-Kumano Kodo - 3 routes -PCT 2023 -CT 2022 about 3700 miles of long distance hiking :)
I am an Army/AF veteran that really struggled with finding purpose after a pretty insane experience overseas in Iraq. I fell in love with long distance hiking and nature in general.
If you enjoy day hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking content with some gear reviews and other random adventures in-between consider subscribing to follow along. I upload every week.
I like to venture around in my van.
Simple life is the way for me, about the journey towards less and minimalism.
Trail Angels are another way to cut costs. If you get injured and need a few days to recover there is usually a TA who will host you if you just ask on the local TA Facebook pages. We've hosted countless hikers who would have had to quit the trail or spend a fortune on hotels otherwise. Some TAs accept donations but many don't expect anything in return but your appreciation.
Today I made this in my kitchen. "As advertised", it is very tasty and I'll be adding it to my next hiking trip. I'm an old enthusiast of instant oatmeal, and "elevating" it with various additions -- both at home and on the trail. But adding peanut butter and banana chips is sheer genius. Dried cranberries (and/or raisins) are an old staple, and are well advised here. Another possible addition is some kind of nuts. Walnuts are ideal imo, but possibly sunflower kernels or pecans. However, I know that nuts can cost more, and low cost is one of the video "author's" several priorities. And just adding a bit more peanut butter will be adding the protein that these other nuts would add. But the nuts will add a bit more texture and additional flavor. In any case, this base recipe is well worth it, and the fact that it is so flexible is one more of its benefits. Thanks much, and Cheers!!! (beer_emoji) 😊
I guess a light weight windpant will work in more situations than a mosquito pant ... but if you can use it (and need it) to create insulation under a pair of pants to trap more air under there, go for it. Heavy duty wool socks should be able to keep your feet warm when you sleep and also work as mittens if you ever need it, lets say in hike in the rain all day. Wrap them around a water bottle with warm water or a nalgene bottle with boiling water and put them inside your sleeping bag or puffy to create a whole bunch of extra heat to sleep in. Any gear that can serve more than one purpose is usually more weight efficient ... and extra socks is just nice to have.
Mind my asking what date you were crossing the San Joaquin middle fork by the broken bridge? Looks do-able to me. I should be there in late August 2024.
don't mind what so ever! I was crossing it in early Sep it was hard to say, but that was an insane snow year so by late August I don't see you having any issues!
Missing people imo is a good thing because it means youve got people you love who love you ❤ love the full nature shots, makes me feel like I'm hiking with you!!! Thanks!
Thanks Jack for taking us along your awesome adventure. Flying into Japan just to do the Kumano Kodo in two weeks from now. They said wild camping is not permitted, but really who’s there to enforce. This trip was last minute so I’m unable to book accommodation. Just going to bring my old Zpacks tent and NeoAir pad and call it home for a few days. I know they have 3 campground for a small fee. Guess like you I can crash wherever. The trail looks amazing. Great job capturing your adventure. 👍 🥾 🥾
Thank you again for sharing beautiful country side of Japan. I just went to Kumano Hongu Taisha and giant Torii area. Did you meet a local English speaking guide, Akira? Since you showed Kumano Kodo, I walked two short sections of this Ancient Pilgrimage road. Thanks to your video! I loved it!
Agree 100%! I've hiked the PNW since 1965 and everything top you have is perfect. The poncho is the only way to keep everything dry with enough breathability for summer and it's useful as a quick shelter or a sunshade or signal device or water collector, or many other uses. A headnet and light leather gloves are essential to beat mosquitos, and either your suit or woven fabric shirt/pants (I like REI Sahara shirts/pants, knit fabrics are NOT mosquito proof). You're right, synthetic insulation is the only way to beat the weather, my sleeping bags are also synthetic to avoid losing their loft.
Yes, 100% the PCT mile for mile was gorgeous. My favorite part was all of Washington I couldn’t help but stop and just stare sometimes in disbelief of the northern cascades
There were some supplements that you mention that always work for you. I believe creatine was one of the. Could you tell me what those are again? I can't find the video.
I’m glad you enjoyed this area, I spent my summer hiking around and through the Lassen forest. From June through mid to end of July afternoon thunderstorms were common almost daily somewhere between Lassen and Shasta. We would watch a small cloud over Burney mountain or Crater peak just build until a storm popped up. Meeting the PCT hikers and talking to them or shuttling them to Burney inspired me to take the trip myself this year. Less than 2 weeks until my kickoff in Campo.
Great tips, especially for an international traveller. I’ve been advised by former PCT travellers from UK to budget $17k for my trip 😮 Your tips will really help reduce this, hopefully!🙂
