One Step at a Time… Literally

This post is essentially a timeline of how I researched, planned, and prepared for my thru-hike. This can hopefully be a good resource for anyone trying to plan a thru-hike, specifically the PCT. All you can do is take it one step at a time (literally) because the planning process can be quite daunting. 

Life Throws You A Curveball Sometimes…

I just got diagnosed with a stress fracture from an ongoing ankle injury, unfortunately, hence the cover picture. I am still cleared to hike on my start date (thankfully), but I’m in this cute boot until then 😉 It’s truly all about keeping an open mind and readjusting when possible! You can’t plan out EVERYTHING but you can plan some things…

My Planning Timeline

I started researching the PCT in the winter of 2020, so I have been thinking about this trail for many years. I realize that this might not be the case for most hikers, so I will be attempting to make my information relevant for anyone trying to plan a thru-hike…it is certainly a big undertaking.

Here is generally how I have planned for my thru-hike; After this section I will give some tips for anyone else who is looking to plan a hike based off choices/mistakes I made during the planning process. 

Early Steps: The Research Stage

• Research
  
  • What is the PCT (how many miles, the sections, trail towns, thru hiking, etc.)
  • Thru Hiker Language (like what in the world a trail name is)
  • Resupplying 
  • Gear (what’s this “ultralight” hype all about?!)
  • Reading PCT books and way too many blogs
  • Listened to Backpacker Radio Podcast episodes on my long runs
  • Videos/Vlogs (such as Elina Osborne who is SUCH an inspiration)
  • Becoming increasingly overwhelmed with the sheer amount of information/resources out there about the PCT…
• Made a gear spreadsheet (to organize potential gear and gear that I needed to purchase)
• Decided to be a NOBO
• Learned about eating like a raccoon for 5 months
• Started a journal for information and emotional processing
• Saving money
• Thought about my reasons why I am hiking the PCT
• Telling close family and friends that I was hoping to do the PCT
  • …which also comes with copious amounts of questions and concerns

One Year Out: The Buying Stage

• Researching and purchasing gear
  • Started with my Big 3 (sleeping bag, tent, and pack)
  • Later on purchased more items (bear vault, headlamp, spikes, sleeping pad, etc.)
  • Planning my resupply points and researching trail towns
• Looking into elevation gain and mileage (Craig’s PCT Planner= a thru hikers bff)
• Continuing to listen to podcasts, read, and learn
• Going on longer hikes (20+ mile days) 
• Testing out gear on camping trips and day hikes
• The whole permit process
• Looking into better nutrition while on trail
• Resupply strategies
• Actually telling everyone I was going to be hiking the PCT and planning my gap year/college

A Couple Months Out: The Little Details Stage

• Made my hike public
  • Applied to be a Trek Blogger
  • Made an Instagram for loved ones+others to follow along
  • Reaching out to fellow Thru-hikers
  • Joining facebook groups and connecting
• Applying for my permit
• Acquiring more gear (I did one big REI visit in the winter and got the rest second hand or from my local gear shop)
• Dialed in all my gear and took a gear picture
• Readjusting to resupply while on the trail instead of resupply boxes
• Keeping active and training
• Realize I have done too much planning/research (oops)

1 Month Out: The Realization of Leaving in a Month Stage

• Got WFR certified
• Learning how to use ALL my gear (little things such as the sawyer squeeze)
• Getting the Garmin InReach subscription
• Purchasing far out
• Constructed my medical kit
• Making final gear adjustments/simplifications
• Logistics: Writing down passwords, deleting pictures to get camera storage, insurance, money, etc. 
• Keeping active and preparing my mind for the task ahead of me
• Getting my stress fracture on my ankle healed up…

Right Before I Leave: The “Oh Gosh This is Actually Happening” Stage

• Get the food that I will need until my first resupply
• Print and sign my permit 
• Construct my section specific boxes to have mailed to me on trail
• Look into the weather
• Download the PCT water report
• Waterproof all my gear
• Mentally prepare the best I can for what I am about to go do
• Enjoy all the comforts of home;)
• Say goodbye (just for a little while) to my loved ones
• Probably forget something important
• Pack it all up and head out to California 
• …and try to not flip out!!!!!

My Suggestions the Future Thru Hiker

1. Don’t research as much as me. You simply feel overwhelmed with all the resources out there. Do your research to understand what you are getting yourself into, but try to not go overboard. Prioritize what you need to understand and if you have more time and energy, work on the secondary things.
2. Enjoy the gear research and remember that gear is completely up to you, you don’t have to listen to everyone else’s opinions (HYOH!!!!!!)
3. I wouldn’t pack resupply boxes before you leave. Originally I was planning on doing this but over time I realized I could likely save myself lots of time and money by resupplying on trail. I will be sending myself my bear canister and spikes before the Sierras but the day to day food and other supplies will be purchased in towns along the way.
4. Keep an open mind. Much of the research and planning I did in the months leading up to where I am at now doesn’t apply as much as I had thought. None of your learning is pointless or in vain, but remember to keep an open mind.
5. Keeping active is the best training you can do. You don’t need an intense training plan or 20+ mile hikes every day, just do your best with this part. The best training you can do is to just get out there! This is my theory, but you of course can do whatever training you need/want;)
6. Your gear list will never be perfect, just do your best for what you think will be best for your hike. 
7. Look into deals and second hand gear (for some things, not all). Your gear will get DESTROYED by the end of a thru hike so you shouldn’t head out there with gear falling apart, but you certainly don’t have to buy top of the line REI gear for everything. 
8. Read and listen to as many books/blogs/podcasts/videos as you can
9. Enjoy this stage before your hike and take it all in; it’s all part of the process, even the planning!