Your video came in really handy for me last year. I went on a hike in the Sonoran desert in arizona and the tips you shared were very helpful. I had a comfortable enjoyable hiking experience. Thanks man.
Dude this is the most practically helpful video I've seen about the PCT so far! Thanks Kale! This definitely helps with my first PCT thru hike coming up.
this is awesome! thanks for sharing all of that. i'm preparing for hiking the pct next year for the first time (ever hiking anywhere really), and so far all your videos i watched were really informative and helpful. so thank you!!
Finally, an awesome realistic video of SoCal hiking. You mentioned someone dying. Unfortunate. We have so many rescues and some deaths in the summers. The largest California fire was a hunter in San Diego County and ran out of water. He started a fire to get attention and started the fire. 3 sisters, a hike outside of Julian, relatively close to the PCT, every summer people get rescued and some have died. Unzipping the pant leg and using the bottom part under the hat works as a really good cover if you wear a ball cap.
Occasionally adding electrolytes to your water can help prevent cramps even if you are drinking plenty of water. I got hand cramps so bad that my right hand closed shut involuntarily for about 5 minutes. I'm sure I was drinking enough water. Never happened again after I started using them. Great video!
+vet61man Thanks! I agree about the electrolytes. Very important. I carry a Mio Fit now and shoot some into my water a couple of times per day. Absolutely helps to maintain that "normal" feeling.
Twice in 2012 I regretted not sleeping in a tent. Two very different locations, same reason. Once at about 7,000' on the High Sierra Trail, and another time on the Lost Coast. The reason? Rattlesnake. On the Lost Coast it was in some rocks. In the Sierra the rattlesnake was very active and likely hunting in the evening, as they normally do. I carefully relocated each one using a trekking pole. Both nights were unusually warm for each location. Another strange coincidence, each location was named Buck Creek. Since that time I have exclusively used my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent. However, for 2017 I may break out the Solomid again. I ain't a-scared no more...I think.
Subscribed viewer here and fan of your videos; but I'm gonna have to disagree with a couple of comments here: I'm a little older with more experience in the outdoors both in the U.S. and living 16 years in western Canada. The reason you don't see cougars or mountain cats that often is because they're very stealthy and evasive. But they see you! They know you're there even if you don't realize it. If you had a big cat sniffing you out while you were sleeping, you're very lucky you weren't mauled or eaten. Because to them, you are food, dude! Believe that! Also: on cowboy camping: Why? Seriously, with snakes, scorpions, spiders, why risk it?! Pitch the tent, embrace the suck of putting it up, and taking it down. Why blow your hike over laziness. Just my thoughts.
i met you in the desert on the pct, you were sitting in the shade letting your homies investigate a dirt road to avoid the poodledog bush, then a day before kennedy meadows we hiked a mile or two together. this is 2014
ive had many trail names over the years but got the trail name safety hat at kennedy meadows, you may have been sitting next to me. im kiking that pct again mo fo damn nice trail dude
Awesome video man thanks for all the info. Just one question what did you do with your food bag at night since I am guessing there were not a lot of trees? Or are rodents/other animals not a big issue in the desert?
Douglas Hurdle I used my food bag as a pillow when cowboy camping and threw it into my vestibule when in my tent. Rodents aren't a huge problem (but they are present) on most of the trail until you get into Washington, then they are abundant and fearless.
Douglas Hurdle I should clarify that I used an Ursack bear-proof bag for the entire trail other than when a bear can was required. This meant that rodents couldn't get to my food as long as I cinched the top of the bag nice and tight.
I live in Arizona. I only have desert hiking skills! I would really appreciate your opinions on forest hiking skills! Another video would be perfect if you're interested.
franklinj480 No, you're right. I've summited Humphreys a few times and backpacked Mount Baldy and the Mogollon Rim. I have some experience, but haven't spent more than 4 days consecutive days in the forest.
+Gordon Tendick I would but it would be a very short video. Bottom line: forest hiking is easier than desert hiking. The only new challenges are mosquitos and greater potential to get lost if you go off trail.
Dude, thanks for all the information! I start my hike on the 13th of May, really late but I couldn’t get an earlier permit. My question is: How long does it take to clear the first 700 miles of desert? I know it varies from hiker to hiker but in your experience, what’s a good average? Thanks again! Oh and by the way, Cougars will definitely try to eat you, most people don’t see them but when they do, it’s too late, the cat saw them first.
Its interesting, true bush camping in the Tonto F and AZ in general has its noticeable differences in desert style camping. so much missed or so much overstated. Some very relevant tips tho. Camp with me in the Supes and ill show you more bark scorpions, spiders, Gila monsters, and snakes in one day to make you think twice. Playing where the Apache play is not for children.
+Absurdginger Hopefully you understand that this video is very pacific-crest-trail-specific and is not meant as a comprehensive "how to hike in every desert ever" instruction manual. It definitely sounds like the Southern California desert is more forgiving than what you're used to. Happy hiking!
I don't know....I was a marine in the Saudi desert and it has ruined my cowboy camping. I just cant get over the amount of scorpions. I know our deserts are different but I just cant mentally get over it.
+David Jeter My personal opinion? Leave him at home. I love dogs as much as (if not more) than then next guy but when you take them on trail you aren't giving them a choice about walking miles and miles every day for months on end. In terms of being a hinderance though? I never saw anyone have any problems other than when passing through certain state/national parks where dogs aren't allowed. Your dog would get so much love and attention from everyone. It's a very warm and fuzzy (no pun intended) community.
+David Jeter do a google search for Halfmile's Water Report. It's a free, frequently updated document that lists ALL of the trailside water sources, how they are flowing, and when they were last checked. Honestly it is the most important information a hiker can carry in the southern 700 miles. More so than maps. It is off-season though so make sure you check when the water source was last reported on.
hello Kale, my name its Sacha. My wife and I will thru hike pct this year. We wanted your advise for the Sierras and dealing with the snow and cold weather. Do you have a video about this section of the trail? thx
+sacha bergeron I don't yet because I view mountain and forest hiking as requiring much fewer specific skills but I've had enough requests to that I might make one. By the time you hit the sierras most of the snow will have most likely melted away leaving only occasional patches that will be very easy to navigate over (as long as you're careful). There will be tons of footprints to follow. In regards to temperature, because of the time of year you'll be hitting the sierras, they will be much much warmer than you think. You'll spend many nights completely out of your sleeping bag because it's so hot. The desert in spring and washington in fall will both be quite a bit colder than the sierras at the peak of summer (which is when you'll be hitting them). Hopefully that was helpful and I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Yep Washington. So J would be the middle section, I could reach either side. I am directly on Snoqualmie pass route and Stevens is pretty easy too. At least, if you remember, dinner at Snoqualmie. Or if you are with a group, we could do a barbque.
+David Jeter Any section is possible to be hiked in winter (trauma and pepper proved that point) but I think you would be fairly safe in jumping on section A. From the boarder to warner springs (mile 109) the only spot that I would imagine getting snow would be Mt. Laguna.
Rattle snakes. They don't always rattle. They do if they are on the sides of the road. Normally they rest straight on the trail not rattling.. Just pick up a stick and throw at it. They will roll up while they go away rattling.
Yup. That is definitely true. It was 93 degrees when I did a hike last year in southern arizona and my hike loop was 4.5 miles roughly. I drank plenty of water beforehand and by the time I was done my urine was golden. 2 liters of water was okay but I probably should have taken more. Otherwise it was comfortable for the most part. For people that hike when it is really hot start as early as you can before temperatures spike. The crack of dawn is ideal.
Absolutely not!! Once water is converted to urine and stored in the bladder it cannot be reclaimed/reused by the body, and should be excreted whenever the need arises. Holding your pee is very dangerous and can lead to UTI's and sever bladder distention .
I'm going to sound like a total wuss and I will accept any shit I get from this but I'm more terrified of a camel spider than I am of any bear, mountain lion, wolf, angry bees, hoards of mosquitos, snakes, hell let's also add sharks and rhinos but I just can't accept that freak of nature. I'm trying to think of anything that bothers me more than that, damn this bothers me a ton. Thanks for the great video man, Oh and these little bastards will chase your shadow if they find you in the daylight :(
+Will Penley They are ugly little bastards, no denying that! haha At this point though, after discovering that they are harmless and only want to be near you for warmth or shade I developed a bit of an affinity for them. Plus they're the natural enemy of scorpions so I'm ok with them being around.
Your video came in really handy for me last year. I went on a hike in the Sonoran desert in arizona and the tips you shared were very helpful. I had a comfortable enjoyable hiking experience. Thanks man.
Ty for these tips, I will be doing this in about 5 yrs and I will be gathering tips everywhere.
Dude this is the most practically helpful video I've seen about the PCT so far! Thanks Kale! This definitely helps with my first PCT thru hike coming up.
I'm stoked that you found it useful!
this is awesome! thanks for sharing all of that. i'm preparing for hiking the pct next year for the first time (ever hiking anywhere really), and so far all your videos i watched were really informative and helpful. so thank you!!
Thanks! I'm glad you find them helpful!
Once again you have produced a fantastic video that is very useful for planning purposes! I have taken notes! Thank you,
Alpenglow
Great advice. Thank you for posting. I am from Sacramento as well. Planning a 2018 start. I can't wait!!!
Finally, an awesome realistic video of SoCal hiking. You mentioned someone dying. Unfortunate. We have so many rescues and some deaths in the summers. The largest California fire was a hunter in San Diego County and ran out of water. He started a fire to get attention and started the fire. 3 sisters, a hike outside of Julian, relatively close to the PCT, every summer people get rescued and some have died. Unzipping the pant leg and using the bottom part under the hat works as a really good cover if you wear a ball cap.
Awesome tips Kale thank you!
thank you so much for your patience and guidance.
+David Jeter Absolutely no problem! I love helping new hikers!
Occasionally adding electrolytes to your water can help prevent cramps even if you are drinking plenty of water. I got hand cramps so bad that my right hand closed shut involuntarily for about 5 minutes. I'm sure I was drinking enough water. Never happened again after I started using them. Great video!
+vet61man Thanks! I agree about the electrolytes. Very important. I carry a Mio Fit now and shoot some into my water a couple of times per day. Absolutely helps to maintain that "normal" feeling.
Twice in 2012 I regretted not sleeping in a tent. Two very different locations, same reason. Once at about 7,000' on the High Sierra Trail, and another time on the Lost Coast. The reason? Rattlesnake. On the Lost Coast it was in some rocks. In the Sierra the rattlesnake was very active and likely hunting in the evening, as they normally do. I carefully relocated each one using a trekking pole. Both nights were unusually warm for each location. Another strange coincidence, each location was named Buck Creek.
Since that time I have exclusively used my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent. However, for 2017 I may break out the Solomid again. I ain't a-scared no more...I think.
Subscribed viewer here and fan of your videos; but I'm gonna have to disagree with a couple of comments here: I'm a little older with more experience in the outdoors both in the U.S. and living 16 years in western Canada. The reason you don't see cougars or mountain cats that often is because they're very stealthy and evasive. But they see you! They know you're there even if you don't realize it. If you had a big cat sniffing you out while you were sleeping, you're very lucky you weren't mauled or eaten. Because to them, you are food, dude! Believe that! Also: on cowboy camping: Why? Seriously, with snakes, scorpions, spiders, why risk it?! Pitch the tent, embrace the suck of putting it up, and taking it down. Why blow your hike over laziness. Just my thoughts.
Very nice review and tips Kale, thanks very much. My tip: Anusol... never travel without it. ; )
i met you in the desert on the pct, you were sitting in the shade letting your homies investigate a dirt road to avoid the poodledog bush, then a day before kennedy meadows we hiked a mile or two together. this is 2014
Really? What's your trail name?
ive had many trail names over the years but got the trail name safety hat at kennedy meadows, you may have been sitting next to me. im kiking that pct again mo fo damn nice trail dude
hi!
thank you for the tips!!
hiking 2018 in April .
nice video. thanks for the tips!
blue star ointment is the #1 best at rash/chafe/jock itch.
Hi Kale,I am pretty sure, that rattlesnakes are also activ in the evening and also at night!In daytime it is too hot, also for snakes.
great job,very imformative.how do I get a hiking partner? I do not want to hike alone.
MrKenny1955 Meet one on trail! Best way to make new friends!
Awesome video man thanks for all the info. Just one question what did you do with your food bag at night since I am guessing there were not a lot of trees? Or are rodents/other animals not a big issue in the desert?
Douglas Hurdle I used my food bag as a pillow when cowboy camping and threw it into my vestibule when in my tent. Rodents aren't a huge problem (but they are present) on most of the trail until you get into Washington, then they are abundant and fearless.
Douglas Hurdle I should clarify that I used an Ursack bear-proof bag for the entire trail other than when a bear can was required. This meant that rodents couldn't get to my food as long as I cinched the top of the bag nice and tight.
I live in Arizona. I only have desert hiking skills! I would really appreciate your opinions on forest hiking skills! Another video would be perfect if you're interested.
Gordon Tendick There's plenty of forest hiking in Arizona, even some alpine. Go check out Flag
franklinj480 No, you're right. I've summited Humphreys a few times and backpacked Mount Baldy and the Mogollon Rim. I have some experience, but haven't spent more than 4 days consecutive days in the forest.
+Gordon Tendick I would but it would be a very short video. Bottom line: forest hiking is easier than desert hiking. The only new challenges are mosquitos and greater potential to get lost if you go off trail.
Dude, thanks for all the information! I start my hike on the 13th of May, really late but I couldn’t get an earlier permit. My question is: How long does it take to clear the first 700 miles of desert? I know it varies from hiker to hiker but in your experience, what’s a good average? Thanks again! Oh and by the way, Cougars will definitely try to eat you, most people don’t see them but when they do, it’s too late, the cat saw them first.
Its interesting, true bush camping in the Tonto F and AZ in general has its noticeable differences in desert style camping. so much missed or so much overstated. Some very relevant tips tho. Camp with me in the Supes and ill show you more bark scorpions, spiders, Gila monsters, and snakes in one day to make you think twice. Playing where the Apache play is not for children.
+Absurdginger Hopefully you understand that this video is very pacific-crest-trail-specific and is not meant as a comprehensive "how to hike in every desert ever" instruction manual. It definitely sounds like the Southern California desert is more forgiving than what you're used to. Happy hiking!
Hey Gold Mine!! What's your start date? Absolute best of luck this time around!! Maybe I'll see you on the CDT next year!
Stampede Hey! I'm starting the 22nd. If I can afford it you just might!
I don't know....I was a marine in the Saudi desert and it has ruined my cowboy camping. I just cant get over the amount of scorpions. I know our deserts are different but I just cant mentally get over it.
+Larry Cloyes G-d bless you and thank you for your service
+Will Penley it's hella called nor Cal !
would my Australian shepard be a great companion or an unwelcome hindrance on the trail? are dogs welcome on the trail?
+David Jeter My personal opinion? Leave him at home. I love dogs as much as (if not more) than then next guy but when you take them on trail you aren't giving them a choice about walking miles and miles every day for months on end. In terms of being a hinderance though? I never saw anyone have any problems other than when passing through certain state/national parks where dogs aren't allowed. Your dog would get so much love and attention from everyone. It's a very warm and fuzzy (no pun intended) community.
where would one search for water info and sources.
i live near the southern terminus and would like to at start.
+David Jeter do a google search for Halfmile's Water Report. It's a free, frequently updated document that lists ALL of the trailside water sources, how they are flowing, and when they were last checked. Honestly it is the most important information a hiker can carry in the southern 700 miles. More so than maps. It is off-season though so make sure you check when the water source was last reported on.
hello Kale, my name its Sacha. My wife and I will thru hike pct this year. We wanted your advise for the Sierras and dealing with the snow and cold weather. Do you have a video about this section of the trail?
thx
+sacha bergeron I don't yet because I view mountain and forest hiking as requiring much fewer specific skills but I've had enough requests to that I might make one. By the time you hit the sierras most of the snow will have most likely melted away leaving only occasional patches that will be very easy to navigate over (as long as you're careful). There will be tons of footprints to follow. In regards to temperature, because of the time of year you'll be hitting the sierras, they will be much much warmer than you think. You'll spend many nights completely out of your sleeping bag because it's so hot. The desert in spring and washington in fall will both be quite a bit colder than the sierras at the peak of summer (which is when you'll be hitting them). Hopefully that was helpful and I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have.
+Kale Scown I was under the impression that we have had highest snow level in past few years
Great stuff. Tons of info. If you need any support near section J let me know
Nature Calls Thanks! I might just take you up on that.
Nature Calls You're talking about Washington section J right? Not California section J?
Yep Washington. So J would be the middle section, I could reach either side. I am directly on Snoqualmie pass route and Stevens is pretty easy too. At least, if you remember, dinner at Snoqualmie. Or if you are with a group, we could do a barbque.
Nature Calls That's very generous. We'll keep in contact.
is it possible to hike section A of the pct in winter, the first 100 or so miles
+David Jeter Any section is possible to be hiked in winter (trauma and pepper proved that point) but I think you would be fairly safe in jumping on section A. From the boarder to warner springs (mile 109) the only spot that I would imagine getting snow would be Mt. Laguna.
Rattle snakes. They don't always rattle. They do if they are on the sides of the road. Normally they rest straight on the trail not rattling.. Just pick up a stick and throw at it. They will roll up while they go away rattling.
agree. they aren't the brightest of animals.
If you stop sweating or peeing, be worried because you're dehydrated
Yup. That is definitely true. It was 93 degrees when I did a hike last year in southern arizona and my hike loop was 4.5 miles roughly. I drank plenty of water beforehand and by the time I was done my urine was golden. 2 liters of water was okay but I probably should have taken more. Otherwise it was comfortable for the most part. For people that hike when it is really hot start as early as you can before temperatures spike. The crack of dawn is ideal.
Mountain Lions. There was one in my campsite in '96. It went after a raccoon. Agree if you see one. Be big, throw something. Don't be prey.
Should one hold pee to conserve fluid when running short of drinking water?
Absolutely not!! Once water is converted to urine and stored in the bladder it cannot be reclaimed/reused by the body, and should be excreted whenever the need arises. Holding your pee is very dangerous and can lead to UTI's and sever bladder distention .
I'm going to sound like a total wuss and I will accept any shit I get from this but I'm more terrified of a camel spider than I am of any bear, mountain lion, wolf, angry bees, hoards of mosquitos, snakes, hell let's also add sharks and rhinos but I just can't accept that freak of nature. I'm trying to think of anything that bothers me more than that, damn this bothers me a ton. Thanks for the great video man, Oh and these little bastards will chase your shadow if they find you in the daylight :(
+Will Penley They are ugly little bastards, no denying that! haha At this point though, after discovering that they are harmless and only want to be near you for warmth or shade I developed a bit of an affinity for them. Plus they're the natural enemy of scorpions so I'm ok with them being around.
Food: Storage
Prep
Meals on trail
Candy Granger Those are all on the docket for this week.
Walk. Eat food. Drink water. Walk. Derpa derp. So hard.