How to Hike a Fast Thru Hike (20 Tips)

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! There are many different ways of going about a "fast" thru hike, but these are what work best for me. You don't have to do all of them, be so strict, or even do all of them all the time! But I hope this gives you some great new ideas. As always, do what is fun for you

[@finiancurran3162]

Thank you Jupiter, when I did the foothills trail in 3 days a lot of people looked at me weirdly and some didn’t understand why I went so fast. I was hiking my own hike and I enjoyed it.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

It would be enjoyable to see a modern version of your video for frito pie with beans that you eat on trail. Perhaps one of your favorite meals have changed, but I really enjoy seeing your opinion on nutrition. Do you still hike with olive oil and such?

[@JupiterHikes]

I did that recently, it's just not it's own video. Watch the first 3 minutes of my video titled "Food & Resupply for the Pacific Crest Trail" and it is entirely about those beans

[@LiLOD7]

Thank you so much for these instructional videos. I can watch them 20 times. It is years of your experience gifted to the inexperienced. Again THANK YOU Jupiter!

[@jphiking]

Tips like these got me through my PCT thru hike last year - every step with no fire closures - at 54 years old, with no injuries. I always told people, I don’t hike fast at all. Plenty of people charged past me. But every day I hiked early, and I hiked late. It got me from Mexico to Canada.

[@JupiterHikes]

Congrats!! That's a huge year for a continuous footpath!! Much respect and hope you enjoyed the rare experience!

[@Dontatmeywah679]

I'd like to start a family somewhat earlier and am putting my goal of doing a long thru hike on hold. Its inspiring to know people at the age I plan to retire around are still able to do a long hike.

[@MetalTeamster]

That is awesome, I am 61 , and I think I want to try to do Wa state northbound this year. I don’t know if I can, but hearing a fifty four old doing it gives me some hope

[@markwilliams1680]

This is a fantastic review of how to cover miles efficiently!!! I am 60 years old and hiked the entire CT via the collegian section in 21 days. Several times I would walk through the campsites of younger hikers that were much faster than I was, but had to stop earlier because they were so tired. They would also sleep in because they worked so hard the day before. I would get up at 5, pack up and leave by 6 and hike until 8 or 9 moving about 2 mph on average. Thanks for the great video and keep them coming, Jupiter!

[@TheBitPoet]

Awesome as always 🙂 One thing I realized on the PCT is that my break patterns changed over the years. Nearing my fifties, fewer but longer breaks became a much more efficient strategy, and it wasn't just me. I hiked parts of the Cascades with hikers in my age group, and some were struggling to do 20 miles a day. They had been part of trail families who were much younger on average and used a "regular short breaks" strategy. When I convinced them to try my approach (half hour "second breakfast" break around nine, full hour lunch break) it suddenly became easy to pull off 25 mile days. So if you've stepped past the 40 years marker, it might be worth trying out different approaches to see what works best. Unfortunately, it's not something you can figure out on a week long shakedown hike (unless you're an ultra runner and your metabolism is already in high efficiency mode).

[@kristymoore7052]

Thanks for your tips. I’ve struggled with not being hungry when I woke up so, lollygaged around camp until I was. Finally I changed that and got up,packed up and ate later. Made a huge difference and I will incorporate more of these tips.

[@andrea4633]

I'm a bit younger but I also use the longer breaks strategy, works well for my body and keeps especially my feet happy.

[@vannemocilac274]

I never did a fast thru hike, but as an older person, I was able to complete thru hikes because of some of these tips, like being really lightweight, waking up 30 min before sunrise to get ready to go at sunrise, stopping about 30 minutes after sunset, planning ahead for the next day the night before, and not walking so fast that I had to take breaks. I have not yet tried brushing my teeth while I walk!

[@Henning_Rech]

Like to hear this - I am in the same boat and plan to start in Campo in April. Hope I can make it in a good 5 months...

[@jakesterling2190]

Heck now that I'm over 50, I can't sleep past sunrise even if I wanted to! 🤣

[@mtadams2009]

I am 64 and that’s pretty much my same approach. I hike light, and for longer hours than many on the trail but the miles add up.

[@zakkmiller8242]

A Thru hike didnt become possible for people like me until I found this channel. When im backpacking im always stopping and waiting for everyone to catch up. So when I finally do one of these big ones, im going solo forsure lol

[@ericzehrung5501]

I really appreciate how generous, open, and non-judgemental you are. Thank you!

[@peterjohnson6273]

Your attitude, your take, and perspective on things make you one of the best people on youtube. Thanks for that.

[@ironpig701]

My two tips are 1) learn to set up your gear in backyard under adverse conditions. Pack your pack and then walk out back and pitch your tent in the rain. In the dark. I like the back yard as I can repeat this each night over a course of a month. Yes doing it on trail is also vital but practing at home can add volume to repitions. 2) Do not look at your days as a whole. Dont wake up and go "I have 15 hours of hiking" or " I have 30 miles to do today". This can be unbearable. Break it down. Go I have 5 miles to water and then at that mark go I have 5 miles to water/food/ viewpoint/lake/what ever. Break miles in pieces and celebrate all these wins. If you have 5-6 points to check off the list then you see wins and will push on.

[@terryweaver9770]

Jupiter, I did exactly that. There’s a trail very close to my house. It follows the side of a lake. It has a lot rocks & roots. There is no elevation really. For the most part, weight & distance is my workout. However one day, I strategically planned it out, carried very little, just what I thought I mite need, & I did it, I hiked the whole damn thing in 1 day. As of today, my biggest day is 21mi. My ass was whooped, but it felt so good to conquer that trail. I rarely go back to that trail anymore- b/c in my mind I’ve conquered that trail, why go back. I’m struggling w/ that. It took me all day, but now I know I can do it. Maybe not out the gates, but I know I can build up to that & do it again.

[@JupiterHikes]

I am sure you learned a bunch from that day! A good reason to maybe return is... how could you continue to improve? The trail may not be as interesting now, but maybe the focus could be more on yourself, your feet, your shoes, socks, pace, gait, etc. So even though you know you can do it, could you do it and after the fact say, "my ass was NOT whooped this time!" For example there's a 63 mile trail near my hometown, I've hiked it.... more than 20 times! I used that trail to learn so much. Different seasons, different weather, different shoes. It was a great teacher.

[@craigbernthal7388]

Good advice! I’m a slow hiker because I’m an old hiker, and because my reasons for hiking are partly to connect with people (I’m a Camino / Via Podiensis hiker) but a lot of this works for me. 12:50

[@Arbie812]

Would you consider a video talking about how you dealt with injuries in your hikes? Maybe talking about that blue tape on your shin and product recommendations. It's a jungle out there when it comes to that kind of advice.

[@JupiterHikes]

I did a video titled "Every reason I've ever Quit" and it revolved around some of that, in regards to hikes that I was not successful on. I've also done a video titled "Why Did I Fail the PCT - What Am I Changing This Time" as my first attempt of the PCT in 2018 I tripped, and broke my foot! It was an accident but the video still aims to look at what I could improve for next time, and what I did wind up improving (as my 2022 pct thru hike was successful)

[@toadevergreen2561]

The thing that slowed me down the most on my previous hikes is charging my charger boxes in towns. There were so many times I wanted to book it out of town but I was stuck sitting by an outlet. Since last season I've been carrying the cheapest lightest weight solar panel and so far I've found it makes a huge difference in being able to charge out on trail. Can't wait to use it again this season on my sadly short hikes while I continue to build my business so I can go on another lash or thru soon

[@mountaincat8]

What solar panel did you use and do you recommend it?

[@JupiterHikes]

Good point! I use a super fast charging battery for that reason, it's not as light as those fancy nitecore ones, but it does charge faster. I am super excited and hopeful that this technology will continue to get smaller, lighter, and faster.

[@ryderclashable]

​@@JupiterHikes which one do you use? I'm looking for the fastest 20k charge. Looked at your links but you have the fancy nitecore 😅

[@JupiterHikes]

I would make sure there isn't better options these days, but when I bought this a few years ago it was a great balance of weight and speed. Still these things change so fast I wouldn't just get this one again necessarily. It's the Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mAh 60w battery, and the Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2-Port wall charger. Which is listed on my website in my 'gear' section.

[@ironpig701]

I bought an Anker power bank. Shes a heavy beast but 2 things sold me on it. 1) is 19,800 amp hours and 2) use a 65W charging brick and can fully recharge in 2 hours. I can charge 4 fully dead phones off 1 charge from it so im good for a week or so

[@TheBleistift123]

Stretching has been a gamechanger for me!

[@jeansayers8659]

Thanks Jupiter ! 72 almost 73.. fast or no, great info to keep going! We’re headed to the Ozark Trail in Missouri soon… wheeeee! These make for a more efficient hike…start early, hike longer and enjoy! ❤

[@jimbledsoe]

I have been hiking like this for decades. My ground speed is about 0.2 mph slower than the average thru hiker, but I start before sunrise, take very short breaks, and hike until dark and only very occasionally night hike because I don’t want to miss the views on a trail like the PCT or stumble on rocks in the dark on a rocky trail like the AT. As I have aged, overuse injuries have started creeping in… especially tendon issues. So now I try to do at least a nero once a week for recovery. When starting a hike, I have a 15-17-19 rule. Never exceed that mileage the first three days to give my body time to tell me not to over-do it too early. 30 miles on day four? As long as the body is happy, go for it, but be careful. When I do get a tendon over-use injury, it’s usually 18 months to recover fully. That’s a looooong time.

[@lilredheadmlh]

Love your tips! I honestly find it very surprising that you only walk 2 - 2.5 mph. I had assumed you were able to walk such high miles due to your height giving you a significant boost in speed. I'm 5' 2" and struggle to keep up with anyone taller than me. Definitely makes high mileage feel more achievable! Also, the tip to pack light b/c you're spending most of your time walking, not camping, is something I took to heart when I heard you say that in a previous video. It's a tip that I've given many other people as well. Thank you!

[@lilredheadmlh]

I guess my tip as a short person is to take longer, not faster strides when the terrain is easy. I can really pick up the pace without much more effort this way. Also, be sure to snack all day to allow you to walk for longer periods of time.

[@JupiterHikes]

A lot of people hike faster than me! But to be honest I think a lot of them hike faster than they should, and are potentially going to hurt themselves doing so. But yeah, generally the only time I hike fast physically is when I am trying to get ahead of a group. Then I slow back down.

[@hhslf]

My tip: practice and perfect step-by-step processes for making camp and packing up. It will make you faster, ensure you don't forget stuff, and make it easier to get out of your warm bag/quilt in the morning. Being familiar with your gear is really important for avoiding time sinks.

[@christopherch7307]

Not everyone shares the through hike passion mentality... don't wait for a hiking buddy..... do it solo do it now.

[@z0uLess]

Wow, you are a very specific type of hiker. I prefer going fast and sleeping long/eating a lot, but maybe I should try your approach. When I get past 10 hours I start getting really tired of being on my feet. Its gone to the point that, when I am dayhiking around my area, I have started to run to get back to the car because my legs are tired of staying upright after about 6-8 hours, but my muscles and cardiovascular system is not tired and it sorta feels good to just run and get some blood flowing and use the legs differently (landing more on the forefoot).

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

Awesome tips, per usual. Starting early is especially important for us slower hikers. I was still able to make miles by starting as close to sunrise as possible.

[@Reskamo314]

I'd say adding to the "efficiency" part is accessibility of your food, water and gear you need through the day. Have reachable pockets and a fanny pack to drink from, eat your food on the go and pack your beanie or sunglasses if you don't them anymore. Don't: stop, take off your pack, search for the thing you need, do the thing, *oh it feels so nice to take off the pack*, put on your pack and start hiking.

[@ShawnJ-t3u]

I have a fanny pack / bum bag to carry snacks and phone front and centre

[@swirlytwirl1089]

I add or take of layers as needed, while hiking...

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

I probably get the largest boost of inspiration and motivation from your videos. That was a neat eagle in the rocks too!

[@kierano5496]

Great video, Jupiter!

[@hoser7706]

Best video of the most relevent tips in perfect order yet!! Whether thru hiking or not, these tips are what I have learned over 40yrs of hiking summed up neatly and concusely. ❤

[@ChristyHikes]

Extremely educational video from one of the top long distance hikers, thank you Jupiter!

[@ralfhedin]

I have seen every video from you for quite a few years. Always high quality and this one was in my view one of your best. I love your experience-based mindset, your tips and your capacity to explain the reasoning behind them. Tnx a million!

[@buaboy]

My two biggest motivations to put in the long days on the Colorado trail last year were- I miss my dog & I miss my electric toothbrush. 😂

[@Ultralightbackpacking]

Great tips! For me the number one tip was to try to hike more hours in a day, not necessarily faster miles. Thanks a bunch for this!

[@jimwilson5041]

Jupiter Thanks for an excellent and cogent commentary - great tips! JW

[@danolin8095]

One of my most favorite videos of yours so far, Jupiter! Thanks!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for this! Going through the northern part of the AT was super difficult for me, and "resting" didn't help but made the mental challenge of being out there for longer than I anticipated sooooo much harder. Looking to slightly pick up my speed next time, so this was awesome to see!

[@JupiterHikes]

Yeah!! The northern bit is so hard! It's like congrats nobos, you walked all this way and are really tired now, but hey lets really get freaky with it for a few hundred miles lol

[@Hobomountainwander]

The town vortex is definitely real. I always try to do hikes before more challenging trips. I also do short backpacking trips before big ones.

[@ckb1137]

My tip: If you're looking for some motivation to lose that 15 pounds, fast hiking or just backpacking in general is a fantastic reason. Getting in shape is probably the single most helpful thing you can do before heading out on a through hike. That along with plenty of training. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete by any means but any progress you can make beforehand will pay you back dividends on trail. And it will also reduce the chances of injury. I'm down about 30 pounds from where I was a few years ago (60 if you count pack weight but that's a different story). Back then 12 miles was a big day now I average 20-22 and 30 is actually doable!

[@tomkennefick7254]

The main hurdle for me is eating enough, so I add liquid calories. I drink my breakfast while I walk. Chocolate carnation instant breakfast ,Nido whole milk and coffee. I take a quick bathroom break when the sun is warm, shed layers apply sun screen, etc, then hike while eating second breakfast. I add maltodextrin to my water for 500-1000 liquid calories per day. Re: attitude, when I get negative thoughts I say a mantra. "The trail knows where it is going" Works for me., Happy hiking PCT SOBO 2024

[@JupiterHikes]

Great tips and I do many of the very same! Thanks for sharing. Hope you enjoy the PCT this year!

[@devinbraun1852]

Some very good advice in here, as well as some spectacular footage. Many thanks.

[@pequod6504]

This video stands out from the rest. Great information and great delivery. Muchas gracias brother! Stay safe out there

[@Toben55]

I really enjoy your content! ❤

[@Toben55]

And I hope for 100k subscribers! 😊

[@ericwilson4553]

Not sure why youtube won't send me notifications for you anymore 😢. Keep it up Jupiter!

[@JupiterHikes]

I think youtube is changing internally to show more videos from people you don't actually follow. At least it sure seems that way. I appreciate you checking back here in the mean time for new stuff!

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Yours are definitely the most valuable videos out there for proper technique. I am not a thru hiker because I prefer staying in my own area and not have to worry about commuting distances. But all these practices are very useful for my more extended camp stays. I used to leave everything in the bush for the season but now I prefer to travel light and take everything down in the morning and get busy with my trail making and bushwhacking chores, then return to camp in the evening and set up again. I have portages to make to nearby lakes in this wilderness area far from any kind of private development. Thru hiking techniques are very useful to me.

[@wanttogo1958]

Well done. It looked very cold this day. Great advice. Some of the things you mentioned I’ve discerned by watching many of your videos. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@1024Pete]

Thanks for the info. Very helpful. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

[@michaelb1761]

Cold soaking is an ultralight hikers favorite way of preparing meals. I recommend using foods that you would normally eat at room temperature instead, e.g. instead of cold instant mashed potatoes eat salami and cheese burritos. Foods that are normally eaten at room temperature taste way better at room temperature than foods that are normally served hot.

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Great pep talk I'll try to remember some of this while hiking the AZT this year and hopefully the rest of the PCT in September. Happy trails Jupiter 😁

[@andrea4633]

Agree on the Zeros, I only take them when absolutely necessary and I don't even have a particular fast time in mind. Another thru hiker on youtube (Beat) always says, "The most important day is tomorrow" ... so don't kill yourself today but make sure you stay happy and healthy to be able to hike again tomorrow.

[@CombatBanana]

your filming and editing is so good : )

[@AdamWilkoszarski]

Tip from me: Rewards. For me that is sweets and food. I can let myself eat something sweet or something I like when I achieve certain distance :) BTW great video and really helpful tips. I'm not a backpacker but bikepacker, but all of them apply.

[@valentineqin2608]

these are amazing tips!! thanks for sharing!

[@JasonSnailer]

I love your videos. They have helped me on my hikes.

[@onegun8105]

During the hot desert hikes I will often night hike in the am and pm. This allows me to take a few hours off during the heat of the day. When hiking in the heat using a coolgator/chillit really helps. The "I'm so hot I can't think straight" just doesn't happen to me anymore.

[@vanCapere]

Use a fastpack style pack. Pretty obvious but you didn’t mention it.;)

[@JupiterHikes]

Good point! having a bunch of pockets (and gear) accessible at all times is extremely helpful.

[@BarePawGear]

A tip I have is instead of taking a ZERO day take a double NERO. NERO into town, stay overnight, then NERO back out. Gets most of the same mental and physical benefits as a ZERO but miles were still hiked each day. Even if its only a few miles in and a few miles out, still did not lose an entire day. And they are way cheaper than a ZERO.

[@jhonyermo]

But a ZERO is no miles hiked in a day. Could you mean a NERO w/ an overnight in town?

[@BarePawGear]

@@jhonyermo Yes. NERO into town, stay overnight, then NERO back out of town. It feels like taking a Zero and you get the shower and all the good food but you don't lose an entire day.

[@ironpig701]

This is genius and with a little planning and discipline could be really beneficial

[@adventurousbec]

Surpassingly informative, thanks!

[@Sean.Haworth]

Thanks Jupiter!

[@Reskamo314]

10:28 Nett hier, aber waren Sie schonmal in Baden-Württemberg?

[@Henning_Rech]

You find it everywhere - recently saw it on the EBC.

[@papajeff5486]

1. Wake up early. HIKE MORE HOURS. Get going by 5:00 AM. Walk comfortably a pace you can walk approximately 2 miles per hour, till 9 PM. 2. Daylight means hiking. Focus on the first half of the day. 3. Pack light, way toward ultralight. 4. Really use and dial in every piece of gear. 5. Hike less during the first few days, preparing the body first. 6. Know the trail very well. 7. Start date is very important. 8. Make every process very efficient; maybe eat while walking. Maybe don’t take too many breaks. Maybe shorten the time spent during breaks. Anticipate the weather; prepare and dress appropriately ahead of that. 9. Make a lot of small goals that you can easily achieve. 10. Get used to hiking alone. 11. Prepare for town with a list of jobs. Get the jobs done immediately and get out. 12. Resupply boxes make towns faster. Resupply boxes take a great deal of time and energy. 13. Keep clean on the go in creeks and lakes. Make it so you don’t have to shower, don’t have get a hotel room or charge electric gear. Rest days should be kept during the first part of the hike. It’s easy to get stuck in town. 14. Keep a good, positive attitude. 15. Never let people get you down with bad, mean comments.

[@JupiterHikes]

You missed a few - Consistency is much easier than being erratic with daily milages. three 20s are simpler than 25 12 23 for example. - Training, trying 30 mile days near home to see what you can learn. Strengthen body beforehand so you can start out faster. - Zeros have more value early on instead of later. As your body gets used to things you wont need them as much. - Remember the big goal, it's easy to get side tracked.

[@mtadams2009]

I also start early, go light and all that other information he talks about. I am also older, I let the terrain set the daily distance. Not many people are doing 30 mile days in the Northeast for example. Thirty mile days is a West coast switch back thing.

[@patrickgruenke8806]

sleep standing up, always be ready for miles

[@JupiterHikes]

This is the next level, dunno if my audience ready

[@stevewright2241]

You can ditch your tent and just use an umbrella

[@SnuffSimon]

"Eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem can cause complex sleep behaviors, including sleepwalking" Performance enhancing drugs?

[@alyishiking]

@@SnuffSimon thru doping!

[@remirez2k3]

i totally agree with everything you have mentioned , i am planning a mid to late april start 2026 doing the AT, goals i am setting a small goal of reaching at least 100 miles a week and allotting an "earned and banked zero day for each time i meet this goal im not going super fast but allotting the earned 22 possable zero days and my goal choice i can finish the trail in just under 5 months Signed...Pockets

[@hyklyfmatto9714]

These are awesome tips! Do you ever wish you had stopped a little longer to take in a view while hiking big mikes??

[@JupiterHikes]

Like I said, I generally go the same speed or even slower than a lot of people, so not really. If a view is truly amazing I will take a break. I dont think my method is to not ever break, but it's to feel comfortable all the time so that you take breaks on YOUR terms instead of feeling like you need to in some random 'not-beautiful' place

[@danik6393]

Thank you! Such great tips! Planning the AT in 2028 (maybe rethinking my March start date, though!)

[@JupiterHikes]

March is kinda cold, but it's certainly way better than february! And does make for a more comfortable mid atlantic

[@christophermckellar]

Everyone says NOBO on the AT but I love this perspective. Slow SOBO when it's going to be slow anyway. Then pick up the big miles later.

[@JupiterHikes]

I loved my sobo hike, and if I were to do the AT again I think i'd still go sobo! Less bugs, better weather, less people.. so much to like. Jiust don't get to finish on katahdin, which is the big kicker, and for those a little newer maine and new hampshire would be rough.

[@christophermckellar]

Man I love your content. Put the GDT on my major life bucket list (Banff has been my favorite place to hike of all time). Having done some 14ers in Colorado, I could get over not having Katahdin as my finisher!

[@robertcurrey1929]

IMO, on trail Nero days can be better than a zero in town (weather permitting). 3 to 4 miles in the morning, in/out of town, 3-4 in the evening to that wonderful camp. Sitting by a lake for a restful evening to me is why I want to go

[@HitTheTrailJack]

such good tips man and I would even say you might want to hike faster on a trail like the PCT because unfortunately if you don't, you won't get to hike it due to inevitable closures

[@JupiterHikes]

Speed is definitely helpful to avoid fire season. I know a few of us, me and two friends finishing their triple crown were all racing to 'get out of california' before all that began. I've said before in regards to fire, if you're planning to hike slower start much earlier, and if you're planning to go faster start much later. Fire season runs from late summer to early fall typically, and is at this point an every year thing! Definitely a must consider

[@HitTheTrailJack]

@@JupiterHikes too true. Saw so many true NOBOs work their asses off in the Sierra just to hit closures on the border of Norcal. crazy

[@blueskiescalling]

So many good inputs in there & interesting to see what you're doing to be so efficient on/off trail! Thank you! 😊 Trying to combine the CDT & GDT this year and I'm so excited to head out there!! Just watched your video of the GDT (42 days...) a few days ago and man oh man is it beautiful. Absolutely love the shots & storytelling. Excited to see what's next for you, keep it up! 🙏😊🌞

[@NealBenson]

Thank you for sharing!

[@onegun8105]

Great video. Thank you. My tips. Resupply: I sometimes will carry 6 days of dinners and supplement the candy/lunches from small stores along the way. This will often allow me to skip a town/vortex stop every 3 days, but keep my starting food weight lower. I will sometimes send a package to a small cafe or koa close to the trail in order avoid a town stop. Some towns have multiple access points. Using different points can make a resupply faster or slower. Breaks: I try to time my bathroom breaks for the middle of a climb. The 60-90 second stop actually helps reset/lower my heart rate. My training with a heart rate monitor showed how this kept my heart rate drift down, and kept the need for sit down longer breaks to a minimum. No moving and peeing for this uncoordinated hiker. 😂

[@blakeburleson9776]

Big love for your videos. Always inspiring

[@jimizxztheorginal]

Thanks!

[@Wh33ls]

I used this exact template this year on my AT SoBo. Worked like a charm!!! I blame gasket for pushing me to finish under 80. -Wheels

[@JupiterHikes]

Gasket has a way about that :)

[@Wh33ls]

I met him at Shaw’s. He was still considering a yo-yo and was going to catch me at Franconia. He dubbed me “Little Jupiter”. For copying your template exactly.

[@verenama6519]

so cool 🥰

[@coasternut3091]

Pace can be a killer. I planned a 35 mile hike which I could've completed in one day, but I packed to stay out just in case. I needed to average 3 mph, my usual walking pace, to make it. Around the halfway point I felt more energized and was nearly jogging at around 5-6mph. Because of that, I gassed out after 2 hours and my pace dropped to 1.5-2.5 mph. I had to camp because I got too overzealous

[@johnbaranowski6840]

Hey Jupiter! I’ve watched tons of your videos- very well done all around. Thank you. I am curious about your input and other’s regarding avoiding weight loss on a thru hike. Probably aiming for a faster hike may make this harder to do. I lost too much on the relatively short Colorado Trail. Why does no one address this issue? Clearly calories burned vs eaten have a lot to do with it. My next plan is to prepare for much more calories per day. And perhaps more recovery days. My gear is ultralight.

[@JupiterHikes]

I think a lot of people talk about calories! But maybe not everyone as weight can be a sensitive topic. If you want a funny comparison, I started out the PCT eating about 3,000 per day, while my friend who was going for the FKT that year started out with more than 10,000 per day. He was successful, but the difference in food I think is funny. It's different for everyone and in the end I think you need to find what works best for you. Make adjustments in every town, and pay attention to how you feel everyday and if food can help to change that. There is no end all solution or amount that is perfect. Different seasons, different paces, different trails can all play a part as well requiring more or less depending on difficulty. The CT for instance has a lot of climbing, it's quite the physical trail so you likely needed more. It's also at high elevation! Which again would be best dealt with through more.

[@johnbaranowski6840]

@ thanks for your thoughts. Yeah I think the high altitude suppressed my appetite. What was your friend eating to get 10,000 calories in?

[@DavidWisehart]

Great info. Would love some tips and tricks on getting out of camp early. Sleep in hiking clothes? Cowboy camp? Pre-pack? You've probably got some tips I haven't thought if. I'm sure it's mostly a matter of practice and willpower, but I seem to lose almost an hour in camp most mornings, even without making breakfast.

[@stevemartin8994]

One tip from one of his past videos is, right after you wake up, immediately deflate your sleeping pad so you don’t lay comfortably in your tent.

[@JupiterHikes]

Yes I sleep in my hiking clothes. I don't carry 'sleep clothes' so that's double duty of less weight and time saving. But maybe my best advice would be to organize all your things the night before. Make sure that everything is lined up and ready to go, instead of having a big mess to sort though later. Like I said in the video with planning your next day the night before, knowing what's coming in regards to weather or towns or whatever can highly dictate how I pack. Having a light bag will also help with this as a whole, as you simply have less stuff to pack, but I think organization and practice is it.

[@ironpig701]

Everything has a place and everything in its place. I have an order everything goes in and a spot it goes. And if I use it and done with it then back in its place. So when I break camp I stuff any clothes I dont need into the stuff sack or get out ones I need. Then stuff quilt into sack. It goes on bottom of pack. Then food on top of it. Then pad rolled next to food. Then Im out of tent. And tent has a spot on top on the side.

[@mtadams2009]

It’s funny you started in the North on the AT for the exact opposite reason I started in the South. I figured by time I hit the Whites I would be fit AF. This worked for me.

[@JupiterHikes]

Different things for different people! I just remember seeing most nobos who were like zombies by the time they got to maine and new hampshire lol

[@mtadams2009]

@@JupiterHikes Point taken but the AT is loaded with lots of newbies and people who do lots of fun stuff that has nothing to do with hiking. You’re a different cat and I think you could have done it in any order you wanted and it would have worked out fine. I also remember your LT hike with your girlfriend, I am not saying that would have gone any differently but starting in the South would have definitely been better on her body than the North. I am an old man and I was able to hit 20 mile days down South on the LT up North not so much. I think for most people starting on the easier terrain works best. For me saving what I think the best part of the AT for last makes it more special. Finishing in Georgia not so much. Then again that’s how I roll. Take care

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Lighter is faster, but we all often fear the unknown “temp Northern Cal Mountains, snow” over packing etc…what is really needed for the Sierra’s to be safe and mid Washington as temps change? Thanks in advance 🤙🏽

[@JupiterHikes]

A part of this was addressed in the video but it wasn't said so directly. Start date and speed. I started the PCT late, so that I could avoid snow. It had all melted by the time I got there. I proceeded to then hike quick which removed the chance of pushing seasons too late into washington. This kind of fits under the ability to cherry pick seasons because of a fast pace. I avoided most of the snow, avoided fire season, and was done before it got cold up north. Another example of this would be my AT hike going southbound. I started later than most sobos (late august) so I had less bugs, less rain, cooler temps, and then because of my pace was able to walk with autumn all the way south, and be done before it got to be winter. I cherry picked the best season and that was possible because of the pace. You mention the 'unknown' and certainly there will always be some degree of that, but these trails have been hiked so much that the information is pretty well available to remove the curtain on a lot of that unknown. So even if you don't go with my method of starting late and hiking fast, the information is out there based on a whole range of different seasons, paces, start times, etc So in the end this is just my method, but I think you get the idea of how some of this can be useful.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

@@JupiterHikes Thanks for the response, and you’re absolutely correct and well versed in our hiking community as a wealth of knowledge. I appreciate all you do for us “ the hiking community “ your input is very valuable and positive. As I was watching your video and writing my comment I did come across the section where you mentioned picking a time that allows for midigation of snow and other conditions like departure being mid to early May for the PCT. Your wisdom is much appreciated and thanks for all you do, hope you and everyone else has a great weekend a head.

[@marcprecious8015]

Thanks,well done

[@JockeyWilsonWalks]

Great video! What are the trousers and jacket you're wearing in your snowy intro?

[@JupiterHikes]

The jacket I got at a thrift store and think it's discontinued now but it's made by vissla. The pants are some new balance joggers

[@JockeyWilsonWalks]

@@JupiterHikes Thanks mate, appreciate it. Hope all's well across the pond! :)

[@mountaincat8]

My tip for going fast is to have a good support team at home who is ready and willing to get you what you need asap. For example, if you shredded your shorts and you needed new ones, they would have them in the mail asap. A motivated support team at home who is willing to help you as needed is worth its weight in gold.

[@JupiterHikes]

That is super helpful! Another thing to note for those without that support is how great amazon can be with fast shipping of just about anything. Shoes, shorts, gear replacements, food items. I've been doing more of that recently.

[@sheilahenry7279]

Looks like you & Wilson have it worked out

[@roselee_explores]

Definitely some great tips! I'm curious ... how do you vlog your trips and still do big mile days? Also, have you found that a particular shelter style to be more efficient than others - or is that one of those things that it doesn't necessarily matter?

[@JupiterHikes]

The most efficient of all shelter styles is.... cowboy camping. Just a ground sheet and not actually setting up anything. This is risky out east, but anywhere west and it works pretty great. I generally use a tarp so if it does seem like whether is rolling in it is easy to then just setup above where I already am. Other than that I am not sure, I feel like a tarp would be most efficient since it's such a simple system but I don't think you'd really be gaining much over a tent, and not sure it matters in that regard. Though a tarp is undisputed the lightest possible shelter and that has value in other ways

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Hike every year for the rest of my life. Enjoying the suck this year and completing a thru-hike this time.

[@heartattackhiker3527]

I've never done back to back 30's. My furthest day was 35 miles the next day I hobbled 18 miles into shelter cove.

[@1z1zmike]

Thanks…helpful!🙂🙏

[@Austen.McDaniel]

During your shakedown hikes, try to practice being as fast as you can with packing up and making camp. I noticed on my CDT hike last year that the few times I camped next to people I was able to sleep in almost an extra 30mins or more because I was so dialed with my kit. I could go from opening my eyes to being packed up and hiking on trail in 15mins or less. That's alot of time saved compared to the usual 45 to hour long mornings I'd notice alot of people doing on trails.

[@ironpig701]

Doesnt sound like much but 30 minutes a day is an extra mile. And if you do 30 at pack up, lunch, putting up camp and getting to camp early so 2 hours a day thats 2 miles which in 100 days is 200 miles just by efficency

[@christopheramato9623]

Jupiter! You are a hiker who is dean of the department.

[@Saguache]

Trekking poles, if used correctly, can improve your walking efficiency and reduce your time on trail.

[@MakoBlitz]

Have a good idea of where you’re gonna camp! Nothing worse than getting to where you thought you might camp only to have to backtrack to a suitable spot.

[@JupiterHikes]

Backtrack? I think you mean bonus miles further forward ;)

[@mikeb7117]

John Z told me to pee while I'm walking. 😂

[@JupiterHikes]

I do that sometimes! I guess all these little things add up

[@tobiasottinger5200]

How??@@JupiterHikes

[@christopherhaak9824]

It's not difficult with running shorts.

[@BarePawGear]

I did that training for an ultra run. I would slow to a walk and pee then get back to running. Never done it hiking though. I guess I never really considered it.

[@edfrhes]

Hike backwards ​@@tobiasottinger5200

[@alantroy9902]

Both the video (as usual) and all the comments have been super helpful. I plan a month's section hike on the AT in 2026. Couple of bikepacking trips before then. I don't trust my bear food bag hanging abilities, so I plan to acquire a bear container. I appreciate it will add weight but its a price I am prepared to pay. Otherwise, I will minimise weight as much as is humanly possible. Anyone have any advice on the best rucksack to acquire if using a bear container? Cheers from Australia! Alan

[@JupiterHikes]

I have a video about how I use a bear can with my small ultralight pack where I talk about two predominant methods and what I think is best. I think any bag will do it if that's something you want to do

[@kaishinbrough7639]

Speaking of night hiking and bonus miles: you have also talked about how to pick a good campsite, but I find this a little more difficult at night in the dark (hard to check for widowmakers, for example) -- any tips?

[@JupiterHikes]

The beauty of this is, extra bonus miles while looking :) Yeah it's harder at night and just accepting that can be good. - A brighter flashlight setting - Knowing the weather! As if it's not cold, not windy, and not going to rain campsites don't matter that much. - Using your maps topography lines to help find an 'area' that would likely hold good spots. A bunch of lines all together is probably not great, while some much more spread out lines or a ridge or a hill can be worth looking at further. - Taking into account what you've seen when it was light out, maybe different elevations have different plants or micro environments. So using the map to see if you're going lower (or higher again) back to that kind of environment can be helpful. You'll get better at just doing these things naturally over time.

[@cyrillpresler3442]

3 month hike? Isn’t it for Rockefeller or Buffet?

[@heartattackhiker3527]

I am usually injured a little after 200 miles

[@RC-qf3mp]

What do you think of monitoring your heart rate while hiking/training, esp to improve speed (distance per day)? I got a Coros Apex watch and slow down or take a break when my heart rate goes much higher than my MAF 180 rate. Hopefully I’m building cardio endurance. Do you pay attention at all to your heart rate when training or hiking?

[@JupiterHikes]

I do the same! I think i've talked about it once or twice in past videos but never made a big point out of it. I think monitoring heart rate is great to pace yourself on big or difficult climbs, allowing me to then hike further overall and happier. Sometimes it's all too easy to go out hard, and I think the watch helps prevent that

[@polarlondon]

For me personally, I love going fast for the challenge. I'm hiking to push myself.

[@billprice6458]

I'm just going to get out there and go where the wind blows me.

[@peterb6059]

Would you please make a parody gear load out video where you have nothing but Stanley cups in your pack?

[@JupiterHikes]

Very tempting

[@danolin8095]

Came here to say this! You'd be so so good at many hiker parody topics Jupiter!!

[@swirlytwirl1089]

I'm a fast thru hiker, of course I... type shorts! The wilder and whackier, the better 😂... and then some actual proper advice like: I'm a fast thru hiker, of course I hike 16 hrs a day ... and watch the confusion 😅... though some might take the spoof for good advice 🙄...

[@oongieboongie]

Barefoot shoes while off season

[@freeman.walking]

Eat breakfast after getting some miles in.

[@JupiterHikes]

Or while walking! I frequently will add granola and water to my cold soak jar as I'm breaking camp, and then eat it while I walk those first couple miles

[@matthieusmyth]

Dude real talk. Are your feet ever sore at the end of the long mile days?

[@JupiterHikes]

If I am wearing a bad shoe then yes! Otherwise no; which maybe the low packweight helps with, maybe the slow pace, maybe I have a high cadence. I am not sure but usually my feet feel pretty good. I do however get muscle fatigue or general tiredness by the end of the day, or if I haven't taken a zero in a long time. I'll clarify that a bad shoe for me would be one that is extremely minimal, like 1/5th the amount of cushion you'd find on an Altra Lone Peak. An example of this would be the Xero Mesa Trail, extreme in how little it provides underfoot. Those make my feet hurt if I am not very careful.

[@matthieusmyth]

@@JupiterHikes much respect! Thanks for the reply and appreciate your content. I know it's a ton of work. Me and my buddy were out on trail discussing if people hit the genetic lottery with feet and can just put on a ton of miles without pain. Sounds like it's a combination of trail wisdom and right shoes. I can't rule out mutant feet yet...

[@chriscollodi1513]

Is there a competition for the pct and other trails for fastest completion? I could of swore I read or heard hikers going all day and night which is just bonkers if that’s real

[@JupiterHikes]

There are Fastest Known Times on all of these trails, known as an FKT or a speed record. My friend Josh Perry has set a few, including one of the PCT in 2022 where he averaged 48 miles a day for the entire 55 day hike.

[@christopherhaak9824]

The PCT fkt was just reset again this past summer but Karel Sabbe. There is a very good online video on it. He averaged 62 miles a day.

[@JupiterHikes]

Karel Sabbe did it supported with a whole team, while josh was just by himself, a very different experience. Josh is more along the lines of a typical thru hiker.