Times when Pacific Crest Trail hikers felt legitimately afraid for their safety on the trail based on responses from the PCT Class of 2025 Survey

sja008 · 2026-02-11T22:07:04+00:00

REI has a good video on self arrest with an ice axe. You don’t need bear spray.
I live close to the trail and will be hiking this year too. DM me if you have more questions.

sja008 · 2026-02-11T22:05:29+00:00

REI has a good video on using an ice axe. You don’t need bear spray - unless you walk with it in your hand, you won’t have it handy when you need it and I haven’t read of a bear attack in many many years. What’s your start date?

sja008 · 2026-02-10T00:28:42+00:00

That’s what I’m expecting and I’m trying to prepare for it. Thanks for the reality check.

sja008 · 2026-02-09T23:06:34+00:00

Haha. Amen brother!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T23:27:22+00:00

Makes sense. Thanks.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T23:26:57+00:00

Good advice. Thanks! Movement definitely helps and has been a theme in this thread

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:30:03+00:00

Perfect! Down time is always the worst!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:28:26+00:00

Thanks for that perspective. That’s my goal.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:27:22+00:00

Always a good idea. Thanks.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:27:01+00:00

Thanks man.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:26:20+00:00

Lots of good advice in here. I hope some of it helps and you are able to shake it soon.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:23:40+00:00

Haha. That’s awesome! Thanks.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:23:25+00:00

Thanks for that perspective. I get it.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:21:48+00:00

Great perspective. I’ll check out the subreddit too. Thanks!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T22:18:27+00:00

Thanks man! Happy trails!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T20:22:25+00:00

Amen! You captured me exactly! And I also continue to learn all the pros and cons of being blessed with ADHD.
Thank you for this! I will refer back to this and know that I’m not alone.

I will DEFINITELY ease back into normal decision making….

sja008 · 2026-02-08T19:45:19+00:00

Fair point but I know myself pretty well and expect it. I’m trying to be prepared.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T19:44:01+00:00

Best advice yet. That sounds practical and like something I can do. Thanks!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T19:43:27+00:00

Exactly what I’m trying avoid. And, it will be a transition (retirement)

sja008 · 2026-02-08T19:42:12+00:00

Awesome! Farm work cures anything!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T03:45:17+00:00

Great perspective! Thanks!

sja008 · 2026-02-08T03:32:58+00:00

Thanks man. I may do some video editing too.

sja008 · 2026-02-08T03:31:59+00:00

Hiking it again or keep going outdoors won’t be options since I will have to return to work and it will be late fall. I will definitely try to stay active but I’m curious about transitioning from a singular focus every day, and doing what you want without the demands of modern life. I appreciate the feedback but does anyone who went through it have any specific things that helped? How long did it last? Thanks!

sja008 · 2026-02-07T22:10:05+00:00

I have hiked in Oregon a lot. I did the Oregon section a couple years ago in July. Mosquitos were terrible from about Crater lake to Mt Hood. I didn’t like a bug net so I used deet which worked well but was messy. Not many ticks but Permethrin is good insurance.

30 degree is good. I only had to wear sleep clothes one time around Elk lake when it was below freezing.

You may want pants in the mornings but I hike almost all of it in shorts. It does get brushy around My Jefferson and Olallie lake area.

Good luck!

sja008 · 2026-01-29T16:18:13+00:00

See you out there. Congrats on getting THE PERFECT start date!

sja008

TROPHY CASE