How I Prepare for My Long Hikes

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[jdubvdub]

I’ve found that squats, deadlifts, calf raises, and short, heavy pack hikes on uneven terrain is the best way for me to train for a long hike.

[mzimmerman]

The timing on this is great! I remember the first day I found your channel, I immediately knew I wanted to start hiking. I spent 2019 getting in shape (lost 60 pounds!) in preparation. Then Covid hit and my 2020 plans were mostly ruined. Yesterday decided that even though 2020 is not going to be the best hiking year ever, that I would start saving money so I could take time off to do a longer hike and more interesting trail. This video is encouraging and helpful, thanks :)

[SrslyJonSweet]

Great overview, thx!! I’d explicitly add permits to the ballpark research stage since those so often have super long lead times that impact all the other planning.

[markono]

I would like to request you show us how you repair and maintain your gear. What to look for especially the tent seams, walking sticks, etc. It is common for people to do gear reviews, but not much content on maintaining gear. You do not want any gear failure on the trail. Appreciate sharing of your love for the trail.

[WhiteKnight]

Hoping to hike the JMT when I done with my service in the Navy. Thanks for the info Darwin!

[bradygamble]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while now. You’ve inspired me to go on my first backpacking trip in the up in Michigan. I hiked and camped on a couple mountains. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Planning more in the future

[jeanangelo]

You're seriously saving me so much time on research and on wasting money/struggles on bad equipment. Thanks for bringing such valuable content to us. Much love from Georgia <3 Going to the Colorado Trail soon!!

[matthewlucciola]

Really comprehensive and thorough video on how to plan a long-distance hike. Awesome job as always!

[tammyschilling]

I'd love to see a video about flying with your gear, either to get back home from a hike or to get to a trail head.

[iamcat]

Nice video. Planning the logistics of a hike is almost as exciting as the hike itself.

[John-Adam]

One of the most helpful video i have ever seen. Would have been useful when i traveled to NZ in 2006

[titanpreparedness]

Great information. Usually i just wing it and end up carrying far too much and injured by the end

[journeysofsaltlick]

All the planning you talk about are right on! For training I do roughly 350 miles, in the gear I'm going to go with. That includes breaking in the shoes I'm going to mail. Roughly 50 miles each pair. I hike with a 27 lb pack for training. Worst I'll ever be coming out of town or water carry is 35 lb. Base weight is 16, so every section is usually 28 lbs down to 18 lbs.

[pierredehaze]

Ditto on the Wikipedia - Long distance trails hint, was not aware of it. Keep the great videos coming Darwin, love watching them and learning something new every time I watch.

[walktalkbikeandhike]

Thanks a lot Darwin! So interesting to see your process and how your outdoor experience has shaped your style of doing things. Will definitely be using these tips for my future adventures!

[bakenasty]

Darwin your videos are SO great. Always informative, your delivery is great, well researched, well edited, and of course, you have a TON of real world experience. Tha ks so much for running this page.

[barbaramcdaniel]

Hi Darwin! I met you in a laundromat at the Grand Canyon in 2019. I'm preparing to do the CT in 2022 (my first thru hike!) and all your videos are so helpful! Thanks for everything! Blessings, Basha

[canwiler]

The Highline trail is absolutely amazing, enjoy! I live in Utah and have done it multiple times, the most recent being 2018. Best time I've ever spent out on a trail. Aim for August to minimize the mosquitoes. Just put in 50 miles in the painter basin area last weekend and they were fierce! If you're not trying to do it solo you've got a fan ready to tag along!

[matthewgoetzka]

Thanks for the info. I've never been on a trail for more than 2 days but I'd like to give it a try

[cali]

Hey, Darwin. I have enjoyed your gear advice, hikes and your unfailing encouragement of the community. My chance to explore long trails might be ending. BUT, I realized I can use all my gear to journey on a motorcycle. I have an old Brat, no saddle bags, so my Atmos 45 will be perfect. I can use so much of your advice. Thank you.