[pct-l] 2014 SOBO questions

[Diane Soini]

On Nov 1, 2013, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> From: Cody Coppernoll <cody.coppernoll at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] 2014 SOBO questions

> 1. What is the easiest/ most legal way of starting the PCT SOBO to  
> include the Canadian section without flip-flopping the trail?

You have to start somewhere in the US, hike to the border and  
backtrack. There is no other legal way anymore.

>
> 2. I plan on carrying an ice axe, crampons and a GPS for most of  
> the trail to avoid any possible problems with snow-covered  
> mountains, are there any crampons that work well with trailrunners  
> or running-shoe type shoes?

The Kathoola KTS crampons will fit most trailrunners and they are the  
bomb.

>
> 3. I plan on wearing trailrunners and running shoes for the entire  
> trail like most resources suggest, I was wondering how these types  
> of shoes hold up in the snow or if I should consider a different  
> type of shoe for these sections?

Most trailrunners are sturdy enough to hold up in the snow. But  
starting in Washington just after late May, you may need full winter  
gear. Generally you have to wait until early July to do a SOBO hike  
because of snow.

Instead of SOBO, perhaps consider starting your hike in Agua Dulce  
and hiking north with everyone else. Then at the end, return to Agua  
Dulce and hike SOBO. You may be able to find others doing the same  
thing so you won't have to be alone.

Also, even though you will still be in college, see if you can attend  
the Kickoff. It's in late April down by the border and a lot of fun.