Why water is so important

Water is essential for survival in the backcountry, but it is also one of the heaviest things you will have to carry in your pack. One quart of water weighs in at a whopping 2 lbs! So, it doesn’t make much sense to spend so much time and money reducing your pack weight only to carry too much water and weigh it down again. On the other hand, it’s also not smart to skimp on water just for the sake of reducing pack weight because that’s dangerous.

In this post you will discover where to find accurate water source information for the Pacific Crest Trail, what the best water containers are, how much water to carry between sources and some strategies I use to reduce the amount of water weight in my pack (without sacrificing safety or risking dehydration).

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Pacific Crest Trail Southern California Snowpack Map (click to enlarge)

Despite it’s reputation Southern California is not all beaches and deserts. After a heavy winter northbound thru hikers can sometimes expect to encounter snow in the mountains of SoCal as late as May or June.

This elevation map shows the areas on the Southern California Pacific Crest Trail above 5,500 ft where you might encounter heavy snowpack in the Spring following a big winter.

Note: 2010 is already stacking up to be a big snow year in Southern and Central California.

Hiking in Snow:

Here are some tips for how you can be prepared for deep snow on the trail:

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I just finished filling out my permit applications to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail again this year. Here is some information about the various permits you will need to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail:

Thru hiking permit

Thru hikers can get a permit that covers camping in all of the different jurisdictions the Pacific Crest Trail passes through from the Pacific Crest Trail Association. A thru-hiking permit is free to PCTA members. They suggest a $5 donation for non-members. Thru Hiking Permit application (PCTA).

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Maildrops vs. Buy as you go

There are two methods of getting supplies on the trail.

You can buy everything in advance, package it up before you leave home, and recruit someone to mail the packages out to towns along the way so you can pick them up. Maildrops are typically sent “General Delivery” to Post Offices in trail towns where hikers can claim them with a valid ID. Some trail angels and businesses near the PCT also accept maildrops and occasionally they may need to be sent by UPS or Fedex.

The second method, known as “buy as you go” involves purchasing food and supplies from stores in trail-towns or purchasing items online (when an internet connection is available) and having them sent to upcoming resupply stops.

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Places where you may find isobutane fuel canisters on the Pacific Crest Trail

Southern California

•    San Diego (Many sporting goods stores)
•    Mt. Laguna (Mt. Laguna Store)
•    Idyllwild (Nomad Ventures)
•    Palm Springs (Big 5, hitch here from I-10)
•    Big Bear Lake (Equada Outfitters)
•    Wrightwood (Trail Angel: Mollyann Tretter)
•    Agua Dulce (Trail Angel: The Saufley’s, big hiker box)
•    Tehachapi (hiker box / mail drop, or hitch to Bakersfield)

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