California coastal trail vs Pacific Crest - big difference in water carries

Did the Lost Coast section last summer and then a stretch of the PCT near Seiad Valley this spring. Totally different game. On the coast you can filter every few miles so you carry maybe a liter. On the PCT I had to haul 6 liters for a dry 18 mile stretch. Felt like packing bricks. Has anyone else found the water planning makes or breaks a route choice?

2 comments

2 Comments

ryanh5620d agoMost Upvoted

Nah I actually kind of like the big water carries. Keeps you honest and makes you appreciate the creeks more when you get there. Coast trail felt too easy with water everywhere, like cheating or something.

nina_jenkins20d ago

Whoa wait hold on, the Coast Trail felt too easy? Are you serious right now? I've done that hike and there were definitely some stretches where I was rationing my last few drops of water, I don't think I'd call it cheating.