#221 | Al "Lookout" Marriott on Hiking Through the Sierra in a Record Snow Year (PCT 2023)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Al Marriott, known on trail as Lookout. Lookout is a 2023 PCT thru-hiker, and one of the very few who was able to connect their footsteps on a continuous northbound hike through the Sierra. This is the main course of our conversation today as we learn all about the wild conditions Lookout and his crew of 6 fellow hikers endured, including some very close call water crosses, how slow and draining the snow travel was, what snow traction worked best for his group (and it might not be what you expect), the energy requirements for this style of trekking, and the group dynamics of traveling in such close proximity for such a long time through such stressful conditions. This one is a doozy.

We wrap the show with a quick overview of how much experience is needed to hike the AT, things that get less appetizing as we get older, and a triple crown of the best places for people watching.

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Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com. 

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Interview with Al “Lookout” Marriott

• Lookout's Instagram
• Lookout's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:02 - Reminders: Apply to be a 2024 Trek Blogger, submit your poop stories, and follow us Patreon! 

00:06:59 - Introducing Lookout

00:07:27 - Tell us about your photography setup

00:08:23 - Where are you from?

00:09:56 - Did you do any long distance backpacking in Britain?

00:11:45 - How did you come to bounce between Australia and Thailand?

00:13:16 - What permits did you need to come to the US to hike the AT?

00:17:10 - Did you feel pressure on the AT to make sure your schedule worked?

00:19:27 - What snow hiking experience did you have prior to starting the PCT?

00:20:18 - When you started, did you know you wanted to maintain a continuous footpath?

00:21:55 - Did you run into issues before getting to Kennedy Meadows?

00:26:15 - How did you find a group to enter the Sierras with?

00:31:17 - Did you use snow gear going through Apache Peak?

00:32:25 - What was your start date and when did you reach Kennedy Meadows?

00:32:46 - What was the atmosphere of other hikers on trail?

00:33:49 - Tell us about who you entered the Sierras with

00:38:42 - To what extent did your group plan out your strategy ahead of time?

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