I was going to hike the AT this summer, but after much research i feel the PCT is more my style. My question is whether i should hike NOBO or SOBO. I havent done a long hike like this before, i am in great shape, 25 years old, just finished 4 years in the military. i dont however have any experience with ice axes or self-arrest, but i live in Maine, and i could go get one and practice daily with it on some hills here. also i plan to start my hike in Manning Park around early-mid April. any tips would be great.