In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by LMNT, we are breaking things down for the class of 2026 PCT thru-hikers with another edition of our top tips for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Chaunce and I are joined by everyone's favorite sauce/SOS, Elise Ott to share some brand new tips for trekking between Mexico and Canada, including advice about managing the sun, thoughts for approaching the trail during a high snow year, tips for dealing with wildfire, the beauty of cowboy camping, the importance of rolling with the punches, and much more.

We wrap the show with some important news from the PCT southern terminus, the most overrated month for backpacking, the bucket list of animal sightings, and I give my one minute gear reviews on a slew of new items I tested on the SDTCT, including the a new pack, shelter, and trekking poles.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.

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Panel with Elise "SOS" Ott

Elise's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:25 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:08:17 - Introducing Elise

00:13:53 - Tell us about your upcoming running goals

00:22:30 - Introducing today's panel

00:24:01 - Elise's Tip #1: Roll with the punches

00:27:06 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Look up side quests in advance

00:30:41 - Zach's Tip #1: Have a plan for the sun

00:34:44 - Elise's Tip #2: Save more money than you think you need

00:36:45 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Prepare for encountering wildfires

00:48:40 - Zach's Tip #2: Consider going southbound in high snow years

00:56:05 - Elise's Tip #3: See it for yourself before making decisions

01:03:15 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Cowboy camp if you haven't yet

01:05:40 - Zach's Tip #3: Break it down into small sections

01:08:00 - Honorable mentions

01:13:52 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Barrier Construction Set To Begin at CDT Southern Terminus by Kelly Floro

QOTD: What's the most overrated month for backpacking?

Triple Crown of bucket list animal sightings

One-Minute Gear Reviews

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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9 Tips for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 (BPR #348)