The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT as it’s known, is a legendary route that snakes through the wild heart of America. Looking back, I still can’t quite believe that what I started planning over a year ago is now becoming a reality. For me, this is a massive leap out of my comfort zone.
Tearing myself away from my family for five months, sorting out all my health issues, and getting approval for extended leave from work – that was just the beginning. Getting visas and permits felt like the cherry on top of an already massive cake.
Long Prep, Clear Goal
One of the upsides of such a long preparation period was having ample time to sort my thoughts and figure out if I *really* wanted to take on this crazy challenge. As my departure date – March 17th – loomed closer, I felt more certain than ever.
I spent a ton of time poring over blogs, watching videos, and meeting people who had already conquered the PCT. Every piece of advice, every opinion, and every shared experience helped me build a picture of what lay ahead.
Ultralight Gear: The Key to Success
I had the advantage of starting with virtually no hiking gear, so I could build from scratch. I decided to invest in ultralight versions. Of course, it’s always a balancing act between price, weight, and comfort. I had the chance to test many items on last year’s trips during my Camino or the Stezka Českem.
The result of all this prep is what you see below. Now, all that’s left is to hit the trail and let the PCT work its magic.
