[pct-l] water and walking

[Spring]

Hi Abi -
 
On your question of shoes - I think most folks go the whole way in trail runners, but some switch off.  It probably matters your timing for the snow more than anything else.  Read the FAQ at Postholer for some general comments.

 
I think that the Steripen works OK, but for me that is restricted to "when it works."  I had a model that was quite finicky - it would work fine, and then just not work at all.  Then the next water it would work...  A real pain.  I carried a tiny bottle with dropper of bleach for those back-up moments.  I usually just drank the water untreated if it came out of an obvious spring.  I never had any sickness attributed to bad water.
 
On the comparison of the AT vs the PCT: the AT is probably more physically stressful (the hills are shorter, but steeper), while the logistics of planning the PCT are much harder (much less access to towns).  It still comes down to the little things: from a very unscientific survey the biggest cause for dropping out is blisters on either trail
 
Happy hiking whatever your choice -
Spring
 
>
>Hello all!
>
>I'm planning my first thru-hike and wanted to feel you out on a couple of
>things.  I orginally planned to do the AT, but have become increasingly more
>obsessed with the PCT and am trying to figure out how much my assumptions
>should change.  I'm trying to go as ultralight as possible.
>
>First off, do most PCT hikers 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.  Is it reasonable to start in boots
>and switch to lighter footwear after the Sierras?
>
>Also, I'm looking into water purification options.  Has anybody used a
>Steripen for a thru-hike?  They seem like a great, but unreliable, idea.
>What's given you the most success?
>
>This list has been really informative already - thanks for all the sharing!
>If you have any other general advice, don't hold back!  You can email me
>directly too, if you want.
>
>Abi, NC