Looking for Tips from Long Distance Hikers

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Anyone here ever done hiking for more than a week? Like attempted real long distance trails? Specifically would like information about the Pacific Crest Trail, but any tips from people who hike in general would be nice. I'm planning on spending my summer out on the PCT this year.

I've already done a lot of research on the PCT itself, been to its website

You would need to carry lots of water, which is very heavy in your backpack. I suppose everybody knows that, so not much helpful.

You don't give a lot of details about your plan, but if you've not done long distance hiking a long stretch of the PCT is not the place to learn. The southern end can be quite hot in summer and you have to carry all your water. I plan for 1 liter=3 hours=5 miles in the desert, its a little bit conservative, which is good. In the Sierras parts of the trail can be snow covered into July, and I mean like several feet of snow in some spots. To do the whole thing you have to start at just the right time to avoid desert heat and mountain snow, and average over 20 miles a day. You need to plan where to camp each night and possibly make reservations in advance. I don't know about permits, you might need some. I think there are books that cover all these things in more detail.

The most ambitious hikes I've done have been to/from lodges where I didn't have to carry all my own food, a tent, etc. I only carried about 15-20 lb on me for those. Generally, a long distance hiker carries more. Plan exactly what you're going to take and try carrying it on 5-10 mile days hikes before you attempt long trips. I've found just getting everything to fit in your pack can be a challenge. Its a lot like going to the moon- rehearse everything in advance and have a plan B if something doesn't work out.

I would consider leaving Yoda at home.

All common sense stuff but thanks anyways . I don't have exact dates worked out yet, I'll start forming those when I can actually get permits for the parks. I know at some point in early May though for sure for what they recommend for Northbound hikers. Not looking to finish the trail, just spend as much time as I can before I have to return for college in late August. I've camped and done some hiking before, I've been up a few mountains. Was going on the longshot someone here had maybe done long distance hiking before and had a good list of actually necessary items to carry and maybe good body weight to pack weight ratios. I think I'll start lurking for a PCT forum.

I would live to do some long distance hiking too. My first target is the Camino de Santiago. I know parts of this are unflattering now but I still think that may add to the charm.
For tips and experiences with the PCT, I used to be a regular reader at http://carrotquinn.com/ and she recounts PCT adventures. She used to have such a unique lyrical "voice," too, but honestly she started to mention poo and periods ALL the time and it got a bit much for me. But still, some insight perhaps.
In the US I'd like to start with the Appalachian Trail. Do you plan on / have you done some more great American trails or just PCT and see how you go?

Thanks for the link to the blog, probably will be some useful info there. I haven't a whole lot yet, but I intend on doing a lot of hiking in my life. I'd like to do the whole triple crown at some point, but for now I have to settle with most of the PCT this summer.

I've begun training, going to start walking my dog every day or so with 20/30 pounds of water weight in my shotty backpack. Will get a quality ultralight backpack in the next month or so. Talked to my mom about the logistics of the trip. Need to find a good way to calculate my caloric needs on the trail.

No! Very helpful, he will be. Catch birds, start fires, mmm?