Re: PCT Section Hike - JMT
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 7:38 pm
By the time the PCT'ers hit the Sierra they have already been out a month or more and are in great shape, totally acclimated and accustomed to the 25+ miles per day. They have it down to a science. Plus they seldom do this day after day. Usually 3-5 days on the trail then a "zero" in town. Perhaps, you should start with a few lower mile days and then work up to the longer days to avoid injury (particularly feet).
Carrying 7 days food is not that bad. Every day your pack gets lighter too! If you re-pack the food, it fits in a bear can. I would say take a minimal amount you think you need to reach Reds Meadow, and if you see you are running low when you near Muir Ranch, then get some there. You may not have to. I have also begged food off backpackers on the trail. A lot of people going out have brought too much food and are very happy to get rid of some. I have scored gas for my stove this way too.
I disagree that you cannot enjoy or see much if you do those miles. A relatively moderate trail pace is 2mph. If you limit rest stops, 10 hours of walking is 20 miles. Mid July you have 16 hours of daylight. Hike 12 hours and you about have your 25 miles. If you go UL carrying a pack does not mean you are looking down at the trail all day. I see plenty while I am hiking. My old body would not be able to keep up 25 miles a day for 9 days straight, but young fit people should do just fine. You just have to be a very dedicated hiker and keep your feet from getting beat up. The few times I have camped at the Muir Ranch campsite I saw several people who had to quit because their feet were hamburger.
Good luck. Have fun.
Carrying 7 days food is not that bad. Every day your pack gets lighter too! If you re-pack the food, it fits in a bear can. I would say take a minimal amount you think you need to reach Reds Meadow, and if you see you are running low when you near Muir Ranch, then get some there. You may not have to. I have also begged food off backpackers on the trail. A lot of people going out have brought too much food and are very happy to get rid of some. I have scored gas for my stove this way too.
I disagree that you cannot enjoy or see much if you do those miles. A relatively moderate trail pace is 2mph. If you limit rest stops, 10 hours of walking is 20 miles. Mid July you have 16 hours of daylight. Hike 12 hours and you about have your 25 miles. If you go UL carrying a pack does not mean you are looking down at the trail all day. I see plenty while I am hiking. My old body would not be able to keep up 25 miles a day for 9 days straight, but young fit people should do just fine. You just have to be a very dedicated hiker and keep your feet from getting beat up. The few times I have camped at the Muir Ranch campsite I saw several people who had to quit because their feet were hamburger.
Good luck. Have fun.