I've done a lot of backpacking, although since I've become a father its mostly hiking with my little one on my back. I've been on various small chunks of the PCT in all three states. Its a great trail. I did one big chunk, about 120 miles, from Sonora Pass down to Yosemite. It was one of my all time favorite trips. We took 12 days but were going at a leisurely pace, hanging out at certain lakes for a few days at a time, etc. Unbelievable scenery. I'll scan some pics and post them later this weekend.

I hope you don't mind bears. On our 12 day trip we had bears come into our camp 9 nights. Just remember to hang your food and make sure you put everything that smells, food, toothpaste, etc. along with it. The last thing you want is to wake up with some bear gnawing at your sack because you a tube of chapstick in your pocket. Keep some rocks near your tent door too. You can throw them at the bears. Seriously, I'm not kidding.