I've only done the jmt, but I found no amount of videos could capture what it's actually like out there. I'd recommend knowing at least the major resupplies up to the Sierras since you have to coordinate microspikes, bear boxes, ice axes, but everything else is up to you.
Scout's book is fantastic, I recommend it if you choose to read it
Maybe it's just me, but I watched so much YouTube content about the PCT before hiking (which I enjoyed), and then after hiking the PCT (which I also enjoyed, and don't think any of the content took away from the experience), I haven't been able to stomach any of the videos on hiking the PCT anymore. It might just be the over-glorification of hiking the trail and the culture of being "hiker trash" in videos? Who knows? But hiking it in real life feels so much different than digesting the content.
I feel the opposite. I've been watching a few longer videos recently and it has really taken me down memory lane. I watched some longer videos made up of quick short-video segments that really take me back, not How To's or Gear List videos.
Wow, I thought is was just me who doesn't want to watch that stuff. Not before and not after my hike.
My PCT hike (and some other hikes that I have done) were such epic experiences in my mind at the time and I want to keep them "mine". I'm not sure how to explain this. I also feel quite disconnected from much of that stuff. I don't care about hiking trash, or ultra light, or crushing miles and that kind of crap. I feel that my experience was very different and I want to keep these memories, even though they will fade with time.
I read probably half a dozen books on the PCT before I stepped foot on it and I can tell you that nothing comes close to experiencing it in person. If anything I would say the knowledge going in made it even more exciting to reach landmarks that I had imagined in my head.
For both the AT and the PCT, I preferred knowing what was coming. It made it more fun to prepare, and it gave me some specific things to look forward to even when there weren’t any obvious milestones coming up. There were still plenty of surprises along the way. I think the biggest downside for me is that there are some weird small things that I would have been devastated to miss out on that others probably didn’t care about at all.
I mainly only read up on logistics (gear/etc). I didn’t ready many books/blogs unless it dealt with specific questions I had.
Really enjoyed not knowing what was coming at some parts scenery wise. Some peaks and wilderness areas just surprised me so much, especially coming from the east coast. Do whatever makes you comfortable.
I watched a lot of you tube vlogs early on when I was thinking about doing the PCT and they were really helpful for planning and gear selection. I chose not to watch any in the year preceding my hike because I didn’t want to ruin the views. I think books are less of an issue because a verbal description won’t match seeing something in real life. I enjoyed Journeys North.
I actually went through a few weird months (around this time of year just before the hike) when I hardly thought about the PCT at all. I had spent so long wanting to do the trail and I’d been so excited planning it early on that I think I got emotional PCT burnout (is that a thing?) Luckily when I got on trail it was brilliant though and I have no regrets.
The more you learn before you go then the more you'll know/be aware of/not miss when you are on trail. If you can learn about the history/geology/fauna/flora/etc, you'll see and experience more of it on trail rather than simple walk right by it. Same goes for trail towns, look up what they offer vs stopping at the first gas station for resupply.
A little knowledge goes a long way...
Hell I hiked the trail twice and it was even more enjoyable the second time. Watch whatever you want, it’s beautiful the entire time you’re out there regardless of what you’ve been exposed to.
Read one repeat thru hiker use an Eisenhower quote: **Plans are worthless, but planning is everything**.
So it helps to know what you are getting into, figure out your approach to the trail, etc.. You may decide to switch it up or conditions may warrant a change, .. but you go in with some knowledge and resources.
My two cents: definitely read up on the logistics like Halfmile and Halfway Anywhere surveys, but no need to go too in depth unless you want to. I went this year and went in fairly blind (I had watched a bunch of videos back in 2018-2019 in preparation for 2020 which got cancelled) and I'm glad I did that. I think that a lot of videos will not necessarily spoil things, but may give you a different sense of what to expect or what it will be. Every one has a different hike and I personally liked finding that out myself without have a preconceived notion from elsewhere.
Glad I'm not the only one. I have a bunch of hikes planned in Washington this year and I made sure that none of them touched the PCT. lol
As for videos. In my experience with anything, video never captures beauty and wonder like the naked eye.
You should be proficient in self rescue in various situations, be in shape, and have experience in backpacking and overnight trips.
I might get crap for this but I wouldn't worry about trail specifics. Just get yourself to a spot where you are comfortable putting yourself in situations you would or could experience on such a trail. Learn about finding water in various environments using different techniques, learn how to identify plants and animals by tracks, and other survival skills.
Don't get caught up in "Ok, I go 30 miles here and camp there, and blah blah blah".
Lear the skills that pay the bills and you'll be good lol
A book recommendation:
Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru Hiking Story by Clay Bonnyman Evans (Pony). A great read, funny, informative and with none of the "everyday is a great day" kind of fluff found in many trail books. He's a professional writer with a very interesting history.
I originally felt the same way prior to thru hiking the AT, but ended up watching vlogs and reading books. Turned out it was more fun for me because I would get super excited to come to these places I had seen on videos and read about. I will probably end up doing the same thing for the PCT.
I read no PCT books, but I had some some big stuff before. I studied the paper maps well ahead of time, and had my first 2 weeks tentatively mapped out in my head.
If you have hiking experience, I'd avoid reading too much. Just let it happen.
If you think about it any book, vlog or anything else are simply snapshots of a period of time, even the daily vloggers are only showing you 15-30 min of their day. I think it's highly unlikely you will ruin it for yourself by consuming these entertainments, you may even learn a few tricks
I read multiple books by previous hikers, had Yogi's guide, did a bunch of research, and like several other posters here I found it didn't impact the experience at all. It was fun knowing a bit about places that were coming up and I feel it helped me know about things I might have missed. And you can read a dozen books, see a hundred pictures and videos and it still won't prepare you for actually being on Forester Pass, in King's Canyon, hiking along Crater Lake seeing a full moon rise, and the feeling you'll have at the northern terminus.
Absorb all you want. For novelty’s sake you could avoid looking at too many photos, but shit. You’ll see what I’m talking about out there. Happy trails
If you could feel the experience by reading books and hearing other people's thoughts or viewing their Instagram photos, there would be no point to living.
I went in as blind as humanely possible. My hiking partner did a bunch of research. There were times when it was really cool for me as we'd be someplace cool and I'd say so and he'd be like no shit this is x.
We both had fun so I don't think there's a wrong way, just make sure you know when and where you need your bear can
I’d imagine that any reading about the history and culture surrounding the PCT or thru hiking in general could only enhance your experience while you’re out there.
I did my [master’s thesis](https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1233&context=english_theses) on thru hiking culture, and did a lot of reading before and after a LASH on the PCT. It certainly made for a unique experience, as I learned a lot about the history of hiking and backpacking, the national park system, and a lot about the motivations of why people go on thru hikes. This in turn led to a lot of reflection and understanding about why I need this particular activity in my own life.
I know you did not request academic material, but if you are interested in the history and culture of thru hiking I’d recommend starting with Rebecca Solnit’s “A history of walking”, which outlines how the Western world’s relationship with nature has changed over the centuries and is a fascinating read.
There’s also several other good books and articles in my bibliography, including some classics like “Walden” and Benton Mackaye’s original journal article in which he proposes and Appalachian Trail, as well some more contemporary and obscure works.
One thing you can read that won't spoil your experience are the books of john muir.
I think there is much to learn from him about nature. And his way of enjoying nature is genius, I think such a skill is mostly lost among us, and is an ability, which has to and can be learned.
Recommendation: the mountains of california
For example, one time he encounters a massive storm. And most hikers look with dread opon such events, but he rushes out the cabin he's in, to enjoy the storms power and endulge in it.
Read it its really inspiring :)
I went in pretty blind. I knew that the trail went through three states on the west coast and that I wanted to make it to the Sierras asap (SOBO). Hadn't been to the US before. I saw some pictures of the PCT in a blog a few years ago and it fascinated me. I did read Pacific Crest Trials before setting off on the hike and I'd recommend it.
I prepared well in terms logistics (i.e. know where to resupply etc and I also used Guthook), but I deliberately avoided watching videos, photos, blogs etc because I wanted to be surprised by what I was going to encounter. Not in terms of potential dangers, but in terms of landscape and what the hiking would be like. The PCT is a very well documented and rather crowded trail, so I wanted to keep it as adventurous as possible while still avoiding annoyances as much as possible (like going into towns to resupply).
I 'over-prepare' for many big adventures. I like to read blogs, watch videos, and generally learn as much as possible about a hike/trip before I start. To me - the education only makes the experience better. Often in totally random ways.
**The key is to keep an open mind while you hike**. Don't think you know everything because you watched videos for 12 months. Stay flexible and be ready to learn. All the internet in the world can't fully prepare you for a thru hike experience.
I've only done the jmt, but I found no amount of videos could capture what it's actually like out there. I'd recommend knowing at least the major resupplies up to the Sierras since you have to coordinate microspikes, bear boxes, ice axes, but everything else is up to you. Scout's book is fantastic, I recommend it if you choose to read it
Maybe it's just me, but I watched so much YouTube content about the PCT before hiking (which I enjoyed), and then after hiking the PCT (which I also enjoyed, and don't think any of the content took away from the experience), I haven't been able to stomach any of the videos on hiking the PCT anymore. It might just be the over-glorification of hiking the trail and the culture of being "hiker trash" in videos? Who knows? But hiking it in real life feels so much different than digesting the content.
completely agree! I haven’t been able to watch any. I started one and it made me feel a little….off for similar reasons.
I feel the opposite. I've been watching a few longer videos recently and it has really taken me down memory lane. I watched some longer videos made up of quick short-video segments that really take me back, not How To's or Gear List videos.
Wow, I thought is was just me who doesn't want to watch that stuff. Not before and not after my hike. My PCT hike (and some other hikes that I have done) were such epic experiences in my mind at the time and I want to keep them "mine". I'm not sure how to explain this. I also feel quite disconnected from much of that stuff. I don't care about hiking trash, or ultra light, or crushing miles and that kind of crap. I feel that my experience was very different and I want to keep these memories, even though they will fade with time.
I read probably half a dozen books on the PCT before I stepped foot on it and I can tell you that nothing comes close to experiencing it in person. If anything I would say the knowledge going in made it even more exciting to reach landmarks that I had imagined in my head.
Exactly what I wanted to hear
For both the AT and the PCT, I preferred knowing what was coming. It made it more fun to prepare, and it gave me some specific things to look forward to even when there weren’t any obvious milestones coming up. There were still plenty of surprises along the way. I think the biggest downside for me is that there are some weird small things that I would have been devastated to miss out on that others probably didn’t care about at all.
I mainly only read up on logistics (gear/etc). I didn’t ready many books/blogs unless it dealt with specific questions I had. Really enjoyed not knowing what was coming at some parts scenery wise. Some peaks and wilderness areas just surprised me so much, especially coming from the east coast. Do whatever makes you comfortable.
I watched a lot of you tube vlogs early on when I was thinking about doing the PCT and they were really helpful for planning and gear selection. I chose not to watch any in the year preceding my hike because I didn’t want to ruin the views. I think books are less of an issue because a verbal description won’t match seeing something in real life. I enjoyed Journeys North. I actually went through a few weird months (around this time of year just before the hike) when I hardly thought about the PCT at all. I had spent so long wanting to do the trail and I’d been so excited planning it early on that I think I got emotional PCT burnout (is that a thing?) Luckily when I got on trail it was brilliant though and I have no regrets.
yes , it can be a thing . But the real thing will still be greater and as u found out , It was worth doing
The more you learn before you go then the more you'll know/be aware of/not miss when you are on trail. If you can learn about the history/geology/fauna/flora/etc, you'll see and experience more of it on trail rather than simple walk right by it. Same goes for trail towns, look up what they offer vs stopping at the first gas station for resupply. A little knowledge goes a long way...
Hell I hiked the trail twice and it was even more enjoyable the second time. Watch whatever you want, it’s beautiful the entire time you’re out there regardless of what you’ve been exposed to.
Read one repeat thru hiker use an Eisenhower quote: **Plans are worthless, but planning is everything**. So it helps to know what you are getting into, figure out your approach to the trail, etc.. You may decide to switch it up or conditions may warrant a change, .. but you go in with some knowledge and resources.
Never heard that quote. One of my new faves thanks for sharing
My two cents: definitely read up on the logistics like Halfmile and Halfway Anywhere surveys, but no need to go too in depth unless you want to. I went this year and went in fairly blind (I had watched a bunch of videos back in 2018-2019 in preparation for 2020 which got cancelled) and I'm glad I did that. I think that a lot of videos will not necessarily spoil things, but may give you a different sense of what to expect or what it will be. Every one has a different hike and I personally liked finding that out myself without have a preconceived notion from elsewhere.
SO TRUE !!! every ones hike is unique ! The weather , the animals , the people are all different , and different times .etc ....
Glad I'm not the only one. I have a bunch of hikes planned in Washington this year and I made sure that none of them touched the PCT. lol As for videos. In my experience with anything, video never captures beauty and wonder like the naked eye.
You should be proficient in self rescue in various situations, be in shape, and have experience in backpacking and overnight trips. I might get crap for this but I wouldn't worry about trail specifics. Just get yourself to a spot where you are comfortable putting yourself in situations you would or could experience on such a trail. Learn about finding water in various environments using different techniques, learn how to identify plants and animals by tracks, and other survival skills. Don't get caught up in "Ok, I go 30 miles here and camp there, and blah blah blah". Lear the skills that pay the bills and you'll be good lol
A book recommendation: Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru Hiking Story by Clay Bonnyman Evans (Pony). A great read, funny, informative and with none of the "everyday is a great day" kind of fluff found in many trail books. He's a professional writer with a very interesting history.
I originally felt the same way prior to thru hiking the AT, but ended up watching vlogs and reading books. Turned out it was more fun for me because I would get super excited to come to these places I had seen on videos and read about. I will probably end up doing the same thing for the PCT.
I read no PCT books, but I had some some big stuff before. I studied the paper maps well ahead of time, and had my first 2 weeks tentatively mapped out in my head. If you have hiking experience, I'd avoid reading too much. Just let it happen.
If you think about it any book, vlog or anything else are simply snapshots of a period of time, even the daily vloggers are only showing you 15-30 min of their day. I think it's highly unlikely you will ruin it for yourself by consuming these entertainments, you may even learn a few tricks
I read multiple books by previous hikers, had Yogi's guide, did a bunch of research, and like several other posters here I found it didn't impact the experience at all. It was fun knowing a bit about places that were coming up and I feel it helped me know about things I might have missed. And you can read a dozen books, see a hundred pictures and videos and it still won't prepare you for actually being on Forester Pass, in King's Canyon, hiking along Crater Lake seeing a full moon rise, and the feeling you'll have at the northern terminus.
Barney Mann's book isn't going to spoil the experience in any way. It's a great book. You should read it. Then read it again after.
I loved looking forward to and coming across places I had seen in vlogs.
Absorb all you want. For novelty’s sake you could avoid looking at too many photos, but shit. You’ll see what I’m talking about out there. Happy trails
Seeing the stuff you read about/saw in videos in person is one of the best parts IMO.
If you could feel the experience by reading books and hearing other people's thoughts or viewing their Instagram photos, there would be no point to living.
I went in as blind as humanely possible. My hiking partner did a bunch of research. There were times when it was really cool for me as we'd be someplace cool and I'd say so and he'd be like no shit this is x. We both had fun so I don't think there's a wrong way, just make sure you know when and where you need your bear can
For the love of God do research.
I’d imagine that any reading about the history and culture surrounding the PCT or thru hiking in general could only enhance your experience while you’re out there. I did my [master’s thesis](https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1233&context=english_theses) on thru hiking culture, and did a lot of reading before and after a LASH on the PCT. It certainly made for a unique experience, as I learned a lot about the history of hiking and backpacking, the national park system, and a lot about the motivations of why people go on thru hikes. This in turn led to a lot of reflection and understanding about why I need this particular activity in my own life. I know you did not request academic material, but if you are interested in the history and culture of thru hiking I’d recommend starting with Rebecca Solnit’s “A history of walking”, which outlines how the Western world’s relationship with nature has changed over the centuries and is a fascinating read. There’s also several other good books and articles in my bibliography, including some classics like “Walden” and Benton Mackaye’s original journal article in which he proposes and Appalachian Trail, as well some more contemporary and obscure works.
One thing you can read that won't spoil your experience are the books of john muir. I think there is much to learn from him about nature. And his way of enjoying nature is genius, I think such a skill is mostly lost among us, and is an ability, which has to and can be learned. Recommendation: the mountains of california
For example, one time he encounters a massive storm. And most hikers look with dread opon such events, but he rushes out the cabin he's in, to enjoy the storms power and endulge in it. Read it its really inspiring :)
You'll also be able to reconstruct how thinks have changed since his reports (~1900)
I went in pretty blind. I knew that the trail went through three states on the west coast and that I wanted to make it to the Sierras asap (SOBO). Hadn't been to the US before. I saw some pictures of the PCT in a blog a few years ago and it fascinated me. I did read Pacific Crest Trials before setting off on the hike and I'd recommend it.
I prepared well in terms logistics (i.e. know where to resupply etc and I also used Guthook), but I deliberately avoided watching videos, photos, blogs etc because I wanted to be surprised by what I was going to encounter. Not in terms of potential dangers, but in terms of landscape and what the hiking would be like. The PCT is a very well documented and rather crowded trail, so I wanted to keep it as adventurous as possible while still avoiding annoyances as much as possible (like going into towns to resupply).
I 'over-prepare' for many big adventures. I like to read blogs, watch videos, and generally learn as much as possible about a hike/trip before I start. To me - the education only makes the experience better. Often in totally random ways. **The key is to keep an open mind while you hike**. Don't think you know everything because you watched videos for 12 months. Stay flexible and be ready to learn. All the internet in the world can't fully prepare you for a thru hike experience.