I am still working on my you tube Channel and part of that (for me) is learning to navigate and editing app, spending time doing amateur videos so that i can get the lighting/sound/background better, and , well- just learning to get comfortable in FRONT of the camera ( rather than just showing the scenery as I walk ). I’ll post a link to my channel in the comment section if anyone wants to check out the few videos i did post so far ( i promise i’ll get better!). I think my next project is learning what “cards” are and how to use them. The video above is the first time i used a cover/poster ( me in my usual evening walk gear this time of year) so that was new for me.I likely won’t post it on my channel though as it isn’t really focused on a certain topic ( hike, gear, etc. ). If you have an established channel yourself – I am always open to hear about your journey as well!
Maybe you aren’t really sure about committing to a thru hike just yet, and i completely get it. I’m still not 100% sure..but in the meantime, i do know i love to hike, and i plan on continuing to day hike regardless of what i decide.
So, what’s the difference when planning for a day hike vs. a long multi day trail? A lot! I have already covered the general gear ( to the best of my knowledge and research) that i would include for a thru hike. So , i’ll focus on my short trips ( of which i do absolutely have knowledge).
Day hiking can be simply a fun 4-15 mile hike in a local park or perhaps just a few hours away. I try to shoot for less than a 45 minute drive to any trail for day hiking but i have driven over 2 hrs one way(and it was so worth it!). My daypack items are slightly different and the weight is a lot less, so if i want to take a few extra things, i can. My total pack weight is always 7 lbs or less on a day hike..This enables me to go faster in the boring parts, do more technical trails, and feel a lot less sore afterwards.
Basically, i will automatically eliminate my tent, and sleep system. They are the bulkiest and weigh the most in total. However, i DO take a cheap emergency reflector blanket, and a disposable rain poncho( it can be a make shift tent and/or add a layer of protection/warmth) because you never know..
2. If i am taking food, usually it is just snack foods like crackers, pop tarts, or trail mix..so i can also eliminate my cook system ( another weight and space savings) . But if i will be gone most of the day and want to plan for a stop to make something warm , like a prepackaged meal, oatmeal or coffee, i would still take the kit (very rarely).
3. Water ..i always take a little more than i think i’ll need (generally, 2 large smart water bottles at 750 ml each ). It really depends on how long i will be out, and if i will need to use some for cooking or washing my hands or utensils. I also carry my sawyer mini water filter and back flush syringe.
4. DEF take your first aid items. My basic kit is simple- a few alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, triple antibiotic, one or two band aids, a safety pin, tweezers, sunscreen stick , some OTC meds( Benadryl, Antidiarrheals, Ibuprofen), and a few days supply of my prescription meds. I carry 2-3 bandanas- one for a “pee rag”, one for sweat, and one for an emergency bandage for any large cuts or scrapes.A small amount of TP, and a small pair of scissors OR a knife OR a swiss army /multi purpose tool ( not all three).Lip balm.I pretty much just keep these items in my pack at all times- so it’s not like i have to think them through each time i leave.
5. an over- the head bug net and a floppy hat.Soon i will invest in pull over bug netting that will also protect my arms in really buggy places.
6. My Garmin Inreach mini (although i don’t usually turn it on for short hikes, but do like to test it out occasionally). Better safe than sorry- Yes, you can send a link to friends and family that you choose when you create your account that lets them know your location and one of 3 short preset messages that you create- such as “i’m Ok, just checking in” , “Done with my hike” , or “Need help”, etc. You can choose to have it sent via text or email or via The Earthmate app that it uses from your cell phone-which also can let them track you online, but i haven’t figured all that out yet.
7. Ball cap and sunglasses. If you wear/need glasses normally, take an extra pair. i now also take a buff or two along because they are awesome for so many things!!
8. Regular rain gear ( in addition to the emergency poncho) if there’s even a slight chance for rain in the forecast. Plus one extra layer clothing for warmth if it’s even slightly chilly- because it will be cooler in the woods and if i take longer than i plan, it will cool off as evening approaches. Something orange to wear ( whether it’s hunting season or not).
9. several ziplock baggies- one for collecting stuff, and one for ( cough) just in case you have to go #2 – i once just brought my handkerchiefs and had no where to put it after- lesson learned. Same would apply to TP because you should always at least TRY to use Leave no Trace principles and pack out your trash.Third one for any trash you bring like snack packaging.
10. my ID and house/car keys
11. Cell phone , one battery pack and charger cord. Even if i am not using a trail app, i am always taking pics and videos.I download all maps before i leave.
That’s about it. It varies from person to person, climate to climate, and of course length of time. If i want to take any extra items, it’s usually a sketch book and a few pencils, etc. Some people take some fresh fruit along- my daughter even took an avocado on one of our day hikes. But to be honest, i really don’t like fruit( i know, i know- i’m just weird. I also hate bacon..), plus it weighs more than i would like (lol). I would most likely take some jerky as a treat instead.Some take binoculars, or their journal or maybe some take their butterfly net…i don’t know…lol
Please feel free to add or give any advice below or comment with questions. i am always learning:)
One of the things that really thwarted me years ago, and sometimes still does is the costs of planning a long thru hike such as the AT, CDT, or PCT. These trails require months, not weeks, away from home. Obviously most people have expenses such as mortgage/ rent, a car payment, health care costs, insurance( of all kinds) , not to mention utilities, groceries, and other life necessities. Planning an adventure of any kind can be expensive and for many, this is what prevents them from following their dreams.
While some long to go on a safari, drive cross country in an RV, or take a European tour some day the basics of what needs to be considered include not only paying for the trip itself, but how to assure enough to pay for regular, ongoing expenses while away home for an extended period. Even if it is possible to shed all of your worldly goods prior to embarking, chances are you will eventually have to return home some day. And when you do, the loss of income from a regular job will dramatically affect what you will be coming back to. This breaks it down into 3 categories :
1. saving enough for the trip( including food and transportation)
2. saving enough to pay bills while you’re away
3. saving enough to cover a transition period when you return
For thru hiker hopefuls- #1 can be anywhere from $7-10,000 just for the hike itself including gear( initial and replacement), food, hotel or hostel stays, doing laundry, permits, shuttles and miscellaneous ( like phone service, satellite SOS subscription, attending trail events or making side excursions , etc). Even hot showers and towels at a truck driver’s “station” usually cost money.Depending on lifestyle and income(#2)=5- 6 months of bills that must be paid in your absence which can be anywhere from $1 -5,000. And (#3) if you aren’t positive you will be able to come back to the job you left , you will need a buffer of 1-2 months living expenses on top of that. My estimate at this point is around $10-15,000 more( not counting the gear i’ve already bought) that i will need to complete a thru hike.
I mean you CAN save money on some of it.. for instance, explore used gear sites and look for stuff on Ebay:
My Fave Hiking Shoe -Altras -First pair was new- the rest i got from Ebay at a discount
In the grand scheme of things, a simple no frills walk in the woods seems like it would hardly cost a thing. After all, you aren’t staying in 5 star hotels, getting massages or eating at upscale restaurants! And by comparison , the bang for you buck is much cheaper than the same amount of time spent at a luxurious tropical resort. But it isn’t “free”.
One of the most frequent ways of financing this ( so i have heard) is to take on a 2 job or some type of part time work to supplement and save, save, save. Many “pro” hikers profess to regularly working at odd jobs for half the year to make just enough to hike the other half. Others have sold their homes, or downsized , traded in newer cars for used, and sold off most of their material belongings online. Less frequently, someone has a sponsor or even a partner helping them financially. (P.s.- it’s often less expensive to go with a partner or buddy as well to save on rooms, as well as being able to share gear.)
I think honestly it is a matter of what you’re comfortable doing, and how long you are willing to wait to start. As i previously posted, so far i am on year FOUR of planning( not full time planning, mind you, but off and on until this past year). I had to really buckle down in 2023 and tell myself that I would never even have a chance at my dream unless i took viable steps toward it ( literally and figuratively). I made it a point to stop daydreaming and actually buy my big three within the year (plus many of the other necessary items). Later, i may post a list of the actual costs- but a pretty good estimate is around 3 grand spent on the gear stuff alone so far and i still have to change up a few items( a bigger back pack for one). Like most, i had to keep paying my regular bills and such while i did it.Compared to other hobbies( bodybuilding, the cabin project, buying a home) and things i’ve invested in, this is less expensive. But, again- not free. I just made sure i paid everything off asap and didn’t let the debt linger on a credit card gaining interest. As with other things i’ve invested in, my extra income was mainly from working overtime, cutting back on other expenses and having roommates to help with costs. For me, when i sell my home this spring, a portion of the proceeds will also be kept in reserve for this endeavor.
What i’m trying to say is, there are a number of ways to accomplish you goals.But none of them will work unless you are committed and consistent. Outside of a financial windfall ( the lottery or an inheritance) every project and goal takes more than just passion, no matter what all the memes tell you. But it can be done…
There’s a whole lotta hoopla out there about what chargeable/powered up items are needed on a thru hike, and i gotta tell ya- it can be overwhelming in general, but high tech electronics have never been my jam! Especially learning how to use them..but, we must ..we must….!
Yes, of course there are those die-hard ,back-to-nature purists out there who insist on taking only paper maps and an emergency whistle( or nothing at all). They can have at it, and more ( or less!) power to them.But I prefer a bit more security and at least minimal contact with the world.
1. An SOS device to me is a no brainer. If you spend any length of time watching the videos of rescues along certain trails, especially the more remote trails and areas, you will likely come to the conclusion that, even if minimal, some way to contact help will give some peace of mind. Getting lost happens. Getting injured happens. There are so many devices available now, it is just some kind of crazy to not have one along.
I would have to say that the most minimal of all would be an “personal locator beacon” or PLB. These do not require a subscription and do the very basic task of sending a strong satellite signal to a rescue agency along with your location.It works in remote locations worldwide and connects to the network used by boaters(NOAA). These do not give the option, however, to message or chat with your rescuer or any other party.They require a battery and are not always rechargeable. But if that’s all you feel you need, it’s better than nothing. Some cell phones are now coming out with an SOS already in the phone too, but understand that this is relatively new, and most are using cellular GPS to send it.As i’ve stated before, GPS can be very unreliable out there. All PLB’s are required to be registered ( free of charge) and updated every 2 years. If you sell it or transfer it to someone else, you must report this and the next person using it will have to re-register.
Another option is a satellite device such as a Garmin Inreach. This type of device sends a signal using a worldwide GPS satellite system( different than cell phone gps) and routed private emergency response system near Houston, TX. which then coordinates with local search and rescue agencies.It can send and receive text messages, which can be helpful for the rescue team- not only to find you more easily, but also to know ahead of time if you have sustained injuries or have any medical conditions. It also gives you the ability to navigate and track your path. Depending on the type you have some even come with built in screens with maps.They offer weather reports, pair easily with Bluetooth, and enable you to allow family and friends track your progress via online maps and ability to post on social media. They are also rechargeable/not battery operated. The down side is you need a subscription, and they are more expensive. Many enable you to send/receive non emergency messages to friends and family as well. Some only send those messages, and some only send preset messages. One thing i hated personally is that my InReach mini required me to have a separate application on my cell phone to use tracking and navigation features. The regular InReach has a built in screen and doesn’t require this.
Both of these devices still require an unobstructed view of the sky – as in no tree cover. So it may be that you will have to get somewhere, like a clearing or mountain top, to send the signal.And always, ALWAYS, test these out ahead of time, learn how to use them, and make sure they are charged before heading out!!!!
2. A cell phone– some people say having a cell phone takes away from the “nature” experience.This may be true to a degree, but there are many ways to have the phone without using it for the usual “worldly” stuff like social media or other such things. You can uninstall many of the apps that aren’t essential, and still have the ability to call ahead for shelter space like hostels or hotels, as well as order food to be sent to wherever you are staying( perhaps even to a shelter, trail head or camp site!). You can also call for shuttle services, and information in general. Not everyone likes music , podcasts or online movies, but many do download these things ahead of time or when in town to use later out on trail.It is important to understand though that the more you use your phone, the more power you will need. Plan to test your power packs with all devices ahead of time so you will know how much energy you have in reserve. Most hikers keep their phone in airplane mode while on trail or turn them off completely until needed. Just a note here: cell phones can add significant weight depending on type.I found that the iPhone mini (12 or 13) is the lightest weight smart phone around and ordered a used, unlocked one from Amazon. It’s tiny, lightweight, and still has most of the same capabilities as other phones. One big issue though is less battery power, as well as needing wireless ear buds for it ( no headphone jack)- so keep this in mind . There’s always a compromise.
3. Headlamp– these are maybe not essential, but sure do make things easier. Most of todays brands are much lighter than any flashlight or camp light and eliminate having to carry it (hands free) and the need to hang it somewhere when setting up camp as it starts to get dark . You can use it as well for night hiking and in your tent to read or just get situated for the night. Mine ( made by Nite Core) also comes with a red light feature so that my light isn’t blasting other hikers/campers that may be sleeping.They are generally rechargeable via a power pack and common usb cable- not batteries.Of course you CAN still use a flashlight/lantern if you prefer.
4. For videos and such many bring camera equipment. i do not have the know how or experience to speak to this topic. Just keep in mind, electronics add weight, so if you plan on doing this you will need to accommodate for it.Feel free to google info on hiking cameras or youtube it.
5. Power packs– this is a big one. You will need to have portable power for at least 2-3 days if not longer. The usual types are 10,000 milliamps or 20,000 milliamps. Anker has been a popular brand for many years, and the latest most recommended brand is NiteCore. Both make 20, 000 milliamp versions, but what i’ve learned is that 2/10,000 milliamp nite core packs weigh less than one 20,000 one and having two protects you in case one malfunctions or get lost/damaged.
6. Miscellanious -this may include: wireless earbuds, electronic bug repellers, tablets, fast chargers, plug converters, solar chargers, charging cords that are compatible for each of the above. Try to find cords that can be used for more than one device.I am having some difficulty with this because it seems none of my cords are comaptible with more than one device- so i have 5 at the moment. It’s also helpful to have a charger that allows charging several devices at once, since charging opportunities may only allot one plug/outlet.
7. Another thing I want to include under electronics is Navigation apps for cell phones( if you use a regular InReach with a screen, you don’t need one of these). The most commonly used app right now is FarOut ( previously Guthooks). It enables you to download maps of specific trails, and has tons of info about each one. Additionally , you can look at all the recent comments regarding sites, landmarks , water sources , towns, etc. that may not be listed in a guidebook, or may have changed since it was written. Another one i have and use all the time is Alltrails. It is awesome for finding local trails, and tracks you on that trail or just where you are at a given point so that you can easily find you way back. You can download an area or trail ahead of time and then you don’t need to use your cell phone’s GPS ( which can go out often on trails).However, Alltrails is more for day hiking or short multi day hikes than thru hiking. It gave me the courage i needed to try new places without fear of getting lost. Google maps is reportedly wonderful on trail as well, although i haven’t tried it. I may make a separate post about hiking apps, but did want to mention it at least.
Final words of advice: Be sure, absolutely sure, that you bring all the cords you need to recharge, including your power pack charging cords( the one most forgotten) and that they all work with your power pack source as well as your plug converter.When you are in town, you may have limited access/time at charging sources or you may be sharing that source with other hikers.It’s kind of rude to hog up a public or shared outlet for 5 or 6 hours.
Most of us know that iPhone cords do not generally work with android phones. Consider that the more compatible all your device cords are with each other, the less you will have to store and worry about losing. It is also much easier to borrow popular compatible charger cords, if you do lose one or it goes bad. One issue i also had with my iPhone mini is that it only uses a USB-A charging cord( not common), and i had to special order my replacement cord through Apple after trying a cheap off brand on Amazon.If i were to lose mine or it were to go bad, it would really suck for me.
Also, you definitely want to keep these items in a dry, safe place where they will not be crushed/ banged around in your pack. Please do not rely on a ziplock only to protect from the rain (despite the above photo)..more than one hiker has paid the price for this. Water proof Dry bags are easy to find online for a reasonable cost. If you really wanna use a ziplock, use one inside the dry bag.Also, it is advisable to designate a bag specifically for electronics in once place and not have them just rattling about freely inside you back pack, and to pack them where they wont be crushed or broken with hiking activity.Power packs need to be kept where they will not freeze up overnight, many backpackers place them inside their sleeping bags at night to use body heat for this reason.
That’s all for now.. and ,as usual..drop a comment if you like:)
I typed the words “thru hiking” in my search box on WP tonight. On the plus side, i finally have found some good blogs to read through and am excited to get started on that. On the minus side, I am truly humbled .
One of the things i am processing now is just how MANY hiking blogs there are and just how small and inexperienced i am in the grand scheme of things.There are thousands out there…by people , couples, groups and organizations that completely and totally put my tiny exploits to shame.. not to mention make my content appear redundant and naive.
It would be negligent and and misguided to not acknowledge this and to not apologize to those in the “big leagues” . I wouldn’t blame them for giggling to themselves or even sneering. I do not have a ton of experience. In fact, although i have hiked off and on most of my life, i have never done anything remotely worthy of bragging about.
What i can say is that I enjoy nature. I love adventure. I get an endorphin rush every time I try a new trail or conquer a fear or discover new things. I grow more confident with each endeavor i succeed at, and happy even when i fail because i always learn something of value ( about myself or otherwise). I am grateful..utterly grateful..that i am able to enjoy these opportunities and can pass along whatever i learn to anyone who wants to read about it.
So if some strange path has brought you to my blog or this page today, i hope that you will accept my humble thanks for taking what you want from it , and leaving what you don’t for others who might….
There are several areas of training recommended in general. But if you don’t have the time to read the entire post- just skip to the last area( all of them are in bold font)-it’s THE most important!
Now, i am not gonna go through a set by set exercise routine. Some hikers find that lifting weights will benefit them.Others rely on cardiovascular workouts.Some combine weights and cardio. Some hikers do no preparation whatsoever. My recommendation is to “do what you will be doing .” Developing strength as well as endurance that directly relate to the type of hike you want to do just makes sense.
For the most part, you will be walking …and walking…and walking. So, obviously- get out there and start walking regularly. Not only will you develop the endurance required in your leg muscles, but even before you add a pack with weight, you can also use the time to test out your clothing for comfort and performance, and start paying attention to any foot discomfort you may notice. The fixes may be minimal ( removing/adjusting a button or zipper) or buying a different style shoe( or getting inserts related to the problem) or if your rain gear soaks through looking at other options. There is no end to the things you get to test while walking safely in your own neighborhood or local park, and if thats not an option( unsafe area, too far to travel or severe weather), at least practice on a treadmill. I just watched another Youtuber’s videos and she also trained on a stairclimber. However, i would encourage you to walk/hike on natural terrain rather than on a machine if at all possible. You simply wont get the best bang for your efforts if you aren’t stepping on small stones, varying soil and learning to pay attention to avoid obstacles (and snakes!) So that’s the walking part.
The other lower body training should replicate lifting, carrying, and setting down a heavy pack. If you don’t yet have a pack or haven’t decided on one, a weighted vest can stand in temporarily.I wouldn’t suggest using the vest exclusively though because after testing 4 or 5 different kinds, i realized the weight distribution is not even close to the way a backpack will be. If you have nothing else, a cheap backpack( borrowed or purchased) can help until you get a better one( add a bunch of misc articles for gradual weight increases until you have all your gear). The thing you will need to focus on is basically squatting, getting up and over large objects( use a stair step if you have nothing else)- over and over. You can start with no weight and move up as you get stronger. Learn how to properly pick up and put on your pack without straining you back, as well as how to get it off and to the ground.
Next, know that most of the muscle mass lost on trail is upper body because walking doesn’t use much of it.. Try to fit in a half decent upper body work out a few times a week. You can use light weights or just body weight stuff ( as in push ups/pull ups, etc).Your body will thank you when you have to do rock scrambles as well as hoisting your food bag over a tree limb.
The most important physical training though , at least in my opinion, is stretching. This is something you are going to want to do before, DURING, and after your hike(s) unless you want to be in extra pain all the time. If you are familiar with yoga, do that. If not, find a good youtube video for hiker stretches- there’s plenty out there. But get yourself in the habit of stretching daily, whether you hike or not that day. Keeping yourself limber will alleviate sooooo much soreness. Trust me.
I could probably write a book about exercise and stretching your body. But you get the idea. However, physical training isn’t the only thing to think about. A great deal of mentaltraining is something many do not consider ahead of time. If i hadn’t watched about a hundred videos of thru hiking you tubers, and read dozens of books from former thru hikers, i, too would not have put that on my prep list.Now it just seems like common sense to me. There is a lot of stress and anxiety about being prepared, challenges on trail, worries about what is going on back home or what you are missing out on, and a big one i hear about is loneliness and missing family/friends/partners/pets. For sure, being out in nature is mentally good for you, but don’t be thinking it’s all a walk in the park, happy happy, carefree, zen, unicorns and rainbows everyday! The rain and being wet for days sucks. Eating crappy hiker food sucks. Collecting water all the time sucks. Setting up camp every night and packing it all up in the morning sucks. Walking for miles and miles with a heavy pack on your back with blisters, foot /knee/back pain sucks. Being alone for days can suck, as well as having to deal with unwanted company at times. Being anxious about sounds you aren’t familiar with sucks. The phrase though that you will hear often is that the compromise for this ultimate adventure, and the freedom you will experience, is that you must learn to “Embrace the Suck”.
Some people find simply taking time to meditate each day( learn how before you go), taking some “zero” days when you need it, or having a fabulous hot meal in town and staying a night in a hotel really helps their mental health. Others find yoga, journaling, or listening to audiobooks, music or podcasts is soothing–(ps- download to your device BEFORE leaving because gps is not reliable everywhere).Schedule a few regular times to call or meet up with family/friends/partners along the way- seeing a familiar face or just hearing their voice can be very reassuring. Also be aware that whatever works for you at home, may not work on the trail, so try to be open to suggestions.Even having a back up plan for quitting the hike itself provides some peace of mind. And it’s ok to quit- get that in your head before you even set out. The statistics have been consistently at a 25% success rate for completing a full thru hike, and thats been since the 70’s. I have accepted that i may be in that 75%, or that i may change my mind at some point…or something may happen that thwarts all my plans and training and investment( serious injury, illness, etc.)
I want it. I am planning on it. I am training for it. I am preparing. But part of the training is:
being able to adapt to changing circumstances…and learning to be okay with wherever the journey takes you:
After watching Wild, my mind conjured up weeks of deprivation, surviving on cold gruel and rationing tiny amounts of water as if i were in the gobi Desert. Fortunately, i learned other wise. But what kind of food works best and how does one ‘cook’ it?
There is no one perfect answer..but that’s only because there are so many great choices! You can choose one method or a combo of many. First let’s start with what i consider the least desirable( personally).
Hiker Boxes. Although i will state that i have heard these can be lovely , and sometimes life savers, i’ve mostly heard that the most common reason these foods are left behind is because they are ..not so great. I feel like an imposter here though when i write this because as i have repeatedly stated, i have NOT thru hiked yet.So this is just hearsay. A hiker box is basically found at a hostel or some other common hiker location and contains many items( not just food) offered up for free to anyone who wants it. Sometimes food is left behind for other reasons like a hiker quitting or getting off trail for an extended period.
Cold soaking. This is a method of packing dry or dehydrated foods and rehydrating them over a few hours before a planned timeframe to consume them. Generally, the first item that comes to mind is oatmeal. It’s cheap, lasts pretty much forever uncooked, is lightweight and can easily be soaked in a ziplock or other container for a few hours ..and then viola! Ready to eat.Yes, it will be cold or whatever temperature it is outside and fairly bland. But it does lend itself to some creative additions. Berries, spices, nuts, chocolate chips and peanut butter are common favorite add ins. You can also just buy packets of flavored oatmeal. Just about any grain can be prepared this way, but times will vary. Some people also cold soak beans as well as prepackaged dehydrated meals. Of course you will need water, too.
Dehydrated meals. These are generally designed to be prepared by adding the desired amount of water, then cooking it over a small stove, burner or campfire( more about these later).Multiple companies offer prepackaged delights, but they can be expensive and it isn’t hard to make your own or buy cheap versions at the grocery store ( Knorr’s pasta pouches are popular). Instant mashed potatoes are a favorite, as well as dehydrated meats, veggies, soups …the list is endless.Again, you need water.
Non perishables/ pouches. This includes stuff like tuna pouches, peanut butter in packets, snack items and anything sealed in an unrefrigerated pouch or package. Pretty much ready to eat…just open and insert spork and dump directly into your pie-hole.Don’t forget to properly pack out or dispose of all your trash!!!
Fresh foods. These are generally bought when in town, or foraged along the trail ( berries, mushrooms, onions, etc.). I hope it goes without saying – never eat foraged food unless you KNOW it is safe. If you haven’t read or seen the movie “Into the Wild”-please do so. Mostly though, hikers go into town every few days or at least once a week and reward themselves with some fresh fruit or veggies, or fresh baked goods .
Hot cooked meals(AKA- Da Bomb). Some creative hikers are stealthy enough to pack out entire meals and cook them over a heat source along the trail. I will not be one of them.I have heard tales of people bringing everything from cheeses, to eggs, salad dressing, and other stuff i would keep refrigerated. One woman actually bakes her own pies on trail. Good for her. But mostly i am talking about meals in town, at a restaurant, bed and breakfast or friendly hiker location. There are also hiker “feeds” hosted by various groups such as churches. One of the best things is an all you can eat buffet (called an AYCE in hiker slang), apparently. Obviously outside of charitable giveaways, these cost money, but i can only imagine how worth it to not have to eat a meal without dealing with any of the above.
And finally, Trail Magic. This is a random act of kindness usually bestowed upon thru hikers by charitable folk at any time along the trail. Many of these people are previous thru hikers and are now back to pass along the good Karma to others. These people are called ‘trail angels’. They may leave food and drinks in coolers, set up tables with fresh fruit and cold soda, and some even go all out preparing burgers, pizzas, hotdogs, etc. from their tailgate- all free. And trail magic isn’t limited to food, it can be a service or kind deed of any type. Truly Magical.
My ideas about food have evolved as i go along. If i am being honest ( and i am) my bigger fear was how to cook my own food on the fly. I saw in the movie she used a little burner , but she had gotten fuel that wasn’t compatible and wound up eating cold “mush” for days. Talk about fear and loathing . I desperately want to avoid that.I bought a small MSR pocket rocket and the 4 ounce fuel cans that went with it. It was a little scared to try it but it was super easy to use. There are many many ways to cook out on trail tho, including jet boilers, alcohol stoves, wood fueled stoves, and if you are lucky- campfires.Just an FYI, you really should have a wind shield as well if you are using a small foldable burner like mine. It’s something i didn’t think about until months afterwards when i saw someone trying to heat their food on one during a windy day.Also , keep in mind water takes longer to boil at high elevations, so will use extra fuel.
I have a feeling i will likely use a combination of all the above. But my main plan is mostly dehydrated foods over the burner and snacks to graze on as i walk.I purchased a Toak’s cook pot ( yes, you need something to cook in, if you are going to boil water ) with a lid and fold in handle, as well as a collapsible cup for my coffee and a reusable coffee filter that attaches to the cup rim. I have a titanium spoon/fork in one, and i will hopefully dehydrate and package 75% of my food. Hopefully…hopefully. We plan, God laughs.
( random google pic above- not mine , but looks to be pretty close to the norm )
Outside of the 3 main items, there are several other categories thru-hikers need to consider:Electronics,Cook system,Water /filtration,Clothing,Shoes,Hygiene,First Aid and Medications,Misc./Luxury items.
A detailed post on all of them at once would be way too long, so i’ve decided to break them down into separate posts and use this article for an introduction on the whys of each category and general overview.
Electronics- This generally includes a cell phone, an SOS device, headlamp, power pack(s), and charger cords and plugs. The first thing i will say is that, again, multi use items are HUGE – multi plug converters, interchangeable cords, and enough power to charge all of it with as little weight as possible is the goal. A lot of this will depend on what your individual needs include. There are many YouTubers on trail. They generally need lots of extra stuff related to cameras as well. So far, i have not invested in any of that and am just using my cell phone and a cheap app to do photos and videos. Other people want a tablet instead of or in addition to a cell phone. SOS devices can be simply ones that send a signal all the way up to ones that have a screen, chat ability and other fancy features. It it highly recommended to not rely on cell service GPS as this can be sketchy in some areas. Satellite devices are the most common.
Cook systems will vary individually as well. There are some who do not mind cold soaking everyday, in addition to non perishable snacks. Others want the ability to boil water for coffee, and hot meals. Still others will take only a few snacks and dry meals and plan frequent trips into town for meals.From what i understand ,lots of food is shared on trail, but i would advise doing this with caution as food borne illness is also prevalent(Giardia, Norovirus, etc). All of this will depend on cost, personal tastes/special diets, required nutrition, convenience and how much time one allots for meals. We will discuss “Hiker boxes” and “Trail magic” later, which can supplement if available.Powdered electrolytes are generally recommended as walking long distance can lead to serious dehydration. A long handled spoon( titanium) is a favorite with hikers for getting food out of pre packaged dehydrated meals.If using a burner , you will also need some kind of pot, preferably with a lid and a handle(mine folds in for storage).A separate cup for coffee is wonderful( mine is collapsible).You will need an Ursak, Bear/food Bag with paracord for hanging, or Bear canister( required in some places) for food storage away from your tent/shelter.
Water/Filtration: Most hikers will need a way to carry, collect and filter water. Depending on the trail and how many water sources are available, you may have to carry very little at a time or several days worth.While mountain springs are considered safe to drink unfiltered, i would be hesitant to trust all sources as it is difficult to know what is upstream and has found its way down ( dead animals, human and animal waste, algae, chemicals, etc). There are several ways to filter or “clean ” your water- from pills, boiling, simple handkerchief filtering, small light weight filters that attach right to a bottle to camelback/gravity styles (with a bite valve) or squeeze bags. Again this depends on personal preference and expected frequency and purity of water sources at any given time.
Clothing: Layers and wicking away moisture is super important to prevent hypothermia. Temperatures and conditions expected play into it as well. Ultimately you want the lightest weight, best wicking, multi use clothing you can manage. This will vary greatly from person to person depending on comfort, cost, and conditions. Lots of companies out there to chose from, and research/testing items prior to leaving is a highly recommended( you wouldn’t want to take a brand new item and then find it is uncomfortable or not effective requiring a trip in town and extra money to replace it).Rain gear is super important on the AT( after testing a few types, i think i’m going with a waterproof poncho- we shall see).
Shoes: Some hikers do fine with the traditional hiking boots. Most do not( plus they weigh a ton!) and opt for lighter weight “trail runners” or trail running boots. The considerations are comfort, ability to dry quickly, water proof( not necessarily a good thing), durability, and weight. These will vary with terrain and preference. The best advice is to be fitted at an actual outfitter. If that is not an option, you could try ordering a few pairs of gently used shoes online for less cost and spend time experimenting ( this is what i did). Some common problem hikers, runners and walkers alike experience are plantar fasciitis, shin splints, blisters, knee pain or injury, “toe-jam” on descents, and pressure on the achilles tendon.Any of these can be severe enough to bring your thru hike to an end. Special inserts sometimes help with these issues, as well as “Zero Drop” style shoes. Any and all shoes should be tested for many miles prior to settling on a style for a multi day or thru hike. Consider buying a size or two larger than you normally wear to leave room for swelling- just make sure they aren’t so large your feet slide around in them too much!
Hygiene: Obviously there are varying degrees of access to full showers, toilets, and laundry facilities on long trails. Bringing your own supplies( keeping in mind the “leave no trace” principles) for staying clean will go a long way in avoiding illness as well as spreading germs to other hikers ( and wildlife!). One item that new hikers forget to consider is a trowel for digging cat holes. More on that in another post. Also a small amount of TP, some hand sanitizer, and delegating some extra water for cleaning tasks is important. Most hikers carry these items in a small separate ziplock within easy access. A newer item on the market is a Kula Cloth- you can google that. In addition to toileting needs, cook pots , utensils and water bottles need to be washed. A small amount of environmentally friendly soap should be brought along( Dr. Bronner’s is a popular choice). Toothbrush and toothpaste or toothpaste tablets, of course. Small items like socks or handkerchiefs may be ‘rinsed’ in streams if they contain no chemicals like lotions ,sunscreen, etc. but these and most clothing items will need to be laundered regularly. Your body will also benefit from regular hot showers every few days or at most once a week. Refer to guide books/apps for facilities in towns located along the trail. Some females will need to bring menstruation management supplies and develop a way to deal with any biohazardous waste related to that.
FirstAid/Medications: All hikers have their own ideas of what to include in their first aid “kit”. Some bring only tweezers , an alcohol swabs, and a few packets of antibiotic ointment ( figuring their handkerchief can be used to bandage anything larger than a scratch). Others bring bandaids, nail clippers, and some OTC medications. Three of the most common OTC meds are Ibuprofen, Benedryl, and Antidiarrheals. Prescribed medications must be brought and refilled while on trail. Always make a plan for this ahead of time. Epi pens are needed for those with severe allergies. Insulin and other meds that need refrigerated are usually keep in special boxes- please google how to prior to planning a multi day trip of any type. Some muscle strain injuries can be helped by soaking the area in cold stream water when available.
Misc./Luxury items: This one is tricky because what may be a luxury to one person, may be a necessity to someone else. I will do my best here to give examples, but it is strictly a personal opinion. The luxuries i feel i want to include are( not in any order): an extra pair of sox for only sleeping in, an emergency reflector blanket or bivy, a “scoop” of some sort for shallow water sources; a few post it notes and a pen; an extra small carabiner, camp shoes( most likely crocs); and extra mini bic lighter; an extra power pack in case one fails/gets wet/ gets lost; waterproof gloves; a small fold up reusable coffee filter; a collapsible cup; a small/lightweight utility knife( swiss army or multi tool); Kula cloth;2 light weight inflatable pillows; burt’s bees lip balm; small amount sunscreen; baby wipes for daily hygiene; titanium spoon/fork (double sided utensil);gaiters, a few stuff sacks for organization; over the head bug net; cut to spec polycryo sheet for tent foot print; a buff, ball cap and sunglasses. I am sure this will change many times before i finalize my gear.
A few other items that are often included in gear lists i’ve seen are: electronic bug repellers, bear spray, emergency whistle, micro spikes, female stand-up urination devices, diva cups, dental floss, small amount duct tape, extra hair ties, small sewing kits, tent/mattress repair kits, leuko tape, Nalgene bottle, windscreen and pot cozy for cooking, extra tent stakes, tent footprint; ultra light folding camp chair or sit pad. This list is by far not inclusive.
Thanks for reading. Please feel free to add , comment, question or add!
Confession: I struggled with a title for this one because basically, it’s more of a run through of some of the hiker lifestyle “simulations” i have “tried on for size” over the past few years. What i had really hoped for last summer through fall is get some experience hiking out, and then camping over night both in a tent and in a “shelter” a few times to get my proverbially feet wet so i could ascertain the ability to pursue my goals. I tried and tried to find someone to share my adventures both in person as well as online. Many people showed interest, initially.. but by the end of October, all i had managed to talk anyone into was a short day hike or two. Some didn’t have the time, some had no gear, but mostly i found that, when it came down to it, they really weren’t as enthusiastic as they thought.Even my partner eventually expressed that it just “didn’t sound like fun (to him)”. It was frustrating, but one thing i realized after the season ended is that I cannot and should not have waited for someone else. This was my mistake.
However, i did not waste all that time. I did over 380 miles of hiking. And since the beginning i have been doing a lot of experimenting. I’ve tried to recreate typical scenarios, situations, and daily routines of life on trail as best I can. Here’s just a few:
hiking or just walking in the rain and cold weather.
cooking on a small burner.
sleeping on the ground/hard surface.
eating a typical thru hiker diet for a few weeks.
trying different shoes.
trying a variety of clothing brands
walking on trails vs. on pavement.
packing and unpacking my back pack.
Financial cut backs/budgeting.
juggling logistics
I’ve tested lots of other things too( not including the above photo , although i am certainly not opposed-lol) : using a She-wee instead of squatting to pee ( didn’t like it), various sun hats, going without socks, walking with varying pack weights, pushing my limits on more difficult trails and trying new ones, hiking alone( most of the time), testing how long my phone will stay charged using the apps, testing out my devices and how long they take to recharge with the power packs, adding electrolyte powders to my water, carrying different water bottles and sizes, etc. The list is endless. I loved every minute of it.
But during these tests, i’ve definitely questioned myself a whole lot. Mostly when i am just getting home from work in the morning and wondering how in the world i am going to get through hiking 2000 miles enduring physical extremes if i feel this crappy after working only 8 hours. Or when i drive past that trail i’ve been wanting to do, but tell myself i’ll do it another day. Or when i wake up in the afternoon taking up to 2 full hours to get myself together even with all the creature comforts vs. trying to imagine crawling out of a wet tent in the cold, waiting for water to boil on a tiny flame for a single cup of coffee, taking down my tent /packing up and walking 20 more miles. I often have serious doubts as to whether I can truly do this…much less navigate mountain peaks and icy ledges. Ugh..
So how do i know? The simple answer is: I don’t. But what i do know is that 90% of the time, it consumes me and when i am out there, i feel alive. My attitude improves 1000% and i cannot wait to do it over and over and over again. Is backpacking right for me? Maybe, maybe not.
But who cares? I’d rather be doing nothing else right now.
Problem solving will be an ongoing process. Here, i describe some of the issues i have/had so far with the big three and how i resolved them or am working on resolving. In some cases there were various less expensive, smaller items i bought to go in tandem with the big three. I’ve included the pros and cons of those items and whether or not I foresee using them on trail. In other cases, i have found a work around or am considering replacing an item.
Let’s start with the backpack. Now, to be fair, the general recommendation is to buy this last so you know how much room you need for all the other gear. But i was impatient to start hiking regularly with a pack for many reasons, so i got this first. I had to walk many miles with it- around 150 or so- to learn how to adjust the various straps according to weight and volume. I finally found a sweet spot..as long as i was walking without a warm jacket or rain gear, that is.Once cooler temperatures and rainy season came around i miserably realized the straps were not long enough or adjustable enough to accommodate the extra layers. One solution i’ve mulled over is finding a much less bulky puffy coat or using just enough properly wicking layers to provide the protection and warmth i need, maybe a fleece and wind jacket over my base layer. I also found that the bottom straps on the pack where i wanted to attach my tent did not adequately hold the tent(inside the stuff sack) and would slip out easily as i walked. I researched various solutions and finally decided ( so far at least) that my tent will have to go inside at the very top of the pack. It doesn’t need protection from getting wet so it needn’t be inside the pack liner.( i chose a Nylofume liner but am considering a compactor bag for better durability).The issue with this though is that the tent takes up room in the large compartment space that i need for food. Some parts of the AT require the use of a bear canister and it is fairly bulky.I could switch out the strap style or get a different stuff sack OR just strap the bear canister to the top of the pack-so those are possible solutions. In addition to the basic pack, i was using a fanny pack to keep stuff i needed often. However, the zippers kept getting stuck/failing and the fanny pack itself was not water proof. It was a hassle to put it on in addition to my back pack, and the buckle closure would bore into my skin. I decided to order several pocket attachments- 2 for my shoulder straps( a water bottle holder because the side pockets on the pack are too far back to reach easily) and cell phone holder plus 2 for my hip belt in which i keep snacks, a few first aid items, ear buds, car keys, etc. They work great and can be attached to any future backpacks should i decide to go with another brand.
Next, my tent. i do love that it is double walled because that helps a lot with ventilation and condensation. The outside part is like a fly or tarp and zippers onto a separate netted inner part, with a bath tub style floor( to help prevent leaks from underneath into the main area). The netted part can also be used alone when you want to keep the bugs out , it is hot, and/or you wanna sleep barrier-free under the stars. The only issue i have with it so far is that while the idea of using trekking poles to set up seems like a no brainer (multi use items are coveted for saving space and weight) I found that i just don’t use the trek poles as much as i thought i would( that could change and i did keep them in a box at home) . The collapsible tent poles that can be purchased separately are much lighter and take up less space. I have yet to actually sleep outdoors in the tent so i am sure there will be a lot more to learn.For sure i will have to practice using the ‘guy-out’ lines- i have not yet tried them.
My sleep system – so much to say here. I definitely knew i wanted the lightest weight easiest to pack style. My back cannot handle hammocks and i didn’t want to have to constantly be looking for 2 trees that worked for one. I never did like my traditional mummy style sleeping bags, and the logic surrounding buying a sleep quilt is that you aren’t crushing down a bottom half while you sleep making the warmth factor ineffective( so why carry the extra weight?). I decided on a custom made sleep quilt. I perused several companies and when i narrowed it down, i found a one that was mid range in price and i got the colors i wanted and style that seemed right for me. Unfortunately now, i realize it was silly to order the “long” length as i am only 5’2″ ( forehead slap). I also do not care for the loose outer material , i should have gotten a more stitched version. I chose synthetic fill as i tend to be mildly allergic to down. The sleep quilt is designed to be used with an air mattress.Mine is also unhooded but i wanted the hoodless option so it wouldn’t get in the way of a pillow if i wanted to add one. I also had to spend time learning to use the straps properly – there were videos. I had also purchased a flex tail air pump. I found, though, that i can easily blow up a the pad with just my mouth and save almost 6 oz of weight plus not have to charge one- so, in the “not using” pile it went. I ordered a top of the line sleep pad- mummy shaped . Two problems cropped up. I hate the mummy style and cannot sleep well on it because i feel like i am falling off of it. Also, again, it’s too long. I must have been channeling my inner tall person when i ordered! So, i need to get a wider rectangular shape, in a shorter length.However, i have also found my back actually feels much better upon waking when i use a simple foam sleep pad . It would save weight if i can find one that provides enough warmth. Also, being non inflatable , there would be no risk of tears or leaks. Initially, i also bought a sleep sack liner as well, which i may use in hot weather to save weight and space( and not a sleep quilt), but would not carry or use with cooler temps( using the sleep quilt instead). I have also been testing inflatable pillows because rolling up my puffy coat isn’t comfy and i might need to wear it while sleeping if it’s extra chilly. The 2 pillows i have started testing are inflatables by Sea to Summit. I like one of them for between my knees, but the other style is not comfortable under my head or between my knees. Fortunately i got them from an online shop called Gearswap that sells slightly used gear at discount prices. i will have to keep searching. .
That’s about it so far.
Next post I will move on to other small required items and accessories.
Wake up! 