TIL the Pacific Crest Trail has over 1,000 miles without reliable water

I was planning a section hike for next summer. Started looking at the PCT water report. Turns out from the Sierra to the border it's like a desert. Over 1,000 miles where you gotta carry 6 liters or more. Found that stat on the PCTA website. Blew my mind. Anyone else get surprised by water carries on long trails?

2 comments

2 Comments

wren_carr1mo agoMost Upvoted

Blew my mind" too, I'd probably drink my own tears by mile 50.

grant7281mo ago

Wait, are you saying you'd actually rather chug warm salty water than just carry your own water? I mean yeah dehydration is real but so is the fact that your own tears aren't gonna replace the electrolytes you're losing. By mile 50 you'd be way worse off than if you just brought a filter bottle and drank from a stream. Plus think about it - you're already crying from the pain and exhaustion, why would you want to make that worse by drinking it? I'd take a solid water plan over tear hydration any day.