Category Archives: Hiking advice

PCT videos featuring our very own Dana Hendricks (and Cheryl Strayed) hit Shape Magazine

Hiking advice, WILD book, WILD movie

Shape Magazine invited us to step in front of the camera for their video series telling the story behind Cheryl Strayed’s Wild. Dana, our staff member in charge of the Columbia Cascades Region, sat down in the bushes and hit the trail with the genuine Monster to offer tips and advice about the PCT. Check them out! Dana’s Expert Tips For Hiking The PCT We’re … Continue reading PCT videos featuring our very own Dana Hendricks (and Cheryl Strayed) hit Shape Magazine →

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The Ten Essentials: critical gear for hiking and backpacking

Hiking advice

Wondering what should go in your pack? This stuff! The “ten essentials” really do need to find a place in your backpack. Don’t leave home without them. Navigation (map & compass) Always carry a detailed topographic map of the area you are visiting and place it in a protective case or plastic covering. Always carry a compass. You may also … Continue reading The Ten Essentials: critical gear for hiking and backpacking →

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Basic skill: pooping in four steps

Hiking advice

We’ve got to say it: some of you need potty training. Don’t panic, the PCT is nearly entirely poop free. You can walk miles and miles without coming across someone else’s business. Thank goodness. But walk long enough and you’ll develop the outdoors sixth sense: the ability to notice things you didn’t see before. Uncovered feces, barely covered feces, and … Continue reading Basic skill: pooping in four steps →

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Safety class: avoiding search and rescue

Hiking advice

Get outside but be darn sure that it’s not your last trip. Plan and play while avoiding the whomp, whomp, whomp of a helicopter. No one goes into the wilderness intending to be rescued. Even seasoned outdoor enthusiasts get into trouble. Unfortunately, outdoor emergencies are not rare. Three facts of life There is intrinsic risk in the wilderness. Lightning, cold … Continue reading Safety class: avoiding search and rescue →

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Memorize these PCT Leave No Trace principles

Hiking advice

Leave No Trace: the golden guidelines of the outdoors. Here they are, specifically tailored to the PCT with a hope that they’ll be more relevant and thus you’ll read and follow them. Plan Ahead and Prepare Poor advance preparation can cause damage to the environment. Small impacts repeated by thousands become major impacts. Examine PCTA, U.S. Forest Service, National Park … Continue reading Memorize these PCT Leave No Trace principles →

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