Backpackers Vs Thru-Hikers

[@hyklyfmatto9714]

I'm a day hiker most of the time. A backpacker some of the time and a wannabe thru hiker all of the time 😊

[@drewwatts2803]

I learned a long time ago that we all share a goal of enjoying the outdoors. We all do it differently, and that's okay.

[@Lv4_o2]

Yep, totally agree!!!

[@blki1486]

the only "not okay" option is when you enjoy and destroy it at the same time

[@aidanvasquez995]

Yep, you’re right. Doesn’t matter what you call it or the dynamics of whatever people decide to call it. It’s trekking.

[@TheShayneMay]

Go Team Outdoors! Through hikers, backpackers, overlanders, campers, and even those good smelling day hikers!

[@Dfthg-bz3hp]

Overlanders are Team City boy🤣

[@kill_your_lawn]

Agreed! Except for overlanders, nothing like enjoying the outdoors by pumping out fossil fuels and buying stuff.

[@Jotipalo]

I’m a monk who has a practice of being out in nature as much as I can, so I do a lot of “day hiking”, between 2 - 6 hours most days. I watch your channel to get ideas for lighter gear, just to make my day hikes more enjoyable. Hope to slowly hike on the AZT this spring for a month, using it both as a saunter and a time for meditation. Peace.

[@iamsemjaza]

I thought "through hikers" were just backpackers with more time to backpack more...

[@robopecha]

exactly! its the same thing, just longer. if i go traveling on a roadtrip i can also go for a weekend or for three months. same with backpacking. i don't see any connection to the person's personality or ego. any person could do either thing or both.

[@innov13]

You are correct. Some ppl over think things sometimes.

[@msiege5212]

You mean no responsibilities aka no kids

[@JO-rk5gu]

Through Hiker = Living off of Daddy's money

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

@JO-rk5gu Nope... Try again.

[@daphne8406]

I love going backpacking for a few days myself but I also love watching through hiking channels ☺️ I do not have the desire, time or stamina for through hiking and living rough for weeks and months on end, but I love seeing their wonderful big adventures even if I may not go on them myself. I am very happy with doing little adventures myself 🌲 Keep on going out in nature in whatever way gives you joy! ❤️

[@whativelearnedsofar7181]

There is an ongoing SNOBBERY in hiking. Thru-Hikers look down on "Section-Hikers". Section-Hikers look down on 'Weekend Backpackers'. 'Weekend Backpackers look down on "Day-Hikers". Day-Hikers look down on coach potatoes.

[@sdm031]

and Couch potatoes look down, uh, upon their potato chips

[@TheHotel-rk8ir]

just hike your own hike people, dang

[@HostileTakeover2]

People in town with a functioning sense of smell look down on thru-hikers :D

[@grantmcmillan9209]

I’m getting older with a little arthritis. I backpack with thru hiking gear. Even if I go out for one night I want to carry as little weight as possible . Also thru hiking gear is less clutter to worry about.

[@wolfelau5602]

That was a big selling point for me. I hated having too much junk to pack up in the morning. It’s like adding chores to your hike. Less stuff = quicker pack-up and roll.

[@tarekith]

Ditto, it’s just so much enjoyable not having to carry or deal with stuff you really don’t need. And you can still be comfortable with the right gear. My overnighter weight is 17lbs with food, water, chair, camp sandals, separate coffee cup, etc.

[@NatureShy]

Same here but I’m young. I’d rather invest in good lightweight and ultralight gear, especially as some of it isn’t even more expensive (though some of course are, like dyneema). I’d rather carry less weight and thus be able to enjoy my trip more. I also do it so that I can carry both comforts/luxuries and my heavier camera gear. My camera gear weighs more than my big 3, and as for luxuries, I take an air pump and a chair, for example.

[@nielsmachielsen1596]

Same here. I am 39 but my body is worn out from heavy work. That is why I hike light weight

[@ryancooperthompson979]

Same, I have arthritis in my ankle and a plate and 10 screws in my heel bone and it’s because of ultralight gear I can still thru hike. I can barely walk across my floor in the morning with out shoes on but if I’m laying down miles my ankle seems to accept it and just work. For me Hiking keeps my mobility in check.

[@steve_____K307]

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt". -- John Muir.

[@kristymoore7052]

Remember the shut down and they closed the forests? At least here in NorCal they did. I remember being so distraught, “you mean I’m not allowed to walk on dirt?”

[@4seasonsextreme193]

You are spot on, I don't understand what the argument is as long as you're out there Doing what it is you wanna do Life is too short not to enjoy the good things.

[@jacobhignett4937]

I really really appreciate your content! After a life changing illness you are one of the people that helped me get back out there and improve my quality of life. We all like to/are capable of doing different things.

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

I was a truck camping day hiker for 4 years, the last 2 I've done backingpacking to do longer trails I couldn't dayhike before! Been a blast learning new skills and getting to way more remote spots

[@SummitSeeker546]

Nailed it! “It doesn’t matter!” Totally a personal preference with a level of outdoor enjoyment you seek. It’s all good!

[@RebeccaCuff]

As an older section hiker, I am so grateful for ultra-lite gear! I love talking to thru-hikers and support them when I can.

[@jennifer1424]

As a backpacker and section hiker on the PCT, my experience has been that most backpackers and thru hikers are friendly and helpful. Occasionally I’ve gotten the sense that those of us out on the trail for a short time are somewhat looked down on by thru hikers. I think thru hiking is great, and would consider it if my stage in life allowed.

[@nedVenturesOut]

I believe there is a third type. Dayhiker!! Totally different from the other two! I’m still enjoying nature! I bring gear with me and I even enjoy hot meals on the trail!

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

3 minutes in, I was ready to comment, but I watched all the way through before doing so. I think that most backpackers, are thru-hikers if they could be. I would drop everything in a second to go thru-hike the AT, PCT or CDT if I could. For me, (and you and I talked about this with Hike The Good Hike at Highlander Big Bear) it would cost the average thru-hiker 15 - 20 grand to go do the AT, not counting normal monthly expenses which in my case (only counting half of my household financial needs ) would be an additional 25 to 30 grand for 6 months. So to answer your question at the end of your video, I’m a backpacker who would love to be a thru-hiker. Rewind 20 years, and that answer could very easily be a thru-hiker who is now a backpacker; it’s all about the hand that life has given you. Great video!

[@ericcorbett7574]

Always appreciate your perspective and find your opinions are well informed. I'm a "backpacker" preparing for my first thru-hike in February of the AT. I've done many sections up north from CT thru NH and some in VA. Every trip I always want more , hence the desire to thru-hike. Your content along with many others has been helpful, even Dan Becker adds some value 😘 (Dan is awesome too!)

[@MrJaimecoady]

Another enjoyable video. Thanks. I think of myself as a section hiker which includes both camps. A compromise, but one that allows finishing a trail while raising a family and keeping your job.

[@toghikes]

Love the video. I am an old backpacker with hopes of becoming a thru hiker one day. Never give up! lol I want to thank you for all the great videos. You have helped me to choose the right gear and the right shoes. I cannot thank you enough for helping me make my backpacking trips so much more enjoyable. Oh, and pretty much injury free. Thanks again Darwin.

[@AdventurewithCaboose]

This was such a great video! You couldn’t have said it better with the difference being seeing one as a sport and the other as a lifestyle. At first, I spent 4-6 months a year on trail, and now it’s 8-10 months. I’m working towards being able to be on trail full time, 12 months a year. Life is simple out there 😃

[@kristymoore7052]

I’m proud to say that I am now a hybrid. I’ve watched your videos for years and always watch and admire you and other thru hikers. My career and age have not made this possible for me…yet. An avid backpacker, started at 52, I finally found the time to thru hike the JOHN Muir TRAIL. I’m 61. There ARE differences for sure and I understand now. I like both.

[@lennynichols6809]

I am a backpacker. I have been backpacking for 45+ years. I have thought about doing a thru hike, but decided I probably never will because of job, family and now that I am "retired, " my new music career. However with age, I discovered a few years ago that I could not continue carrying the weight I used to. I have learned a lot from you and from other thru hikers about lightweight backpacking gear and techniques. If not for what I have learned, and newer lighter equipment, I could no longer go on week-long backpacking trips into wilderness areas. Thanks!

[@KennyShackelford]

Thanks for all the info. I’ve been camping and backpacking pretty much all my life. Love to be outside for a day or for extended time. I’m 68 with bad knees so I tend to hike less miles with my pack and set up a base camp to day hike from. This allows time outside with less stress. I thoroughly enjoy guys like you and Becker who keep us up on things. Merry Christmas

[@YTusercomment]

Excellent discussion and comparison. It's all good as long as you're getting out there and enjoying and respecting the natural world.

[@amynapier3551]

Anyone who gets off the couch, turns off the TV, closes their laptop and goes outside to walk, hike, camp, backpack, section hike or thru hike needs to be applauded. We're all just trying to take a break from the fast-paced vortex and use that time to grieve, heal, recharge, relax and reset. Some thru hikers may look down on weekend backpackers, but weekend backpackers tend to share food they didn't use at the end of their trip. Weekend backpackers may wish that we had the luxury of the time and budget needed to thru hike but we're always cheering on the thru hikers because we know what they've had to sacrifice to make those dreams a reality. The world is wide enough, and we've got bigger worries around us. I'm on Team Outdoors!

[@Bypass_and_Noodle_Soup]

Always great stuff. Been backpacking over 50 years, learn new things each time I go. 👍🏻😊

[@uptrail7169]

Good topic! When I hiked 213 miles in 13 days on the Superior Hiking Trail I didn't want to stop. You get into a regular routine and want to do more. I loved it, but I only had 2 weeks off. The AT is definitely on my to do list.

[@TTrash_Pirate]

This has been my experience. If you're only on trail for a few days than you're just starting to get into the swing of things and fall into a groove and realize suddenly that you're finished already and its time to get back in the car and go home, and its a really sad moment.

[@erick6715]

I’m a little bit of both …. Keeping my pack lightweight for weekend and shorter hikes …. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE 🙏☕️🍺

[@jimsadventurejournal2399]

Some backpackers like to hike sunrise to sunset, often alone, with no need of chair or other accoutrements. Other backpackers like to hike a few miles, then sit in a chair, chill in camp a few hours and socialize with others.

[@maryannloomis5028]

Love your videos! Im a backpacker who will be attempting a thru hike of the PCT in 2025. Not yet UL, but that's because I'll be 66yo when I get on trail, and week long trips have taught me I like comfortable sleep, so I carry sleep clothes.

[@blueridgeexplorer]

I've done both. Backpacking, being the more accessible and practical approach, also allows you to get to places thru hikers would likely never go. When thru hiking the mileage requirements every day and having to stay on a specific route really cut out a lot of exploring or location possibilities along the route. Thru hiking to me is about a long term goal, while trying to enjoy the outdoors, but that's just my opinion. Backpacking is 100% about getting to cool places while enjoying the outdoors. I prefer backpacking.

[@jbradkilpatrick]

You nailed it when it comes to the gear. And speaking from experience, I don’t think a lot of beginners, watching KZbin videos, realize this because they’re watching mostly thru-hikers talk about gear. Really, they need to be watching backpackers talk about gear. But there is so much thru-hiking content and a beginner just sees it all as backpacking. While it’s nice to carry as little weight as possible, there is no need for a backpacker to get obsessive over weight the way a thru-hiker does.

[@mattpelofske4632]

I'm old Grey beard dude and I was on a longish trail run on the cdt this spring solo and the thru hikers on the trail were really fascinated that I was out there they were fun to chat with 0 bad vibe.oh it was 22 miles 6 hrs not bad!

[@helphealthladakh]

Hiked the CDT in 1980 - before it was a trail. Then worked 35 years in the Himalayas where my "commute to work" was interesting. In retirement, I'm excited about being a weekender with a gloriously lightweight pack.

[@mtadams2009]

For decades I was a backpacker and then I retired and now I am a thru hiker. Fortunately the gear has gotten insanely light, this has allowed me to not only continue backpacking but to hike bigger miles than when I was young. Having a UL system for me is not an option but a necessity. I have no desire to carry camp chairs or any other unnecessary crap. If I was out for a weekend I think that would be fine . Next up the Colorado Trail and I can’t wait. I mostly hike on the AT since it’s near my home in New England and for decades I ran into thru hikers and I will admit I was a bit envious. Wife, kids and mortgage etc. Now my kids are grown and my wife is cool with me taking off for a few months to life my dreams. One thing I will add I see lots of people thru hiking and many do not have super light gear but light and many people hike different styles. Not everyone is focused on big miles. I see some people hiking what I think of as low miles 10 or so but going at it for a very long time and making the trail their home. There are many ways to accomplish a thru hike. I tend to hike fairly fast, for me because I have a life at home that I would like to keep, if you know what I mean.

[@tobinsmith7065]

I'm a backpacker. At its core, I see them as the same thing. You're out there enjoying the wilderness. I started off on hunting, camping, and fishing trips with my dad and brothers. When I was 12, dad took me on a hunting trip where we hiked into camp. The group we we're with packed everything in on mule and horseback. I loved it and fell in love with hiking and backpacking. Dad had gotten me an old aluminum framed pack. Used it until I purchased an internal frame pack. Now I use a 30ltr or 60ltr pack. Depending on how much creature comforts I want.

[@argokuusk]

This video could be summed up for both hiking or running with: - Leisure vs Sports. Some of us like both.

[@jeffcmo1957]

6 categories 1. Camper camping 2. Tent campground camping 3. Primitive roadside/truck camping also know as over landing 4. Backpacking 1 night - 2 weeks 5. Thur Hiking 6. Mountaineering

[@mikehotshots7607]

What about bushcrafters?

[@innov13]

you missed a few

[@ropersix]

Rock climbing has to be in the mix somewhere (when it involves hiking in and camping overnight). Sometimes mountaineering involves that, sometimes it doesn't.

[@YTusercomment]

@@mikehotshots7607 - Cult - lol

[@Meskarune]

also bike touring / bike packing

[@susiebennett6953]

Day hiker backpacker and definitely learned so much from KZbin videos listening to thru hikers. I really appreciate the ultra light gear game changer for me . Getting older ☺️

[@j3hikes444]

completed the AT, now I do Long Ass Section Hikes (LASHer) and have not looked back. I typically use a mix of comfort and thru hike gear to keep total pack weight down to around 25lbs for a 100 mile section of the AZT or CT.

[@AllelineNguyen]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that items like chairs and inflatable padding are luxury items. It's fine if people want to be more comfortable outdoors, but it's not necessary to enjoy the outdoors.

[@jay5.77]

Agreed, while not the same for everyone I’ve never had an issue sleeping in the woods as long as I’m warm lol

[@molmer2380]

It's not necessary, but its like when I hiked in the mid 80s and seen hikers with trek poles.."wth, lightweights" lol. I use trek poles and carry a camp chair. Nice for stealth sites!

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Tramping is a New Zealand and British term used to describe individuals who are backpacking, hiking or bushwalking. It generally implies the carrying of all required personal gear but is also used for hiking. Keskidi

[@DPM-dp9on]

Darwin you always have such a great perspective. To me, it’s about self reliance and being out in the wilderness. Looking for resupply towns, trial families, trail angels, foolish trial names…etc is all very cultish to me. Like lemmings to the sea. When I lived in Alaska “duration” was about how much food you could carry. It’s about independence. To each his own, we all appreciate the great outdoors, but have our own way.

[@robopecha]

omg yes. this is why i wouldnt do something like the AT. all this weird nonsense. its a long vacation and should be treated as one.

[@ShortGuysBetaWorks]

I feel this way about backpacking and climbing; doing primarily a "climbing" related channel, there is sometimes an underappreciation for how much being able to live in camp and still get good enough nutrition, hydration, and rest to climb hard. And backpackers feel like there is nothing to learn from climbers, but climbers are constantly thinking about efficiency of movement and how to conserve energy at just about every moment of body movement.

[@peterfontaine4627]

From high school to my 20s I was a day hiker. From 30s-to 50s I became a very avid backpacker with day hikes to stay in shape for the backpacking. I also went through an alpine mountaineering phase in my 40s-50s. These days I feel like I am leaning toward day hiking with occasional backpacking. I would still love to do a thru hike--or at least a section hike (WA PCT). The closest I have come is the Wonderland last year, and a 12-day backpack in Alaska several years ago.

[@robynroamsoutdoors]

I'm definitely a backpacker with aspirations of through hiking. I want to start with the Collegiate Loop and then go from there. Now you're wondering what's stopping me. Mainly anxiety sucks.

[@vanq86]

Great video. There's also a weird subset of us who have the fitness (or used to, in my case) and are attracted to the challenge of thru-hiking but simply don't have the time, so to crank up the difficulty on a backpacking trip we purposely overload ourselves and commit to distances that are stupid for the weight we're carrying. I think it's mostly military guys who fit this description, since rucking 10+ miles with 60+ pounds of kit probably won't feel normal if you weren't an infantryman. It's us same guys who end up overestimating our fitness after we've been out for a couple of years and end up sucking air a mile from the car. 🤣

[@Vince26010]

Love you Darwin. Love your content, love your channel. You're a great youtuber and a great Backpacker/thru hiker. I learned quite a deal from you over the years. I'm a backpacker/bushcrafter who once aspired to become some sort of a thru hiker, here in Europe. But now, age and back condition in addition with lack of exercise/training due to family responsibilities and other stuff has caught up on me. Anyway, you seem to be a great man. Don't ever change and keep inspiring us with your experiences, tips and tricks. Thank you and best wishes to you form Belgium.

[@lanceshaw4421]

I agree with you - I've slowly adopted a thru hiker mentality towards backpacking in regards to weight and simplicity and I have to admit I enjoy my trips way more now. Everyone I run into looks at my small lightweight set up and are envious, they are blown away that I'm wearing trail runners. I find that most backpackers I talk to don't necessarily know about a lot of the items one can use to cut size and weight. They almost always have heavy hiking boots because they are told that's what they need at the big retailers. And, the big retailers generally don't sell really lightweight tents and backpacks so most people getting into backpacking don't realize they don't have to carry a heavy pack. I know I didn't, I always struggled to get my pack below 40 lbs. My normal fully loaded kit for a 5 day trip now (including water AND beer lol) is usually around 22 lbs. in a 30 liter pack. The big retailers and manufacturers push the whole "it's only a few days, you may as well be comfortable" but lugging a 40-50 lb. backpack is NEVER comfortable IMO. It takes a concerted effort to lighten the load though. Instead of always loading up a 50 liter pack with my 20 degree sleeping bag and my 4.5 R-value pad I now have 4 different sleeping bags, different tents, different pads, different size packs.

[@tpeschke6074]

This video was actually very helpful to me as an aspiring backpacker. Thank you.

[@jaybansal2377]

Just discovered your channel a couple minutes you posted this video! Great breakdown and looking forward to getting into hiking

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Awesome! Welcome aboard! 🤙

[@anninwhack1998]

I like car camping, primitive camping, backpacking and kayak camping the best. I get good tips from all these variations of outdoors activities bc you never know when you need to pack small for a family in a small vehicle when UL gear can shine, or when you can be indulgent bc a cooler can come along a kayak trip. It’s mix and match time for the conditions and goals.

[@do.s.8875]

Good description :) looks like I'm mix - backpacker (max 3 weeks trips) with thru-hiker's gear, mindset and menu

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Well, I am both but if I stick mainly to your oppinion I (and many Europeans with me) can never be called thru-hikers). The long distance trails here are usually not much longer than 100 -500 kilometers (a few exceptions) so they will not take much longer than one to two weeks to complete. Being out on the trails for months is not very simple here. But that doesn't mean that we do not care about our gear weight (I am on a baseweight of 5.3kg) for example. It's just that the part of the world that we live in doesn't offer that many long trails like the AT or PCT. Does that make us less thru-hikers and are we only backpackers....I don't think so, sometimes you just have to deal with what you have.

[@markwilliams1680]

We certainly are all on the same team here. One way of backpacking is certainly not better than the other! Let's learn from each other and find more ways to enjoy being outside. I was trying to figure out where mountaineering fits into all of this. It is certainly much more like backpacking because of the gear requirements. It is also its own form of joy and misery.

[@muskietime]

Darwin ontheTrail Backpacking? Just blew me away. Dealing with Challenging Knees, Plantar Fasciitis, Age…I will probably never do a Thru Hike but I have not stopped keeping it on my Bucket List. Be Well and Thank You for All Your Videos.

[@roselee_explores]

I'm a weekend warrior with the occasional longer trip during the year. I think one of the bigger differences is mindset ... thru-hikers will endure through whatever comes at them during the course of the hike while weekend warriors tend to cherry pick their trips based on condition. If they don't have to get out or they can reschedule around less than ideal conditions... typically that's what I've seen. So, I think with thru-hiking you develop a tougher mindset that regardless of conditions you keep going. Granted you might not have the most positive attitude in that moment when it's pouring rain or trudging through mud ... but you keep going. I won't say that doesn't apply to some weekend warriors too ... because I'll go out in the rain or whatever ... but most people I've backpacked with before won't go out if it's too cold or wet, or whatever the circumstance is. I do agree ... people who thru-hike also tend to have a more dialed in gear setup - because they use it alot. At the end of the day ... we can all learn from each other and appreciate the reasons why we are out there.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

Good analysis Darwin. I have never really thru-hiked, my longest hike was several weeks and that was over 20 years ago. Now I never hike over two to three days at a time but I have considered a thru-hike and like you said if I ever did low carry weight would be my first priority!

[@asmith7876]

Me: family, job, no possibility of 6 months on trail. Also me: weekend trips, loaded down like a Sherpa, hike to hidden spots deep in the woods, plenty of beer, booze, food.

[@Feltmann1]

Great video! Love getting out into the outdoors, creating memories with family and friends! Enjoy our weekend camping trips along with week long backpacking adventures. Hoping to make the change one day to become a thru hiker.

[@ASchof2]

I personally feel thru hikers look down on backpackers. Some thru hikers look at a backpackers 20-30 mile weekend trip and think who cares I’ve done 2,000 miles your weekend trip is a joke. To each their own. Support each other on the trail and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small they might be. I don’t feel there should be any “oneupsmanship” on the trail. Everyone has the same passion for the outdoors and we should be celebrating each others similarities and differences with a common interest for nature and hiking. Hike your own hike

[@briankramer3273]

That's right It's awesome that some people are blessed with a schedule or income that allows them to take months off at a time and go on through hikes I would like such a thing. But some of us have jobs that we have to be at 40 to 50 hours a week thus we can only do weekend trips and an occasional longer vacation trip.

[@wolfeadventures]

100% let’s end backpacker elitism!

[@ropersix]

Not in my experience meeting them on the trail. I often spend time on the PCT during my "backpacking" trips, and they're usually eager to stop and chat. As am I.

[@paulconnelly640]

And don't get started on many thru-hikers' views on day hikers!

[@ryancooperthompson979]

Im sure that’s true. Thru hikers wouldnt be thru hiking if we didn’t first see the value in backpacking. I think backpackers when faced with seeing someone do bigger miles, carry less, for longer durations, tend to internalize an inferiority about what they’re doing and make an assumption that the thru hiker will see them as less than. I still love backpacking and day hikes in between thru hikes. Before thru hiking I hated seeing the sight of another person on “My Trail” but post thru hiking my mind has shifted and now I love seeing others out there and what they’re doing isn’t a joke, it’s awesome they’re doing it and I just want to know where they’re going.

[@mrroboto18]

I don't even know what category I fit in. I spend consecutive months backpacking, but not through hiking. I pick an area, go out for a week, do some runs and climbs, then resupply and go somewhere else the next week. It's a similar amount of time and miles as a through hike, just applied differently and I really enjoy it.

[@jonatan3035]

I had never heard of through hiking before I started watching your channel. I don't think it exists here in Sweden.

[@FalkonNightsdale]

I'm a backpacker. I go out mostly for 2-3 days & 50-70km trips. I go, because I want to vent off from office, enjoy morning mists and evening sunsets, listen to nature hanging in my hammock and chill, improve my physical endurance and maintain weight… My backpack has ~9kg baseweight + 2L of water and 0,4L thermos with pu-erh tea, which I brew at morning and sip through the day… Yes, my backpack (Vango 60) is heavy, but has great back construction with adjustable lumbar support… (after all most UL bags are frameless) Yes, my burner is 5x larger, than it could be - but it has inbuilt piezo lighter, stable legs and 20cm tube cartridge… Yes, my sleeping bag is large and heavy (Husky Master -10°C - 20L, ~2kg) but it's warm and I didn't have to sell kidney to buy it… So yeah, my gear is "heavier", and may slow me down a bit - but I don't really care as I'm there to enjoy the nature and go through it with as much comfort as possible for as low cost as possible… Unfortunately, despite in Czechia 🇨🇿🇪🇺 there are no real through hike trails as even "Trail through Czechia", which is ~2000km trail through borderlands is doted with villages every 10-15km max, there are still some through-hikers, that are somewhat toxic and tend to scrutinize gear of others by their measures…

[@MikeL-w8b]

40 years ago when I set out to hike the entire AT had no idea there was such a thing as thru hiking. It was just a longer trail than the other trails I had hiked. I did not hear the term thru hiker until I was a couple hundred miles out of Georgia.

[@Handy75]

I think of Thru Hiking as any point to point hike where the majority of your day is spent hiking. I consider myself a Thru Hiker. With 90 percent of my hikes being point to point. However, I have never been on the trail for more than a week at a time.

[@dustinandsawyer7498]

There are more than two categories but that’s probably the best two to split at. I like both but also bushwhacking and staying off trail or making my own trail. That’s neither of the above two as the load may be heavier and goal is different than both. I’d throw it all under outdoor enthusiasts some that have more $ and time than others. 😁

[@martharunstheworld]

I like this comparison! I'm not about to go on a trail for months at a time. I'm a runner and I enjoy running and racing too much to give that up for an extended period of time, plus as much as I enjoy watching videos about it, it's not something I ever want to do. I am, however, planning on getting back into weekend backpacking this summer. It's been a while, but it will be fun to get out to trails and maybe stay at a campsite where I can run a trail or two while I'm there.

[@DyceFreak]

Backpackers have a day job and through hikers have a Planet Fitness membership.

[@wanderingmycophile]

Darwin, Thank you so much for this topic. I completely understand your 5K vs. ultra marathon analogy. I was a marathoner in the past. I love endurance sports. However I have a hip issue that long strides leads to pain. Backpacking was the solution. I could enjoy nature and still hike for many hours with short strides. I am planning on attempting my first thru-hike of the AT in 2025. I grew up in NJ and always wanted to hike the trail. After 26 years in the corporate world and a recent lay-off I am looking forward to this adventure as a flip flop thru hiker starting in WV in February and hiking south then flipping to Maine and finishing back in WV. As you question - are you a backpacker that is thinking of becoming a thru-hiker - yes! I have been researching for 3 years and I finally have a gap to make this happen. Thanks for the topic. Very relevant.

[@lysan1445]

I'll second that! As to food, you really should look up Renee and Tim from the KZbin channel 'thru-hikers'. They have all their - healthy! - food planned out for the whole hike. They cook everything before they start, dehydrate it themselves, and send it ahead to their different stations. It always throws me. I wouldn't have the patience for that as I really don't like cooking, but I admire them for doing so.

[@ifell3]

I'm with you, as long as you're out out, you're out. You do you and I'll do me aha

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

FO SHO!

[@Liameliya7]

Thank you for another great video

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for watching!

[@robp3431]

Nobody has more eye or eye brow movement...good fun

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I try... 😂

[@gregoryoutdoors]

lol

[@ericrichtmyre5774]

Asmongold moves way more haha, it's insane.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

My husband and I do day hikes, weekend backpacks, and section hikes. Since we bring our dog, we have no interest in through hikes. I enjoy our time at camp. My cousin refers to through hiking as a full time job.

[@JRoss707]

Hey, Darwin. I noticed this when I was hiking the John Muir trail a couple years back. Climbing out Yosemite Valley, Nevada Falls was a popular spot to stop for lunch and a break. I had a bite to eat with a couple from Iowa who were doing a weekend little Yosemite loop hike. Next to them were four other European JMT thru hikers. The weekend warrior couple were so pleasant, they of course, had a bunch of questions about the JMT and seemed eager to ask. The European group had this heir about them like they were Franz Klammer hiking an Everest expedition. They were quite rude and you can tell by their expressions and body language they had no interest in chatting with these “tourists.” I proceeded to chat with them for some time, we shared lunch together and I showed them my typical gear for a long distance hike and they seemed genuinely interested. I don’t understand this kind of mentality I’ve see so often on the trail with long distance hikers.

[@kennyhamilton2138]

The Europeans were probably just annoyed that you thought Franz Klammer climbed Everest 😄

[@kennyhamilton2138]

But would agree with your point - the nicest people I met during my hike on the AT were more often than not people out for the day who were genuinely interested in chatting, asking about gear and what it was like to be out on a thru hike 👍

[@JRoss707]

@@kennyhamilton2138 lol

[@Jasonnnnnnnnnnn-z8m]

When I got into backpacking it was always with a thru hike in mind. Always trying to make the kit lighter and more versatile. 20 pounds 15 pounds probably stop there. I feel like the weekend trips are just a starting point. Planning on fishing all summer actually

[@WilliamCheangSingapore]

Actually i would differ that Backpacking is a Lifestyle and Thru-Hiking is a sport. Backpacking is part of what i love to do, whenever i can. An activity i do taking a break from work. I can choose when to do it, how to do it and where to do it, or just stop if i am too busy in life with other things. Thru-Hiking is more like a sport, whereby if u are committed to it, there is more demand on your body, mindset, gears and targets. Simply put it as Darwin said, it’s all what u want to do. Eg you are still considered a gamer regardless u play it every weekend or u do it professionally. So, both backpackers and Thru-Hikers are all just great outdoor-men who love to go out into Nature doing what we want and how to it do.

[@domo3552]

Great, Darwin. Where do we draw the line between backpacking and thruhiking? They've all intertwined & are one and the same for me eg. backpacking as a past time led to multi-month through hikes that lead to a full-time lifestyle on the road. This stimulates other interests in life such as history, archeolgy etc. which also require time on the trail to explore. So maybe I'm a kind of full-time backpacker? Through hiking through life? Twelve years down, hopefully many more to go. The ultralight ethos I've found applicable to all aspects of life. Minimalism.

[@mikehotshots7607]

I'm a bushcrafter. We hike less, carry more weight, and prefer to spend more time at camp. Seems like the divide between backpacker and through-hiker is about the same as bushcrafter and backpacker.

[@jaguarsolo]

I day hike during the week on my days off. I backpack on the weekends, I have more time. All in preparation for a thru-hike of the Arizona Trail sobo next fall 2025.

[@toddherman2020]

I am a hiker. While hiking the PCT 2023 I would meet day hikers and backpackers. They could tell I was a "thru" hiker. Nearly all of them said "I am just day hiking" or "I am just hiking for a week..." I would always say to them "Don't minimize what you are doing. Your out here doing more than most". It is not what you are doing. It is that you are doing it.

[@Ramme86]

im a kayaker who likes camping and starting to backpack a little bit. but as u say, we all should just come along and stop hating on eachother, we all love beeing in the outdoors

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Excellent video and great topic. Love the editing here too! Like Rodney said "can't we all just get along?"

[@shawnbuscholl3546]

I've done both albeit it more 3-7 day backpacking trips and the great divide in Canada twice. Backpacking is easier too plan out in alot of ways (especially weather lol). Biggest difference I've found was social settings. Backpacking is alot of being with the same core of people going sameish pace. Where as 6 weeks every day is new faces or days you don't see another human at all. I enjoy both alot even solo trips.

[@karlaalatorre]

I didn’t know which category I was in until now. But as long as I’m walking and carrying a backpack, enjoying the beauty of nature and the “torture” that going to the mountains brings, I’m ok with being a backpacker or a thru hiker. 😊

[@VGProtagonist]

I appreciate your thoughtfulness on approaching some of these negative commenters. Frankly, I do believe many of them don't themselves go out much or are more interested in just throwing out their uninformed opinion despite likely never having gone out for these kinds of things themselves. Also, I know you got tons of ideas you are already working on- but I've love to see a video actually about backpacking food recommendations. I know you have done some similar suggestions in the past, but I'd love to see a massive variety video...touching down on the varieties of meal prep, the options people have, cold-prepping foods several hours in advance, cooked/hot food options- even shelf-stable options. I'd just like to see a video being more encompassing on the many food ideas available people might not be thinking of when it comes to their next trip- and what they can consider taking to fuel themselves, their journey, and possibly others on the trip they may need to aid or support when cooking/food problems arise (as I am sure many people who have been out on the trail can contest to- it certainly happens)!

[@mikekoerner1614]

I am a day hiker and backpacker with a thru hiker mentality- take as little as possible, walk as far as possible. Some day when i have more free time, i will actually be a thru hiker. Until then, i am just enjoying my time i soend out doors however i can.

[@andrewh3118]

Seems like a lot of thru hikers I’ve met (not all by any means ) are on their first backpacking trip and just went all in and they lack a long background in backpacking and hiking. But now that they hit a long trail they perceive themselves as “experts” and the ego goes off the chart with their accomplishment. Backpackers have experience that could go back for decades. It’s all good 👍 So everyone just relax and enjoy yourself and remember to hike your own hike and more than anything just live life to the highest and best that you can. ✌️🍻

[@chemistryflavored]

As a backpacker I WISH I had the motivation to be a thru hiker. Seriously I admire them so much. But I have also met thru hikers on the PCT since I hike a lot in the Pacific NW and they seem to love that we are always willing to share our snacks. I think like most beefs, this is something that’s more prevalent online but in real life nobody is actually acting like this. Or at least when face to face.

[@jjfjeff]

Legit, no one cares on trail. But they are welcome to stumble in for extra food. Anyone is. Except people that abuse the wilderness, not respecting distance and contamination logic.

[@UserManson]

Didn’t know there’s a difference or a rivalry between the two, thru hiking just feels like the extended version of the one and it certainly is for me. Bushcrafting and hiking on the other hand do feel like mortal enemies.

[@rkatrails]

I'm a car camper and backpacker. I have always viewed my backpacking adventures as simply recreation in beautiful places.

[@kookkamajunga]

Started backpacking for years, thru hiked for a couple years, now back to backpacking. A thru is a lot to commit to mentally. Your head is just in a different space. I prefer to dip into it with backpacking trips on the longer side and then come back to reality. To commit your mind to that space full time with a thru hike is a lot.

[@onwithnature]

I call myself a long distance backpacker. I do this because I like to carry some comfortable equipment ( all of which is light) example zenbivy bed system. So im not extremely cutting but my base is around 19 to 20 depending on environmental factors. No backpacking trip for me is shorter than a hundred miles. I have done loops this way. I'm also known to make my own trails out of other trails to get that 100 miles. A thru hike for me is any trail or combination of trails that exceeds 300 miles and doesn't loop back on it's self .

[@mikerice1599]

Great video! I've been a backpacker for 12 years with 2 weeks being my max on trail. But I'm planning a 400 mile section hike of the NCT in 2025. It's the same and different 😀

[@somerandomguy706]

Put me in the camp of a backpacker who sees mild appeal to thru-hiking, but knows it's not for me.

[@ksherwoodb]

I’m the same way. I love backpacking and go as often as I can. Usually one to three days. I also love to watch through hiking content. I never watch regular backpacking videos, and I never plan on doing a long distance through hike.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

I do both as im a dad and dont have always that much time but I say 'Go Team Thru-Hikers' haha😅 Its just way more fun, way more challenging and its a great reset for mind and body to be away from society for a week or 2 or more whenever possible😂 atb from Scotland!

[@mikegardner186]

Thru hikers are the cross-fitters of the outdoors! J/k I’m definitely a shameless weekend warrior. With a wife, 2 kids, mortgage, and a career, I can’t disappear for too long nor do I have a desire to. Is there a tiny piece of me that envy’s thru hikers, their freedom, and their ability to embrace the suck better than most people? Of course! I also have to say that the thru-hikers I’ve run into on the trail have all been pretty cool. I never got a “holier than thou” vibe, enjoyed some brief conversation, and even helped each other out. I gotta wonder if the divide is spawned more from keyboard cowboys than on the trail.

[@Shoelessme]

A Virginia Blues Hiker and I enjoy meeting most hikers no matter their distance. If my or my son's (4 years old) "hello" strike up a conversation, then even better as my life is enriched as I hope theirs's as well and if you are lucky, my son might share a snack with you as he has me carry enough for a thru-hike. I am kidding but seriously, I usually carry extra to include beer and fruit to share on trail for any thru-hiker or sectional, and if we are near the trailhead a ride if needed to the nearest whatever. The only hikers that I personally don't like are those play music while hiking and need be chased off trail.