Peter, Congratulations on completing your first trial hike!!! Backpacking is a hobby I enjoy but haven't done much of the last year. I thought when I read you were going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail you were some kind of superman!! That is a very difficult hike even for someone in the best of condition, too many high elevation sections for me...how about the hard but better marked John Muir Trail? Ever thought about hiking to the top of Mt Whitney? That is a great accomplishment for anyone, and what a view! I hope to try to get a little backpacking in next summer too, I sure miss loading up the pack and hitting the trail. Good luck to you. Happy Trails Sherry 49/48/43