Links to PCT Related Sites

Major Sites

Pacific Crest Trail Association- When it comes to where to start getting information about the PCT, there's no better source than the PCTA. Find out about the trail, how to hike it. While you're there you might as well join the PCTA, purchase the guides and maps and maybe a video or two.

American Long Distance Hikers Association West - ALDHAW - So you want to do a long hike. Well go here first. You'll find about the long trails in America, Tips on gear to carry, How to tread on the land and Leave No Trace, and many more things.

Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association - ALDHA - While this site is centered around the Appalachian Trail, it has useful information for any long distance hiker.

PCT Journals Online

PCT Hiker Journals - You can read these after reading mine.

Make Your Own Gear

Lightweight Backpacker Homemade Gear -A selection of gear that you can easily make.

Lightweight Backpacking

The Lightweight Backpacker - One of the first and largest sites for getting information on lightweight backpacking. You can read reviews, find out about the latest equipment, get equipment list and order some of those rare items not carried by the major outdoor suppliers.

Joe's Ultralight Backpacking - This site has a FAQ on why to practice lightweight backpacking, in addition to tips on equipment and some trip reports.

Michael Connick's Ultralight Backpacking - Contains his gear list, a list of books for shedding the pounds (the pack that is), an alternate approach to clothing and more.

John O' Ultralight Backpacking - Contains a gear list, his 1999 AT hiking journals, FAQ, lightweight version of a ZIP backpacking wood stove and more.

Commercial Sites for Lightweight Gear

Backcountry Equipment- Good place to purchase Frogg Togg rain gear online. Best yet they don't even charge for shipping in the US.

E.S.C.A.P.E Co. - Good source for Esbit Fuel tabs. Cheaper than Campmoor.

Feathered Friends - They make the best down bags. (At least in my opinion.) Checkout their new waterproof shells made from Epic fabric.

GoLite - New site dedicated to providing the latest in lightweight gear. Much of is is fashioned after gear proposed by Ray Jardine. The gear is good although it's expensive.

GVPGear - Maker of a 4600 cubic inch pack that weighs in at 11 oz.

Lynne Whelden - LWgear - Lynne is know for his video tapes on hiking the long trails. His 4 hour plus video on How to Hike the PCT is packed full of useful tips on doing a successful thru-hike. He also sells his own line of lightweight gear. Including tarps, a 14 oz pack, Tyvek ground cloths, and sleeping blanket.

Stephenson's Warmlite - Home to lightweight tents, vapor barrier clothes and naked people.

Ultralight-Hiking.com - This provides steps of reducing your gear, reviews and an online store.

Wanderlust Gear - Home of the famous Nomad 2 lb. tent.

Mailing List

PCT-L mailing list for people interested in the Pacific Crest Trail

Lightweight Backpacking - For people interested in lighten their load.

Miscellaneous

Fixing Your Feet - Because when it comes right down to it, without them, we'd never leave the parking lot.