Sr_HefeWho's done it?
What trail?
Dates?
Pack Weight?
Resources for planning?
I want to do the PCT in the next 2 years. I'm a reasonably experienced backpacker and I'm planning to devote up to 8 months for the trek and am just beginning to research the logistics of the trek so any information helps.
Not experienced at this by any means, but I've been super into it lately. I started listening to the backpacking light podcast and that pretty much set it off. Shameless plug for that. I got into it because they did a super in depth podcast on synthetic down and the differences between that whole genre; it was incredibly interesting to me. Sometimes they go too in depth about topics, but if you're about to drops serious coin on any item to help your trips, I suggest checking their selection out. I've listened to some of them that I don't even give a shit about. There is also a large social media presence on PCT and AT, check out IG and the youtube videos, probably FB groups out there as well.
I'm never going crazy into ultralight, but I think it's really cool. Most of those people are going sub 20lbs and more like sub 15lbs for their thru hikes, which I personally find kinda nuts. I'm perfectly fine with a 30lb pack on a multiday and I don't see that sucking significantly more into the weeks range to keep some of those comforts these dudes power through.
My only advice is to do a shit ton of day and overnight trips to get everything dialed in. I did a day trip off the bench, then did this research and tailored my load down with some of the youtube tips and tricks I found. It was pretty cool realizing that you don't need to get a ton of expensive new gear when you can just be smarter about it. I think the ultralight packs themselves are really cool when you pair them with all the ultralight gear to maximize the effect; i'm just going with a lighter pack that still has a frame and going from there until I make it to a time when I'm ready for a legit thruhike.
