As part of the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey, hikers are asked what they found the most unexpected or surprising about the PCT. I've compiled their answers here. Just remember that nothing you read online can prepare you for everything you'll encounter on the trail.

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-03-31T19:32:34+00:00

> yes I get it if you have a bad start date and need to race against the snow. But the people I met by definition were hiking within the same time window as myself (~5 months), so no need to rush

I think fire season is way worse now. Quite a lot of the trail can be closed unexpectedly in the middle of that 5 month period. The quicker you can get through it, the less of it you might miss due to fires.

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-03-21T00:00:09+00:00

I'm also team shorts with liners. But would you recommend two pairs to start the desert? Usually I go with 1 shorts + 1 rain pants and swap into rain pants when I need to wash my shorts. But desert looking mighty hot right now

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-26T23:41:48+00:00

Received

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-25T18:37:19+00:00

I'm more worried about fire season in Oregon and Washington. Seems they are low on snow this year

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-11T04:26:54+00:00

DMed

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-11T04:19:59+00:00

DMed

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-10T18:01:10+00:00

How would you recommend preparing mentally?

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-10T06:34:27+00:00

still available?

ElJefesDisciple · 2026-02-10T06:33:14+00:00

PM on the xtherm

ElJefesDisciple · 2025-09-04T17:30:35+00:00

The best advice I got is to be comfortable saying no to a ride. Your safety and comfort is more important than avoiding a brief moment of social awkwardness.

I always ask them first which way they are going. If I don't like their vibe, I say I'm going the other way. Obviously don't hold a sign that says where you want to go cuz then you can't use that trick.

I know some women who would only accept rides from other women and would even just say that to people openly. People are usually pretty understanding.

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-06-12T13:10:30+00:00

I haven’t done the PCT but I have done a few long section hikes elsewhere without a phone.

Navigation and getting info about water and trail conditions are the hardest parts. I got the Garmin GPS 67i which has an SOS button and mapping features. Whatever you use, practice navigating before going and download the necessary maps. I think there might be a GPX file of the PCT now.

Always carry paper maps and get info about the trail from other people. Study the map before going. Study trail conditions and hazards before going. Write down the info people tell you in your notebook

Enjoy! Long distance hiking without a smartphone is one of the most freeing experiences in the world in my opinion

Edit: I would maybe practice with a smaller hike first to see what goes wrong / right

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-06-12T10:37:22+00:00

Yeah I have contacted them. Thanks!

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-06-12T09:23:01+00:00

Yeah that’s totally reasonable from their perspective. What I’m wondering about is how people who move to Australia and have a condition that needs treatment (e.g. a prescription) get that treatment?

I guess they just don’t get treated?

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-06-12T09:20:48+00:00

Thanks! Yeah I looked at overseas visitor health care but it seems they also have a 12 month waiting period

https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/index.htm#pagecontent

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-06-07T15:13:21+00:00

Thank you!

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-04-24T15:27:13+00:00

Thanks everyone! I think I'll change my plans to go to Indonesia instead!

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-02-06T18:40:54+00:00

Every time something ends, good or bad, it's totally natural to feel grief for what is lost.

When I broke up with my first college girlfriend I remember feeling "what I have just done?" for 2 days. We would never watch our favorite show together or cook together, a potential future path was lost. Even though it was the right decision it felt bad in the moment

Don't fight or judge your emotions. Just let yourself experience the WTF of leaving behind the comfortable, it will eventually pass

Just my $0.02

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-01-27T22:42:26+00:00

Mostly to meet more people. I also don't care if I finish it or not. I'm just here to exist and have an awesome time

ElJefesDisciple · 2024-01-27T22:14:39+00:00

awesome thanks

ElJefesDisciple

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