My Biggest Regrets in 9 Years of Thru-Hiking & Backpacking
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- Some of my Biggest Regrets from 9 years of Backpacking & Thru-Hiking!
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What are some of your BIGGEST REGRETS from Backpacking or Thru-Hiking? Let Me Know Down Below! 👇👇
There is no way to know until you get on the trail, right? My biggest was not buying great shoes or proper shoes for long hikes, and a lighter tent. Other mistakes I think I avoid watching your channel and learning from experienced hikers!
Big regret...letting life keep me from backpacking more in my younger years. I also tried a three day hike when I was not physically ready. That did not end well and I had to bail.
I haven't done a through hike yet but I appreciate your wisdom and all you have learned. Thank you for helping future hikers.
Not learning much about plants and foraging, which now seems like a great thing to learn about - finally giving it a try. 🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
Not listening to my body (self-care, nutrition) worrying about miles.
no-one is wise when they are young...wisdom comes from experience. great content mate!
Well Said! ❤️
I had a similar experience with UL packing. I'm in my fifties, so when I started backpacking, EVERYTHING was heavy. Nobody was talking ultarlight then, but a light baseweight would have been around 20 pounds, not 10. So when all this ultra lightweight gear started to come on the market, I started shedding pounds off my loadout. And the experience got so much better, so I thought - let's go UL and it will be even better... and I got there, but as my BW dropped below 12 pounds, everything besides the actual hiking got so much worse. My sleep was worse. My relaxed time in camp was worse. My meals were worse... So I started picking the luxury items that I missed most and adding them back in a bit at a time until eventually I settled around 13 pounds BW and that was the sweet spot for me where my pack was plenty light to not feel like a weight on my back, and the rest of the experience was truly comfortable and enjoyable.
UL + pillow + frying pan and seasonings + a couple extra clothing items and sometimes a camp chair = heaven
I'm in my fiftys as well. Actually 55 I never understood the trend to drop all this weight and make the enjoyable parts about backpacking as miserable as the hiking.
To me hiking has always been the suffer. Then camp is where you get to relax and enjoy your hard work.
I always take different clothes to sleep in extra socks and underwear. Plus a change of clothes. That is no noticeable weight in my opinion.
A chair is a most. Unless I'm hammock camping then I don't need it.
I'm liking hammocks more and more. I gave up tents for a tarp and a 2person bug net with floor.
Remember the days of rolled up egg crate foam? Lol
@@richardhenry1969 Yeah, love hammocks as long as I'm going where I know I can hang. And sleep clothes is a must. I did drop a bunch of weight just in the big three - 3lbs off for a better pack, half pound for a quilt, and about a pound for a DCF tent that fits me better anyway.
For me, the luxuries were mostly kitchen items - a frying pan that weighs 6 oz and allows me to cook nearly anything, some seasonings and olive oil...
And the pillow changed the game - no matter what I do, no clothing bag or whatever works well. The whole day is better when you sleep well.
Keep on keeping on, brother!
Realizing regret is the first step to changing future behaviour. You've grown a lot over the years, and gaining some wisdom along the way! Keep up the great work
I've followed you for some years now, meet you on two different occasions, and I think you're a good guy. The video was good to watch and actually to see someone tell "their" mistakes, not "beginner" mistakes as if they've never made the mistakes before. Unlike countless other youtubers, you've got the miles and the experience to make a video like this. Thanks for sharing your "wrong" or "mistakes" or whatever one would like to call it. I just hope like hell you don't fall in to the videos like many of these other youtubers are doing, your content has been way too damn good for that! As for the biggest regret, it's what you mentioned here and in another video a while back, good shoe wear and changing them when you first feel it's time they're gone and replace them immediately
Too damn many "Beginner Mistakes" Videos. I can only speak from my perspective on things, so that's all I know to do. Thanks for watching! 🤙
@@DarwinOnthetrail Great respect for you dude! That's all i know
I can’t really put my finger on why, but I feel like this is one of the best videos you’ve done in a while. I can’t tell if it’s because you seem specifically genuine, or if it’s that you’re giving very good advice, or if it’s a combination of a bunch of things. But I just wanted to let you know that it was enjoyable and informative. I don’t think you get told enough that you’re a credit, and a very valuable member, of our community.
Something I regret? Not getting out and hiking more… I’m trying to make it more of a priority, for my mental health. Thanks for the great vid, as always!
I give you credit for admitting your mistakes. It takes courage and integrity to do it. Good luck and keep on hiking.
I think that is what makes backpacking great. The evolution of the backpacker. Age really does make us wiser. It is great to see that you document how you have evolved your thinking and passing it along to others. Keep it up.
That was always the #1 goal of the channel 🤙
Thanks for sharing the hard-earned wisdom! I think I'll invest in a nice sleeping pad.
God, I love this one! Thank you sooo much for voicing this! I’m older now , 74, and still get out, but what I am able to do has changed radically. I was in extreme sports for years, loved it. I truly regret not revisiting some of the areas before they got so busy… my memories started in the 50’s..Yosemite with my folks, high sierras as a teen, the Canyon ….You can imagine… I did the AT in 70, was hurting and didn’t do any of the formal sign in stuff.. kinda regret that in a way… trail helped me heal.
Yet there is so much joy in what I CAN do. Being comfortable has enabled me to do more … I hike slower but longer hours and take in the beauty, the “why” of being out there. I’ve followed you for sometime, seemed like you lost your joy in it for awhile. It thrilled me to see you get that back! We do trail Angel things and the people we meet are amazing! So many different stories and experiences…. Just Thanks for sharing , think this might be you most impactful vlog yet! Hugz, Granny ❤
Wow! Dude, I am an old person and several years ago you and your videos helped me get back into backpacking. I did a small section of the AT with my son and it hasn't stopped there. I just walked/hiked entire the Camino de Santiago in Spain and while it isn't exactly backpacking we carried our "stuff" in a pack on our backs. I tried to keep it light, but I needed comfort too and it was a worthwhile compromise. This is a really inspirational video! One thing you can never regret is making the videos that have gotten countless folks out on the trail.
Ultralight is a beautiful approach to hiking. It challenges and encourages. It frees and unburdens. It's always changing and growing. You may regret some parts - but to me it's all a beautiful adventure in discovering the best you can be.
This is all right-on Darwin. I’ve been backpacking for 50 years and I’ve also learned some some things from you. All of what you’ve said here is true for me except sharing gear with your mate. I’m locked-in on that but everybody’s relationship is different. Great vid.
Hey Darwin, we planned our through hike in 2020 & began in GA Feb 21st 2021. I learned a lot from you, we tried some things you suggested & discovered it wasn't for us but that helped us find out what worked before we got on trail. Oddly, we shared a tent & loved it but wouldn't have considered sleeping head to foot. Shared a cock pot, stove, filter but we chose air mattress's and a pump. I learned about filming our experience from watching your videos. We being older 59 & 62 & being married 42 yrs loved each others company. It was the best experience of our lives. Sadly we had to quit in Bennington VT at 1,615 miles due to a blood clot in my thigh from my cancer medicine. Thank you for your videos, I now know that it like anything is work to make it worth while.
Thx for being real - it's refreshing to hear honest wisdom from an experienced enthusiast.
While I’m still a novice in the hiking/backpacking world, I definitely can agree with ensuring you take care of your body! 20 years in the military and feeling for many years that I was young and infallible has definitely taken its toll. Definitely need to ensure that I am listening to what my body is telling me. thank you for another great video !
We live and we learn 👍🏻
Great reflections and maturity! I regret not doing much training when younger and not hiking more. At 71 I now train hard to keep multiday hiking, and love each day Im out there now.
Life, just like a hike, is about the people we travel with or meet on the way, thank you, for sharing Darwin
Darwin, thanks for making yourself vulnerable. Good advice.
There is no evolution without change
It is very humble and noble of you to admit that you were wrong
Major respect for you bro
Great video. After 25+ years, I can relate to so much! I recall a few years back you discussed "Simplicity vs. Weight" and that really resonated with me. I feel like backpacking is hard enough so the more simple I can make it for myself, the happier I am. E.g., I posted a recent overnight fastpack video... and I took a 16oz chair. It was glorious!
Have you ever considered carrying the heavier items in some sort of a belt kit? I'm not an ultralite hiker by any stretch, but I noticed that when I put more load on the hips and keep the rucksack feather-light, I'm able to cover more distance, maintain better balance and agility, minimise chances of injury and be less exhausted at the end of the day.
I have a degree in fitness training and have been both NSCA and NASM certified. I am also an avid hiker/backpacker.
What you're talking g about is called "specificity" training - and you're absolutely correct the best way to train for a goal is to do similar exercises, that is to practice the movement patterns that will be performed during the event (in this case thru-hiking). That said, strength can be converted to endurance much more efficiently than endurance can be transferred to strength. As an extremely simplified and exaggerated example: I can get a guy who squats 650lbs to run a marathon YEARS ahead of taking a marathoner and having him squat 650. So building strength base is important, but again - with some specificity training such as ankle mobility and strengthening, as you mentioned, hip work, etc. Simply maxing out biceps curls is going to be a waste of time (at best).
Point number two: Hike your own hike, and wear your own ring 🤣
I can't help but wonder if your background in tris and racing influenced your third issue. Your background mindset is press on, drive through, rest and recoup later. Just get there. Win. - And that's maybe a subconscious driver in not listening to your body? For me personally, hiking and backpacking IS my rest and recoup time. Slower is better for me. The experience IS the destination. Foraging berries, photographing flowers, listening to birds, and broadening my gym goals/modalities.
E. Osborn is the only PCT series I watched thru entirely. She's awesome!
Man, Darwin, I LOVE that you're backtracking on the training thing. To be honest, I think you were somewhat correct, when you were saying the best way to train for a hike is to just hike - caveat: *at your age* at the time. The older we get, as you're now finding out, the better we do, overall, when our bodies are regularly training in a good range of motion with proper resistance. This applies to any physical feat we're trying - long distance hiking, swimming, climbing, whatever.
When we're younger we can get away with so much more. Hell I was skateboarding till I was into my late 20s and continuing to fall and bang myself up and get up and keep going, but it was already starting to feel rough. Now in my mid-40s, a fall on a skateboard is a whole other ball game. I trained before my PCT hike in the gym and by hiking (gotta combine them imho) and I think it prevented injury, like you say.
Good for you for.....
.....evolving. :)
Great video documenting self reflection. Too many of us spend far too much time defending our choices instead of listening to our bodies and experience and making the alterations that create more personal joy and growth. It's all about the journey and EVOLVING! I continue to love your videography and information.
Haven’t watched your videos in quite some time. This was a really good one to come back to! The title piqued my interest and I love this self reflection
I thru hiked the Appalachian trail in 2023. I wish i could have enjoyed it more to be brutally honest was in considerable pain and struggling whith the why i was doing it definitely dealing with mental problems and working thru truama but know that I've got it sorted mostly the next one (Pacific crest trail) ill focus on enjoying it more and really try to make it about having a good time hopefully with new friends.
I 100% agree with you on training in the gym in addition to hiking & backpacking! Great tips on sharing gear !
It’s been fun to watch you transition and change over time. And yes EOs documentaries are great too
This is what us old people call wisdom.
You inspired me, hiking saved my life. The many adventures I had touched my soul. I just wanted to say thank you and happy trails. #mentor
That is most impressive: genuine wisdom, and anyone watching could see it. These are the things one regrets on one's deathbed. You've had the drive, experience and insight to learn it early. Well done. Best wishes.
The 10 or so years that I spent embarrassing myself in crit and road races were definitely the healthiest I ever was in my life. I was on the bicycle everyday and paying a lot more attention to what I ate for dinner in those days. 🚲
Back to where it all began, Blue Ridge Parkway, that brings back memories. We have just arrived in Montenegro no donut shops here Joe😂😂
great stories. you will be helping out a lot of hikers. appreciate it.
Props! Cheers dude. Love that you always keep it real and true to yourself.
Having watched you on and off for years, so cool to see the maturing and progression of different thought processes. Loved this video!
Really enjoyed this longitudinal view of your experiences. I've watched your videos for ages and learned a lot along the way with you. I'm 38 and probably close to your age... I'm having many retrospectives as well concerning my own journeys; it sure is interesting to see what a decade or so will reveal.
Appreciate your honesty and wisdom.
These are beautiful words of wisdom Darwin. Thank you!
Your, "Listen to Your Body" one resonates the most with me. I hope you find peace everyone.
When I first discovered the ultralight world in 2017-2018, I was heavily influenced by Darwin and his travels. I thought if it's good for him then it has to be good for me. Everyone was wearing the lone peaks so I bought a pair. My worst mistake. After 2 miles my feet were killing me and I did not have a good experience that day. I haven't worn them since and I've moved on to Hokas which are a great fit for me. My learned lesson is to remember that what works for one person may not work for another.
I've worn Merrell Moabs for many years. They give support and cushion from hard trails (i.e. rocks).
This is his best video to date. I e had the same co structure criticisms of his homes for years and have taken criticism for it from the same people that put peer pressure on him to hike the way he did. He has clearly gotten more wisdom upon reflection of his hikes. The ultralight way is 100% the wrong way for 90% of hikers.
Darwin, you are a good Human!!
I have learned from you a lot, thank you for always been honest and share with us all your wisdom
My wife and I have our water system each. We have our own pocket rocket - mainly in case we get separated and it speeds up the water gathering process and cooking the food.
I get it! Im a 70-something, I simply can not do the "stupid" things done in youth. It took me too long to finally realize, I can be more comfy and safe with just a few grams more; i.e., framed pack and load lifters. The stuff inside my pack is light, but the bp has a few more grams than an UL person. In the end so far, I realize nobody cares anyway.
According to my gear perspective : The only peace of gear that must NOT be UL it's the BACKPACK itself. That peace of gear must provide comfort and space to carry as much UL equipment as we need... plus some luxury items according to our phisical conditions. And let's don't forget the filming-photo gear, coz I never found UL cameras in B&H catalog, and even if we get a carbon fiber tripod, we need a backpack with all the bells and whistles to be able to attach it and carry it comfortably...😉
It's interesting because I'm actually the opposite when it comes to people. I really tried being social and hike with others and meet and greet and all that, but lately I have realised that what I really want to do, is to be by myself. I have come to appreciate making my own decisions about pace, stops, routes, food, gear and not having to mind anyone else and not having to be social, simply disappear out into a space where I can just be me. I want to be out in the great wide open and not having to take care of anyone but myself and not talk to anyone and go as slow or fast as I want, do things on a whim if that feels better. But then I'm 50+, having worked in the restaurant business and later in education all my life (plus I have kids). I think I might have burned out a bit when it comes to being social and having to deal with people. To me hiking is about the relatively slow going that hiking is, appreciating the landscape, flora and fauna, the weather - * the silence * - and the way putting one foot in front of the other becomes meditative.
Also, you're quite right that you must keep the creature comforts that are important to enjoy being out hiking. I consider cell-foam mats torture devices (and there's nothing "pro" about that) but I don't use a down jacket/smock but an OMM fleece that weighs less and can get damp without losing it's warming capability. My cook system weighs 5 oz all in, but I do need a dedicated pillow. There are some things that I simply must have or I will be miserable while I can happily do without others.
Thank you for this excellent, insightful video. Very interesting and worthwhile.
I love your perspective about not sharing stuff! My husband doesn’t backpack, but my friends sometimes give me crap for not wanting to share stuff with the group. But I just like having my own stuff!
This was a great video. Seems like you learned a lot these years. I plan to walk Te Aroroa end of this year. Will take your advice. Esp the listening to your body/small pains and aches before they become big ones seems important. I’m 53 and have always been virtually free of serious injury but this is slowly changing 😂. I plan to enjoy the hike and the people, take enough resting days I and plan to not go for the familiar:’ I think I can make it in ’ this time around.
Good to be honest with the people that you’ve been supporting- it’s all about keeping things realistic while the great service that you do says. . . .hey, wait a minute. . . .-let’s take a step back . . . .-yes , that is the real deal, thanks for sharing this ongoing support! 🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
Great advice. Thanks!
Hey Darwin. Great comments! Thank you. Love you too.
thanks for sharing. Some really good pragmatic advice here.
I very recently did an awesome 4 day first aid seminar that catered specifically to being outdoors (hiking etc). Practicing calling emergency services, and how to deal with an incoming heli, etc. That greatly helped me feel more confident (do I need to abort or can I take it a bit easier and go on) and also better understand what I should carry as a medkit and how to use it - either for myself, my hiking partner, or others I might meet on the trails.
I'll be refreshing that one periodically.
So true on having separate gear with your partner/Friend
Love to see this video. All good advice. I started on the AT in '79 as a trail maintainer north of Roanoke, Va. Fast forward 30 years, and becoming an empty nester, I started serious LASHing. First goal was to finish VA. Then up to Duncannon. Then Damascus to Springer. Lastly, I finished Vermont to Duncannon. The last 450 miles I have yet to complete are NH & ME.
I can tell you the sections where I physically prepped weeks and months in advance were much easier than the ones I did on a whim with little prep. The unavoidable problem with LASHing is that it still takes 3-4 weeks to get your legs, and then it's time to go home.
Thanks for the videos to keep me motivated and inspired to finish. The other advice I will add is that giving trail magic is a wonderful motivator as well. One year, I was doing TM in Shenandoah, and I went home and decided to do a 150-mile LASH the next week. I couldn't do that today.
Papa Muskrat
Great video. Thanks Darwin!
Awesome advice! Thank you for taking your time to share this!
Glad it was helpful! 🤙
You seem way happier than the last time I saw one of your videos. It's great to see.
Separate gear scenario. Raining, injured partner can be set up while the other goes for help. Depending on distance or circumstance, (say flooded creek at night) they can tent out of the elements if needed.
Thanks very much!! Some true wisdom that takes guts to share. Much appreciated.
Fantastic video. So enjoyed watching this one 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 love the honesty and truth behind what you've done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Not on a thru-hike thankfully, but one short trip I naively thought all electrolytes were about the same. I picked up some “hydration” additives and didn’t read the contents. I got SO dizzy in the heat even though I drank 6-7 liters. When I got to camp it took 3-4 hours to cool down (in Colorado). I couldn’t fall asleep because I was so hot. I also had no appetite and had to force myself to eat, which was nauseating. Come to find out the “hydration” additive I was using had very low sodium. 🤦🏻♀️ I regret not educating myself earlier about balanced electrolytes.
So much wisedom in your video and I hope people will learn from that. A trhu-hike can be tough. Mentally and physically, that's why base weight shouldn't become an obsession and comfort items are essentials. There's Ultra-Light, and Stupid Light :)
Very nice video. Sure you made mistakes with hindsight, but that's what learning and growing is all about. Just don't call them regrets, regretting something you did or didn't do can cast a shadow, a bitterness on your memories, just laugh it off as a mistake and move on...and have no regrets. (from the UK where we don't have long trails like yours!)
Thank you so much for this! You’re a good dude!
I agree - go with comfort and performance and then look at weight - I never weigh my rucksack these days. Just put in what I think I want to enjoy my time in the fells.
So smart. Thanks!
sweet, thanks dude!
Good, honest assessment
Can’t wait to get out of here Arizona. 104 today. Be 110 again and I won’t be here heading east to the trail thank god
Excellent video, very helpful thank you!
Nicely said.
Another reason for each hiker to carry your own gear: in several worst case scenarios I’ve studied where there was a bad outcome, it was not having the correct gear for unexpected circumstances like one hiker becoming incapacitated and the other needing to hike out several days for help. With only one shelter/water filter/etc. this will put one or both at higher risk. There are certain things I never cut weight on: water, fire, food, and shelter. BTW, I’m a medic, 62yo, 6ft (heavier clothes and gear) and my base weight is 18lbs. I’m confident if something happens to myself (or someone else) I’m reasonably prepared. Be as light as you can without being stupid.
Good one Darwin!
OMG the Elina shout out was amazing. As if I could not love this channel more, you go and shout out another of my favorites. Go watch Elina's journey. It's awesome. Hike on, Darwin. You're my original vicarious PCT and AT experience. And you are the original inspiration that got me out on the PCT literally this past weekend. My first real backpack trip on trail in probably 15 years. I love you for this, and will be a lifelong fan and subscriber.
Truly honest and great video.
I found your channel when I first started backpacking. Honestly, and I’m 100% not blaming you or any others, but I wish that I wouldn’t have listened to UA-cam backpackers as much. Especially about base weight. For years, I chased a sub-10lbs base weight. Now, like you, I’ve decided that it’s good to go as light as possible, but if you skimp on som things, your trip will just be miserable. Although, I am glad that I listened to you regarding some gear. I’m a huge fan of Zpacks now. As well as a lot of other cottage companies.
Oh great. I've got 10 weeks to build a base for the John Muir Trail. And I'll be 66. (But I have hiked the Colorado Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, and Collegiate Loop.) I'm so screwed. But seriously: this is a great list and I've learned SO MUCH from you over the past four years! Thank you!
I absolutely agree the building up own body is most important for preventing injury
Great, really great video. 👏👏👏🙂👍
Thank you for this video bud take care
I’m about to go on my first backpacking trip, and I super appreciate you putting your mistakes out there for noobs like me to learn from! Love your videos man!
Great info! Well said…TY!
Before I go on a "long Trail", I hit the ole gym and do the Stair Master with progressively heavy pack. The guy has a nifty scale there and both me and the pack are massed. The data are kept on a spreadsheet, which satisfies my nerdiness.
Really appreciate this video! Thanks Darwin!
Glad it was helpful! 🤙
I wish I would have started doing more day hikes and weekend backpacking trips at a younger age...but certainly making up for it now with a renewed sense of gratitude.
Highly recommend doing some time doing other exercises because all of the clients that I have that do long distance activities they are very strong in certain muscles but weaker in others because they are not used in whatever sport it is.
I completely agree with getting out there and hiking is the best way to get ready, but adding the other stuff helps loads with injury prevention.
Great advise! Hopefully we can all learn from other peoples mistakes 😅
I did not know you have a history in triathlon, how cool is that! But it explains some of your regrets, I think. About keeping up a high pace, being that focussed, etc.
Wow. Nice disclosure.
great video buddy, I do share some of your expieriences by myself. fun to watch and remember older stories :)
Excellent advice! On getting out hiking for preparations is still a really good idea IMO. The problem is that very few can spend enough time doing it to prepare for a thruhike so any other more intensive training is extremely beneficial. On ultralight - I think everyone need to try for themself to find the right balance.
Taking care of yourself is very important. I hope that Hikers will listen to you on that one. I see it happening all the time around me and it seems most have to learn it the hard way. 1 Basic trick/tip I can give is this one. If your hiking goal for the day is set far away (say 30 miles) then do not make that goal a must reach. split it up in sections (say 16 and 24 miles ) and decide on that point if you are willing to go that last bit . ( A great Camp spot , Hard terrain, bad weather, good company , blisters and so on are all things that can make it a yes or a no to go all the way) ( the end point is a option) ( And the Trail is almost always about the people not about the miles )
For Sure! I wish I would have done it more...
Awesome. Takes a lot of bowls to admit that. Right on man 💪 thanks!
Every Thru Hiker needs to watch this!
awesome! great video, My regret is I don't video much at all. I take stills. planning a high sierra camp trail this summer and planning to do more.
Totally agree with training! Currently hiking the PCT. At 54, I was able to start off with 20 mile days and did my first 30 within a few weeks, injury and pain-free because I did strength training in the gym in addition to hiking. People don't realize how important ot is to properly train to mitigate injury.