PCT Hiker Survey
Here's a link of data from Halfway anywhere, it has lots of info from people who did the PCT.
Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey (2024)
Gear Recommendations
Gear recommendations from PCT hikers.
Here's what I used on my 2022 Thru Hike: I started with this in March 2022.
Then my tent fell apart, and I switched to a new ultralight tent in September 2022.
In 2024, I returned to finish the closed sections due to the fires in 2022. I used the following setup, and it is currently what I do for most backpacks now.
Shoes
As for shoes, whichever you choose, replace them every 500 miles, even if they look fine. Stretching is a good preventive practice for a successful thru-hike. I stretch my soleus and gastrocnemius calf muscles in the morning, before bed, and during the hike whenever I feel weak knees or tightening calves.
Snow Travel Training
I took a snow travel course with Sierra Mountain International, which helped me feel better about the technical aspects of snow travel. They will teach more in-depth techniques with crampons and how to self-arrest with an ice axe. Mention that you are a WTC Sierra Club student and ask for the discounted price.
Planning
Sewer's PCT Resupply Planner spreadsheet ( I will go through this later and add some notes based on my experience)
Craig's PCT Planner
Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide (2024 Survey)