Overheard some guy at a gear shop bragging about doing 40 miles a day on the PCT with a 12 pound base weight

I mean that just sounds like a recipe for injury and no time to actually enjoy the scenery. Has anyone else run into these ultralight speed demons who make you feel lazy for taking a zero day in town?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_brian6d ago

Right, because nothing says "enjoying nature" like turning a thru-hike into a brutal, painful death march. Sounds like a great way to pay a ton of money just to hate your life for six months.

holly7096d ago

My buddy tried that 40 mile a day stuff last year on the CDT and ended up with stress fractures in both feet by Colorado. I think those guys forget that the PCT isnt a race, its supposed to be a hike. Plus a 12 pound base weight usually means theyre cutting out things like a real first aid kit or extra socks, which is just dumb when you are that far from town.

thomasgonzalez6d ago

Man I used to be one of those guys honestly. Thought I was being tough and efficient, crushing miles like it was a competition. But then I blew out my knee on a 30 mile day and spent a week in a hostel watching other hikers actually enjoy the trail. That changed everything. Now I do 15 miles tops, take real breaks, and my pack weighs 20 pounds with actual food. Way better experience.