100 Miles of Lessons: A Shakedown on the TRT and PCT
I recently completed a 100-mile, week-long backpacking trip as a shakedown and training hike for my upcoming adventures in the High Sierra. For this trip, I hiked a 40-mile section of the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) to where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), then continued north on the PCT for about 40 more miles. From there, I backtracked roughly 20 miles to a great little spot—Donner Ski Ranch—where my sister picked me up. Bonus: At the ski ranch I got to kick back with some tasty food and a cold drink while I waited.
This was a beautiful stretch of trail, and with how hectic life has been lately, I’m incredibly grateful I made the time to get out and make it happen.
Wait, What’s a Shakedown Hike?
Shakedown hikes are all about dialing in your gear and routines before a bigger adventure.
Typically a shorter trip—usually at least a few nights out, but can even be a day hike—a shakedown is a test run for your setup. The goal? Make sure everything functions the way you think it should. It’s your chance to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and what you totally forgot to pack.
Does your backpack actually carry well when it’s fully loaded? Is that new sleeping pad as comfy as the reviews claimed? Does that water filter fit properly on your water bottle? A shakedown hike helps you find out—before you're deep into the backcountry.
I recommend doing a shakedown before any major hike. It’s a great way to catch problems early, avoid gear mishaps, and save yourself time, money, and stress. Most importantly, it helps you stay safe and gives you confidence—so when the big trip comes, you can focus on enjoying the trail, not troubleshooting your gear.
Last-Minute Packing = Lessons Learned
This hike came together kind of last minute. An unexpected gap in my schedule opened up, so I jumped on it. I quickly tossed my gear together without giving it much thought—and yep, that led to a few hiccups.
Thankfully, those hiccups turned into valuable lessons. Some were things I know better than to forget. However, sometimes, with last minute packing, things get overlooked--and that’s why it's important we do shakedowns, right?
Lessons Learned in my Shakedown:
Heads up!
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I only recommend gear I genuinely used and loved during my 100-miler—sore legs and all. Thanks for supporting my miles and my blog!
Check Your Garmin (or Satellite Device) Before You Leave
Normally I always make sure my Garmin is connected to my phone. But in my “I-just-want-to-get-on-trail” frenzy, I skipped it. Of course, that’s when it decides to go rogue. Some weird glitch neither I nor my husband at home could sort out, was causing a connection issue. Luckily, this route had cell service most of the way. My next hike won’t, so I’ll be troubleshooting this ASAP.
Test Your Water Filter Ahead of Time
Another basic that I usually never skip. I couldn’t find my Sawyer Squeeze while packing, so I tossed in my Katadyn BeFree (which I typically reserve for day hikes and trail runs). Last-minute, I found the Squeeze and brought it—without testing it. On trail, I found out it was clogged and wouldn’t filter a drop. Fortunately, the BeFree worked perfectly. I also always carry iodine tablets just in case, but lesson learned, make sure that the water filter actually filters water.
Checkout My Water Filters:
Not Every Tent Is Your Tent
There’s a tent I want to love, but after this trip, I finally admitted it’s just not the one for me—especially for the high Sierra conditions I'll be exploring soon. It’s a solid tent and I’m keeping it as a backup, but I am excited to go back to my favorite tent, the TarpTent Rainbow. It will be like returning home and I'm all about it!
Below left: The Tent That's Not For Me
Below right: The Tent I'm Returning To
Don't Forget to Change Your Socks
In my eagerness to hit the trail, I forgot to swap my everyday “city socks” for proper hiking ones. They developed holes within miles. Not ideal. Hiking socks can be a bit pricey, but they’re worth every penny when you’re putting in the miles.
Time for New Sun Gloves
Sun gloves are a staple for me—for UV protection and to prevent hot spots from trekking poles. I hadn’t realized just how worn out mine were until holes started popping up. Time to retire them and grab a new pair.
Figure Out the Right Amount of Food*
I always bring too much food. Yes, better to have too much than too little, but I’m still learning how to balance enough calories without a bunch of weight of snacks I’ll never eat.
*Noting, that I do carry extra food for emergency, but even with that I tend to have way too much food left at the end of a trip--it's like I'm carrying food or two instead of one.
A Few Highlight Photos From The Trail:
