Preparing for a Thruhike

[@elizabethlind7774]

I will be hammock camping in the Olympic Forest this summer. You think you got some dumb questions, well I got them and lectures to boot. I do not have the heart to worry friends and family with the fact that I may do some camping on my own. Being a 67 year old lady is just a facade, I am in fact a Viking Shield Maiden! I have been preparing by doing research for the past year. Thank you for your insights. Following!

[@TheHikingRev]

Elizabeth...next time somebody asks you a dumb question, just wack ‘em in the head with your shield and smile real big. 😂 I think the greatest thing any hiker can do is prepare for their hike...physically, mentally and emotionally. Good luck on your hike in the Olympic Forest.

[@kristymoore7052]

Like your boxer analogy. I’m planning to go hopefully before I retire. I’m 58 now and am hiking, backpacking, reading and watching.

[@TheHikingRev]

Keep it up! I don’t think you can ever get “over prepared.”

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Thank You! I am 65 and returning to the outdoors and hiking again. 😃

[@TheHikingRev]

Good for you.

[@nancygeorge4030]

Love the back and forth with the dumb questions and your answers! Priceless.... definitely put a smile on my face 😊

[@TheHikingRev]

I’m glad you enjoyed it Nancy.

[@deniseaustin2775]

Amen, Nancy. After watching this my feeling was that Craig really needs/should be doing stand-up somewhere.

[@TheHikingRev]

?

[@deniseaustin2775]

@@TheHikingRev Sorry. Maybe I should have said "stand-up comedy." It was meant to be a compliment on your clever back and forth presentation.

[@TheHikingRev]

Denise...you referred to me as “Craig.” I’ve been called a lot of things but I’ve never been called, “Craig.” 😂 Thanks for the compliment of being humorous. I try to make the videos entertaining as well as informative.

[@bikestang88]

T-rex arms - so true! I used to do just cardio (a lot, though - bike commuting, century rides, Peloton) and would get immobile-level sore after a day of hiking. My trapezius muscles would also swell into baseballs from carrying my pack. Only thing I changed in the last year was getting serious about strength training, and bam! Very little soreness at the end of the day and no swollen trapezius (or any other) muscles.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yea...I had to learn the hard way.

[@lynnbutler2826]

Thank you, Really great insight. Im preparing for an AT thru-hike and getting many similar, silly questions. Also reinforced that Ive been training appropriately. One thing I did early on, while still accumulating my gear: Did long hikes with a pack loaded with multiple 5-lb bags of rice. Started with 2, then 3, then 4. By the time I was very comfortable hiking with 20 lbs, I had most of my gear sorted. Then I switched & started hiking with the”real setup” which was a natural progression by then. Thanks for this!

[@TheHikingRev]

That sounds like a great plan. I did my “practice hikes” with all my gear in my pack and put books in my food sack to simulate the weight of my food. When is your start date? Are you going to post videos of your hike?

[@karlkrzok4280]

Another great video Rev! A lot of your advice also applies to day hikers too. I wonder how many people give up on hiking entirely because they get cold, blisters, hungry, etc. on their first hike and miss out on the beauty you see, and the freedom and self sufficiency you feel.

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s the truth Karl. The rewards of hiking far outweigh the effort you have to put into it.

[@josephmayes8302]

Thanks for your insight brother. I find myself learning something every time I view one of your videos.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Joseph. That makes my day.

[@billbruns1628]

Respect to the Rev everytime! Thank you for posting these videos. Great info and entertaining presentation.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Bill. I hope they’re helpful.

[@youareIndenial981]

Thanks Rev

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. I’m glad it was helpful. 😁

[@youareIndenial981]

@The Hiking Rev I'm a recycled hiker.. my last big hikes were in 1990. Prior to this year.. 2023. School of hard knocks seems to be the only way I learn, but I'm on my way again. Having alot of fun. I appreciate your advice.

[@helpfulcommenter]

this was a great video, and a good one for younger hikers to send to their folks so they can better understand what the heck a thru-hike is anyway

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks.

[@jrreed6992]

Rev, I got the same questions asked of me when I rode my bicycle across the country. And whenever I go on any hike or ride the first 2 questions are who is going with you and are you packing heat. WT heck. I really appreciate this advice you share and it hits home because I am an older guy myself. Not many older folks on KZbin doing what you do. Thank you. Jim

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Jim.

[@AmericanDrainWorks]

thank you

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome, Connie.

[@BurroGirl]

You're awesome Rev!! Hugs!!❤❤❤

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Cynthia.

[@TheAdventureGeek]

Brilliant video and some great tips here. I’m planning the PCT in 2023 and I’m enjoying the planning stage. Happy Hiking 🥾- Julia from the UK 🇬🇧

[@TheHikingRev]

Good for you! You’ll have the time of your life on the PCT and you’ve got plenty of time to prepare for it. Watch as many videos as you can to become familiar with the Trail. If I can help you in any way, let me know.

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

Great video with wonderful info! Thank you! 🤙

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheHikingChick1]

Another great video Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. I hope it was helpful.

[@Johann-4354]

Good advice amigo. Thanks.

[@TheHikingRev]

Gracias hermano! I hope some of it helped.

[@StephenFasseroMusic]

God Bless you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you.

[@brasco96]

Enjoyed the video. My start date is 4/5. Hope to see you along the trail!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks! Great start date. Good for you. I’ll be in the Sierra in August. Colorado Trail in July.

[@clydevanwinkle7382]

Thank you for sharing this information, video. I followed your hike 🚶 and other videos, so good 👍 to see you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Clyde.

[@deliajones9541]

Lol, the questions!

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂😂

[@Savedcitytitan7118]

Thank God for this video. I definitely appreciate the satire sir

[@Savedcitytitan7118]

Wow. Never hear the t-rex syndrome in regards to hikers. But make perfect sense. I tend to hunch up and lean forward when doing uphill stretches. Trekking poles help but I definitely feel like a trex

[@TheHikingRev]

Yea...I fell and jammed my shoulder. Had to get off Trail for a while and heal. I started doing push-ups from then on.

[@Savedcitytitan7118]

@@TheHikingRev great advice on the workout routine. Definitely important to keep your upper body engaged as well. Thanks again

[@filmic1]

That is just too funny, Hiking Rev! didn't know how you were going to get back home. After all that. Q? when you started, (for the benefit of us seniors. I'm sure you mentioned elsewhere....) how many miles did you tread per day at the beginning, and how did your milage change? Thanks!

[@TheHikingRev]

I started out doing an average of 15 miles a day. I hiked every day before I started so I was in good shape. Then, in NorCal I started getting up earlier and doing 20 to 25 miles a day. Check this video out; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpeXanuIfJ1ppM0

[@filmic1]

@@TheHikingRev Thank you! (I do 5km run routines to keep weight off. Winter and summer. Not the same as hucking a 30/40lb pack day in and day out of course.)

[@wildernesshermit2126]

Lol, good video Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁❤️👍

[@redtango76]

LMAO! I think I've literally been asked all those questions! You nailed it!

[@TheHikingRev]

There’s always more dumb questions that people will ask you. Just smile!

[@sarahrowe8007]

This video made me crack up😂😂

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂Those were some of the exact reactions that I received. 😂😂

[@sarahrowe8007]

I believe it!!

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Hahahaha 😂 😂 😂 haven't laughed this much in yonks! Thanks Rev!! "😳... What if a bear eats you up!??" 😂 😂 😂

[@TheHikingRev]

I loved doing that video. Yes, prepare for a LOT of DUMB questions.

[@suecox8355]

🦋❤️

[@TheHikingRev]

👍

[@anonymouscommenter2278]

The book Backpacker Long Trails by triple crowner Liz Thomas is a great resource to get started with. It is a good check that you don't have a major blind spot. I wish that I had it at the beginning of my research.

[@TheHikingRev]

I have not read the book but I’m familiar with the author and her accomplishments. It’s definitely on my reading list.

[@Mart9]

I remember when you first told me about your PCT hike too 😂

[@TheHikingRev]

“Are you NUTS?” 😂😂😂

[@1dlheinz]

Enjoyed watching your thruhike. Thank for sharing your information. How do you hold your phone while hiking and make it look so smooth? I start April 8❣️

[@TheHikingRev]

Good for you Diana! You’ve going to have the time of your life. Are going to post videos of your hike? I think my videos are not as smooth as I’d like. I’ve got to slow down when I record.

[@1dlheinz]

@@TheHikingRev I will try to post videos but I am in no way a professional photographer. 😂Hard to mess up the natural beauty out there though❣️

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s the truth! People like to see the Trail through your eyes.

[@sarahrowe8007]

The Pacific Coast Trail😂😂😂😂

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂😂

[@adventuringonward5118]

thanks Rev! I enjoyed your different roles in the video :) Nice job! in terms of navigation on the PCT did you ever need to use map and compass? my sense of direction is not my forte lets say so interested in your advice on staying on the trial. I am taking a map and compass class to develop more skills in this.

[@TheHikingRev]

I took a map & compass class from REI years ago (and it was very helpful). But when I did the PCT, all I took/used was the Guthook App. At the first of my Journey, I saw a couple of people referring to their maps. But from Idyllwild on, I never saw anyone use a map. Not saying that’s what you should do but as long as you keep your phone charged up and you don’t lose it/break it, you’ll be ok. The Trail is very easy to follow. I just looked for the Trail Runner footprints. If I didn’t see any, I knew I was on the wrong trail. 😆

[@adventuringonward5118]

@@TheHikingRev very helpful. Thanks for your insights!

[@peterjohnson6273]

A not at all common content, Rev. Thanks. :>)

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Peter.

[@tomdickson4460]

That sounds like everyone I know.

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂😂

[@mrsljames1]

The newest thing is people who have never hiked before are telling me what to bring. Fire starter kits, heavy water filters, guns etc. lol

[@TheHikingRev]

Yeah...be sure and check out the credentials of the person who is giving out the advice. There’s a lot of “armchair hikers” out there. 😆

[@Karen-dq8nw]

A question - I see you using the BeFree. Did it function well for your entire trip? I had one that worked pretty well, but it had started to slow down. Then I used it to filter from a silty river - mistake! I tried and tried to clean it, but it just wouldn't flow again. Wondering about using one in the Sierra. Thanks.

[@TheHikingRev]

I used the Sawyer Squeeze at first but switched to the BeFree. I love the filter. The bag sprung a little pin hole. I bought a new one in northern Washington and the bag fell apart. I purchased a HydraPak Seeker bag to go with the BeFree filter and it’s working great. I always filter silty water through my buff/bandanna before it goes into my bag. That seems to help.

[@TheHikingRev]

HydraPak Seeker - Collapsible Water Storage (2L/66oz) - BPA & PVC Free Camping Hydration Reservoir - Mammoth Grey www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7X1GPV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_fUk7izuzeXxsy

[@NIKKI13213]

How did you leave the northern terminus and get back home?

[@TheHikingRev]

Nikki...I was very fortunate. I started hiking with a great guy (Trail name - “Bird”) toward the end of my Journey. His girlfriend drove from Detroit to Harts Pass to meet him. She met him at Harts Pass and I caught a ride with them to Seattle where I flew to San Francisco. My wife met me and after spending a few days in the Bay Area visiting my kids and grandkids, we drove back home to Palm Desert.

[@NIKKI13213]

@@TheHikingRev That's awesome, thank you so much for all your videos! They're funny, unique, and overall a great help for upcoming hikers

[@TheHikingRev]

Nikki...that makes my day. If I can help just one person realize their hiking dreams, it is worth all the time and effort it takes to produce these videos.

[@mitollan9104]

What do you do for medical coverage

[@TheHikingRev]

Being old 😆...I’m covered by Medicare.

[@anonymouscommenter2278]

Travel insurance is affordable.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes...Travel Insurance is very affordable. You only need to get a 6 month policy at the most.

[@ericevans9257]

You must have been an epic pastor.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Eric. I was priviledged to pastor for 41 years. I don’t know if I was “epic” or not.

[@LadyGreyAgeingDisGracefully]

Who’s that other guy on your channel with no beard? 😂

[@TheHikingRev]

“Baby face” Rev. 😂😂😂

[@paganed]

Carry as little weight as possible ... base weight 15 lbs. or less is a Great Target

[@TheHikingRev]

Good advice!

[@Mart9]

Pacific coast trail 😂😂😂

[@TheHikingRev]

🏄🏼‍♀️🏄🏼🏄🏼‍♂️

[@Karen-dq8nw]

"You going to bring a gun?" Only asked in America!

[@patrickgardner396]

I'm starting in early May and have already had this one asked. Amazing. :(

[@TheHikingRev]

That was the #1 question that I was asked. I would be more afraid of the “yahoos” that carried one than I would of bears.

[@kristymoore7052]

I always get asked this or am given “advise” as a solo older female hiker. I have my Garmin and a bear horn, bear horn only because in past experiences my voice and clicking poles did nothing to deter.

[@TheHikingRev]

I saw a bear on my hike and he was more afraid of me than I was of him.

[@lowlydeveloper3693]

I wonder what are people afraid of? Are they afraid on nature, or are they afraid of each other. What (or who) is there on the trail to defend against? Either way, this seems so sad, and so wrong...