#135 | Hiking the PCT: Logistics, Preparation, & Gear Advice

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are diving into all things Pacific Crest Trail related. This is another panel featuring our hero and fellow PCT hiker, Elise Ott aka Sauce, and in it we share our best advice in regards to training, logistical prep, gear advice, ideal start dates, pacing, dealing with extreme temperatures, and much more. If you're planning a long-distance trek on the PCT, whether a section hike or a thru, you will glean valuable insights from this one. We wrap the show with a slew of segments in celebration of Backpacker Radio turning four years old, including some trivia, a listener voicemail, Trek propaganda, and more. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code "thetrek" here.  Save 20% at Organifi with code "BACKPACKER" PCT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, & Sauce Time stamps & Questions 00:05:45 - QOTD: What's been your most iconic moment of Backpacker Radio over the past 4 years?  00:12:13 - Reminders: Elise's Announcement & Internship Opportunity  00:18:30 - Mara thinks she's fired  00:27:35 - Introducing the PCT Panel  00:21:16 - Chaunce's Tip #1: No bulking seasons  00:38:00 - Elise's Tip #1: Don't over plan  00:43:27 - Zach's Tip #1: 3 steps to prep  00:49:20 - Zach's Southbound Advice: It's all about timing 00:52:38 - Having a good diet on-trail 00:53:52 - Zach's healthy hiking food recommendations  00:59:48 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Shipping food on PCT  01:04:50 - Packing out morale-boosting snacks/drinks  01:08:15 - Elise's Tip #2: PCT start dates  01:14:20 - Elise's snow experience in September  01:20:30 - Zach's Tip #2: Heat Training  01:29:37 - Electrolytes in the desert  01:32:00 - Gear Setups  01:32:14 - What tents did everyone use?  01:43:33 - What's everyone's sleep system?  02:00:40 - What backpacks did everyone use?  02:10:40 - Is the BPR crew outdated with their gear?  02:21:00 - Voicemail Question: What's your opinion on PCT resupplying?  02:30:38 - Elise's advice for a snow year: collaborate with a group SEGMENTS BPR's Top 10 Cities  Countries w/ 1 BPR Download  4 Year Trivia Answers Dragonfly = 4 weeks, Houseflies = 4 months, Guinea Pig = 4 years Who is the 4th richest American? Larry Ellison of Oracle What hike did Jabba complete in 2018? Colorado Trail You have $4 for a meal, what do you buy? 4-Themed Trek Propaganda Articles Four Reasons Why I Will Thru-Hike the A.T. at Forty by Heather Oconnell Four Things I Will Never Hike Without Again by Claire Dumont Our Colorado Trail Gear Lists: The Big Four by Kate Houston 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.