I thought that coming from a military background would be the perfect preparation for a thru hike. While it provided me with a solid base of physical fitness, it did little to prepare my body for the daily rigors of this lifestyle. In the Infantry I ran a 5 miler once a week and conducted a 12 mile road march, often with a full load of combat gear, monthly as well. The goal of this accumulative training was to get as many lethal grunts as possible onto a somewhat far away objective. We would then effectively engage with and kill the enemy found there and occupy their territory. The Infantry gave me bulletproof feet, and an extremely stubborn will power.
Physical Preparation
The best way to prepare for a thru hike short of the act itself, is to remain as physically active throughout the day as possible. Stay on your feet and randomly do sets of lunges, squats, abdominal exercises and stretches. Enact a daily walking routine around your neighborhood with an approximating weight in your pack for increasing distances prior to your hike. Be more concerned with your leg muscles becoming used to daily stress and exercise than with getting to a beautiful spot to train every day. Become familiar with the weight and distribution of your pack. Hydrate and eat often and always carry electrolytes!
Mental Preparation
The mental game changes as you progress through your hiking career. Initially there's a sense of anxiety wrapped up into every unknown, from pooping in the woods to worrying about how tall the next mountain is. As a hiker progresses and becomes in tune with body and trail, the mental preparation often switches to homesickness prevention and avoidance of potential boredom in the daily repetition. Always keep an open mind and be prepared for Murphy's Law.
Logistical Preparation
A plan is a good starting point for a thru hike, just be flexible! If mailing yourself boxes the entire trip, factor in the businesses hours where you plan to pick your stuff up. Be prepared to be stuck an additional day or two waiting. Your body, the weather, fire closures, COVID, whatever, can and will force you to adapt your plan. I personally get a feel for the generalities of the trail, but leave the micro planning for when I have boots-on-ground and can make the best decision for the current environment.
Financial Preparation
There is no one size fits all application here. Everyone’s lifestyles are different and the path to successful finances on a trip are never the same. About 80% of my money after bills goes directly into hiking gear, food and savings for during trip expenses. I drive a 2001 Forester with over 250k miles and wear Walmart pocket tees on the daily. I am also blessed to have a loving and financially responsible wife at home to keep me straight. She’s worked hard to pay off my debt and minimize “normal life” expenses.
Gear Preparation
Gear is both very personal and ever evolving. Essential questions must be asked. What is your body type/torso size? What are the weather conditions calling for? What is your tolerance for comfort when sleeping? When possible, field test your gear prior to a major endeavor. One size does NOT fit all! Research, trial & error, and that ever open mindset are the best actions to prepare yourself.
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