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Home/Podcast Episodes/Episode 70: Ned Tibbits on the PCT & Wilderness Readiness
Ned Tibbits

Episode 70: Ned Tibbits on the PCT & Wilderness Readiness

On this episode: Sierra cups, self-arresting, safety, and learning to live. We’re talking with Ned Tibbits.

Ned has worked as a U.S.F.S Wilderness Ranger, Rural and Urban Paramedic, Professional and Volunteer Ski Patrolman, Sheriff’s Department Search & Rescue Member, and currently maintains certificates in Emergency Medical Technician-Instructor, NOLS Wilderness EMT, the National Ski Patrol, the Wilderness Medical Society’s Fellow and Diploma in Mountain Medicine status, Amateur Radio, and Search & Rescue Instructor.

Ned has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (1974), bicycle-camped 5,000 miles in Europe (1979), completed half of the Continental Divide Trail (1980), and hiked, skied, and snow-shoed his favorite trail, the John Muir Trail many times.


Show Notes

  • 01:10 – Introducing Ned Tibbits 
  • 03:50 – Why are more people getting in trouble on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) this year?
  • 07:45 – The “WILD” effect and the importance of preparation and training
  • 11:55 – What Ned learned from thru-hiking the PCT in 1974
  • 14:50 – Advice for future PCT thru-hikers
  • 18:40 – Self-arrest tools and recommendations on snow travel skills
  • 33:20 – The transformative personal impact of thru-hiking the PCT
  • 38:00 – Ned’s “Learning to Live” series
  • 44:30 – The internal challenges of thru-hiking 
  • 48:00 – Trip research: Vetting sources for information online
  • 53:40 – Connecting with Ned and Wrap-up

You can find Ned on Facebook and his website MountainEducation.org or via email at [email protected].

Mentioned in this Episode

  • The classic Sierra Cup
  • The Pacific Crest Trail
  • The Black Diamond Whippet
  • Wilderness Travel Course

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  • Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
  • Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen  web: AdventurUsWomen.com
  • Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker  web: SoCalHiker.net

Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music. 

The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.

Bonus Material

Written by:
Jeff Hester
Published on:
September 9, 2022

Categories: Podcast EpisodesTags: PCT, training, wilderness readiness

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