Thanks to so many diligent hikers who blog, write books, create maps and dedicated software for the PCT, there’s a ton of information available to help first time thru-hikers like me. This is what I’ve used as research thus far:
BOOKS
Even a first timer like me knows to read Yogi’s PCT Handbook. What did hikers do before this? I recommend to start by ordering this book. You’ll receive the Planning Guide and the Trail Tips and Town Guide. Read the Planning Guide before you do ANYTHING! Then re-read specific sections as they become more relevant to your prep. If you don’t live in the US or Canada like me it will cost you just over $80, but it’s worth every cent and will save you money in the long run. Go on, order it now! And no, I don’t receive free copies, royalties or additional love for this plug!
Pacific Crest Trail Data Book – I haven’t used this book yet but it literally tells you everything you’ll encounter on the trail from water sources to showers to grocery stores. I still need to get used to EVERYTHING being measures in miles. I hope to have mastered the imperial system by the end of this trip. I bought this book on Amazon for about $11.
Wild – From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed. I wasn’t going to read this novel written by a woman who solo hiked the PCT when she was 26, but a friend sent it to me for my birthday. I plan to read it before the hike!
BLOGS
My all time favourite: Erin “Wired” Saver’s blog which I continue to visit for advice and inspiration. Erin completed the PCT in 2011 and is now attempting to complete the Triple Crown – PCT, Continental Divide Trail (CDT in 2013) and the Appalachian Trail (AT).
Stein’s Pacific Crest Trail Journal 2012 – I only read bits and pieces from this one but enjoyed it non-the-less.
Wandering the Wild – these guys have the best info on food which is definitely my weak point.
Best Q&A – not sure how I came across this one now but it’s a great read.
DOCO’S:
The PCT Library – http://www.planyourhike.com/media/index.php
WEBSITES:
PCT Website – http://www.pcta.org/
Plan Your Hike – http://www.planyourhike.com/
Craig’s PCT Planner – http://www.pctplanner.com/
Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Crest_Trail
Annual Day Zero PCT Kick Off (ADZPCTKO) – http://adzpctko.org/
Pacific Crest Trail 101: How to Hike 2,650 Miles and Survive – https://hikeandcycle.com/pacific-crest-trail-101-how-to-hike-2650-miles-and-survive/
Food:
Outdoor Herbivore – http://outdoorherbivore.com/
Mountain House – http://www.mountainhouse.com/
Pack Light, Eat Right – http://www.thru-hiker.com/articles/pack_light_eat_right.php
One Pan Wonders – http://onepanwonders.com/
Knorr noodles (everyone seems to recommend these) – http://www.knorr.com/product/category/245876/pasta-sides
Kirkland Trail Mix – http://www.amazon.com/Signature-Peanuts-Candies-Raisins-Almonds/dp/B0017DGR1U
Resupply:
PCT Food and Resupply info – https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/thru-hiking-long-distance-hiking/resupply/
Postholer.com – http://postholer.com/databook/resupply.php#
Wandering the Wild – http://wanderingthewild.com/2011/12/05/food-mail-or-buy/
Permits:
PCT Permits- http://www.pcta.org//planning/before_trip/permits.asp
Entry into Canada via the PCT form – http://www.pcta.org/pdf/Canada-Entry-Form.pdf
Gear:
Erin ‘Wired’ Saver – http://www.walkingwithwired.com/p/gear-list_03.html
Tent – http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/experience-series/hubba/product
Backpack – http://www.ula-equipment.com/packoverview.asp
Backpack forum – http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?85547-ULA-Circuit-or-catalyst
Alcohol stoves (homemade) – http://www.homemadealcoholstoves.co.nr/
Shoes – http://www.salomon.com/us/segment/hiking-shoes.html
Water filter – http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/HikingCamping/WaterTreatment/WaterFilters/PumpFilters.jsp
Water filter pen – http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/HikingCamping/WaterTreatment/PRD~5024-196/steripen-adventurer-opti.jsp
Maps/Apps:
Halfmiles’ PCT Maps and GPS info (FREE maps – thank you!!) – http://www.pctmap.net/
Halfmiles PCT Map app – https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id521937514?mt=8
John Muir Trail maps by Tom Harrison (for the Sierra’s) – http://www.freenew.net/iphone/john-muir-trail-map-11/346338.htm
iPhone app – http://hikethru.com/store
Hike Your Own Hike (HYOH) iPhone app – https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id461413265?mt=8
Itineraries:
Gottawalk (check out their whole blog, it’s mind blowing) – http://www.gottawalk.com/PCT2000/PCT_itinerary.htm
Rachel & Scott’s 2650 mile adventure – http://pct-hike.randsco.com/Contact/Itinerary.html
Water Reports:
PCT Water Report Southern California – http://www.4jeffrey.net/pct/
Mexico to Canada 2013 