Thru-Hiking 101

As part of my preparation and training, I’m not just doing hikes two years out. I fully plan to be knowledgable and 100% confident in my ability to do the PCT. Ergo, I’ve pre-registered for some online course to help me on my way. These courses are sponsorship opportunities if anyone is looking to donate to my hike. (I do have a GoFundMe page set up)

https://gofundme.com/2c2mgtb8

Aside from signing up for a wilderness first aid course, a winter equipment and safety course and a wilderness survival course, perhaps the course I’m the MOST excited about is Thru-Hiking 101 from Backpacker Magazine and Liz “Snorkel” Thomas; a triple-Crowner*. It’s a 6-week course that touches up on literally everything I’m planning now…from food to tenting, water purification to staying motivated.  At the end of it, you’re encouraged to retain extra credit by completing a documented multi-day hike utilizing the skills you learned. I think I might hike and multi-day camp sleeping Beauty, assuming she counts. Check out this syllabus:

WEEK 1 // Refining the Dream

LESSON 1 // How this class works

LESSON 2 // What is thru-hiking?

LESSON 3 // Choosing the right trek for you

LESSON 4 // Finding the time and money

LESSON 5 // Rallying your team

LESSON 6 // Understanding your “why”

Homework

WEEK 2 // Making It Real
 LESSON 1 // The importance of planning

LESSON 2 // Physical fitness

LESSON 3 // Calculate your budget

LESSON 4 // Set the homefront to autopilot

Homework

WEEK 3 // Route Planning
LESSON 1 // Why bother?

LESSON 2 // Think about permits

LESSON 3 // Decide when and where you’ll start

LESSON 4 // Plan your hard-stop end date

LESSON 5 // Getting to and from the trailhead

LESSON 6 // Roughing out your itinerary

Homework

WEEK 4 // Resupplies
LESSON 1 // The role of food on a thru-hike

LESSON 2 // Food rules for thru-hikers

LESSON 3 // Decide on a resupply strategy

LESSON 4 // Mail drops

LESSON 5 // Grocery store resupplies

LESSON 6 // Bounce boxes

Homework

WEEK 5 // Gear
LESSON 1 // Letting go of perfection

LESSON 2 // Ask the right questions

LESSON 3 // How to lighten up without breaking the bank

LESSON 4 // Where to spend your time and money

LESSON 5 // Other key gear decisions

LESSON 6 // What’s in their pack?

Homework

WEEK 6 // Life on the Trail
LESSON 1 // What’s it really like out there?

LESSON 2 // Eating and drinking

LESSON 3 // Making camp

Lesson 4 // Daily Routines

LESSON 5 // Tricks for the long haul

LESSON 6 // Trail etiquette

LESSON 7 // Safety basics

LESSON 8 // Special concerns for women

LESSON 9 // Special concerns for older hikers

LESSON 10 // Common thru-hiker medical issues

LESSON 11 // Staying motivated

LESSON 12// Making friends on the trail

LESSON 13 // Keeping in touch with loved ones

Homework

Course Wrap-Up
Final words of wisdom

Extended course credit: Completing your own multi-day hike

Further resources

Course feedback

Credits and acknowledgement

Awards and Accolades

To say I’m stoked would be a complete understatement. I can’t wait until seats open so I can get started. Liz, if you read this, count me in!!!!
Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
*Triple-Crowner: someone who has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divite Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.