[pct-l] Pct-L Digest, Vol 59, Issue 26

[Brian Lewis]

"it appears as if the AT is an easier one that the PCT. If one is new to
this type of hike do you think tackling the AT would be a good trainer if
you will for the PCT?"

I don't suggest that you think of the AT as easier.  I would instead
suggest that you do the trail you most want to do, as not everyone will
find that they're inclined to do more than one long trail.

It's true that the PCT requires some snow skills and includes some
stretches where water sources are farther apart.  But the AT has a lot of
challenges too, as well as unique risks (lyme disease in particular).   The
trail quality is overall worse, there's more needless climbing up and down.
 The White Mountains are just tough going, at least if you're trying to do
what is in other places considered decent mileage; in places in there it's
more like low grade scrambling than hiking.

The AT does give you some advantages in starting out --- the shakedown at
Neel's Gap helps a lot of folks, I think, and trail culture, shelters, lots
of hostels, etc plus resupply locations closer together.  But if you go to
the kickoff for the PCT you get wonderful starting-out help and advice, and
you start with more long distance hiking veterans to learn from.  And the
trail is just overall nicer, not to mention much more scenic.

Unless walking in a bit of snow daunts you, start with the trail you most
want to walk.


         Brian Lewis / Gadget