Essentially, a thru-hike is
an end-to-end backpacking trip on a long-distance trail like the A.T. or the PCT
. More than 2,100 miles long, the A.T. runs from Georgia to Maine, while the PCT, at more than 2,600 miles long, runs from Mexico to Canada.
How many miles is considered a thru-hike?
Thru-hiking a trail is a long and difficult journey: an AT thru-hike, for example, takes five months on average, covering
2,189.2 miles
(3,523.2 km). A PCT or CDT thru-hike also entails several months of planning in order to prepare gear and re-supply points. These two trails also take 4–6 months to complete.
What is thru-hiking vs backpacking?
With thru-hiking, the weight of the gear becomes crucial due to the length of the trip. Thru-hikers
focus on light-weight and efficient gear
while backpackers can often afford to hike with bulkier and heavier gear. … Backpacking trips can be as short as a weekend and can be planned around your own schedule.
Is thru-hiking hard?
It’s easy to romanticize the idea of thru-hiking from the comfort of your couch, but it doesn’t always feel that way on the trail. Your hike
will take many months of very hard work
. It won’t always be exciting and the terrain won’t always be picturesque. It will be intensely rewarding, just don’t expect an easy stroll.
Is thru-hiking healthy?
But while thru-hikers may look the picture of health on the outside, two researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology have published a study suggesting that a thru-hiking lifestyle may lead to troubling changes in
vascular health
.
Why is hiking bad for you?
Cancer sucks. If you go hiking a lot, you’re
going to get a lot of sun
. Sure, you can try wearing a big hat or smearing sunscreen all over yourself, but all those chemicals are probably even worse for your skin. … All those new moles and weird blemishes on your face after a thru-hike can’t be good.
Is the JMT a thru-hike?
The route climbs
nearly 46,000 feet of elevation
and crosses six high elevation mountain passes, with most people taking around 3 weeks to complete. Planning for your thru-hike of the JMT can be a daunting and overwhelming task – not to mention the difficulty in procuring one of the coveted permits.
Which thru-hike is the best?
- The Appalachian Trail. The view from Black Rock, the author’s favorite Appalachian Trail destination in Maryland, where he was introduced to hiking as a child. …
- The Long Trail. …
- The Continental Divide Trail. …
- The Tahoe Rim Trail.
How many miles can a beginner hike in a day?
The general rule of thumb is that the average hiker can typically walk between 2.5 and 3.5 miles per hour. So, if you hike consistently at that pace for 8 hours, you’ll walk
between 18 and 28 miles
.
How many times a week should I hike?
When it comes to losing weight, hiking is similar to most cardio workouts and it’s recommended
2-3 times per week
. Some hikers have taken on the challenge of hiking daily, which is great for those who are already experienced and are confident with their skills.
Which thru-hike is the easiest?
- Long Trail, Vermont. (Shannon/Flickr) …
- Colorado Trail, Colorado. (Adam Baker/Flickr) …
- Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota. (Ben+Sam/Flickr) …
- Oregon Coast Trail, Oregon. …
- Sierra High Route, Sierra Nevada. …
- Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
What should I wear on a thru-hike?
- a hiking top and bottom.
- a rain jacket.
- an insulated jacket.
- hiking socks.
- underwear.
- fleece or merino wool mid-layer sweater.
- gloves or mittens.
- fleece or wool beanie.
What do you eat on a thru-hike?
- Breakfast. Instant oatmeal or grits, powdered milk and breakfast cereals that won’t crush easily, and toaster pastries are quick favorites.
- Lunch. …
- Dinner. …
- Snacks. …
- Campfires. …
- Pack In/Pack Out. …
- Resupply on the Trail. …
- Hope for the best weather, but pack for the worst.
What is the hardest hiking trail in the US?
- The Maze. …
- South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail. …
- Kalalau Trail. …
- Mist Trail – Half Dome. …
- Muir Snowfield Trail. …
- Huckleberry Mountain. …
- Barr Trail.
Can you lose weight by hiking?
In general,
hiking burns more calories than walking
because it utilizes steeper paths. Yet, per half an hour, hiking burns fewer calories than running. This form of outdoor exercise offers several benefits, including improvements in weight loss, mental health, and lower body strength.
What happens to your body during a thru hike?
When I polled my hiker friends to ask about how the trail changed their bodies, nearly everyone reported some kind of injury or ailment:
sore knees, rashes, abrasions, shin splints, broken bones, fractured joints
. (Indeed, one study showed that more than 60% of all AT thru-hikers experience some kind of injury.)
