In general, thru-hikers should plan to go through
3 to 4 pairs
of shoes. Salomon remains the most popular brand for hiking boots among AT long-distance hikers, while Altra has maintained its lead from last year as the most popular brand for trail runners.
How many pairs of shoes do you go through PCT?
You’ll want to replace your shoes about every 400 miles. This means two things: your shoes must be durable enough to last 400 miles, and affordable enough for you to purchase
6 to 7 pairs
over your entire Pacific Crest Trail hike. When it comes to sizing, keep in mind that your feet will swell.
How many socks bring Appalachian Trail?
To put this in perspective, hikers need no more than two pairs of underwear (and some opt for zero),
two pairs
of socks, and for women hikers, one sports bra.
How many miles a day should you walk on the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers start out slow, averaging eight to 10 miles a day. They will eventually work up to
12 to 16 miles a day
. Don’t worry if you end up doing less some days and more on other days; as long as you set a goal for where you need to be each month, you will survive and successfully complete the trail before winter.
How many miles can hiking shoes last?
Most hiking boots can last
between 500 and 1200 miles
depending on these variables. Comfort, safety, and damaged material should all be taken into consideration when determining if a pair of boots need replaced. If not replaced in a reasonable time frame worn down boots can cause blisters, joint pain, and discomfort.
Can I hike in sneakers?
If it’s a paved nature trail, even a pair of city sneakers can handle it
. If you expect to hike in cold, wet conditions, you might prefer the warmth and protection of a sturdy boot with a waterproof membrane, but you can find waterproof trail-running shoes as well.
Do I need rain pants on the PCT?
Rain pants are not considered an essential item by all hikers
, but if you’re going to bring rain pants, you want them to be good rain pants (in case you didn’t catch this when we were talking about rain jackets above).
What gear do I need to hike the PCT?
The garments used during the active portion of a trip on the PCT and considered to be the basic outfit include
socks, footwear, underwear, pants, shirt, warm jacket, hat, mittens or gloves, and rain gear
. The term “extra clothing” refers to additional layers that would be needed to survive bad storms.
What temperature should a PCT bag be?
Temperatures on the PCT can be anywhere between the teens to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so no one sleeping bag is going to be perfect for every night. Most hikers find a quality
20-30 degree down sleeping bag or quilt
to meet their needs for almost every night of the trip.
Do you need a tent on the Appalachian Trail?
It’s possible to hike the Appalachian Trail without a tent
.
They’re free. So “thru-hikers,” people who walk the full distance in a continuous hike, often leave the tent at home, saving as much as 5 pounds from their backpacks.
Are scrub pants good for hiking?
Light and packable, as well as breathable and moisture wicking,
they’re perfect for town pants during an extended backpacking trip or camp clothes after your day hike during frontcountry adventures
.
How much clothes should I bring on a hike?
Having
at least two pairs of pants, shirts, and underwear
means you can wash and dry one while you’re wearing the other. But some people will need to pack another shirt or more underwear, or maybe pants and shorts to stay sane.
Can you carry a gun on the Appalachian Trail?
In general,
ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail
for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.
How many days does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?
A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes
between five and seven months
, although speedsters have done it in less than 50 days. The average hiker’s pace is about three miles an hour. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence.
How much weight can I lose hiking?
Overall Weight Loss
A 185-pound person who hikes three times a week for two hours each outing is likely to lose approximately
1 pound per week
if the calories consumed are the number required to maintain weight. Keep in mind that you may lose less if you weigh less or more if your weight is higher.
Do hikers live longer?
The study from the American Cancer Society followed 140,000 older adults and reported that those who walked six hours per week had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer than those who were not active, but that
walking even as little as two hours per week could begin to
…
How long should a pair of hiking shoes last?
Mileage Considerations. Some shoe manufacturers recommend consumers replace their hiking boots
every three to six months or every 350 to 500 miles depending on usage
. This milestone may be accurate, depending on the type of hiking a person enjoys and the conditions in which the boots were used.
Can you use trail shoes for walking?
Wearing proper trail shoes can keep your feet dry (many are waterproof), provide good traction for walking over rocks, and offer thick cushioning to protect your feet
. Find trail shoes that fit your walking needs, are comfortable, provide good traction, are flexible, and fit your feet well. Some offer a wider foot.
Can you wear Nikes on a hike?
If, by hiking, you mean trekking up and down gently-sloping well-defined trails,
sneakers are perfectly fine
; if, on the other hand, you’re exploring wilderness areas or ‘rock climbing’, you’ll need suitable footwear.
Can you use road running shoes on trail?
For best results,
wear a pair of road running shoes on hard surfaces and put on your trail runners when you go off-road
. Road running shoes are built to last, but only on treadmills, streets, and sidewalks. Their lightweight uppers may get beat up by rocky terrain.
Are timbs good for hiking?
Closing Thoughts.
Timberland hiking boots are not the best picks if you’re looking for hiking boots
. They are not flexible enough or durable enough for modern hikers to wear. While you can wear them on short day hikes, expect your Timberlands to fail you once you start distance hiking.
How much should your pack weigh on the PCT?
| SLEEPING PAD | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | PRICE | $45 | TYPE | Foam | WEIGHT | 14 oz / 410 g | R-VALUE | 2.6 |
|---|
Can I hike in joggers?
Like we’ve said above –
yes, you can go hiking in sweats
. Certain comfort is guaranteed if you’re enjoying a short, well-managed hiking path. Sweatpants also provide ample insulation during transition seasons. However, we don’t recommend wearing sweatpants for long technical hikes.
How do you pack for a trail?
- Lightweight rain jacket.
- Long-sleeve shirt.
- Fleece.
- Long pants (if you’re hiking in shorts)
- Extra pair of socks.
- Beanie and/or a sun hat.
- Gloves.
What you need to know before hiking the PCT?- When to Start and Which Direction to Go.
- Expect the Hike to Take Five Months to Complete.
- You’re Going to Need Permits—Lots and Lots of Permits.
- In Case You Also Want to Climb a Huge Mountain.
- Carry Plenty of Water.
- Leave the GPS at Home.
- Altitude and Elevation.
Do I need bear spray on the PCT?
Resident PCT bears are legendarily good at getting human food. In some of regions along the trail,
all scented items MUST be in a bear canister
. Where they’re required, these canisters must be on the list of allowed canisters published by that land management agency.
Are there Grizzlies on the PCT?
So, are there grizzly bears on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Yes, there are still technically grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) on the PCT
, your chances of coming across one are slim to none.
