PCT Repair Shop (An idea to help thru hikers–feedback requested)

Hi Michael,

I’d say you picked the right forum for this question.

I really like your idea.  However I believe your location is premature.  I don’t know of many hikers that have equipment failure so early on the PCT.  Most failures are feet….

I’ve been a trail angel for 7 years now on the PCT just outside Seattle.  I’ll typically see 20 hikers a day early September.  These hikers are typically coming off Trail Days at the city of Cascade Locks, so there’s a large grouping.

I’ve always brought duct tape, dyneema patches, tenacious tape and heavy duty sewing kits.  Rarely have I had a hiker use any of it.  Occasionally someone my stitch a shirt or shorts, but no one has complained about pack or tent damage that needs repair.  I’m rattling my brain trying to remember if I’ve fixed either….I don’t remember ever doing it.

What the hikers want is a cold drink and food.  That’ll put a huge smile on their faces.

Thanks for the great feedback, John.  I’ve been meaning to grant some trail magic to our PCTers and your input is very helpful.  I’ll shift gears and bring some goodies for the hikers.  Thanks!

-Michael

Last summer we went to PCT Days at Cascade Locks and Rainy Pass Repair had a booth there doing any needed repairs for participants.  I didn’t notice how much repairing they were doing, just that they were there.

If happens.  I’ve had 2 roll tops split due to overloading in San Diego (ZSi?*6105fr).

Also I’ve bounced with one group of women who got permits at the last minute, then had 80-90L ALPs packs literally busting at the seams.  Haven’t lived until you see someone run out of room in a 90L pack.

Clothing-wise, one thru hiker with a tear in his sports quilt with the Riverside sheriffs deputies telling him they wouldn’t know of a skirt repair place near PVC.

Wouldn’t say there’s zero need, but not sure if there’d be a lot of business.  I would’ve paid (eventually bought a LiteAF at Two Feet in Julian) but maybe not the ALPS women.  Maybe gear mods like a solid, pleated pocket surrounding the typical mesh pocket? A lot of mesh pocket meets its end on trail.  One new addition  is adding a stretch pocket to the bottom of a pack for lunch etc..

The further north, the better but then you get into Idyllwild.

I think that early, people are less looking at gear repair and more at replacement.  I’m still amazed at how many hikers show up to hike a long trail with gear they never tested before hand.

Also, I think people need more body repair at that point as the trail starts off pretty easy and many pound off more miles than they should from the get go, catching up to them often between Idyylwild and Big Bear.