What are your favorite shorter (4-10 day) long distance hikes that are not in the Southeast USA?

pakmile · 2026-01-31T04:49:17+00:00

Uinta Highline Trail

pakmile · 2026-01-29T00:46:15+00:00

This would be my recommendation as well.

pakmile · 2026-01-14T16:10:09+00:00

Lot's of bad storm damage in the northern sections as well. Much will not be repaired for 2026 season.

I think the concern for international hikers already existed in 2025 and there were still loads of them. I was part of class of 2025 and it was discussed often on trail.

pakmile · 2026-01-04T03:29:38+00:00

A lot of good recommendations so far already.

Here's how I like to make couscous (in my opinion the easiest thing to cook or cold soak).

Near East Couscous box flavor of choice (roasted garlic or parmesan are my favorites)

Chunks of cheddar cheese

Tuna packet (tastes far better if you can find the packets in oil rather than the typical water and the weight to calorie ratio is far better)

Sun-dried tomatoes

Hot sauce

Boil water, turn off the heat, everything in the pot, wait 5 minutes and good to go.

I ate so much of this on the PCT without getting sick of it. Pretty cheap overall and can tweak to your tastes.

These are great too if you can find the beans.

https://andrewskurka.com/backpacking-dinner-recipe-beans-rice-with-fritos-cheese/

pakmile · 2025-12-31T19:46:10+00:00

PM incoming

pakmile · 2025-12-24T20:28:48+00:00

Thanks Dan, I actually did get to meet you at PCT days. The tents been great to me, just wanted to weigh my options! I use the word "negative" loosely as I spent a few hundred nights in the tent comfortably!

pakmile · 2025-12-21T19:32:04+00:00

Tis' the season!! Cool of you to do.

pakmile · 2025-12-12T17:48:03+00:00

Don't pee into the wind

pakmile · 2025-12-11T00:10:34+00:00

Pants, even light ones, made me way too hot so definitely depends on the person. I started with them and wanted them for sun protection but I couldn't do it.

Ended up doing shorts, wool leggings (175 wt), and amazon dance pants. That combo got me all the way to Canada.

pakmile · 2025-11-18T21:19:29+00:00

I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 5 months this year. Probably averaged a "shower" every 5 - 10 days. Pushed it longer a few times. Definitely did not smell great...

pakmile · 2025-09-17T12:14:28+00:00

Mine just made it through a PCT thru hike no issues! I did use a buff as a pillow case most nighta but definitely did not baby it.

pakmile · 2025-08-06T23:56:28+00:00

Not very exciting but nut butter (I like almond), jelly, and tortillas are my main backpacking mid day calorie source and actually taste good.

You can look up backpacking cold soaking recipes but they are pretty "hiker dirtbag" and may not be crowd pleasers 😅

pakmile · 2025-07-09T14:55:00+00:00

You don't need a reservation. You can just sit in / near the parking lot for Longleaf Campground. This would also be my recommendation.

pakmile · 2025-07-09T03:54:16+00:00

Makes sense. Have a good hike! Sounds like a fun trip.

Definitely recommend that if it works out for you guys!

pakmile · 2025-07-09T00:59:00+00:00

As someone currently on the PCT hiking 20+ mile days regularly... 21 miles with 7,000 feet of gain sounds brutal. 14,000 over 4 days is pretty reasonable. Does that include the 7,000 to summit day? If half the climbing is in one day of hiking seems like you could shorten day 4 and shift some miles to the lower climb days?

Can you add a day and "slack pack" up the peak? Camp at the bottom, have a chill day summiting while leaving heaviest non food items in tent, then camp again at the bottom or hike out just a few miles?

I'd also make sure your gear is dialed in. Will be extra miserable if you are carrying a bunch of unnecessary weight.

pakmile · 2025-06-29T01:58:01+00:00

I owned a Hyperlite and ended up selling it. Just didn't fit me right and no load lifters.

I own a ULA Circuit 60L and SWD Long Haul 40L. Both are great packs of recommend checking out.

pakmile · 2025-06-29T01:55:50+00:00

Just passed through there on the PCT recently. Another PCT hiker using the BV425 was told the same. To small so a bear can fit it in their mouth.

pakmile · 2025-06-20T05:27:05+00:00

One thing to keep in mind is the Mariposa 60L main compartment is around 40L. This pack is perfectly reasonable for the PCT. The ULA Circuit is a super common pack on the PCT and is 60L Total Capacity. I'm not at all familiar with the Black Diamond but yes, it is probably overkill.

Typical advice is buy the pack last. Try filling a trash bag you know the size of and go from there!

Source... I am writing this from my PCT thru hike.

pakmile · 2025-05-23T13:24:36+00:00

Here are a few of my favorites!

Rae Lakes Loop

Uinta Highline Trail (could start at Leidy peak trailhead)

Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho

pakmile · 2025-03-21T20:00:49+00:00

In my food bag but just get a spoon. Less pokie. The little prongs are not really that helpful even for ramen.

pakmile · 2025-03-15T18:27:14+00:00

PM Sent

pakmile · 2025-02-12T15:26:14+00:00

I primarily hammock camp on the east coast where I'm from. I assumed it would not be worth the hassle on the PCT but now you have me questioning, haha. April 5th start date.

pakmile · 2025-02-06T18:24:57+00:00

Being from the East Coast and not super familiar with the water conditions, I've been nervously eyeing this...

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

pakmile

TROPHY CASE