How to Plan Your 1st Thru-Hike

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  • Опубліковано 10 чер 2024
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 373

  • @OceanBob
    @OceanBob 6 років тому +495

    The goal is to die with Memories, not Dreams.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  6 років тому +21

      Absolutely! My thoughts exactly!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

    • @Qthefun
      @Qthefun 6 років тому +1

    • @miaharte9885
      @miaharte9885 6 років тому

      Excellent Advice👍🏻

    • @Lue_Jonin
      @Lue_Jonin 6 років тому +8

      I quote that all the time... But I say "The goal in life is to have memories...not dreams"

    • @pamaladarsow2763
      @pamaladarsow2763 5 років тому

      Bobeeg - I love that !

  • @Arthur-Silva
    @Arthur-Silva 6 років тому +435

    I’m quitting my job in 40 days, selling my car after that and starting the PCT on April 1st. See y’all out there! Happy trails!

    • @infiniteskills9077
      @infiniteskills9077 6 років тому +25

      Big mistake buddy.

    • @rodtheer8141
      @rodtheer8141 6 років тому +41

      You only live once!

    • @thegoodguy1702
      @thegoodguy1702 6 років тому

      check out missing 411 ... wish you the best..

    • @ramduck4154
      @ramduck4154 6 років тому +36

      Thats right, you only live once. Very exciting to do something like that. If you dont, you will always look back and say "I shoud of done it". Go for it. Happy Trails

    • @rodtheer8141
      @rodtheer8141 6 років тому +4

      Ramduck415 Exactly!

  • @fatboymig1
    @fatboymig1 4 роки тому +42

    "Take year to plan hike."
    3 minutes later
    "Throw all your plans out the window." Lol.

  • @roberthamm1495
    @roberthamm1495 5 років тому +47

    Funny I loaded my pack down with dirty laundry and hiked to my grandmothers house to do laundry. Just to see if I could be ok with a pack on.

    • @ramonfarr
      @ramonfarr 4 роки тому +2

      Hope you made it
      Sometimes when i miss trekking or hiking, i just grab my backpack and go fir a long walk with my dog, it keeps me sharp, low fat and healthy
      Keep it up, hope you'll get better👊

    • @jonpropes7666
      @jonpropes7666 4 роки тому

      Ramon Farrugia p. P 0. P so ps. Z z

  • @HamishMackenzie7
    @HamishMackenzie7 6 років тому +13

    Great advice. Most important one is to embrace the suck. Every trail I've ever hiked I've wanted to quit on the first or second or third day, but I know it's going to happen so I just push through it. It's also why I plan the first couple of days to be low mileage.

  • @jonmnelson
    @jonmnelson 6 років тому +93

    Throw your plans out the window and embrace the suck -- Awesome advice, for hiking and life!

    • @berniebroering7438
      @berniebroering7438 6 років тому +2

      And don't quit your hike on a sucky day!

    • @dsaint9264
      @dsaint9264 6 років тому

      Nice

    • @themanchann5138
      @themanchann5138 5 років тому +1

      That's what I learned in the military! Lol

    • @bombidil3
      @bombidil3 Рік тому

      That's a line I've heard a few times knee deep in a swamp in Gagetown lol.

  • @myleftthumb2294
    @myleftthumb2294 Рік тому +2

    Excellent video. Giving myself TWO(2) years to prep for thru-hiking the AT in '25. Other than walking upwards of 5 miles a day, I haven't done any real trail hiking or camping since Boy Scouts almost fifty years ago. Yeah, I'm gonna be an old fart out there, but I know I can do it. I don't want to end up like my dad or uncle who just laid around all day in their retirements.

  • @timothyeubanks32100
    @timothyeubanks32100 6 років тому +82

    Just finished thru-hiking the Ouachita Trail. Almost no planning. I left my job and my wife tells me "you know, you should do a long distance hike because you have an opportunity right now and you might not get another one for a long time." So a week later I was on the trail.
    It is a great trail to get your feet wet in the long distance hikes. 223 miles. Takes most people 12-18 days. Took me 16 but those weren't all full days. Started the trail at 3pm 1/25/18 for example. Took a short day Monday the 1/29 to stay in the Queen Wilhelmina lodge which the trail goes right by. Another short day 2/6 to get into town and resupply. Took a zero to watch the super bowl and had new shoes overnighting on Monday that came in after 1pm. Wasn't back on the trail until 2:30pm Monday, so that was two short days and a zero Saturday-Monday 2/3-2/5. I wouldn't do it any different though, had a great time!
    The only part that was nerve wracking was falling asleep in a shelter on 2/5. Right as I was dozing off or shortly after I heard some rustling around outside. I was alone, like always on the trail, and was shining my light around to see what it was. The noises were all around the sides and back of the shelter. I kept hearing the rustling around. I had my food in the shelter with me and I'm in bear country so I'm listening for what it could be and getting a little bit nervous. It sounds small, so I'm not thinking bear. I'm thinking armadillo or a raccoon. Its totally dark, moon rise wasn't until after midnight. Quiet still night with no wind. Only the occasional hooting of an owl to break the silence. Then the rustling seemed to be moving off. I quickly got up and grabbed my knife and lit up a cigarette. Partly to calm my nerves, but also I figured the unfamiliar smell would scare off any animals roaming around the shelter. Then all of the sudden I hear this ear splitting screeching bark that is echoing all around. 5 or 6 in a row. I've camped and backpacked a ton and have never heard anything like this. It was so loud and screeching. It sounded like what you would imagine a banshee would sound like, just this ear shattering screeching cry. It had to be only 50 yards away or less. Oh man I was so damn scared. Just paralyzed with fear. Your mind goes a little crazy when you're by yourself in the woods on a pitch black calm still silent night. So I'm laying there holding my little fixed blade and scanning everything I can with my headlamp. I see nothing moving, no eyes looking in my direction, nothing at all. The cry of this creature is still ringing in my head. Two or three minutes pass and I hear it again, except this time it sounds like its 150+ yards away. Definitely moving off, and I have a sigh of relief a bit, but I'm still really scared. Two or three more minutes pass, and again the insanely loud screeching barking sound, close again. So now i know there's two of them out there going back and forth. That actually calmed me down even more because I know its not something crazy, its just something that lives out there that I've not ever heard before.
    So I hop on my phone and I find it! Its a damn red fox lol. I've hiked and camped out all over in places with red fox. In fact, I've camped in more places that have foxes than places that don't. I've never heard their bark before, but it isn't cute. Its this screeching banshee call that is absolutely loud as hell. So yeah, now I know what that sound is. Its funny now, but man I can't think of a time I was more scared than that night. I was paralyzed, heart pounding, holding my knife, too scared to move, too scared to breath.
    Look up on UA-cam the fox bark. Then put yourself in my shoes. Or look it up so you know what it is so you won't freak yourself out like I did. Again, countless nights spent in the woods where all sorts of animals live and I'm used to their sounds. I had never heard a fox bark like that before. Crazy ass night! Funny story from the trail though. Good times! 👍

    • @serafinhikes
      @serafinhikes 6 років тому +3

      Tim Eubanks great story, I had a similar experience in a long day hike, but I met a black bear instead in the dark ... living in the Shenandoah area, I expect it

    • @eeoutdoors2622
      @eeoutdoors2622 5 років тому +2

      Tim I am on the fence on doing that exact same trail with similar circumstances. Any advice for another first timer?

    • @hannahtucker4694
      @hannahtucker4694 5 років тому +7

      You're a great story teller. Had me on the edge of my seat, thinking it was big foot or something lol

    • @YoureInSilico
      @YoureInSilico 5 років тому +1

      Now I know what the fox says. Good story mate.

    • @puffypenguin323
      @puffypenguin323 5 років тому +1

      Had a similar experience on a trail. Thought a woman was being brutally murdered near my camp. Just a fox...luckily

  • @garethsmith3036
    @garethsmith3036 4 роки тому +33

    I just committed to hiking the cdt in 2021, see you out there

    • @runningrock124
      @runningrock124 3 роки тому +5

      nice! hows planning going?

    • @mikemorr100
      @mikemorr100 3 роки тому +2

      I'd also like to know how it's going

  • @monev
    @monev 6 років тому +97

    "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth” -Mike Tyson

  • @justrusty
    @justrusty 5 років тому +37

    True story: I was going on a one week hike in the northeast. A friend who had never hiked but who was in great shape for a man his age (ran thousands of miles per year) was going to go with me. He scheduled out everything down to where we would be at what time. I tried telling him it didn't work that way, but he insisted this is how he got motivated. The plans went out the window on day one. (And he quit.) It's too bad because a better approach would have served him much better. He seems to have given up on the idea of any multi-day hikes and is missing out on a great opportunity as a result.
    Lesson: Plan a lot, but don't schedule a lot. I think that's the point you were making.

    • @Jerrymc1975
      @Jerrymc1975 4 роки тому +2

      Reverend Rusty scheduling defeats the purpose of enjoying the hike. Might as well stay home and work the weekly schedule.

  • @nathanaelkolb4024
    @nathanaelkolb4024 6 років тому +192

    Get to the dentist and make sure there's no surprises awaiting.

    • @Lue_Jonin
      @Lue_Jonin 6 років тому +6

      Ya could always perform self oral surgery like Tom Hanks in "Cast Away" LOL... Heck Wilson can assist. 😀

    • @seribas
      @seribas 4 роки тому +6

      Yeah i did that and needed 3 crowns. Not the triple crown i was hoping for.. Its alright, for that and a few other reasons 2019 was not my year. Getting the last crown next week and starting my pct thru attempt mid march! 2020 is shaping up to be my year. Kind of a now or never kind of deal. Im at a fork in my life trail and need to get into a new line of work when I get home.

    • @elijackson7601
      @elijackson7601 4 роки тому +4

      NightSnacks Hikes lmao “2020 is shaping up to be my year” maybe you’ll get it next year, assuming you got off ofc

  • @FrankBergdoll
    @FrankBergdoll 6 років тому +70

    Great advice. My only add would be to make sure and walk around town quite a lot beforehand. Make sure you can walk 5-10 miles carrying your pack around town. It will build your legs and get you used to your pack - give you a chance to dial-in the weight and fit too. Ideally, I think doing some hill climbs with your pack in town is also a great idea (or stair climbs).
    Also - test and use your equipment! Make some soup on your stove, cook some meals, etc. I've seen people actually unwrapping their equipment for the first time just before their hike - yikes.

  • @bombidil3
    @bombidil3 Рік тому +1

    Taking a month after graduation doing the Maine section of the AT. This was really helpful!

  • @zacharycat
    @zacharycat 5 років тому +2

    Darwin is such a good speaker I can watch his videos on 2x speed and still understand what he says. He has so many I don't have time for regular speed if I want to see them all.

  • @keepitsimple64
    @keepitsimple64 2 роки тому +1

    For several months, I took long training walks over bridges with a training pack that has a number of Gatorade bottles of sand, about 45lbs inside and with my trail hikers I walk 10-12 miles across town along the beach walk to toughen my feet, strengthen my back and legs. I arranged a storage rate with my auto insurance. Disconnected the battery, cover the intake and exhausts, put a fuel stabilizer in the tank and covered the vehicle. Bills are on auto pay. Have the cable on a seasonal rate. Notified apt manager. Cleaned out my phone for more pics. Forwarded mail to a friend... So much to do!

    • @dustyoldhat
      @dustyoldhat Рік тому

      You sound obsessed with your car

  • @bravelyliving5869
    @bravelyliving5869 6 років тому +42

    Second attempt of the PCT begins April 14, 2019!

    • @floppydisk4500
      @floppydisk4500 6 років тому +1

      Bravely Living how was the pct I've been dreaming of the PCT since I 12 years old and my dad told me about how much he loved the trail, but has never finished it because he got hurt and had to go home and he still hasn't finished it to this day.

    • @bravelyliving5869
      @bravelyliving5869 6 років тому +2

      Chaslasher H last year was brutal with snow...I wasn't prepared for it. But it changed me for life...I will start again April 14, 2019... but I'll make it this time! If you want it... make it happen! I'm telling you... you won't regret it!

    • @dasher607
      @dasher607 6 років тому +3

      Im hoping to do the pct in 2019 as well. Im afraid i wont be able to afford it and have to push it back to 2020 or 2021.
      Was out of work for a while due to surgery. Really put me in debt. But i will get there eventually!
      Hope to see you on the trail, if not, have a good hike!

    • @bravelyliving5869
      @bravelyliving5869 6 років тому +1

      Dash Medina the money struggle is real! Good luck to you! I hope I see you out there!!!

    • @michaelbush2322
      @michaelbush2322 5 років тому

      Best of luck

  • @musingsatmidlife5278
    @musingsatmidlife5278 5 років тому

    Loved it! Thanks! I am planning the AT in a few years, and am SUPER excited. I learn new things every day. Thanks for your info!

  • @bit5172
    @bit5172 6 років тому

    Continuing to appreciate your contributions and enjoy your sharing of the journey!

  • @socalf58
    @socalf58 3 роки тому +1

    Thank-you Darwin, (&Cuddles) I have been following for several years and still have NOT "Hiked"!!! I am retired and slowly getting that " Just Do It " attitude... Your videos are always very informative, especially this one!!! Very much appreciated!!!!! Thank-you (!!!AGAIN!!!)

  • @YoureInSilico
    @YoureInSilico 5 років тому

    Awesome video. I found your channel by accident and now I'm really pumped to start planning for my first thru-hike.

  • @GeertLeysen
    @GeertLeysen 6 років тому +1

    My year of preparing for the PCT started last week! Can't wait to get on the trail in a year or so... really exciting!

  • @SeanBeasley40
    @SeanBeasley40 5 років тому

    WOW, just finished watching your video on planning for the AT and you have definitely answer some questions I have had for a while I want to do my hike next year so I've got to get busy right now, thanks for all the info you offered.

  • @karebear1775
    @karebear1775 5 років тому

    Thank you so much for your videos, there’s so many people that tell me it’s stupid and there’s no point, but it’s something I’ve dreamed about for years. I’m turning 19 and I don’t want to keep waiting for the perfect time, because that’s never going to just happen. You have to make it happen.

  • @miconn69
    @miconn69 5 місяців тому

    Love seeing that you hiked Pinhoti. That's our goal for 2024. The wife and I are new to hiking, and being from right here in Alabama, it only makes sense that we start by hitting the trails here at home.
    So glad we discovered your YT content thanks to Dan Becker. You've been a wealth of information.

  • @peppermintp2610
    @peppermintp2610 5 років тому +1

    Hi Darwin. I'm new to your channel and love the content! I don't backpack (yet---you are inspiring!), but have some limited experience with bicycling touring. I hope to do more of that, and your videos are equally applicable to bicycle touring! You cover topics that bicycle touring channels don't--just what I was looking for! Thank you!!

  • @jaxonsgsx
    @jaxonsgsx 6 років тому +2

    Thank you for this video! I'm planning my first small thru hike of Illinois River to River trail right now. So perfect timing! Hike on!

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  6 років тому

      Nice! Always wanted to do that one. I spent alot of time In Shawnee National Forest!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

  • @steffystrailmix3797
    @steffystrailmix3797 6 років тому +7

    I’ve been watching the 2018 hikers before I start and its plans,plans,plans. My head spins and I get overwhelmed! Thanks for your words to just “get rid of them” I know to put one foot in front of the other and resupply when needed.

    • @Arthur-Silva
      @Arthur-Silva 6 років тому +4

      I've been following hikers on UA-cam for a couple of years now and I was struggling with that as well last year, some people plan every resupply stop as if the whole trail was completely predictable. I'm starting on the first week of April and I'll be planning for a couple of weeks at a time. It's a good thing to have a few boxes back at home ready to be shipped upon your request, if you have family members, friends, neighbors or roommates to help you out and write the address on the boxes and drop them off at the post office when you need them.
      Also, I don't know if you're doing the PCT this year, if you are, check out Dixie's video about resupply strategy for the PCT, You're probably familiar with her channel, if not, here it is: Homemade Wanderlust. The video is good, but there was a comment from one of the viewers that gave me some good insight:
      "If I were to do the PCT again, I would probably only send 3 total packages: Kennedy Meadows would have new trail runners, bear can, micro spikes, ice axe and food, Burney would have trail runners and Cascade Locks would have trail runners and my passport." Sorry for the looooooongass reply. Happy trails!

  • @mommabear9890
    @mommabear9890 6 років тому +7

    Darwin, You rock. I hope I get to meet you on the PCT. Your kinda the Hiking Video Superstar!

  • @thisisgrowinguptome
    @thisisgrowinguptome 6 років тому

    Getting ready to do the Colorado trail and hopefully the AT by 2020. This video was a huge help! Thanks so much bro, hike on!

  • @tomdickson4460
    @tomdickson4460 6 років тому +1

    Thank you! Enjoy your hike.

  • @katahdinorbust2197
    @katahdinorbust2197 6 років тому

    I'm a HUGE fan of your sharing style! LOVE IT!! Planning for 2019!

  • @grahambullick2769
    @grahambullick2769 6 років тому +10

    Great thing about putting a year in planning and testing is that you can take advantage of gear sales. Some of this stuff is ridiculously expensive and it can be found with a little patience on Craigs list, REI annual member sales, ebay etc. An obsession with the newest and lightest can be an unbelievable burden.

    • @journeyinthewilderness6276
      @journeyinthewilderness6276 5 років тому

      Agreed! I am planning my first long distance hike for the summer of 2020. Just bought my pack the other day through an REI sale. Their Garage Sale is in a month, I'll be hitting that up for other gear. I love your idea of Craigslist. Hadn't thought about that one. When you have time to plan, it's easy to say no to the high prices and wait for the good deals.

  • @cristinajones7974
    @cristinajones7974 Рік тому

    this was soooo helpful and is getting me so excited, thank you!!

  • @guywithgear
    @guywithgear 6 років тому +4

    Very handy information, and timely for an AT 2018 start. Thanks, Darwin.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  6 років тому

      No Problem Kirk! Have a great Hike this year!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

  • @TheOrangeSasquatch
    @TheOrangeSasquatch 6 років тому

    Love your videos. Very informative and fun to watch thanks Darwin

  • @SylvainSybaris
    @SylvainSybaris Рік тому

    Yes, this video is much great advice, so take notes... I tend to think the reason why so many people end up quitting is because they seem to focus on the completion of the trail without truly grasping the extreme duration of literally walking from Georgia to Maine.... Perhaps consider the wilderness as "this is where I decided to live for a year" and then you may not focus so much on the mission of completion itself, but rather embracing a "way of life" for a long time taking one day at a time to avoid being overwhelmed by the tremendous vastness... Perhaps set a casual daily hiking goal, like 5 to 10 miles a day or to stop at each of the 250 shelters depending on your abilities, but always focus on the particular day, yet have the note plans pre-written before starting this "way of life" such as the places to re-supply (surely, everyone already knows that), but also, areas & towns the trail goes through that may be confusing to follow for those with no technology for internet access (like myself), so pre-written notes & a compass is crucial.... and for those with internet access, what will you do if your cell phone/GPS devise fails??? What if it breaks, falls in water, gets lost or just stops working, or maybe something with the charger goes wrong??? It may be wise for an "Old-School" back up plan, like paper notes & a compass, otherwise, it's either all over for you unless you are already with a group or you if you're fortunate to make hiking friends to depend on with a similar mind set & preparedness.

  • @Ma-ec5jc
    @Ma-ec5jc 3 роки тому

    Oh wow, that inspires me a lot. Amazing thank you so much, Darwin. I plan to start my trail in Cyprus at beginning of march. It's the E4. Hope you doing well. All the Best, Mario

  • @TeamPesRotos
    @TeamPesRotos 5 років тому +2

    I'm preparing my first in Sweden Kungsleden. Seems I'm on the right way. Thank you for your advice!

  • @Texasdents
    @Texasdents 4 роки тому

    Thanks Darwin.
    My brother and I have been planning are semi-thru hike of the AZT and are super excited to hit the trail. The plan is to finish at the Utah border on July 11th. My brothers 60th birthday.
    We hope to run into you and snuggles on the trail. Thanks for all your videos and tips.

  • @andresmartinez6134
    @andresmartinez6134 4 роки тому

    Thank you so much, Im a Mexican living in Europe (Prague) and it's just crazy the amount of front and back country here, I have no Thru-hiking experience, and my only wilderness experience can be narrow to been a little boyscout when I was 10 haha, so this videos are just the best, I have seen almost all of them and I think you are helping me in some many ways to save money, time, unnecesary stress and effort. SO DUDE THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH

  • @Mtnsunshine
    @Mtnsunshine 6 років тому

    Great video. You can see your love of trail life in the last few seconds of the video. :-). Hope you are having a fantastic time on the Pinhoti !

  • @LamiaAlonso
    @LamiaAlonso 6 років тому

    Thanks :) great advices, motivating me more and more to start the PCT

  • @MrJoebmxer
    @MrJoebmxer 6 років тому

    Love the recap on how to plan a thru hike Darwin. As the video was going it kind of reminded me of the 12 days of Christmas, lol.

  • @CWdobro
    @CWdobro 6 років тому

    My wife and I are day hikers and probably never do more than that but we really look forward to your videos! Thanks and have a great warmup hike. We will be waiting for pics on Instagram👍

  • @wanderlustfrost9938
    @wanderlustfrost9938 3 роки тому

    Thanks so much for this video! Currently planning my first - PCT 2021 🤞🏻

  • @spencert8125
    @spencert8125 3 роки тому

    have been in the very early stages of planning a pct hike during 2022 and thought i was getting too ahead of myself. happy when i saw you said a year in advance was good. phew

  • @OsvaldoFerrer
    @OsvaldoFerrer 4 роки тому

    Great insight on planning for the 1st one. Thank you!

  • @GustoStCool
    @GustoStCool 6 років тому +80

    My first thru-hike was the I-75 trail. Man, I really don't like when they allow so many cars on trails.

    • @JoelKenningtonJDKW
      @JoelKenningtonJDKW 6 років тому +1

      Gusto St. Cool lol

    • @GustoStCool
      @GustoStCool 6 років тому +6

      I don't know who decided to make the speed limit 70mph on a trail, but that person should be drug tested!

    • @GustoStCool
      @GustoStCool 6 років тому

      I like the way you think! You're gonna go far in this organization.

    • @toolhog10
      @toolhog10 4 роки тому

      haha, I still have the southern Florida section to do.

    • @Sugarsheila.
      @Sugarsheila. 4 роки тому +1

      Lol!! Hot crazy in Atlanta.

  • @leanncollier1229
    @leanncollier1229 6 років тому

    Love your videos, I always learn something new!

  • @serafinhikes
    @serafinhikes 6 років тому +6

    Practice using each gear system you plan on bringing on the hike so it becomes muscle memory.
    If something doesn't work for you then it's better to find out sooner rather than on the trail.

  • @theheathenhiker7631
    @theheathenhiker7631 6 років тому

    Great video per usual man. I'm currently in step 4 of my planning for a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail. I've got a bunch of 20+ year old gear I am upgrading and replacing. Then it's just securing the time off work, and hitting the trail.
    I'm expecting a child in the next three weeks though, so it'll take me a bit to get all the gear I need.
    Hopefully you and Lucky are staying dry out there!

  • @adventuresofourfamily4852
    @adventuresofourfamily4852 3 роки тому

    Loved your video. We're planning for the AT 2023 but only God knows lol... Thanks for this info. It helps.

  • @cjalaska
    @cjalaska 6 років тому +1

    Life insurance. Great advice. I would add in listen to as many people as you can but choose the best advice. Don't listen to people who say it can't be done. I am doing a hike on the coast from Juneau, Alaska to Skagway while using a pack raft to cross major streams and rivers. Then after the arrival in Skagway, I was planning on hiking the Chilkoot trial. I have been planning for the last two years because of a new pacemaker. Other than that, looking at tons of pictures and any videos I can find on the net. Building up my miles on hikes is tough because most of our trails are under 10 miles. So I try and do them twice. Once again, great videos. Keep them coming!

  • @Lue_Jonin
    @Lue_Jonin 6 років тому +16

    One thing I make sure I do is get to a doctor to get a couple back to back 6 month prescriptions of my medication so I don't have to worry about running out while on my adventures.
    ✌ 👣 👑 👑

  • @rocker34
    @rocker34 5 років тому

    Thanks Darwin for the tips

  • @Ramo718
    @Ramo718 6 років тому

    Thank you very much yes this was very valuable you brought up some points that I did not think of thank you again

  • @326sailingships
    @326sailingships 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome advice! Thank you!

  • @elizabethingram9784
    @elizabethingram9784 2 роки тому

    Embrace the suck! That is so great, I was just talking with someone about that today. Hey Darwin, great video, I was wondering about how to budget, now I know. It’s good to have a wonderful goal in mind. Thank you! :)

  • @azcolby40
    @azcolby40 6 років тому

    Thanks Darwin, great advice

  • @DidierMelki
    @DidierMelki 6 років тому +1

    Excellent video as usual bro. Hike on

  • @erwotheelder
    @erwotheelder 6 років тому +1

    Heading out on the PCT on March 29th! See you when you pass me!

  • @dannyboivin
    @dannyboivin 4 роки тому

    I really love your video Darwin, Thank you very much for all of this :)

  • @deathwizxx
    @deathwizxx 6 років тому

    I hope to see you on the PCT darwin!

  • @ExpeditionNomadicAdventures
    @ExpeditionNomadicAdventures 6 років тому +1

    Really Great advice Darwin.

  • @bkbland1626
    @bkbland1626 4 роки тому

    Good tips. I'm getting stoked! March 15 isn't that far away. AT baby!

  • @bulblast89
    @bulblast89 6 років тому +1

    Only the Essential was an great doc. I also really like As It Happens.

  • @michaelb1761
    @michaelb1761 6 років тому +1

    Great video. Everything that I was thinking of, you said.

  • @phebefriddle9133
    @phebefriddle9133 6 років тому +1

    I think it's sound advice. If you can last for a week on a trail chances are you can do a through hike. Practice is important, know your gear.. know your abilities and get to know the trail😊Happy hiking!

  • @Qthefun
    @Qthefun 6 років тому

    Bicentennial National Trail is on my bucket list thanks to you Darwin... :P

  • @chriscook215
    @chriscook215 6 років тому

    Thank you.. this was very good advice for me..

  • @jongrall
    @jongrall 6 років тому +1

    Great advice, Darwin!

  • @petercoconut
    @petercoconut 6 років тому

    Wow, well said. PERFECT!

  • @ourlittlesafehaven3614
    @ourlittlesafehaven3614 4 роки тому

    Nice video! Thoughtful! Thank you!

  • @Wonderpalm1979
    @Wonderpalm1979 5 років тому

    Looking for camping gear reviews and all of a sudden this dude has me mentally rearranging my life for a 6 month hike

    • @journeyinthewilderness6276
      @journeyinthewilderness6276 5 років тому

      Totally! I'm planning my first "long distance" hike (3 weeks on the trail) for summer of 2020 and am kindof afraid I'll get "bit by the bug" and really want to do one of the big ones. Right now I can't see leaving my family for that long of time, and they are not able to come with. But gosh, I just KNOW three weeks isn't going to be enough!

  • @aspinamick1238
    @aspinamick1238 5 років тому

    I really appreciate this video. When it came out I was just day dreaming about the AT and I was scared to get started even though I was certain I wanted to do it in 2019. When you said to make a commitment I realized that was what I hadn't done yet, no one knew I wanted to do this. The scariest thing was telling my loved ones for the first time. Turns out, they are incredibly supportive! Now I tell everyone and anyone that will listen and I start in March 2019. Thank you for your videos!

    • @journeyinthewilderness6276
      @journeyinthewilderness6276 5 років тому

      I get it! I just told some friends today about my plans to thru-hike the Tahoe Rim Trail summer of 2020 (the TRT is not long by thru-hike standards, but way more than I've ever attempted). It was scary to put it into words. I mean, my immediate family knows. But telling friends/letting the "whole world" know, is a whole other step. It made it seem more real.

    • @journeyinthewilderness6276
      @journeyinthewilderness6276 5 років тому

      Oh, and congrats on going for it! I hope you have a super awesome and successful hike.

    • @aspinamick1238
      @aspinamick1238 5 років тому

      @@journeyinthewilderness6276 thanks! I start NOBO at Amicalola March 20th!
      Good luck on your journey!

  • @aaronsilver1975
    @aaronsilver1975 6 років тому

    Another great video. Thanks

  • @modestadventurers
    @modestadventurers 6 років тому +1

    Great advice as always.

  • @larryl4881
    @larryl4881 6 років тому

    Dude you are so spot on this vid, 2 thumbs up!

    • @larryl4881
      @larryl4881 6 років тому

      When its shitty out and you need to do miles i would say "embrace the suck bc it's the closes friend you have have at this moment".

  • @Eldofarmboy
    @Eldofarmboy 6 років тому

    I'm hitting the John Muir Trail hopefully this summer to get a feel for backpacking so I can get ready for the AT, PCT, and CDT. Your videos are proving quite helpful for how to deal with stuff in a more hiker type way than the bushcraft/survivalist style that I'm used to. Had someone not told me to watch your channel I'd be doing stuff Bear Grylls style on the trail. Lol

    • @nathanrieck2112
      @nathanrieck2112 6 років тому

      Woodland Warrior better get started with your permit......you apply 6 months to the day before you start to get it, you have to fax it in with your top 5 starting locations and where you would camp the first night. It is lottery so you may not get it. The good news is they changed it so that each day it rolls into the next draw for I believe 30 days or so. Took me three weeks to get mine this past summer and my third starting location. Only costs 5bucks a person so that’s nice. You have to pick up the permit at the ranger station the day before your hike or the morning of before 10 I think. Otherwise they give it away to walk up people. (This is off of memory so may not be all correct). Best of luck, it was an amazing trip. I would love to do it again in the coming years.
      Nathan

  • @johnnyonthetrail629
    @johnnyonthetrail629 4 роки тому

    thanks for the information and tips!

  • @twilightdancer9000
    @twilightdancer9000 4 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing this 🌻

  • @ndubstar
    @ndubstar 3 роки тому

    Great vid. And great vids!

  • @discoveringlockenest8420
    @discoveringlockenest8420 2 роки тому

    Great info, thank you! 🤙

  • @jasonwish-
    @jasonwish- 6 років тому +1

    Looking forward to seeing your Pinhoti Trail videos....Trying to decide between the Benton Mackaye and Pinhoti for my Feb. 2019 thru hike.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  6 років тому

      The Pinhoti has been great! A bit Rainy in Feb, but great hiking!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

    • @jasonwish-
      @jasonwish- 6 років тому

      What have the average day and night temps been?

  • @harveybrooks9697
    @harveybrooks9697 6 років тому +6

    Great video Darwin! You left out the part on how I convince my wife to leave her alone with 10 year old and 9 year old boys for 5-6 months! Thanks again!

    • @harveybrooks9697
      @harveybrooks9697 6 років тому +2

      Lol STeVe PNW!! Yes, they are amazing! Never knew I would be a baseball coach or a basketball coach either! Still have my dream of the AT one day! Hike on!

    • @refarns71
      @refarns71 5 років тому +3

      Make it a family trip... School is cool but the trail lessons learned will never leave them.

  • @isaactapia7438
    @isaactapia7438 3 роки тому

    This video is amazing!, thanks Dude 🤘😀

  • @davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker
    @davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker 6 років тому

    Great video. Thanks

  • @MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC
    @MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC 6 років тому +7

    Hey bro you forgot the IAT. Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. It's amazing and it's 1,220 miles of rugged terrain and high elevations on bluffs,ridges, and much more stuff. Such a beautiful trail. It's the only trail in the United States that runs through one single state and runs along the glacial formation area of Wisconsin. I'm section hiking it right now.

  • @spence5627
    @spence5627 6 років тому

    Hey Darwin onthetrail actually saw you today. We were in a group up at Mcdill point at around 430. Was with a local college on a hiking trip. We were the ones in the van that dropped Tim off. He told us about your channel. Good luck and have a nice stay at cheaha for the night.

  • @annajuarez7710
    @annajuarez7710 2 роки тому

    I’m in my junior year of college and I’m withdrawing from the semester because of burnout. I wanted to take a gap year in high school when I graduated, and dedicated it to hiking, but couldn’t get around to it. If I even graduate as planned now, and regardless of if I do, I’m going to hike the trail! Let the planning begin

  • @susannewhitney3735
    @susannewhitney3735 4 роки тому +2

    AT 2020!!!

  • @jacechamberlain1864
    @jacechamberlain1864 5 років тому +1

    the Ice age trail is a good starter trail tons of water and very flat wide trails and nice people in the tow
    ns

  • @dustintwitchell8226
    @dustintwitchell8226 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the video great info!

  • @stanthemanhikes2965
    @stanthemanhikes2965 6 років тому +1

    Great video Darwin. I'm 4 years away from my thru hike hoping the time flys by!

  • @noahchicoine4780
    @noahchicoine4780 6 років тому

    I've been filling my pack with all my gear and hiking the pond in my neighborhood every weekend. Thankfully I've been doing it as I buy each piece of gear to work up gradually. So I started out doing the pond every weekend without gear, last month I had my backpack and sleep system. Next weekend I'll add my cook kit. This has not only allowed me to practice hiking but also do it very gradually. I've also started setting up my sleep system in a few different areas so I can get used to setting up and taking down in any conditions, I've even done stuff like cook a cup of coffee or whatever to get used to doing these things in my comfortable environment. Also, very thankfully my "local pond" has MILES of trails that connects between a few small peaks 900 1,200 of elevation so I can get a really varied hour to 4-hour practice run that works around my life.

    • @Angel-hm9so
      @Angel-hm9so 6 років тому +1

      Noah Chicoine I'm in northern Ontario so I've been preparing for my first ever summer of backpacking by walking snowmobile trails with my dogs. I carry a small pack with weights in it. It's small and handily fits on the self in the entry closet. I'm a very experienced rough camper so no worries about that part of things. This summer will be backpacking and next summer will be an epic canoe trip.

  • @adambomb2916
    @adambomb2916 6 років тому +6

    Im starting in on the AT in my home town gonna see how far I get in a month and a half going north! Starting March 3rd and going super minimalist!

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  6 років тому +1

      Nice! Have a killer time out there man!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

  • @harmony331000
    @harmony331000 6 років тому +11

    Have you done any hiking in Canada? I live in Alberta Canada and we have incredible mountains and trails here! I’m so motivated and inspired by you and your adventures! Thank you so very much for sharing with us!!!

    • @magistradox39
      @magistradox39 2 роки тому

      Winter hiking and camping. I live in Alberta. My winter equipment is so much more expensive than the summer ones.

  • @neilbadger4262
    @neilbadger4262 6 років тому

    Training for my own through hike, I managed 1400 miles in training last year and was up to 171.2 miles by 24th Jan this year when I got run over by a car. However it has meant I can do even more route planning.

  • @user-ww2pw2zi7l
    @user-ww2pw2zi7l 5 років тому

    3000 thumbs up . great video thanks Darwin