Hot take: the PCT water report is way overrated for the Sierra section

Everyone swears by the PCT water report for planning carries, but I found it was always a day behind and caused me to pack extra weight I didn't need. On my 2023 hike, I just followed the snowmelt patterns from satellite images and never ran dry. Has anyone else ditched the report and used their own judgment?

2 comments

2 Comments

troyp371mo ago

The report kept me from hauling dead weight across Muir Pass.

elizabeth_williams1mo ago

I get what you're saying about "hauling dead weight," but I see it a little differently. That report gave me enough info to know the snow was still deep and the creek crossings were sketchy, so I actually waited an extra day. Ended up being a smart move because the next morning the conditions were way better. It helped me make a call that kept me from pushing into bad weather, not just ditching gear.