Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Southbound - Francis Tapon

[MrGranitemountain]

holy crap. I am an avid hiker/climber. Many of my friends consider me extreme. But I am in awe when I come across something at a level so far beyong what I have ever done. Cool video but more importantly, great cccomplishment

[ftapon]

@MrGranitemountain Thanks man! Then you'll think I'm completely nuts if you look for my CDT YoYo hike!

[19tbs89]

@ftapon I'm pretty sure that makes you certifiably insane! Happy trails! I look forward to watching/reading about it!

[dawson169]

When did you leave in the Southbound direction from Manning Park? I'm really curious because it must be tricky compared to the Northbound option.

[ftapon]

@dawson169 I left Manning Park on June 24, 2006. I write more details about going southbound. Just search for "why sobo?" and you'll see my article on my webpage.

[andyactive]

An aesome achievement...well done

[aquafication]

I can't wait to do this on my own! How did you train, exactly?

[ftapon]

I write about that in my book! However, the quick answer is: simulate a thru-hike on the weekends (long weekends are best). Hike at least 20 miles a day on both Sat and Sunday. Take Monday off and do an extra 20 miles. You'll learn a lot just doing that. And it's great training!

[aquafication]

Sounds like solid advice to me! Thank you.

[absouser]

@ftapon That is probably the worst training advice i have ever heard. Anyone who attempts three twenty+ milers in a row with none behind them is in for a world of hurt. Mid journey through hikers dont like doing this. I recommend 7-10.

The unfortunate truth is that very little can prepare someone for a long distance hike. stay fit, and try training your metabolism to rip through 3-4 thousand calories per day

[ftapon]

@absouser Good point. Yes obviously you should work up to 3x 20-milers. I should have said that during the week you should run at least 4 miles per day (or 30-45 minutes of running). Do that and doing 1-3 20-milers on a weekend isn't so hard. Yes, you'll be sore, but it's just as important to train your mind to the monotony of walking so far as it is to train your body. Happy trails!

[huskerjeff1]

Francis...I love ya and am envious of what ya have done, but serious brother...some of the outfits, kinda gay...i mean no disrespect, cause like i said, I love what you have accomplised, but my conscience made me ask...some of them shorts are mighty tight!

[ftapon]

Huskerjeff: I hear 'ya, but some might say that worrying about how you look like while you're backpacking is kinda gay. ;-)

Seriously, Lycra shorts have the advantage of preventing chafing in your groin. And when you're walking thousands of miles, that's a good thing, no matter how gay it might look to the few observers in the wilderness.

[huskerjeff1]

Hey Fracis,

I was just giving ya a hard time. Seriously, like i said above, I can only dream of someday being able to do what you have been able to do! And I definitly hear you regarding chafing!! That sh*t sucks!! Like I said, just joshing you in good fun! :) Keep posting all the awesome hikes/adventures so I can live my love of the wilderness through your posts! I have much respect for you brother!

[mtb9090]

great picture at 3:02 is there anyway u can send me a copy through email

[bijan84]

did you take a digital camera? and was it easy to keep it safe? I'm interested in documenting my journey with photos.

[ftapon]

I brought a digital camera and kept it safe by keeping it in a ziplock. If it was raining, I might put it in two bags. The PCT and CDT are relatively dry trails, so keeping your electronics dry is pretty easy, although you have to beware of the dust. The AT is harder because of the humidity. Just air it out whenever possible.

[meta474]

Mmm, PCT. Thru-hiking this year! 65 days and counting. Northbound, though. This is a bad year for southbound anyway.

[rizzno1]

Thanks I was planning on getting the mariposa plus, now I think it's a good Idea! Your Two min video, has to say the least inspired me to travel more! be more gratefull and surround my self w/ people that are less difficult, not bitter, angry or selfish, and thats excactly what the trail has done for me thanks for the inspiration, i will be getting ur book, Hike ur own Hike, I'll keep u posted on your web page!,, How's CDT treating u? Ryan Seattle

[ftapon]

Ryan: As you probably know, the CDT Yo-Yo is done. You can find my videos and info on YouTube and on my website! Best, Francis

[rizzno1]

You Rock Man! Great Vidoe Great shots! I listened to your interview w/ bernie, on PBP, Great as well! U've convinced me that Gossamer Gear is the way to GO! I'll be heading NOBO, next Apr, and can't wait ,!! Thanks again for showing and proving that Gossamer Gear is KEY!! Thank U!! Ryan Zimmer Seattle WA

[ftapon]

Ryan: Thanks for the note! If you buy one of Gossamer Gear's lightest packs, consider buying too, just in case it breaks along the way and you don't feel like sewing it up. I suggest most thru-hikers go with the Mariposa Plus. Ultra-lighters can consider their other cool packs. Good luck next year on the PCT!

[socalpct]

Congrats and nice video.

What made you do the PCT from Canada to Mexico vs the other way? What advantages are there? thx

[ftapon]

Thanks for the compliment and question. I wrote a comprehensive reply on my website, in the PCT section, under "Why Sobo?" Find it by going to my website FrancisTapon dot com and going to "PCT" and then "Why Sobo". Thanks!

[code7cd4]

great music, great trail!

[franczazou]

Gossamer gear pack?

[ftapon]

Yes! I used a G5 and Maiu used a Whisper.

[rvman21]

love the music,