Introduction

Preparing for your Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike is a lot of fun. It's also very important. The better you prepare, the more care-free your hike will be. Everyone hikes their own hike, but there are some basics that we all have in common.

The Basics

Before you leave you'll need to:

  • Get all your gear (clothing, sleeping bag, shelter, etc., etc., etc.)
  • Get all the food that you plan to have sent to you (if any)
  • Get all the permits you may need
  • Decide how you will resupply along your hike
  • Get your resupply boxes ready. Then call to verify all the addresses and shipping requirements for all your resupply points
  • Find a reliable support person (someone to send you your resupply packages while you're on the trail)
  • Practice the skills you'll need on the trail (map reading, navigation, self-arrest, etc.), and test your gear & clothing setup on an overnight test hike
  • Have your mail forwarded to your support person if nobody will be home to recieve it for you
  • Arrange to have any bills paid either via your support person, or through your bank's automoatic bill paying service
  • Arrange transportation to and from the trail

    • It's also strongly recommended that you join the PCT-L mailing list. There you'll get all your personal questions answered by experienced PCT enthusiasts, along with up-to-date trail information. The PCT-L provides a real sense of community during the months preceding your hike.

    Once you have all that squared away it's just one adventurous step after another!

    Resupplying

    Getting food, fuel, gear, and other supplies along the trail is an art of its own. Naturally you won't be able to carry everything you need from Mexico to Canada without resupplying. To learn some tricks of the trade, check out our resupply page. PlanYourHike.com has also put together a complete list of all PCT resupply points to help you plan your hike.

    Financing

    The average thru-hike costs between $4,000 and $6,000. Some thru-hikes can costs much more. But you don't have to let finances stop you from living your dream. To learn more about how to finance your Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike check out the financing page.

    SouthBounders

    Hiking the PCT Southbound requires some special planning considerations. If you're thinking about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail Southbound you'll want to check out the SouthBounder's page.