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 :)
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