Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with a Baby: Lesson from Jack McClure’s Family Adventure
In this episode of the podcast, Jack McClure shares his story of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) southbound in 2023 with his wife and their nine-month-old daughter. Their hike was filled with challenges, emotional highs and lows, and unique considerations for thru-hiking with a baby. Jack’s story is an inspiration for families who want to embark on adventurous hikes while balancing preparation, risk management, and family well-being.
Key Takeaways
Preparation is essential: Proper planning, risk management, and gear selection make a huge difference when hiking with a baby.
Choose gear wisely: Baby carriers for long-distance hikes require special attention, as they aren’t typically designed for multi-day backpacking trips.
Emotional endurance matters: The physical challenges of the trail are tough, but the emotional toll can be just as demanding, especially when hiking with a family.
Risk management is critical: Be prepared for emergencies like allergic reactions, and always have medical supplies like EpiPens on hand.
Communication is key: Jack and his wife used nightly check-ins to stay connected and manage the stresses of the trail, which ultimately strengthened their relationship.
Challenges of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with a Baby
Jack and his wife, Alana, both experienced hikers, had long dreamed of tackling the PCT. Alana had worked on trail crews, giving her a connection to the PCT, while Jack had honed his outdoor skills during a decade in Alaska. Their daughter, nine months old at the time, seemed to be at the perfect stage for a family hike.
As Jack explained, “It was a golden window for us. She was still small enough to be carried without the demands of a toddler wanting to walk.” Despite warnings and skepticism from others, Jack and Alana believed their experience made the adventure possible.
Managing Risk on the PCT with a Baby
Thru-hiking with a baby requires an entirely different level of preparation and risk management. Jack highlighted the three biggest concerns for children on long hikes: thermoregulation, diaper rash, and fluid retention. Ensuring their daughter stayed warm, dry, and comfortable was a top priority.
Things took a scary turn when Alana, who has a severe allergy to yellow jackets, was stung during their hike. “I hit the SOS button, gave her an EpiPen, and tried to keep her conscious while managing our daughter,” Jack recalled. Thanks to their preparation and quick actions, the situation was resolved safely. Jack’s experience highlights the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, especially when hiking with young children.
Key Lessons from Jack McClure's Family Adventure on the PCT
Prepare for everything, but be ready to adapt
Even with their thorough preparation, Jack and Alana encountered surprises on the trail. Flexibility and the ability to adapt were key to managing the challenges they faced.
Invest in proper gear for family hiking
Jack and his wife used the Osprey Poco Plus baby carrier but found that most baby carriers aren't designed for long-distance hikes. Jack emphasized the importance of choosing gear that’s durable and suited for more than just day hikes. They had to make modifications along the way to ensure comfort for both the parents and their daughter.
Mental and emotional endurance is just as important as physical endurance:
While the physical challenges of the PCT were immense, the emotional toll was equally taxing. Jack shared how the strain on their relationship led them to introduce nightly check-ins. “That made a huge difference,” Jack reflected. “It allowed us to address issues without letting them fester.”
How to Choose the Right Gear for Family Hiking on the PCT
For anyone considering a thru-hike with a baby or young child, Jack’s story offers some valuable tips about gear:
Baby Carriers: Choose a baby carrier that’s comfortable for both the parent and the child over long distances. Look for padding and adjustability to minimize discomfort.
Clothing Layers: Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, so bringing the right clothing layers is essential. Ensure your baby is warm but not overheating.
Safety Gear: Carry essential medical supplies, including EpiPens if necessary, and ensure both parents have access to them. Distribute gear like first aid kits and medications between packs so that both parents are prepared in case of separation.
Family Hiking and Emotional Resilience
Throughout the journey, Jack and Alana faced not only physical challenges but emotional ones too. The constant demands of the trail, exhaustion, and caring for a child took a toll on their relationship. Jack shared how they overcame these struggles by having nightly check-ins, where they shared things they appreciated about each other and addressed any concerns. This simple communication strategy helped them stay connected and navigate the stress of hiking with a baby.
“It was hard, but it set a strong foundation for our family,” Jack reflected.
PCT Lessons and Family Adventures
Ultimately, Jack, Alana, and their daughter didn’t finish the entire PCT, but completing every mile wasn’t their goal. Their journey was about embracing the outdoors as a family, sharing valuable time together, and pushing their limits in a way that felt meaningful.
Jack concluded, “We realized that pushing through for the sake of completing every mile wasn’t worth it. The trail is about the experience, not just the finish line.”
This episode powerfully reminds us that hiking adventures with kids are possible, and with proper planning and mental preparation, families can achieve incredible feats together. Jack’s story is sure to inspire anyone looking to balance family life with outdoor exploration.
Emory, By Land
Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions or want to connect, leave a comment or message me at emory@byland.co.