In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we are diving into all things Pacific Crest Trail related. This is another panel featuring our hero and fellow PCT hiker, Elise Ott aka Sauce, and in it we share our best advice in regards to training, logistical prep, gear advice, ideal start dates, pacing, dealing with extreme temperatures, and much more. If you're planning a long-distance trek on the PCT, whether a section hike or a thru, you will glean valuable insights from this one. We wrap the show with a slew of segments in celebration of Backpacker Radio turning four years old, including some trivia, a listener voicemail, Trek propaganda, and more.

Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. 

Enlightened Equipment: Save 10% off Enlightened Equipment’s Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket with code “thetrek” here. 

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PCT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, & Sauce

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:45 - QOTD: What’s been your most iconic moment of Backpacker Radio over the past 4 years? 

00:12:13 - Reminders: Elise’s Announcement & Internship Opportunity 

00:18:30 - Mara thinks she’s fired 

00:27:35 - Introducing the PCT Panel 

00:21:16 - Chaunce’s Tip #1: No bulking seasons 

00:38:00 - Elise’s Tip #1: Don’t over plan 

00:43:27 - Zach’s Tip #1: 3 steps to prep 

00:49:20 - Zach’s Southbound Advice: It’s all about timing

00:52:38 - Having a good diet on-trail

00:53:52 - Zach’s healthy hiking food recommendations 

00:59:48 - Chaunce’s Tip #2: Shipping food on PCT 

01:04:50 - Packing out morale-boosting snacks/drinks 

01:08:15 - Elise’s Tip #2: PCT start dates 

01:14:20 - Elise’s snow experience in September 

01:20:30 - Zach’s Tip #2: Heat Training 

01:29:37 - Electrolytes in the desert 

01:32:00 - Gear Setups 

01:32:14 - What tents did everyone use? 

01:43:33 - What’s everyone’s sleep system? 

02:00:40 - What backpacks did everyone use? 

02:10:40 - Is the BPR crew outdated with their gear? 

02:21:00 - Voicemail Question: What’s your opinion on PCT resupplying? 

02:30:38 - Elise’s advice for a snow year: collaborate with a group

SEGMENTS

BPR’s Top 10 Cities 

Countries w/ 1 BPR Download 

4 Year Trivia Answers

• Dragonfly = 4 weeks, Houseflies = 4 months, Guinea Pig = 4 years
• Who is the 4th richest American? Larry Ellison of Oracle
• What hike did Jabba complete in 2018? Colorado Trail
• You have $4 for a meal, what do you buy?

4-Themed Trek Propaganda Articles

• Four Reasons Why I Will Thru-Hike the A.T. at Forty by Heather Oconnell
• Four Things I Will Never Hike Without Again by Claire Dumont
• Our Colorado Trail Gear Lists: The Big Four by Kate Houston

5 Star Review

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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup.

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.