planning how to get through Washington before the cold fall weather. You realize you may need to up your daily miles.
In Northern California, the trail is hot and dry. Evenings are usually warm, water becomes scarce again, and bugs can be relentless. Because the trail is less technical in the Sierra, many hikers stay motivated through Northern California by listening to music, books, and podcasts. See our Best Waterproof Wireless Earbuds guide.
Don’t give up. The trail gets easier in Northern California. It’s lower in altitude, has less elevation gain, and less snow to slow you down. Days are longer and your body is strong from the Sierra. Resupply points are frequent in Northern California, so you’ll need to carry less food. Your pack will feel lighter after you’ve dumped your Sierra gear. This means that your daily mileage will likely increase.
Oregon is likely to be a mix of the Northern California experience and the Washington experience. Southern Oregon can be quite hot and resemble Northern California. Mid to Northern Oregon may feel more like Washington with rain and even snow around Mt. Jefferson.
Your mileage will likely increase in Oregon as the elevation gain is relatively less per mile than the rest of the trail. However, the trail can be quite filled with lava rocks (you are following the volcanic Cascades now). We recommend preparing accordingly with sturdier shoes, perhaps switching from trail running shoes to hiking shoes. Oregon on the PCT is many hikers favorite part of the PCT so enjoy the beauty and numerous opportunities for food and town visits along the way.
Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz on the PCT in Oregon. Photo by Liz Thomas.
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR THE PCT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND OREGON
Lighter sleeping bag
Bug-repelling clothing or clothing treated with bug-repelling Permethrin
Bug net for your tarp
Bug spray or lotion
More collapsible water carrying containers (you’ll be back to longer water hauls again)
Optional: Sturdier trail running shoes or hiking shoes (for crossing lava rocks)
Liz Thomas in the Sky Lakes Wilderness, Oregon on the PCT. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR PCT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND OREGON
RETURN TO HEAT WITH WARMER NIGHTS
After hiking out of the Sierra Mountain Range and into the Cascade Mountain Range (which starts just after the Northern California town of Belden), you’ll be greeted with hot days, warm nights, and mosquitoes. We have had nights too warm to get in a sleeping bag but too buggy to sleep outside a tent.
Liz Thomas in the Trinity Alps, Northern California on the PCT. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
How to deal with this? First, a backpacking quilt helps. The versatility of a quilt helps manage the warmer nights. You can completely open it up and only cover part of your body. As the night cools down, cover up more.
Another PCT Norcal strategy is to dump some of the cold-weather gear you’ve been carrying for the Sierra. Heavier layers and heavier rain gear can be switched out for summer-weight layers and lighter weight rain gear, like the popular with thru-hikers Outdoor Research Helium II (men’s and women’s). You can also change up your worn clothing for looser, lighter items such as shorts, skirts, and sun shirts.
Read More: The Best Thru-hiking Shorts
MOSQUITOES
The mosquitoes can be fierce. If you didn’t carry a bug head net in the Sierra, now’s the time to pick one up. If you’re wearing shorts or a skirt, you’ll likely need a good insect repellent as well.
Liz Thomas at Crater Lake National park on the PCT alternate. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
OCCASIONAL LONG WATER CARRIES
Check your maps or apps to see the distance until the next water carry. The Far Out app (previously called Guthook Guides) includes crowd-sourced information which gives you more timely information on whether seasonal creeks are flowing. Expect to walk up to a mile off-trail to find water. If you sent home your extra hydration bags before entering the Sierra, pick them up again or get a few extra Smartwater bottles.
As with the Southern California portion of the PCT, keep taking electrolytes throughout the day. Pick up some electrolytes and add them to your water.
TEDIUM
After the thrill and challenges of the Sierra, Northern California and Oregon can feel a bit tedious to some hikers, especially with the heat and longer days (which means more hiking hours per day).
However, there are good ways to cope.
First, find other ways to challenge yourself. Check the calendar–you may need to pick up the pace to finish before fall comes to northern Washington and the long summer days. Use the longer days of high summer to your advantage and challenge yourself to pick up extra miles every day. Because of the warm nights, many hikers choose to night hike in Northern California and Oregon. Bring a good headlamp.
Second, podcasts and audiobooks are your friends. It’s a gift to have huge, uninterrupted blocks of time to lose yourself in a book binge. Many libraries now have audiobooks that can be checked out for free. Sign up at your local library before you leave for your hike and have access to nearly unlimited content. Free podcasts are nearly unlimited as well and cover every topic imaginable. If you don’t have any favorites, ask other hikers. Have you been wanting to learn a new language? There are free podcasts for that too!
The rain in Washington on the PCT can be challenging for thru-hikers. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
WASHINGTON STATE (CASCADE LOCKS TO CANADA)
Distance: 500 miles
Elevation Gain: 102,000’
Elevation Loss: 98,000’
Minimum Elevation: 200’
Maximum Elevation: 7,200’
A gradual transition takes place in northern Oregon/southern Washington. You go from taking your breaks in the cooling shade to taking your breaks in the warming sun. Autumn comes early at high elevations. Many PCT hikers finish their hike with days of cold rain and the real possibility of snow. You have the option to cross a glacier. Even in the autumn, some river crossings can be exciting. See our Guide to Shoulder Season Backpacking on how to take the gear you already have and continue to use it in cooler seasons.
Don’t underestimate the challenges of Washington. It is arguably the most physically demanding section of the PCT, especially the northern half of Washington. You go from the relatively flat Oregon to daily 3,000’+ climbs.
Washington is incredibly beautiful. Huge sections of the PCT are in designated wilderness. It is the most remote and wild section of the trail. Plus, most thru-hikers reach Washington when the huckleberries are in season.
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR PCT WASHINGTON
Good headlamp, as days are getting shorter
Optional: Extra socks. Your socks are more likely to get wet in Washington with limited opportunities to dry them.
Liz Thomas at the Canadian border after thru-hiking the PCT. She finished in the rain and is wearing all her rain gear. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
Cober hiking the PCT in Washington. Thru-hikers should note that some snow may linger in surrounding mountains at higher elevations. Photo by Mike Unger.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF PCT WASHINGTON
POTENTIALLY COLD AND WET CONDITIONS
Speaking as long-time Washington residents, September is an unpredictable month in this state. The rain and snow can start at any time. Once the weather turns, the rain can continue for days. Prepare to hike and camp wet. If you’ve been using a tarp or minimalist shelter up until this point, you may consider switching it out for a more substantial shelter.
Related: Best Backpacking Tents
CARRY GOOD RAIN GEAR
You may want to upgrade your rain gear. Thru-hikers should alwaos carry a rain jacket--even in the desert. But Washington is a good time to add rain pants if you haven’t been carrying a pair. A rain kilt or rain skirt is a good option in Washington. There is heavy brush along much of the trail in Washington. When wet, the brush creates a “car wash” effect, soaking you from the waist down. Also, consider waterproof over mittens to help keep your hands dry.
Related: Best Rain Jackets
BRING BACK YOUR UMBRELLA
We like to hike with an umbrella in rainy conditions. Your body may still get wet, but it’s nice to keep the rain off your head and avoid wearing a soggy rain hood for hours.
The umbrella is back, now for rain instead of sun. The PCT in Washington can mean many days of rain for thru-hikers. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
ADD SYNTHETIC INSULATION LAYERS AND SLEEP CLOTHES
All rain gear will eventually wet out. The key is to stay warm, even when you are wet. We like to carry a fleece top or synthetic puffy coat when hiking in cold and wet conditions. Unlike down jackets, these layers will maintain up to 99% of their insulating properties when wet. We're partial to the Patagonia Micropuff, which has a similar weight to warmth ratio as down.
Keep a dry lightweight base layer, tights, and socks to sleep in. Nothing feels better than climbing into dry clothes after a long wet day of hiking. Plus, in an emergency hypothermia situation, these dry clothes can be a lifeline.
We like to bring extra hiking socks for rainy hikes in Washington. More rain means your socks will be wet often and you’ll have fewer opportunities to dry socks. A fresh pair of socks can be a morale booster, too.
Read More: Best Base Layers
Related: Best Synthetic Jackets
Sun rays coming through thick trees in Washington on the PCT.
PROTECT GEAR FROM GETTING WET
It’s critical that you protect your gear, especially your sleeping bag/quilt and sleep clothes, from the rain. Do not rely on a “waterproof” pack or pack cover. We think a basic trash compactor bag (not a regular garbage bag) makes a good durable bag liner. If you started the PCT with a trash compactor bag liner, replace it for Washington. Although durable, they will tear and develop small holes.
In addition, use a dry bag or waterproof stuff sack to protect your most valuable gear (sleeping bag, dry clothes, electronics). When hiking in wet conditions, or when wet conditions are likely, we believe in the double protection of a dry bag and trash compactor bag.
DRY OUT GEAR WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Take advantage of every sun break to dry your gear, especially your sleeping bag and tent. We recommend doing this every day on every backpacking trip, but especially in Oregon and Washington.
Pro-tip: Shamwow! towels are great for wiping down a wet tent. They are amazingly absorbent and dry quickly.
Pro Tip: Diaper pins are great for securing wet hiking clothes to the back of your pack.
Read More: Essential Backpacking Accessories
Trying to stay dry (and on the trail) in Washington. Photo by Mike Unger.
RUGGED TRAIL, MORE ELEVATION GAIN, AND LOWER MILEAGE DAYS
Washington is the most physically challenging section. It seems like nearly every day is a new 3,000+ climb. Plus, the days start getting shorter in September. You should plan for lower mileage days and day after day of rain or snow.
Related: Best Rugged & Waterproof Cameras
REMOTENESS
The PCT in Washington is more remote and wild than other sections of the trail. Towns are few and often distant. Cell phone reception is rare. It’s important to monitor and respect the weather. A big snowstorm could make the trail impassable. If you are not already doing so, strongly consider carrying a personal locator device like our favorite, the Garmin Mini, iDevices like the 3.5 oz Garmin inReach Mini 2 or Garmin Messenger allow you to two-way text with the folks back at home during the significant sections of the PCT Washington that don’t have cell reception. Each year, it seems like at least one PCT hiker goes missing in Washington. A two-way PLB could help you in a tough situation.
PCT NORTHERN TERMINUS
Tips for Before You Get to the Northern Terminus
While it’s not traditional gear, many hikers like to send themselves something special in their last resupply box (likely in Stehekin, Washington) to enjoy at the border when they finish.
Whether you plan to wear a costume, enjoy a treat, or celebrate with the photo of a loved one, or take a photo with a nicer camera--the end of the trail is an accomplishment you will want to document. Make it special.
If you intend to go into Canada, be sure to get your passport and visa at your last resupply before the end of the trail.
When You Get to the Northern Terminus, You Have Two Options:
1) If you have a Canadian Visa for PCT hikers and a valid passport, you can hike into Canada. The trail continues past the border into Manning Provincial Park. From there, you can catch a bus to Vancouver, BC.
2) Otherwise, turnaround and hike southbound back to Hart’s Pass, the last major dirt road you crossed. It’s 20.2 miles, so be sure to carry extra food. From Hart’s Pass, you can often catch a ride to the town of Mazama on the paved Highway 20. From there, you can find rides into Seattle.
Ready to turn around and keep hiking? See our PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy.
Or hike back to arguably the best trail town on the PCT on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail.
About the Authors / Why You Should Trust Us
Mike Unger is one of few people in the world to have thru-hiked the PCT end-to-end both as a northbounder and southbounder. He’s a double Triple Crowner, having completed the PCT, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail each twice. You can see all articles by Mike Unger on his Treeline Review author page.
Liz Thomas has thru-hiked the PCT as a northbounder and completed the PCT a second time as a section-hiker over ten years. A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, she has also hiked the PCT and CDT and is a Triple Crowner. She’s co-founder and editor in chief of Treeline Review. You can read all her gear articles here and on her personal website, as well as on Wikipedia.
Naomi Hudetz has thru-hiked the PCT, CDT, and AT and is a Triple Crowner. She’s co-founder and online editor at Treeline Review. She’s thru-hiked numerous other distance routes including the Great Divide Trail across the Canadian Rockies (twice), Grand Enchantment Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, the Arizona Trail, (most of) the Idaho Centennial Trail, the first known thru-hike of the Blue Mountains Trail, and the Oregon Desert Trail. You can read all her articles on her Treeline Review author page.
