Getting closer to the start, step by step

The preparations for a PCT thru-hike look different for everyone. My preparations started a few months ago, with the first two things on my checklist being the US visa and the PCT long-distance permit. Both made me quite nervous, as obtaining them was not really under my control. But there was no need to worry, and I was very lucky: both the visa and the permit process went very smoothly.

Permits

For those unfamiliar with PCT permits: Permits are required for several different areas along the PCT to protect them from overuse and limit overcrowding. Instead of having to obtain multiple individual permits, you can get an interagency PCT long-distance permit issued by the PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) if you plan to hike more than 500 miles in a continuous trip. As there are only a limited number of these long-distance permits available for specific starting locations, there is a process that involves a registration period and the assignment of a random time slot for the application on the permit release day(s). I was really lucky and got a very early time slot, so I was able to apply for my preferred date. Soon afterwards, I received the relieving e-mail: “Your PCT Long-distance Permit has been reviewed and approved.”!

Questions over questions

With the two “biggest” hurdles out of the way, it was time to tackle the rest. My list of topics to research was long, but that was and still is my favourite part. From “Which backpack should I choose?” to “What should I do in case of a bear encounter?” to “What insurance covers 6 months of activities associated with a PCT thru-hike?”, I spent and still spend hours and hours reading, listening, or watching content related to the PCT.

Gear

Some of my first “real” preparations included choosing and purchasing gear (stay tuned for my gear list that I will add before starting the thru-hike!). There are so many options and even more opinions, it can easily become overwhelming. I liked getting guidance from other people’s experiences, but I’m also aware that everyone’s needs are different. For some items, I decided to go with popular choices, trusting that what has worked for many others would also work for me. For others, I listened to my intuition, and chose something I feel more comfortable with, even though others might disagree with certain choices. People say you pack your fears, and yes, my fears may have played a role too.

A trowel (for digging a cathole when nature calls) is a must-have in any thru-hiker’s backpack

Fears

There is a wide variety of challenging situations and potential hazards that can be encountered on a PCT thru-hike. In other words: There are many things to be afraid of. Rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions. Snow conditions, river crossings, and hypothermia. Desert heat, scarce water sources, and dehydration. Illness, injury, and exhaustion… While these are all valid concerns and I’m definitely not underestimating any of them, they are not the cause of sleepless nights for me (at least not right now). The thing that worries me most is the cold. And that, for example, is reflected in my choice of sleeping bag. As for the other topics, I’m trying to build up some theoretical knowledge now, that I can hopefully put into practice when/if needed.

Beauty

Of course, the (anticipated) trail experience isn’t just challenging and worrying moments (otherwise there wouldn’t be so many people enjoying it). It’s the moments of beauty that you look forward to. The rewarding views after a strenuous climb. The sunrises and sunsets, and the stars of a clear night sky. The moments of accomplishment and joy. The freedom to let the mind wander, to reflect on life. The connections made with fellow hikers or other people you meet along the way. The feeling of being alive. If I’m fortunate enough to experience at least some of these moments, it will have been worth it.

Physical preparation

Buying gear and doing research are not the only things one can do to prepare for a PCT thru-hike. Physical preparation may be one of the most obvious ones. Again, there are as many approaches as there are (future) thru-hikers. The strategy I decided on may be best described as “every little thing is better than nothing”. As I’ve already mentioned in my introduction post, I don’t particularly enjoy sports. So following a “proper” training plan just doesn’t work for me. Instead, I try to incorporate smaller activities into my daily routine, whether that’s a handful of exercises for my feet, legs, or back, a quick stretching routine, or walking for an hour with a loaded backpack. On the weekends I add some shakedown hikes where I also test my gear.

Testing some of my gear on Schneeberg

Mental preparation

As important as physical preparation is, I keep hearing/reading that thru-hiking is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. And even though I’ve yet to experience it myself, I very much believe that to be true. But how do you prepare your mind for a thru-hike? Generally, I feel like some of the mindfulness-related tools I’ve implemented in my life over the last months or years can come in very handy. Recording thoughts of gratitude in the morning and accomplishments in the evening or calming the mind with meditation are some things I like to do. I’ve also read that it helps to know your “whys”, as in the (deeper) reasons why you want to thru-hike.

Perfectly imperfect

The topics I’ve touched on in this post are by no means exhaustive. They’re just some of the aspects and thoughts related to the PCT preparations that came to my mind when writing this. And most importantly, they include my views, opinions, and ways of doing things. None of it is “the right”, “the wrong”, or “the only” way to see or do things. This applies to all my (future) blog posts. I’m looking forward to learning something new with every step towards and on this great adventure and, most of all, I can’t wait for it to start!

Can’t wait to take my first steps on trail!