Nine Tips for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 (BPR #348)

On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek presented by LMNT, we break things down for the 2026 PCT hiking class with another edition of our top tips for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Chaunce and I are joined by everyone’s favorite salsa/SOS, Elise Ott, to share some new tips for hiking between Mexico and Canada, including tips on how to handle the sun, ideas for tackling the trail during a heavy snow year, tips for dealing with wildfires, the beauty of cowboy camping, the importance of rolling with the punches, and much more.

We end the show with some big news from the PCT’s southern terminus, the most overrated month for backpacking, the list of animal sightings, and I give my one-minute gear reviews on a number of new items I tried out on the SDTCT, including a new backpack, shelter, and trekking poles.

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Panel with Elise “SOS” Ott

Timestamps and questions

00:05:25 – Reminders: Apply as a vlog or blog for Trek, subscribe to the Trek newsletterand listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:08:17 – Introducing Elise

00:13:53 – Tell us about your next career goals

00:22:30 – Introducing today’s panel

00:24:01 – Elise’s Tip #1: Roll with the punches

00:27:06 – Chaunce Tip #1: Look for side quests early

00:30:41 – Zach’s Tip #1: Have a plan for the sun

00:34:44 – Elise’s Tip #2: Save more money than you think you need

00:36:45 – Chaunce Tip #2: Prepare for Wildfires

00:48:40 – Zach’s Tip #2: Consider going south in high snow years

00:56:05 – Elise’s Tip #3: Check Yourself Before Making Decisions

01:03:15 – Chaunce Tip #3: Cowboy Camp if you haven’t already

01:05:40 – Zach’s Tip #3: Break it into small sections

01:08:00 – Honorable mentions

01:13:52 – Stay Salty Question: What is your best view of the backpacking world?

Segments

Propaganda Clues: Construction of the barrier will begin at CDT’s southern terminal by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What is the most overrated month for backpacking?

Triple Crown of Bucket List Animal Sightings

One Minute Equipment Reviews

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