The Fastest Way To Improve At Backpacking
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- What is the fastest way to get better at backing and hiking? In my 11,000 miles of long distance hiking experience I feel with this method I have learned more than from any thru hike I have ever done! When preparing for a thru hike of a trail like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail I feel like a lot of people overlook this. As is evident by the hundreds of people every year who's first backpacking experience, is their first day of a super long thru hike! I am talking about sub 24hr trips, or overnight backpacking trips. This is definitely simple but let me explain quick and offer advice on how to get the most from these types of short hikes!
But first why have I learned more from some short measily overnight backpacking trips, than I have from thru hikes?? I think in many ways the short trip is just a more conducive environment to learning. While the thru hike you are more or less out there surviving, and trying to make the most of the experience. The thru hike you may have dwindling funds so you won't be inclined to make gear changes. You won't be able to use the internet as often, or care to do nearly as much research! A thru hike upwards of a few hundred miles, or a few thousand miles can also be an incredibly dangerous place to learn as well. So learn it near home! And make changes before you go. Get comfortable, and go crush that thru hike.
- Find a trail nearby! The closer the better as you'll be more inclined to go do a short trip more often. The more often you do the better! And really any trail will do, but it is somewhat important that you can actually camp. So anything from a 5 mile trail with a camp spot out there, to a 100 mile trail. The longer the trail the more options you will have to spice things up.
- Take note of your gear! Every time you go on one of these trips, take note of what you used, what you didn't use, what you liked, and what you didn't. Was there something you enjoyed but wish it were lighter? Then make changes next time! Try new things! This is very difficult to do while on a thru hike both because acquiring new gear is difficult while out away from home, but also most of your money will be allocated towards the actual hike by this time.
- Take advantage of being close to home! Take risks, and purposefully go hiking in bad weather. If something goes wrong, you can always go home! I have done this so many times and I am stronger for it! Learn how to deal with the rain, how to stay dry, how to setup your tent. How to hydrate in a heatwave, and what foods you will enjoy in the heat. If it's cold near you, use that to test out different insulating layers! This is all so much more important to learn near home, before finding yourself in some serious trouble far out on some thru hike.
- Get comfortable with your gear! Get comfortable wearing your pack with a full load, build those muscles. Get comfortable setting up your shelter, making a fire, cooking dinner, taking care of your feet, hanging a bear bag, filtering water, and navigating. Of course between these trips go online and do research on things you maybe could still learn more about.
- Push yourself! If you are comfortable with hiking 10 miles in a day, try 15. Go bigger and you will learn a ton! I remember the first time I tried a 20 mile day, and the first time I tried a 30 mile day. It was fun! But also miserable. I learned to take care of my feet, I learned how to hydrate better, electrolytes, I changed shoes, I lightened my pack. A lot changed just from trying to go further, showing me where I was inefficiently hiking before.
- Try different foods! Go to the grocery store and get different snacks each time and take notes on what you enjoyed, and what you didn't like. Try different dinners, and experiment with cold soaking. This way when you are on your thru hike later, you won't find yourself carrying dead weight of food you hate, and likely will save some money in the long run given you have tried and now know. While doing this take notes on how many calories you are consuming. Is 2,000 enough for a 15 mile day, if not bump it up and be better energized next time!
- Now beyond just the learning you are also gaining physical fitness! You are going to be able to carry your pack more easily because of these trips. Also in my opinion there is no better way to train for a long hike, than by going on long hikes! The gym is cool but nothing will simulate the trail in the same way.
And remember, have fun :)
Hiking Essentials Shirt! jupiterhikes.com/product/hikin...
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/
If you would like to get access to content I create about this type of stuff I don't share anywhere else join me on my Patreon!
/ jupiterhikes
If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:
www.jupiterhikes.com
/ jupiterhikes
/ jupiterhikes
Thank you for watching! I have learned a ton from all the short trips I've taken over the years, more than that I've learned from actually thru hiking! I think often it's an overlooked aspect of preparation. I hope you can get out on some, have fun, and learn along with me :)
The more I learned to do without the better backpacker I became. Small tarp, blowup floatie and wool blanket worked in 3 seasons. Water purification and dried foods. Made it more enjoyable. Started in the 70s as a young guy until 06 the last time I backpacked. I got old. Now I motorcycle camp and use the same principles.
That's really cool
To get in shape do trail work. Find a volunteer group, help pack a saw, fuel, tools, your buddies water and whatever else you can help that needs brought into rough areas. You're helping out other volunteers, meeting other like minded folks, giving back to the trails you love, and making the trail better for people that want come experience a different area.
Good advice! A couple things that I’ve done:
Testing my cold weather gear into the mid-teens, I car-camped and set up my hammock next to the car, so if things started going bad, I could get into my car (slept like a baby all night in my hammock though).
I also used to write down all the clothes I wore for hiking and sleeping and the temperature, and whether I was comfortable
I was riding in a Uber in Tucson (flying in from Atlanta) talking about the mountain ranges on the horizon and how much I would love to hike those and she mentions that she wants to hike the AZ trail. So naturally, I mention you! And your recent hike- that I recounted it for her.
I bet you never thought folks would be talking about you in an Uber ride at 4pm on a Monday in Tucson AZ lol. Love your videos, love your delivery, and love the way you deliver your experiences. You have a positive impact on my life. Thank you.
I have backpacked since 1977, but only normally only going out for two to three days. About thirty five miles in the White Mountains of NH. I retired this year and hiked the Long Trail in Vermont and it really changed my hiking world. I started the trial as a light weight hiker and UL ended as an UL hiker. It helped me to not only dial in my gear, but also my food and footwear. I did about 17.5 miles a day and felt better than I did thirty years ago carrying a very light pack. I do want to thank you as one of your videos helped me to see how to lighten my pack . I used that site lighterpack and it really helped. Next year I plan on doing the Colorado Trail. Thanks take care
I think the single most important thing I learned from hiking in the woods and in the mountains is that I prioritize not being bored over not being tired -- I would start to run to get where I was going after being out for half a day. Now, I am into light weight backpacking and I love it! Generally, I feel that having things weighs me down in life.
Great tips! Also, always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. And let them know when you do get back. It is surprisingly easy to take a wrong path even close to home.
My biggest discovery last year was railway service roads here in Finland. 1000's of miles of peace and quiet. Very STRAIGHT forward hiking but still great for getting to grips with navigation as there is a lot of dead ends that require on the spot route planning. Low stakes trips for testing the gear and legs. Small deviations from the rails for discovering cool spots and nature trails along the way for variety. All thats missing is elevation, which might also be nice for a beginner. And you can always extend the trip to the next station if weather and your spirits agree, and if anything goes wrong you are never too far from a road, bus stop or town. A cool aspect of "railtrekking" - as I like to call it - is taking the train back home and watching the views you just hiked with a cold beer in your hand :) Took many trips like that 1-3 nighters last fall up until the temps went to freezing. 400km in two months, just on weekends. It's great for a city dweller with no car!
Pure wondersome yeeehawww
Honestly growing up in the flattest of all US states, Florida. Training here for the AT and then blasting through that I think elevation is great if you got it, but 'time on my feet' is what I am most interested in and I think can be equally as effective for long distance hiking! It sounds like you have a great place nearby to get some miles in and test out new things!
@@JupiterHikes Yeah! Im goin to the Pyrenees in the fall and really need to get training elevation. Theres one 250 feet skihill here, so I guess that will have to do hah.
Walked up and down the North Cape from Holland... Finland was for me lots of gravel roads as I use a Walkingtrailer. But was nice to pass all along the quiet roads near the Russian border. But lots of horseflies....
@@kayakcobber524 the flies, please, NOT THE FLIEs!!!
You’re an absolute star, keep up the good work inspiring and promoting the single best, most sustainable, natural activity know to us humans…..being out in nature, hiking, camping or whatever our individual circumstances allow. Love your message about remembering to have fun 😊
excellent content as usual. I hope this encourages more people to get out and hit the trail.
I hope so! And in a safe manner! One thing to read about stuff and another thing to try it myself!
These are great tips. I'd add one; when possible hike with people that are experienced or simply people with different experiences. You can learn a lot from others. I've been hiking for 55 years and there isn't a trip I go on where I don't learn something new - quite often from others that haven't been hiking nearly as long.
A great thing about practicing in inclement weather is that you learn how fun it can be. It’s a Buddhist insight to have “curiosity” about negative feelings or sensations and it’s a way of being calmly detached so that pain doesn’t hurt. Well, in cold windy weather, when I’m testing out gear, I’m just thinking about the gear and what’s working, what’s not, and it’s a fun experience. Hiking in horrible weather was just plain fun! So that attitude can carry over to “real” hikes. Where everything is “training”. It’s ok if things don’t work out. Just another learning experience .
Great advice! Definitely a mindset I try and take into my own hikes when things aren't going 'perfect
Stellar advice, thank you. Been preparing to walk Grand Canyon rim to rim and back in 3 days. One of the challenges there is steep uphill and steep downhill. Luckily, where I live has high elevation relief. And the biggest challenge is finding trails with similar elevation, change and slope. Your presentation reminds me about the little things that I need to practice on, such as food types and how much water. Also, I need to identify what gear will be best suited and I’m not there yet.
At 8:30, “this doesn’t have to be a death march every time.” LOL!!!
Congratulations on 50k. You rock thanks for the information.
Great advice for me as I get ready for my first overnight.
Thank you so much Juniper! Congratulations on 50,000 and tons more to come.
Ride That Tasty Wave
Thanks for the tips! Congratulations on 50K 🎉🥾🎉🥾🎉
Congrats on 50k! I think it's about time for me to experiment a little more with my food choices. Thanks for the reminder.
Jupiter, thanks for making the most useful and inspiring videos on TH-cam. Congrats on 50k!!
Such a great video! Thank you for your tips!
As always, great informative advice. Thanks
Congratulations on reaching 50K!!! I really enjoy your videos, thank you for always being honest and humble. Looking forward to watching your pct journey!!
thank YOU Jupiter...you inspire us to experience the great outdoors!Next stretch in for 100k!Bless u brother
All good advice. Thanks have fun stay safe.
Congrats on your milestone!
Thank you for all your hard work 😊
Best wishes from Sweden
I love your style. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and encouraging others!
You've been killing it with all the recent uploads, super stellar compendium of tips and advice
Really thoughtful and well thought out advice
Thank you, and congratulations 🎉
this is a great channel, thank you for the tips
I totally agree! Awesome!
Hi Jupiter, thanks again for well thought through advise.
this is one of the best videos in this topic!
thank you!
This should really get me going. Thank you.
Great advice. I live in a former uranium mining town turned into a retirement community, surrounded by public lands so camping is available almost anywhere. I am surrounded by trails that interconnect, making long hikes easily possible. 25 miles is the most that I've walked but I walk almost every day because I don't drive. I camp overnight from spring to fall by means of cycling and walking and paddling. In the winter it's mainly snowshoeing six to seven hours three times a week.
Are you me? Very similar to many of the trips I have done while testing out things! At times I have even left home after dark, setup in the dark, and came back in the morning just to get more familiar with night hiking
Your videos have made a huge impact on my life Jupiter! Thank you for all the encouraging words and inspiration!
Agreed! 💯
Of all your great videos, this one exceeded them all! Being a wannabehiker, this gave a lot of inspiration on how to proceed. Tnx a million!
Sound wisdom here! Wonderful advice. Every step provides an opportunity to learn something and to grow. Many thanks. Excellent video!
Solid video with great advice.
Thank you for making these videos
Thank you. This channel has given me hope and I’m very thankful for having found it
Great video. Matter of fact I just pushed my limits from comfortable with 15 mile days and did a 23.5 and then a 14.3 the next day. Happy trails man 🤘🥾
Love your videos! I've been searching for information on preparing for hikes and this is exactly what I needed! 🙏
Glad it was helpful! The short trips have been so good to me over the years! A ton of fun but even more learning! Hope you have the same fun out there I have :)
Thank you Jupiter for all the knowledge you pass on to us. Since joining your channel I've switched from a framed pack to frameless and has really helped with my lower back problems. My base weight is also down to 11lbs for 3 season camping.
I practise the same things befor i get started my multi days hiking trips.These tips are really practical and helpfull.👍
Congrats on reaching 50k, looking forward to your PCT vids as soon as you're able to upload them. Good luck for a successful hike.
This year I will be posting some videos from the trail! But as always will be saving the full production until the end
You always give solid advice that's why I like your channel
I try! I've definitely mentioned this advice before but I felt that these types of trips have given me so much in the way of learning new things that it was definitely worth it's own video. Just as well I am sure we've all heard of people starting a thru hike where that is their first ever backpacking experience, so this is also in hopes to get more folks outside enjoying the trail and the learning process before the long trip.
Jupiter...sure appreciate your presentation style and content! There are no trails near me, but I'm fortunate enough to own a piece of property where I've cut a circuit ... a little over 4 miles worth of trail. When I want to do longer distances in my training, I just repeat the trail loop until I get to the desired distance, then camp near that point. Yodo
New subscribers here! Great info for sure! Congrats on 50k! 🤙
Congratulations on 50k !! Always good solid advice. 👍
Thank you!!! 50k is a huge milestone and I very greatly appreciate everyone that has joined me here
Thanks so much my guy. This was the most helpful advice I've received. I made the decision to do the triple crown before I get on outta here. Thanks again. Peace.
Congrats with 50K! As always, solid advice offered with that special Jupiter smile. "It doesn't always have to be a death march" quote of the day.
Sometimes a death march is fun, but not always :)
Great content! Congratulations on 50k 😁😁😁
Really good tipps and great video overall!
I have found that even just taking say, your cooking gear and a tarp with you, having your lunch or supper out on the trail or a campsite helps a lot. Especially if you have some new gear or are completely new to camping specificly. This can also help with that kinda "hurdle" feeling doing an overnight or through hike can have.
I shure know I´ve had that that and doing these small outings, just at the end of the day or on a day off, has helped a LOT with that :-)
GREAT advice, super helpful!
Your more empirical, analytical approach is awesome!
It has definitely helped me A LOT so I hope it helps others! I know in many cases my way of approaching planning and preparing isn't necessary, but it's always good to be prepared I think and take some of the risk out of things. If someone takes just one little thing from me that is cool!
This is Excellent advice thank you.
Congrats on the 50k. Def. my favorite channel.
I very much appreciate that thank you!
Excellent video across the board - should be required to watch for all new to backpacking
I love it!!! I'm in the rain staying dry in my camp today.. practicing my shakedowns before my thru-hike.. follow along (Donn hikes).. I appreciate you bro and God bless
Heck yeah! You're doing the thing. Good luck and have fun on your trip this year!!
HOT DAMN. Yay for the 50 THOUSAND subscribers.
Speaking for me, and I bet many more, you are quite an inspiration. Not to mention great, good, objective, interesting info about all aspects of hiking.
Thanks ever so much
Thank you jhon! All of the nice comments over the years definitely keeps me doing it! Along with hoping I can add some information or help to the community and future hikers out there
This is such great advice!!! Little trips!!!
Lots to learn from the little trips! Don't always have to go so big from the get go!
Great lesson Jupiter
Good ideas I never thought of that and how important the little things
I like that you have remained so down to earth even with 50k followers. I have noticed some TH-camrs start humble but evolve into a faster talking slickness and fancy videos. I like you simple pure message. Keep it real!
Thank you for the amazing vids. I've been practicing in my backyard which is Mt Hood. I've been hiking the canyons, parts of the PCT up there, spending a night or two, going even if it's rainy or cold, getting stronger, starting to be able to power walk the inclines for awhile, losing weight, I'm hooked... Happy trails... :-)
Thanks for the valuable strategy. I found the suggestions very important.
Glad it was helpful! I know it's been a huge thing for me in my learnings and experience
Great video and advice. Subbed!
Congratulations on 50k subscribers. On to 100k.
Thanks for the videos. Hope the PCT goes well. Not too fast too soon from the get go.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend. Thank you for sharing this informative video. I really enjoyed it. All the best to you for your good health and safety. 🤗
Thank you for this and all of your videos! I'm hiking JMT Southbound in June so who knows, we may cross paths!
We may!! If you see me please say hello!
Awesome video @jupiterhikes! Very informative and inspirational! 💯 🙌🏽
How it's done! I got into hiking living in the hills in North Wales (Snowdonia). We were super poor and working shifts, with no money to go anywhere, so this is how we did. Still use what I learnt to this day .
I walk the mile or so from the house to the Florida Trail, then another mile or two down the trail beside the river to one of the two campsites. In the summer I can leave as late as 4pm and still have daylight to set up my shelter.
Congratulations on 50K! The video was great advice can't wait for the PCT videos! I hope you get to meet Smiles from the "Daisy hikes" TH-cam channel. She also loves to cowboy camp and does 30 milers on a whim! Also I think a good first try could be your backyard because if your quilt isn't warm enough then you don't have to be miserable all night!
Daisy is awesome! I hope to run into her as well!! Also I love the backyard thing but there is so much more to learn from actually going out there and having that experience. Just from my past I know I have set up a tent in my yard, it looked great, I got in it and it was big enough, felt great, lightweight, but then once I got on trail I wound up not liking it for reasons I otherwise wouldn't notice in the yard! Spending hours with a thing at a campsite is just such a great way to vet things, and if it's a really good experience, or a bad experience I am more likely to really remember it. Both the backyard tip and the short hike tip I think are great!
Inspiring! Many thanks
Congrats on 50k
Hey Jupiter! Congrats on 50k! Heres to the next million! What a great and helpful video. It really has inspired me to find some new camp spots and get out there and do some of the things I have been waiting to try. 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well.
-Grateful
Oh man I will probably never reach a million but maybe 100k is a good goal to have! I hope you find some cool new camp spots! Even if they aren't cool it's always nice to know that as well from personal experience to then share with others to maybe avoid
@@JupiterHikes you totally deserve a million+! I will keep sending people your way when ever possible. I hope your other viewers do that same. In all seriousness , your videos are a such great resource for info and always inspirational.
Let’s hope I find some good sites, but if not, what’s not to love about being on trail! Be well my friend and thanks again for the epic content🙏
I did my first 30-mile last year. Three separate ascends along the way. 6000ft in total.
The last one almost broke me but man... Did I learn a lot about myself.
Your videos are great, you learn a lot with them, thank you. I subscribe to your channel from Vizcaya (northern Spain).
Brand new here, trying to get into backpacking. I'm never going to be a thru-hiker, but I think having a realistic idea of what I need and what works would help on short overnight trips or long weekend trips. I've been camping, kayak camping, and one VERY SHORT hike in camping trip. Just that has helped me figure out a couple of things regarding food, cooking and sleep system. Thanks for the great idea of backpacking shorter, close to home trails to work out the kinks. Great video!!
ive been thinking of running tests at a 26 mile trail that should be 1 or 2 days
then load the car up with extra food and water etc so if there is a miscalculation i can just goto the car and address that issue (mainly just dialing in the amount of food actually used )
ive been setting my tarp up on cold damp nights nights without any lights in my backyard and found that if im not snugging with the pup the pad is not going to be fun in the low 30s
after setting up the tarp in the dark a few times it made it so easy to do with light i totally agree with challenging yourself so the real hike is easier in comparison
Great tips! I'm definitely planning to try these things once the weather is slightly warmer (although tbh I would probably be fine with these temperatures we're having, it's a very mild winter so far). I'm kinda sad I live somewhere where you're not allowed to camp except for on campsites (that you pay for). But then again, my longer trip I have planned will also be like that, so might as well give 'finding the good campsites' a try as well...
The hike I did in this video I had to stay at a designated campsite I payed for. I think it was 5$ but I've definitely payed more for camping. It's maybe not ideal but still great and a lot can be gained from these places and trips even if it takes that extra step of prep to get the permit. Personally during this trip although I had to stay at a specific spot I did still use my normal method of surveying the small camping are for the best place to physically setup. Trees above, a breeze coming through, away from anyone else that may come by. Opposed to just setting up right next to the popular fire ring at the head of the campsite in the open. Not ideal but still works!
This was the video I needed
Whenever people ask me "How do you train for a through hike?", I always tell them "I go on short hikes". It's really the only thing that works.
Hiking and backpacking is such an iterative process. You can do it for a while and then look back at where you started and see all the changes and improvements you made. You can also look back at all the stuff that didn't work out as well. Last week I tried hiking with a pedometer, because I am trying to find ways of using my phone less often. It didn't work out. The pedometer rubbed my waist wrong and wound up creating a nasty bit of chaffe. It was good at measuring my pace, but not worth the literal pain. I will probably try an ABC watch with a step counter next time. Figuring out what works and what doesn't work is like half of the fun for me.
I remember maybe 5 years ago a friend asked a well known hiker with 40,000 miles of thru hiking experience, how to train for a thru hike. They responded with 'go hiking!' I always thought that was so funny as my friend was hoping for gym exercises or some secret trick.
I use a fit bit and it works great
thanks! so helpful
Thanks for what you do, Jupiter, and thanks for sharing. :>)
I still do short hikes to try out something new or YES have FUN … great video trek on safe brother
Thank you.😀😀😀
Great advice jupiter. Now get out there and hike yah nerds! Dew it!
I am blessed to live on 20 acres of wooded property. I get to go out everyday and walk my property with my backpack on and to test out my gear. I have been testing my mid layers out this winter. I make a note on my phone of the temperature, humidity and wind speeds, so I can know the lower limits and when I need to vent or remove that layer. Plus I can camp outside my back door and walk inside if I get too cold. When I got my new hammock I tried setting it up on different trees each time to simulate being out on trail. Happy Hiking
I'm gonna stealth in a big city park this summer. Closest backcountry camping by me is an hour and a half away and it's hard to get a spot on the weekend. There is a fair amount if day hiking but no camping nearby.
@@dustyc324 a benefit of being retired is that I am able to go out and hike during the week on the Pinhoti Trail. Last week I was out there and did not see a soul hiking.
@@cottontalesfromthetrail5474 I'm 30 years away, worst case. I'm hoping to cut that down as much as I can. Kick ass for making it and still being healthy enough to enjoy it. I'm trying to quit working before I'm broken.
@@dustyc324 keep that attitude and you will be fine! I thru hiked the AT and climbed the tallest free standing mountain in the world after I retired. I highly recommend retirement!
Congrats on 50k! I just did my first 50k day yesterday (31mi that is), beginning to prepare myself to take on the TRT in under a week. My first thru-hike of any significance. I've just been doing day hikes recently but next week it's time to start some overnighters. Despite half of it burning down, the Santa Cruz Mountains still make a good training ground! I have a setup with solid ingredients, but it needs more honing in the real world. Thanks for all the hard-earned wisdom!
Oh and I decided to do that 31mi in new, unfamiliar shoes... 🤦♂️ Altra Lone Peak 5s. NOT a fan. Haven't got blisters in my Merrell Trail Glove (1,2,3,4)s almost ever, even doing trail marathons and 20mi days with a full pack. They just didn't move with my foot like the Trail Gloves do, and I had blisters before the halfway despite Leukotaping and Darn Toughs. The added sole thickness felt like an ankle-roll liability too. Grateful for REI's generous return policy and $40 new-old-stock Merrells on eBay!
Awesome!!! That will definitely be a fun adventure at your pace. I started at heavenly resort and resupplied in tahoe city. Water and staying hydrated out there was a big thing for me. Some sections were better than others of course but the dryness was sneaky. Enjoy!
You are definitely going to be ready for the PCT in May! Thanks for the great advice.
I hope so! I am definitely playing by the book in most ways. It's still a long trail and nothing is guarenteed, just trying to give myself the best chance I can.
@@JupiterHikes Thanks for sharing this preparatory journey!
I have an ex bf who’s been hiking and backpacking like you since college days. His gear, food, and clothing choices were done to absolutely necessary and no frill from years of try and true. I was new in hiking at the time so I was enamored with gear, clothing, and gadgets. He always chuckled seeing what I packed. One thing I did right was always having a packing list containing everything down to a tea bag. I would cross out items not used and highlight items not as useful. Over time my packing got really tight and no forgetfulness. Packing list helps not just for hiking and backpacking, every type of trips benefited from packing absolutely necessities and no overpacking.
Great suggestions! The older I get, the more important I find maintaining proper hydration and snackage. It can mean the difference between a terrible 10k day and a fantastic 25k day.
i got one you can do in the back yard set up camp in total dark and then try full on rain , it is going to happen sooner or later may as well be ready. ray.
The backyard works, too, if you have extremes of weather. Go for a walk until you get sweaty (not recommended, but sometimes unavoidable on a long hike). Go home and figure out what you need to do to get warm once your body cools down. Don't go back in the house until you get very cold, then figure out what you need to do differently in the same conditions.
Soak your "warm when wet" insulation and underwear and see exactly HOW warm when HOW wet.
Then try some actual hiking, preferably with a friend.
Thanks for all of your helpful tips, Jupiter.
Thanks for the info “jupe” you rock! That vid you did on blister/footcare was spot on! That is what they taught in the army/marines 30 plus years ago,nothing has changed. When we did 20 plus mile road marches while wearing 80-110 lbs on our backs I used to use the wife’s shhhhhhhh! ,panty hoes under my socks. lol, they didn’t have sock liners or injinji socks back then. We wore leather boots that made our feet sweat profusely and insoles that were super thin. Keep sharing such top notch info brother. Heading out for my first they hike in 50 years on march 30 th, doin the a.t. , so stoked I can’t sleep , ha ha ! Cheers bro !
Awesome man!! Enjoy the AT it's a very good time. And hopefully lighter weight than back in the military!