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.
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
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👊
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.
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 TH-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! 👍
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
I live in CT, and we're not ALLOWED to be out overnight on any trails here by law. Even on the AT, we're only allowed to stay at the 1 designated site. It's so hard to practice doing overnights in any consistent way. I'd love your ideas! The exception is, we can stay at camp sites if we're willing to pay...but I thought hiking and camping was supposed to be partly about NOT paying fees for wanting to stay outdoors...is my mindset wrong???
They changed the rule so you can camp overnight if you are hiking the NET route. You still cannot light a fire unless it is in the designated spot on the campsite. Hopefully it gets better with the increase in people using trails since the pandemic.
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.
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. ✌ 👣 👑 👑
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
I am twenty second. Does anyone give a sh*t? HAHAHAH. Hey Darwin. Another good informative, motivational video. This old guy really needs all of that I can get. goddam GREAT video. So glad that this year you will be vicariously hiking for me and I got you on Patreon for a few bucks. You’ve redefined “value for money.”
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.
I'm starting my Appalachian thru hike in 2022! I'm training and I planned a date and stuff, but it is very unclear when to get permits and stuff? I'm not from America so I want to be prepared when I go there and not run a risk to be too late with anything..
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Fyi that if you cancel car ins in a state with mandatory insurance, the registry gets notified and they suspend the registration, institute fines, and it can be difficult and expensive to get the vehicle legal again. Had a friend whip insisted he didn't need ins because his car was in storage. He caused a crap show of epic proportions due to lack of research. I was not able to hold back from saying "I told you so......"........, like good friends do.....
West Virginia is like that. The transmission went out on my pickup and I hardly even used it anyway so took the insurance off of it. But it had a fresh 2-year tag on it and I was planning on eventually fixing it. Even though I still had insurance on my daily driver, I got a notice from the DMV to surrender the truck tag which ticked me off since I had paid double for it. I sent it in and they said they didn't get it in time and administrative suspended my license... but didn't tell me so then when I got a speeding ticket, I ended up with a driving suspended on my record and big fines. GOVERNMENT SUCKS!!
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!
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!
I’m planning on doing a 41 mile trail but I’ve only done about 5 mile loop. Trying to figure out what I need for three days and two nights worth of hiking
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.
I've been following hikers on TH-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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!!!)
Get shoes 1.5 sizes larger than normal ... on a 16 mile day hike, my feet swelled such that the 1 size larger wasn't enough and my left big toe nearly lost the nail ... it's still purple :-/
I guess I really am late with deciding for the PCT around Christmas last year. However, I was planning for long time travel in these 5 months for one year now, so all of the "real life organization stuff" (getting rid of my flat, etc.) is done anyway. I think I'm also quite on time concerning information gathering and planning and buying gear. I'm a bit worried about proper training though. I'll just have to do as much as I still can and then see how it goes.
The most expensive part is opportunity cost! If you’re making $60k and you quit for 6 mos to hike, well you can just add that missing income to the $6-8k in expenses. And I hope you get your job back upon return!
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!
Ill name some trails for those in Socal. All miles are in round trips. Mount San Antonio (10,065 ft) Elevation gain 3,950 milage 12 miles. Name of trail Devils backbone Mount Baden Powell (9,400 feet) elevation gain 2850 mileage 8.5 name of trail Vincent gap Cucamonga Peak (8,860 feet) elevation gain 4,300 milage 12 name of trail Icehouse canyon Mount San Gorgonio (11,500 feet) elevation gain 5,500 milage 18 miles name of trail Vivian Creek Throop Peak (9,140 feet) elevation gain 1,250 feet mileage 5 name of trail Dawson Saddle The Silver Moccasin Trail milage 60 miles. San Jacinto Peak (10,840 feet) elevation gain 4,600 milage 13.5 miles Name of trail Marion mt trail. San Gabriel Peak (6,160) elevation gain 1200 milage 5 miles name of trail redbox Mount Islip (8,250 feet) elevation gain 1,600 milage 7.5 name of trail Islip saddle or Windy Gap Mount Wilson (5,710 feet) elevation gain 4,500 milage 14 name of trail chantry flats Mount Williamson (8,215 feet)elevation gain 1,500 milage 5.5 name of trail islip saddle Telegraph Peak (8,985 feet) elevation gain 3,900) milage 12 name of trail the three T’s Echo Mountain (3,250 feet) elevation gain 1,500 milage 5 name of trail sam merrill. San Bernardino Peak (10,650) elevation gain 4,600 milage 16.5 miles name of trail angelus oaks to San Bernardino peak. Ive done just about everything in Southern cali, but these are probably a great way to explore the trails here. I hope this helps anyone who lives down here or wants to visit.
Serious question... I'm going back to the states, after living abroad for several years. Planning on doing a van conversion and you're really motivating me to do some more hiking. (Done more trail running in the past.) Can you/anyone please advise me as to how feasible it is to drive around in my van and find a trail, leave my van parked and go off for a week or two to start off? Is that doable/safe or even recommended? Thanks!
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!!
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!
How would you recommend doing a trail but also having to deal with a m-f 9-5. I can take off 2 weeks right now but what is your recommendation on how to work around that? Any tips will help thank you.
For me I kinda prepare for the worse when I'm on the trail, I usually bring an emergency blanket and an extra bar just incase I find someone hurt or really struggling
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.
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! :)
This stuff makes me want to cancel my rent, find a place to store my stuff, and just live like this for years. Hiking in Norway (where i live) in the summer, and check out warmer countries in the winter. Im getting a disability check, so i dont need to save a lot of money - and i also dont feel like its a race where i have to push myself to hike further than i feel like (unless i need to go a bit longer one day to find water). Just staying active enough so that i dont get bored is enough for me. Maybe just set up camp one day and explore the area with just a daypack the next day. Eating at 100 restaurants, swimming in 100 lakes, camping in 100 forests, and climbing 100 (small) mountains. Sounds pretty decent - although i wonder if i will still think it is decent if i actually do it. Think im gonna have to go hiking for a month or 2 before i cancel my rent. Just ordered the Zpacks Duplex tent, and next summer sounds like a great time to test it out. I dont think the Norwegian winters are all that tempting for more than maybe 1-10 days...
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO BRING. ATLEAST WHEN I WAS IN THE ARMY WE HAD A PACKING LIST. IM GOING TO SEE IF THIS BRO, GOT ONE ONE HIS PAGE FOR ME TO CHEAT WITH.
Do not drop your car insurance, I did not have a car, but I kept myself insured anyway. Because when you go back to get insurance, if you don't have it, they're going to charge you a new driver premium and it's expensive.
Oh yeah I know,fuck the plans man,your right about that for sure ,hahah,I never thought about half the stuff you said like insurance and rent ,I've always just paid it
@darwinonthetrail I came across your videos when looking for people who have hiked the PCT. I grew up in Southern California and really got the fire to do something like that when watching Wild and A Walk in the Woods. I dont think that I will ever do the PCT due to health concerns. But I am planning on doing the Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington State, as it is quite literally in my backyard and only an hour or two from my friends and family so that if I have an accident, cant finish or what have you im just a short distance away. I've only been walking/hiking since March 28th 2020. So far I have done a section of the ODT and have found several apps that show a lot of the trails and things in my area. Some of my biggest concerns are regarding my health. Im Diabetic, and it scares me to think of being out in the bush and needing medical supplies and not being able to get them. The other issue is that I am fairly overweight. When I started back in March I was 510lbs, but have since dropped to 460lbs though I havent weight myself in a month or two. But I made a decision to walk from my town to the next town using the ODT and I had that set for April of 2021, I accomplished that goal just a month ago. Its been amazing seeing the changes in myself as well as that "lust" for not being on the trail. After I did that walk, even though it was under 15 miles, it was still something almost spiritual. So now my sights are set on doing the ODT from Port Townsend WA to La Push WA which is 130 miles. However, I am going to start a bit outside of the trail section ive already done because there is a portion of the trail that goes along a very busy highway with no shoulder access, through a small mountain. I've started gearing up, basically getting whatever I can from where ever I can. Budget constraints are a big issue for me as well. I've been able to get some newer things, but most are hand-me-downs and yard sale finds. I know one section that im going to be hiking through is the Hoh Rainforest, so I need to get water proof gear and get my tent seam sealed and a few other items. But all in all I agree with what you have said in this video. I watch you and Homemade Wanderlust and take both of your advice to heart and cherry pick what I can afford, and what I can make happen for myself. I really love the videos that you do, and just giggle to myself, as a TH-camr, all the B Roll footage that you do and think of how many extra miles it all adds up to after its all said and done, but I appreciate it. One question I have for you is how do you make your videos and edit them and upload them on the trail? I saw that you have your camera equipment and you talked about small things here and there but I was wondering if you did all the editing on your phone or if you just emailed the raw footage to Snuggles and had her edit it and post it. So from one content provider to another that would be awesome if you would answer that or even make a video about it.
You should say make a plan but be ready to throw it out the window when you know it's not going to work out with time or whatever to your destination. Don't tell people to not plan anything. Just say plan, and if it doesn't work out don't worry about cause you know know if probably wasn't going to work. Don't be sad, cause what you missed was filled with experiences you didn't see coming.
for me I need to lose about 100 pounds before Icould even thinkabout doing anything long. I am tryingto do low carb only been three weeks. hopfully I can stick toit long enough to lose some fat.I wanted to get my hiking back which I usd to love long ago, but long hike like your doing is too much I would love one where you hike for 3 weeks, fairly flat too.
I know this is an older video so hoping somebody sees this. I see you say shake down gear and also PCT gear may not work on the AT, So how do you shake down gear on one side of country for hike on otherside? LIke us in Oregon doing AT or folks in Georgia doing PCT? Great video. Learning alot from you on hiking.
Change car insurance to comprehensive instead of full coverage, something that would cover things like fire damage, theft (even while sitting in garage), tornados, etc.
i'm having to rehome all 14 of my pets within the next 8 months... i bought them at a bad point in my life to accumulate so many responsibilities, and as much as i love them, they're really holding me back. but this is so hard.
I want to start a thru hike in August. I’m a Veteran and get a monthly income a little over a grand from the VA. I have a car payment close to $300 a month so I guess my question is could I complete a thru hike with around $700 a month?
Contact some friends or family that live within an hour's driving distance of the trail let them know about when you're coming through so maybe they can help you with a 0 everybody loves talking to thru-hikers and sharing in their Journey
Hey man I'm doing the pinhoti this year as my first through hike, do you have any good advice you can share such as good towns and good camp spots along the way?
tip for any PCTers the first 700 miles you will need to carry upto 10 liters of water in places and ther has been assholes shooting water tanks along the trail in year past so never count on them having water
Take some self-defense classes and maybe learn how to throw some of those special knives that they have learn to defend yourself watch videos about bears and mountain lions what have you. Learn to fast to go a couple days without fo.od does videos on that too.
I notice alot of videos on how to plan your first thru hike but nobody seems to have the balls to make a video on how to plan your third or fourth thru hike.
The goal is to die with Memories, not Dreams.
Absolutely! My thoughts exactly!
Hike On,
Darwin
Excellent Advice👍🏻
I quote that all the time... But I say "The goal in life is to have memories...not dreams"
Bobeeg - I love that !
Get to the dentist and make sure there's no surprises awaiting.
Ya could always perform self oral surgery like Tom Hanks in "Cast Away" LOL... Heck Wilson can assist. 😀
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.
NightSnacks Hikes lmao “2020 is shaping up to be my year” maybe you’ll get it next year, assuming you got off ofc
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth” -Mike Tyson
...punched in the face, js
"Take year to plan hike."
3 minutes later
"Throw all your plans out the window." Lol.
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!
Big mistake buddy.
You only live once!
check out missing 411 ... wish you the best..
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
Ramduck415 Exactly!
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.
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👊
Ramon Farrugia p. P 0. P so ps. Z z
Throw your plans out the window and embrace the suck -- Awesome advice, for hiking and life!
And don't quit your hike on a sucky day!
Nice
That's what I learned in the military! Lol
That's a line I've heard a few times knee deep in a swamp in Gagetown lol.
I just committed to hiking the cdt in 2021, see you out there
nice! hows planning going?
I'd also like to know how it's going
Did you make it through?
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.
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 TH-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! 👍
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
Tim I am on the fence on doing that exact same trail with similar circumstances. Any advice for another first timer?
You're a great story teller. Had me on the edge of my seat, thinking it was big foot or something lol
Now I know what the fox says. Good story mate.
Had a similar experience on a trail. Thought a woman was being brutally murdered near my camp. Just a fox...luckily
Second attempt of the PCT begins April 14, 2019!
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.
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!
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!
Dash Medina the money struggle is real! Good luck to you! I hope I see you out there!!!
Best of luck
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.
I live in CT, and we're not ALLOWED to be out overnight on any trails here by law. Even on the AT, we're only allowed to stay at the 1 designated site. It's so hard to practice doing overnights in any consistent way. I'd love your ideas! The exception is, we can stay at camp sites if we're willing to pay...but I thought hiking and camping was supposed to be partly about NOT paying fees for wanting to stay outdoors...is my mindset wrong???
They changed the rule so you can camp overnight if you are hiking the NET route. You still cannot light a fire unless it is in the designated spot on the campsite. Hopefully it gets better with the increase in people using trails since the pandemic.
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.
Reverend Rusty scheduling defeats the purpose of enjoying the hike. Might as well stay home and work the weekly schedule.
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.
✌ 👣 👑 👑
My first thru-hike was the I-75 trail. Man, I really don't like when they allow so many cars on trails.
Gusto St. Cool lol
I don't know who decided to make the speed limit 70mph on a trail, but that person should be drug tested!
I like the way you think! You're gonna go far in this organization.
haha, I still have the southern Florida section to do.
Lol!! Hot crazy in Atlanta.
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.
So first thing I would say that if you don't already live an active lifestyle and your over 40 is to see your doctor.
Great Advice!
Hike On,
Darwin
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!!!
Winter hiking and camping. I live in Alberta. My winter equipment is so much more expensive than the summer ones.
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.
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.
Darwin, You rock. I hope I get to meet you on the PCT. Your kinda the Hiking Video Superstar!
I am twenty second. Does anyone give a sh*t? HAHAHAH. Hey Darwin. Another good informative, motivational video. This old guy really needs all of that I can get. goddam GREAT video. So glad that this year you will be vicariously hiking for me and I got you on Patreon for a few bucks. You’ve redefined “value for money.”
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.
I'm starting my Appalachian thru hike in 2022! I'm training and I planned a date and stuff, but it is very unclear when to get permits and stuff? I'm not from America so I want to be prepared when I go there and not run a risk to be too late with anything..
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Fyi that if you cancel car ins in a state with mandatory insurance, the registry gets notified and they suspend the registration, institute fines, and it can be difficult and expensive to get the vehicle legal again. Had a friend whip insisted he didn't need ins because his car was in storage. He caused a crap show of epic proportions due to lack of research. I was not able to hold back from saying "I told you so......"........, like good friends do.....
West Virginia is like that. The transmission went out on my pickup and I hardly even used it anyway so took the insurance off of it. But it had a fresh 2-year tag on it and I was planning on eventually fixing it. Even though I still had insurance on my daily driver, I got a notice from the DMV to surrender the truck tag which ticked me off since I had paid double for it. I sent it in and they said they didn't get it in time and administrative suspended my license... but didn't tell me so then when I got a speeding ticket, I ended up with a driving suspended on my record and big fines. GOVERNMENT SUCKS!!
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!
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!
Make it a family trip... School is cool but the trail lessons learned will never leave them.
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!
Nice! Have a killer time out there man!
Hike On,
Darwin
I’m planning on doing a 41 mile trail but I’ve only done about 5 mile loop. Trying to figure out what I need for three days and two nights worth of hiking
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.
I've been following hikers on TH-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!
$1000 a month sounds crazy! I would think $200 $300 max. Think theres no rent. Its basically food right?
AT 2020!!!
@Elliot Wiistsecond week of March- you?
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.
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!
You sound obsessed with your car
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.
Looking for camping gear reviews and all of a sudden this dude has me mentally rearranging my life for a 6 month hike
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!
Very handy information, and timely for an AT 2018 start. Thanks, Darwin.
No Problem Kirk! Have a great Hike this year!
Hike On,
Darwin
Taking a month after graduation doing the Maine section of the AT. This was really helpful!
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!!!)
I'm preparing my first in Sweden Kungsleden. Seems I'm on the right way. Thank you for your advice!
Planning through hikes is like planning your baby's birth..don't expect it to go the way you envisaged!! 😁 😁
Get shoes 1.5 sizes larger than normal ... on a 16 mile day hike, my feet swelled such that the 1 size larger wasn't enough and my left big toe nearly lost the nail ... it's still purple :-/
I guess I really am late with deciding for the PCT around Christmas last year. However, I was planning for long time travel in these 5 months for one year now, so all of the "real life organization stuff" (getting rid of my flat, etc.) is done anyway. I think I'm also quite on time concerning information gathering and planning and buying gear. I'm a bit worried about proper training though. I'll just have to do as much as I still can and then see how it goes.
The Trail will get you in shape fast!
Hike On,
Darwin
The most expensive part is opportunity cost! If you’re making $60k and you quit for 6 mos to hike, well you can just add that missing income to the $6-8k in expenses. And I hope you get your job back upon return!
STeVe PNW hell ya
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!
I'm literally about to wing it.
Ill name some trails for those in Socal. All miles are in round trips.
Mount San Antonio (10,065 ft) Elevation gain 3,950 milage 12 miles. Name of trail Devils backbone
Mount Baden Powell (9,400 feet) elevation gain 2850 mileage 8.5 name of trail Vincent gap
Cucamonga Peak (8,860 feet) elevation gain 4,300 milage 12 name of trail Icehouse canyon
Mount San Gorgonio (11,500 feet) elevation gain 5,500 milage 18 miles name of trail Vivian Creek
Throop Peak (9,140 feet) elevation gain 1,250 feet mileage 5 name of trail Dawson Saddle
The Silver Moccasin Trail milage 60 miles.
San Jacinto Peak (10,840 feet) elevation gain 4,600 milage 13.5 miles
Name of trail Marion mt trail.
San Gabriel Peak (6,160) elevation gain 1200 milage 5 miles name of trail redbox
Mount Islip (8,250 feet) elevation gain 1,600 milage 7.5 name of trail Islip saddle or Windy Gap
Mount Wilson (5,710 feet) elevation gain 4,500 milage 14 name of trail chantry flats
Mount Williamson (8,215 feet)elevation gain 1,500 milage 5.5 name of trail islip saddle
Telegraph Peak (8,985 feet) elevation gain 3,900) milage 12 name of trail the three T’s
Echo Mountain (3,250 feet) elevation gain 1,500 milage 5 name of trail sam merrill.
San Bernardino Peak (10,650) elevation gain 4,600 milage 16.5 miles name of trail angelus oaks to San Bernardino peak.
Ive done just about everything in Southern cali, but these are probably a great way to explore the trails here. I hope this helps anyone who lives down here or wants to visit.
STeVe PNW yeah no problem =] I’ll update this list with other trails.
Of the ones listed I’ve done all but 4, thanks for the new places to go
Nathan Rieck nice i see San G on your thump-nail pic. And yes no problem.
Serious question... I'm going back to the states, after living abroad for several years.
Planning on doing a van conversion and you're really motivating me to do some more hiking. (Done more trail running in the past.)
Can you/anyone please advise me as to how feasible it is to drive around in my van and find a trail, leave my van parked and go off for a week or two to start off? Is that doable/safe or even recommended? Thanks!
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!!
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!
Got asked to "go take a hike."
Instantly searched this up.
Smug increased to 100.
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!
Nice! Always wanted to do that one. I spent alot of time In Shawnee National Forest!
Hike On,
Darwin
the Ice age trail is a good starter trail tons of water and very flat wide trails and nice people in the tow
ns
How would you recommend doing a trail but also having to deal with a m-f 9-5. I can take off 2 weeks right now but what is your recommendation on how to work around that? Any tips will help thank you.
For me I kinda prepare for the worse when I'm on the trail, I usually bring an emergency blanket and an extra bar just incase I find someone hurt or really struggling
I'm an Asian, is PCT Trial allow. I'm 55 and planning for my dream hike in 2020. Physical still should not have any problem.
No asians allowed
@@pottingsoil but why?
Beware of white ppl with red ball caps saying Make America Great
John Wij ignore the white racist. Just ignorance blinding them
@@Jerrymc1975 sorry, no asians allowed.
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.
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!
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! :)
This stuff makes me want to cancel my rent, find a place to store my stuff, and just live like this for years. Hiking in Norway (where i live) in the summer, and check out warmer countries in the winter. Im getting a disability check, so i dont need to save a lot of money - and i also dont feel like its a race where i have to push myself to hike further than i feel like (unless i need to go a bit longer one day to find water). Just staying active enough so that i dont get bored is enough for me. Maybe just set up camp one day and explore the area with just a daypack the next day. Eating at 100 restaurants, swimming in 100 lakes, camping in 100 forests, and climbing 100 (small) mountains. Sounds pretty decent - although i wonder if i will still think it is decent if i actually do it. Think im gonna have to go hiking for a month or 2 before i cancel my rent. Just ordered the Zpacks Duplex tent, and next summer sounds like a great time to test it out. I dont think the Norwegian winters are all that tempting for more than maybe 1-10 days...
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO BRING. ATLEAST WHEN I WAS IN THE ARMY WE HAD A PACKING LIST. IM GOING TO SEE IF THIS BRO, GOT ONE ONE HIS PAGE FOR ME TO CHEAT WITH.
So here’s the best tip I got for long thru hikes- always be spreading rumors about women being sexually assaulted on the trail up ahead.
Darwin, this was helpful as I am in the planning stage for my first hike besides just a day hike. So, many thanks!🙏
Do not drop your car insurance, I did not have a car, but I kept myself insured anyway. Because when you go back to get insurance, if you don't have it, they're going to charge you a new driver premium and it's expensive.
Heading out on the PCT on March 29th! See you when you pass me!
Looking forward to seeing your Pinhoti Trail videos....Trying to decide between the Benton Mackaye and Pinhoti for my Feb. 2019 thru hike.
The Pinhoti has been great! A bit Rainy in Feb, but great hiking!
Hike On,
Darwin
What have the average day and night temps been?
Oh yeah I know,fuck the plans man,your right about that for sure ,hahah,I never thought about half the stuff you said like insurance and rent ,I've always just paid it
@darwinonthetrail I came across your videos when looking for people who have hiked the PCT. I grew up in Southern California and really got the fire to do something like that when watching Wild and A Walk in the Woods. I dont think that I will ever do the PCT due to health concerns. But I am planning on doing the Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington State, as it is quite literally in my backyard and only an hour or two from my friends and family so that if I have an accident, cant finish or what have you im just a short distance away.
I've only been walking/hiking since March 28th 2020. So far I have done a section of the ODT and have found several apps that show a lot of the trails and things in my area. Some of my biggest concerns are regarding my health. Im Diabetic, and it scares me to think of being out in the bush and needing medical supplies and not being able to get them. The other issue is that I am fairly overweight. When I started back in March I was 510lbs, but have since dropped to 460lbs though I havent weight myself in a month or two. But I made a decision to walk from my town to the next town using the ODT and I had that set for April of 2021, I accomplished that goal just a month ago. Its been amazing seeing the changes in myself as well as that "lust" for not being on the trail. After I did that walk, even though it was under 15 miles, it was still something almost spiritual. So now my sights are set on doing the ODT from Port Townsend WA to La Push WA which is 130 miles. However, I am going to start a bit outside of the trail section ive already done because there is a portion of the trail that goes along a very busy highway with no shoulder access, through a small mountain. I've started gearing up, basically getting whatever I can from where ever I can. Budget constraints are a big issue for me as well.
I've been able to get some newer things, but most are hand-me-downs and yard sale finds. I know one section that im going to be hiking through is the Hoh Rainforest, so I need to get water proof gear and get my tent seam sealed and a few other items. But all in all I agree with what you have said in this video. I watch you and Homemade Wanderlust and take both of your advice to heart and cherry pick what I can afford, and what I can make happen for myself. I really love the videos that you do, and just giggle to myself, as a TH-camr, all the B Roll footage that you do and think of how many extra miles it all adds up to after its all said and done, but I appreciate it. One question I have for you is how do you make your videos and edit them and upload them on the trail?
I saw that you have your camera equipment and you talked about small things here and there but I was wondering if you did all the editing on your phone or if you just emailed the raw footage to Snuggles and had her edit it and post it. So from one content provider to another that would be awesome if you would answer that or even make a video about it.
So much preperation. When I know every single step of the trail.
Where is the adventure? - Don´t go crazy with preperation.
Let it come.
You should say make a plan but be ready to throw it out the window when you know it's not going to work out with time or whatever to your destination. Don't tell people to not plan anything. Just say plan, and if it doesn't work out don't worry about cause you know know if probably wasn't going to work. Don't be sad, cause what you missed was filled with experiences you didn't see coming.
for me I need to lose about 100 pounds before Icould even thinkabout doing anything long. I am tryingto do low carb only been three weeks. hopfully I can stick toit long enough to lose some fat.I wanted to get my hiking back which I usd to love long ago, but long hike like your doing is too much I would love one where you hike for 3 weeks, fairly flat too.
I know this is an older video so hoping somebody sees this. I see you say shake down gear and also PCT gear may not work on the AT, So how do you shake down gear on one side of country for hike on otherside? LIke us in Oregon doing AT or folks in Georgia doing PCT? Great video. Learning alot from you on hiking.
Change car insurance to comprehensive instead of full coverage, something that would cover things like fire damage, theft (even while sitting in garage), tornados, etc.
i'm having to rehome all 14 of my pets within the next 8 months... i bought them at a bad point in my life to accumulate so many responsibilities, and as much as i love them, they're really holding me back. but this is so hard.
I'm quitting my bullshit job as soon as my get my planning done. Anyone have any tips?
Besides the darwinwisdom in the video of course.
I disagree, just go hike. Fuck 1 year out nonsense. Go for it, you will fail, but learn what you need.
I want to start a thru hike in August. I’m a Veteran and get a monthly income a little over a grand from the VA. I have a car payment close to $300 a month so I guess my question is could I complete a thru hike with around $700 a month?
Only the Essential was an great doc. I also really like As It Happens.
Contact some friends or family that live within an hour's driving distance of the trail let them know about when you're coming through so maybe they can help you with a 0 everybody loves talking to thru-hikers and sharing in their Journey
How can you spend so much when there are hardly any shops?! Unless it’s for a comfy bed?!
Hey man I'm doing the pinhoti this year as my first through hike, do you have any good advice you can share such as good towns and good camp spots along the way?
tip for any PCTers the first 700 miles you will need to carry upto 10 liters of water in places and ther has been assholes shooting water tanks along the trail in year past so never count on them having water
Take some self-defense classes and maybe learn how to throw some of those special knives that they have learn to defend yourself watch videos about bears and mountain lions what have you. Learn to fast to go a couple days without fo.od does videos on that too.
Austria. Germany. Italy. Puerto rico. Costa rica. These seem cool. 😎
Mate can you speak English ,I cant understand anything you say .
this was soooo helpful and is getting me so excited, thank you!!
I should probably get my leg that healed malaligned after breaking it fixed first yeah?
Am I the only one that noticed "Sam Kinison" in his search history? Damn I miss his stand up!
Lol nah im too impulsive trying to plan something for tomorrow 🙈
Awesome advice! Thank you!
Just finished out my bag what would you suggest a good length to start with pack on
lmao dude said to give yourself a year to plan then said throw your plans out the window
I notice alot of videos on how to plan your first thru hike but nobody seems to have the balls to make a video on how to plan your third or fourth thru hike.
Hello, Darwin, why is it so expensive? what are the main costs?
what is that budget spent on besides food and fuel? hotel rooms???
Thanks! You put it all into perspective. :>)
Hello from 2022. $1000 a month? Nope. $1500 minimum
What is the difference between 'thru hike' and just 'hike'?
Anyone here starting the PCT on april 24th?
AT 2022 ☺️ was supposed to be this year 2021 but 2020 ate that one hahaha 🤣
Excellent video as usual bro. Hike on