Mark Hedman Outdoors & Survival
02/10/2021 5:00pm 4 minute read
If you’re new to hiking, you may have heard the term thru-hiking, but you’re not sure what it means. Thru-hiking is for the hardcore hiker as it’s a form of long-distance hiking with an intense daily mileage goal. It allows you to complete a trail such as the Appalachian Trail in a specific timeframe. Hiking and thru-hiking both involve different strategies to survive in the wilderness.
So, here’s more on thru-hiking and the gear you need to be successful.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BACKPACKING AND THRU-HIKING?
The biggest difference between backpacking and thru-hiking is that most backpackers take trips for a week or weekend while thru-hikers are on the trail for weeks or months. Thru-hikers have a limited amount of time to hike long trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or Appalachian Trail (AT) before the trail closes for winter.
Backpackers and thru-hikers have different goals, and the types of skills and gear they need differ. Outdoor enthusiasts who love thru-hiking focus on keeping their packs light for the long hike, while backpackers can bring more gear and supplies. Thru-hikers use careful planning to mail themselves supplies to post offices along the way and make frequent re-supply stops.
Backpackers often don’t hike the popular trails and don’t have access to the same resources, so they need to bring more supplies with them and learn different skills.
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THE CHALLENGES OF THRU-HIKING
There are several different challenges that thru-hikers face, and they require preparation to handle them well.
The Physical Challenges of Thru-Hiking
Thru-hikers deal with many physical challenges out on the trail. First, there are the long distances and high elevations. You may also face many injuries, from minor to major. There’s a possibility that you could get Lyme disease, break a bone, get blisters, altitude sickness and more. But careful preparation can help you treat these injuries, if not prevent them altogether.
Take a first aid course and make sure you bring a well-stocked first aid kit with you. You should also train before your outdoor adventure. You can supplement your everyday workouts by going backpacking on trails near you. Toughen your feet up by carrying a pack with the same weight you’ll wear on your hike.
The Mental Challenges of Thru-Hiking
Though you’ll see other thru-hikers traveling on a trail like the AT or PCT, you must be comfortable being alone for miles at a time. After a couple of hundred miles, you may start to question why you took on this adventure in the first place. Quitting may come to mind.
Remind yourself that soul-searching is part of the process. Try to make some solo trips ahead of your thru-hike to prepare yourself. Focus on the short goals throughout your journey, like reaching a peak or crossing a state line. Like checking things off your chore list, finishing these goals helps you feel accomplished, so break your trip down into attainable steps and objectives.
ESSENTIAL THRU-HIKING GEAR TO ADD TO YOUR LIST
Reaching your goals and having a successful trip depends on the equipment you bring on the trail. Here’s a list of some of the most essential items to bring with you.
Tactical Backpack or Pack
Having the right pack or tactical backpack is critical. It needs to be durable with a lot of space to hold everything you need. You also want it to be light because of the distance you’re traveling and the terrain.
Tactical Hiking Boots
A good pair of tactical hiking boots is key. Your boots can make or break you. You want a tough pair of boots that provide traction on any terrain, and they must be comfortable for long distances. Some people swear by trail runners, and if you choose those, you’ll need several pairs.
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Clothing
You’ll need to bring base layers of clothing so you can add or take off clothing as the weather changes. Short sleeve and long sleeve shirts made from a synthetic fabric are best. Many people assume cotton would work best, but it doesn’t dry fast and is often heavier, especially after you sweat. You can even get tactical pants or other types that zip off at the knees if you get hot.
Thru-hiking is a rewarding experience that requires incredible dedication and fortitude. You can create memories that last a lifetime, but you want those to be good.
By preparing and training ahead of time and bringing the right equipment, you’ll have an adventure to remember.