A Hikers Guide to the Pacific Coast Trail

A Hikers Guide to the Pacific Coast Trail

Interview of Joe Johnson

What trail are you hiking?

I decided to hike the Pacific Coast Trail through Northern California and up through Oregon and Washington until the Canadian border.

Why did you decide to embark on this?

I embarked on this journey to disconnect from the world. I just needed a break from modern technology and it has been such a relief to be disconnected and connect with the nature and refocus myself.

What have been the most difficult part so far?

The physical part has been by far the most difficult. Hiking all day with minimal food and rationing your water takes a toll on your body. The weight you carry on your back is also a muscular strain because even though you’re only supposed to take 10% your body weight, it is hard to limit yourself especially when you are on your own.

What has been a pleasant surprise on the trail?

The sheer beauty of the nature on the trail. Those moments when you are going to bed and under the stars with no light pollution to drown them out, all the animals making noises in the forest, it’s a phenomenal experience.

How did you prepare?

I bought all the gear and supplies, most of which it turns out I don’t really need and is just extra weight. I also started doing day hikes nearby so that I could get accustomed to hiking and break in the boots. The most helpful though was reading the guide book and blogs of others who have gone on the hike and are considered “hike experts” in my opinion.

What advice would you give to someone going on the trail?

No matter how much practice you get it will never prepare you for the real grueling task of the hiking. I would also advise them to be very sparse with the packing and not worry too much about the hypothetical situations in which you need each item. Most importantly, enjoy disconnecting from our modern world.