Don’t Let Fear Be Your Trail Companion: Three Ways to Avoid Inducing Fear on the Pacific Crest Trail

While traversing the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2023, I learned a thing or two about how to stay away from fear mongers. These are the people who are quick to tell you how dangerous a particular aspect of the trail can be, even if they have almost zero experience or knowledge of the current conditions. I have also noticed that many of these negative Nellies like to talk about what they suspect is true and not the reality of things.

Currently, as many of you know, I am preparing another hike. I am preparing to hike the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), walking from Mexico to Canada. It will be a trip of approximately 2,650 miles. I’m already exhausted just thinking about it.

I know that, just like my AT hike, I will face some naysayers, those who fall into the fear-mongering category. Below, I will share with you three ways I plan to avoid the prophets of doom throughout my journey.

Yes, I understand that the PCT will push me to my limits, make me question my sanity at times, and ultimately leave me with an epic beard and a plethora of war stories at the end.

The PCT can be intimidating for many hikers. Just talking about hungry bears, blizzards, or 20-mile days can turn the bravest souls into a scared bitch. At least, that’s the prediction about my future self. Don’t get me wrong, being alert is a good thing. In fact, a pinch of caution shows a lot of wisdom. While it is true that being reckless and carefree can be exciting and somewhat liberating, it can also lead to disaster and many disappointments. In other words, don’t throw caution to the wind when it comes to embarking on an off-piste expedition.

That said, I know I’ll come across some chicken pieces soon. “The sky is falling” will be its frightening melody. Although their intentions may be pure in nature and they only want to be “useful” to the foreigners they meet, these people have been known to embellish tales of woe and warn about everything from the hunting pattern of mountain lions to impassable whitewater rapids when the current is just a trickle.

So how should a hiker like me avoid getting caught up in the frenzy of fear?

1. Surround myself with positivity (and a good dose of skepticism)

You know the saying: «You are who you surround yourself with.» So hang out with people who are excited about your adventure and aren’t too terrified about your life. Join online forums, attend trail angel meetings, or find a hiking buddy who’s been around the block a few times. When someone starts telling you about the angry bear that ate their friend’s backpack (spoiler alert: it probably didn’t happen), just smile politely and change the subject.

Another approach would be to stay off social media altogether. Or at least as much as possible. I have learned that most fear comes from the depths of the World Wide Web. In other words, many pessimistic reports are given from the comfort of a person’s couch or in front of a computer screen. It’s easy to assume that many of them have never set foot on a trail, or at least have not embarked on a long-distance hike of any kind. My advice would be to be astutely distrustful, but also understanding and polite. Again, the person’s motives may come from a place of legitimate concern.

2. Focus on preparation, not paranoia

Don’t get me wrong, it is essential to expect the unexpected and be prepared to overcome the many obstacles a hiker will face. I must carry the proper equipment with me, I must know how to navigate the terrain I will be covering, and I must pack a sufficient first aid kit and a means of satellite communication. If things go wrong, I want to be prepared.

That being said, I don’t want my preparation to turn into paranoia. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, I’ll focus on what I can control: my training, my equipment, and my attitude.

3. Get clear information (from reliable sources)

When it comes to PCT preparation, there’s a fine line between being informed and being too scared. I plan to stick to trusted sources when it comes to trail hazards or best-known practices when faced with a challenge. Some reliable sources would be the Pacific Crest Trail Association, trail blogs from experienced hikers, or guides written by people who have actually been there and done that. Again, avoid the «clue rumor mill» – you know, those Facebook groups where everyone is an expert and the predators lurking around the clues are always bigger and worse than the real thing.

In conclusion, instilling fear is like marking a bad path: it will lead you astray and make you lose your way. I believe that if I surround myself with positivity, focus on preparation, and get my facts straight, I will be on the right path to an epic PCT adventure. I will not let fear mongers get me down or distract me from my experience on the trail.

I’m looking forward to lacing up my trail running shoes, donning my backpack, and hitting the trail with a good measure of discernment and plenty of anticipation. Because I know the PCT waits!

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