[pct-l] water and walking

[Scott Bryce]

Abigail Wilson wrote:
> First off, do most PCT hikers wear boots?

No!

Most wear trail runners, or similar shoes. Some wear sandals. A very few
wear boots.

> Trailrunners are more popular on the eastern trail, but it seems that
> all the snow and rockier terrain (esp the Sierras) would require more
> support.

In the Sierra, your feet will get wet. Boots take a long time to dry out.

Also, the terrain is rockier than on the AT, buy the trail bed tends to
be smoother.

> Is it reasonable to start in boots and switch to lighter footwear
> after the Sierras?

Boots can be killers in southern California. The first 700 miles or so
of the PCT is largely desert. You want to wear breathable foot wear to
keep your feet as cool and dry as possible. You will be amazed how much
the heat from the ground will radiate to your feet. Boots will hold that
heat in.