Here are three quotes I use for changing my mental outlook. I say that “I get to hike” instead of saying “I have to hike”. When I have a hard day and things are going wrong I say, “so what, now what” or “it does not happen to me, it happens for me”. I wish you nothing but success mentally, physically and spiritually out on the trail. You inspire me to be a better thinker and creator in life. Happy Hiking
My next thru hike strategy is going ketogenic then getting obese and surviving the trip solely on my own bodyfat. No more food carries, just think of all the weight savings!
@@reidsadventures I am not sure if you are serious but I eat a keto diet and compared to my old way of eating it’s night and day. I eat as few of carbs on the trail and I have never had more energy. It’s truly amazing. Fats just stays with you, I never seem to get that hungry or lack energy. I am not young and still do big mileage days for three reasons, UL pack, training and my diet. Take care
I suffered a calf injury last summer and lost about a month of hiking. I never related it to the Lone Peak 5's that I purchased, my first zero drop runners. Thanks for your inciteful comment. It was the wake up alarm I needed.
@@JupiterHikes Its a shorter less developed thru hike called The Condor Trail. It runs for about 400 miles through the Los Padres national forest in California. The best time to hike is winter so I have a lot of time to prepare. It should also be good PCT practice because it has a similar climate.
I find it so interesting that you don't use trekking poles. I didn't use them at first but when I started to I saw how much they help remove weight from my legs on a climb. They are a little of an arm workout but I call that a bonus! I have read they cause you to actually use more energy though, and the weight on your arms is something to consider as well but my legs feel like they don't lactic up nearly as much on a fast ascend. Plus when I get a little tired they help keep me a bit more stable. The big uphill climbs though is really #1 reason why I like the poles, such a difference in my opinion.
Update! So I just did a 8 mile hike with a 20 pound pack, and half way through the hike I put the trekking poles away and....dang, I think it was actually more enjoyable. Having both hands free to take pics and videos was really nice. Plus eating snacks and replying back to texts from my bored brother was much easier to do too!. The uphills were not too bad either. I'm in better shape now than when I started hiking about a year ago so the poles are less needed it seems. On a thur hike I'd be a little scared not to have them for long uphill climbs I'm thinking, but really don't know. My poles were cheap ones, but I've cut and removed enough to make them 15 oz for the pair, but thats still darn near a pound I'm swinging none stop if I am to use them.....things to consider!
Do you ever run into really bad trail conditions where you feel unsafe? If so, would be interesting to hear what happened and how you tackled it. I once had to climb over a fresh landslide on a supersteep switchback in order to get off a mountain. It was over 10 years ago and I would never do it again given I get stressed just thinking about it.
Jupiter! I saw your comment on the Paige Pierce video this morning. Then this one this evening. Glad to hear that you're doing the PCT this year. Please come by and play some disc golf at Casa de Luna when you get to Green Valley. I've got 9 baskets and multiple tee boxes for 18+ holes. There's also a 9 hole course here in town at the community club. You're welcome to stay here if you'd like also. Looking forward to seeing you.
Joe!! I would absolutely love to throw some frisbees with you. I will most certainly make a point to stop by sometime late may. I think I got you on facebook and will get in touch. Hope to see you and Terrie if you're around
Q&A Question: What is the best way to manage pre-trail and early trail anxiety. Any tips for getting “in the groove” of thru hiking? Thanks for all your awesome content.
Q&A question: will you only be using your tarp or also a bivy, bugnet or even a tent? How do you deal with the times when the cold or mosquitos and black flies could be a bigger problem?
If you are ever in NC, we have some amazing discgolf courses here around Charlotte. Charlotte has become the capital of DG. I've been playing for over 20 years, I still suck, but its a main hobby of mine.
i'm hiking the sheltowee in mid april as my first thru hike. mainly motivated by a desire to see many of the native species that may not be here much longer. i'm from kentucky and all my family lives there and can provide support. i wanna say thanks for sharing your thru hike of the sheltowee with us, getting to see the spring flowers and hear the birds was very motivating for me.
@@JupiterHikes yes i agree!! i have done a section that goes through the red river gorge and have spent a lot of time in that area, i'm excited to go back.
I lived along the PCT and hiked portions. It's such a beautiful place! My question is this: do you have to make yourself eat more than you want while hiking? I usually have very little appetite. What do you eat for more calories (sorry if you might address this later in the video)
Love your videos, hoping to see you out there this year! What do you do to make sure you're eating well? Everyone can pile in calories, but do you have any tips for making sure you're getting the protein, vitamins, and general nutrients your body needs?
You put a fair amount of emphasis on being physically prepared for a long thru-hike and having the right gear. But what about the mental preparation, or are you such a veteran that you don't really require that? Thanks.
You often talk about shake-downs and restarting from the bare minimum and deciding what's an essential vs luxury item. I'm really interested in what you see as the absolute bare minimum.
That was an iyoyo shooting star! It's super cool and pretty cheap. Not the most beginner friendly thing but it's definitely fun as an entry level advanced yoyo
@@JupiterHikes she’s a beauty! Thanks for tip. I’m a novice but do enjoy some of the more advanced yo-yo. Is that the one you will bring on the pct? Be well🙏
A friend will be introducing me to disk golf this summer. I’m looking forward to it and hope I like it as much as you. Any thoughts or tips on that would make a great video if you have time before you leave for the PCT.
Interesting info. on zero drop shoes. I’ve been wanting to try the zero drop shoe but am hesitant due to ankle injury concerns. Currently hiking in Merril boots that give me confidence concerning ankle injuries which I am prone. I like the Merril boots but realize they are substantially heavier than say Altra Lone Peaks. Cost is another concern. Wouldn’t want to spend all that money on a shoe I couldn’t use. Thanks for the info. and good luck on the PCT. we’ll be following along.
Ease into them! The boots may support your ankles but they can also serve to not let your ankles strengthen because of that constant support. So both moving away from boots and if you do choose zero drop shoes or any other big change, it's all stuff to be slowly eased into and gotten used to over a longer period of time. I don't personally think there is any reason to use zero drop shoes over anything else, so no need to switch. I don't think there is any advantage to them. However as you mention boots vs trail runners you have the light weight factor, they dry quicker, & breath better. Again tho if you like the boots, keep em! But maybe the runners are something to try here and there in the future to see if you do like them
Thanks for your reply. I will take it into consideration. Two other factors I failed to mention that give me pause in making the change are that I’m almost 81 y.o. and ‘breaking in’ a new knee. Big changes take a while longer to make at this age. I try not to look at age as a limiting factor but it is a reality to be dealt with.
@@oned6264 I'm a bit younger than you in my 70s, so if you'll take advice from a kid who's made the transition to trail runners and then to Altras. For us old guys it might take a year to make the transition to zero drop.. The only thing I can say is that the shoe should feel great on your feet when you put them on in the store. Aftermarket insoles are another possibility that you can look at. I used Super Feet blue in my Merrell before transition to zero drops. That may be helpful to change out insoles. There are Merrell with 6mm drop and zero, and then shoes like Topo with around 3. I made the transition to zero drops in Merrell Barefoot Access XTR. I have a wide foot so tried the Altras and liked them and eased into them. Don't really know if you need to make the move. In fact, I recommend that if you are interested in transition to zero drop get the Merrell Barefoot or Altra Escalante or Torrin shoes to wear every day but old guy to older, you've already got a really solid shoe system that is durable, good Vibram sole, well known and respected and much less expensive. Hope this helps. Your knee may like moving a lighter shoe but it may cause other problems. I still use my Moabs when scrambling in rocky terrain. Good luck and I hope to be active when I'm in the 80s. Getting ready to attempt an AT thru-hike in a couple of weeks. Old but crafty!
Do you take vitamins while you are on trail? Also what is your go to boost when you hit the wall and there are still a few miles to go (candy bar, energy chews, electrolyte drink)?? Maybe I'll see you out there. I'll be attempting a NorCal NOBO - SOBO flip-flop.
I have on some thru hikes! When I do send myself resupply boxes I am always sure to throw some multi vitamins, and powdered greens in there. Harder without the pre packaged boxes tho. If I could choose anything to have if I am starting to hit a wall it would be one of those energy gel things like GU and drinking a bunch of water. Quick energy to keep moving, turn on some tunes and keep it moving. Easier said than done tho. Hope to catch you on trail!
I personally would enjoy sobo more for the extra solitude since fewer go that direction. Unfortunately fires seem worse later in the year so it scares me to dedicate so much into planning a sobo thru that could inevitably be out of my control as to whether I finish or not. We will see what happens this year, and if all is good maybe I'll attempt the sobo in the coming years!
A couple of comments: After hike diet - cant emphasize enough what Jupiter said about adjusting what you eat. Particularly replacing fast and high carb items with more healthy stuff. Photo video: Again what Jupiter said about pictures/clips of everything - and that's particularly important when you don't really want to.
Hi Jupiter, question about ultralight gear. What do you think about a down bodywarmer? I found one that weighted 150g and was only 150 dollars. It seems like I wouldnt need the sleeves anyway since the main concern is to keep the core warm and ive got a merino longsleeve plus rain jacket just in case. Also, I already carry a buff and light merino beanie. You think its even worth bringing a full sized down jacket anymore? Also, do you think running shorts plus windpants are warm enough for chill evenings e.g.? What about bringing just those two and tyvek rainskirt (about 1,5 oz) for lower body. Might leave my long johns home some day.
Great video! Cannot wait to start in may :) Can I ask what is your best guess on how often you will pitch your tarp? I am still unsure about my tarp choice.
I hope to not use it until maybe norcal but who knows! More likely is I'll need it as a wind break in the southern 700 miles, and then maybe to trap heat in the sierra, and then storms in oregon or washington. Though if I could cowboy everyday I probably would. Keep in mind mosquitoes as you get more north.
So a 60 miler; that's over a weekend? I did 35 with a 40lb pack (to simulate additional incline) and a gas mask(altitude) in a day this Saturday preparing for a sobo start in July. I'm going for speed mostly so I can get back before Thanksgiving.
I did the 60 miles in 48 hours! Just making sure I still got it and that my gear is feeling good! More of those trips to come, in preperation. Same as you, I carried extra weight than what the trip required in hopes it would more closely simulate what I will be carrying on the PCT
I miss skaetboarding so much when hkking. Luckly i work as a bike courier so i get my fill the rest of the year. With the wind through my balding scalp. Lol
If you end up using the Xero Mesa Trail shoes for the PCT, will you be using the OEM sock liners or something aftermarket? I wear Xeros to run and do dayhikes, but anything over 10 miles and my feet hurt. I may just need more practice to toughen my feet up, but for now my backpacking trips will still feature Lone Peaks.
I want to so bad, just havent planned a trip yet as a lot of my time otherwise is still spent hiking. I have the bike for it, I have the bags, I have the gear. Just need to plan the trip! Seems super fun to travel at a quicker pace, and see things that hiking may not show me. More towns possibly and a whole new world of trails
I’d like to know if you have any tips on handling debit/ credit purchases while on trail? As in, in today’s more digital world, how does one pay a monthly Phone bill, Spotify Account, etcétera while backpacking? Are some banks better than others? I like the idea of not having a bank account on trail but hate the hassle of fat wads of cash.
A lot of my bills are setup to be paid automatically! I would definitely go that route so you don't forget. Late fees and credit score are killers. Other than that my only other advice would be to make sure you notify your bank that you will be traveling, as I have forgotten to do so twice, and have gotten locked out during really bad times lol
Sometimes but not too often. The issue comes with the remoteness of many towns near the trail where they wouldn't normally have a market for uber or lift, thus the hikers can't take advantage of that system in place. Some small towns do have taxi services tho, often just one person with a number posted online somewhere
Q&A question: I help by volunteering on the Allegheny Trail (300 +mile) here in West Virginia. We have been working on making improvements on , bridges, shelters and just overall maintenance on both State and on Federal lands that the trail runs through. What improvements could we make that would make the biggest impact for hikers on their long distance hiking? Should we be thinking more about the town/resupply or just comfort and the time on the trail experience?
Power banks are tough, but what you are looking for is one with a quick charge INPUT. Many batteries only have the output which is pretty useless to the thru hiker. There are many different phrases to look for, Qualcomm quick charge, 18w or 30w input, PD (power delivery) again though it has to be the input. And your wall port thing also has to be able to output that and be compatible. One to look into is the Nitecore NB10000 power bank, and the Anker Nano Charger 20W PIQ 3.0 those two will work together to charge the battery quickly and get you in and out of towns faster. You can take this many many steps further and deeper for faster charges but like I said, electricity is a complicated subject!
Other trails definitely but the PCT record is super tight and certainly at the moment I do not have what it takes. Would require a lot of training and a lot of luck!
Aren’t you afraid of spiders, bees and others under bushes when you set up your tarp in such places? Do you have other goals in your life such as, are you going to buy a house ever? Are you going to have kids ever and everything that comes with it? Have never thought about your retirement plan, moneywise? Would you like to have a college degree ever? Are you planning to settle anywhere I have a normal life somewhere? Thank you so much for your videos. They are excellent. God bless you.
I would advise against zero drop shoes if anatomically you have a high arch, as I do. Effectively high arches lower the ball of your foot which brings the front of your foot up at the ankle reducing your range of motion. A heel-to-toe drop restores some of this lost range of motion and is essential for me. A tall heel can provide a higher center of gravity and a longer torque arm that can predispose you for a rolled ankle but for me it’s the trade-off I have make. Pick your poison. But, My advice would be to avoid zero drop if you have high arches.
People walked in moccasins, sandals, flat soled shoes and barefoot long before heeled shoes were invented. What is more likely is that folks have worn 8,10,12 mm drop shoes since childhood and don't take the time to acclimate. Your comment does not match with reality with history and the vadt population who wear flat sole shoes.
@@seaotter52 Tell that to my podiatrist who went through it with me. Do you have a medical, sports medicine, or physical therapy certification? It's pretty easy to see for yourself...at least it is with my foot. With a high arch the front ball of my foot is low. This brings the front of my foot up leaving very little freedom of movement at my ankle to bring the fore foot up higher. If I take the front of foot and try to raise it from equilibrium there is not very much room left to raise the front of my foot. I can easily articulate my ankle and see the range of motion that I have. But again I have high arches.
What are you doing (aside from hiking) to get in shape for the pct? I'm also attempting a pct thru this summer, doing strength training and trying to get as much time on my feet as I can, but living/walking in NYC just isn't the same as hitting the trail
I've been thinking about doing a 'training for a thru hike' video and maybe I will but I believe that the easiest thing anyone could do is just more time on feet, and hiking more on uneven ground. Strength training is great as well! But anything to force myself to be standing and walking more. Currently I am running, cycling, disc golfing, and hiking as often as I can. About 60 mile weeks. Which is all fine and cool but like training in some ways could be totally overrated as anyone who is willing to start a thru hike slow enough can succeed regardless of physical ability. The faster you wanna go the more prepared one should be. The slower you can force yourself to go and then it is often as you hear the phrase 'the trail will get you in shape.' Still always better off to be prepared!
nutrition is so important when hiking. i see people eating hot dogs. one turkey dog has almost half a gram of sodium. you need electrolytes but even if you're a marathoner you still shouldn't go past 2,400 mg per day!!! thru hikers are eating unhealthy!!!! you need to eat healthy, have a balanced diet, enough carbs throughout the day, enough protein and unsaturated fats. natural sugar from fruits, and fiber. it's so important and underrated. i will never eat a hot dog on trail. i'm planning on bringing plant protein pasta for carbs. it doesn't matter if you stop three times a day. you need food. you need carbs. you need to eat and stay healthy. no excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat. eating heathy will make you feel better and give you the energy to go for more miles.
I edit on my laptop, tho the phone app (I think it's called) Lumafusion looks good. I used adobe premier pro for years but that costs money, and have recently switch to DaVinci Resolve which is free and amazing. On par with premier if not better imo
What distance do you think qualifies a thru? I’ve heard people say trails as short as 30 miles point to point is a thru and I’ve heard others say thru hikes are only triple-crown length. Thoughts?
Candice, Technically, going from one end of trail to the other is a thru hike. Where I live both the Ozark Highlands Trail and the Ouachita Trail are in the 200+ category and definitely qualify for thru. Anything that takes a week or more to do is on the list in the vast majority of people's minds. Anyone who limits it to the 2000 milers is just a snob. Long Trail, Colorado trail, Pinhote, Superior, and my local (ish) trails previously mentioned, all qualify for being thru hikable
@@seaotter52 Again I think it's whatever makes someone happy as there is no right answer. I could argue that shorter trails than what you mentioned qualify, and I could also argue that only longer trails qualify. The conversation doesn't solve anything tho and in any regard only serves to disparage people who otherwise are very happy with their accomplishment.
March heading north or September heading south! Though you have some wiggle room there depending on what conditions you're more comfortable with. I started early April for instance and many start in February. You could go sobo as late as October as well. It's a great trail, highly highly recommend!
Would like to get into tarping, but thinking about using one on the PCT I'd be worried about scorpions or snakes crawling in my bag or even quilt, had any issues so far, any prevention tips? I'm from Austria so the most worrisome in that category would be ants :D
Not Australia but as a Floridian, ants are the worst! No matter where I sit down in the state, it is seemingly directly on an ant pile as if every spot of soil, is one giant ant pile. I hear you there. As for snakes and other things, remember that a lot of those animals are cold blooded so as the sun goes down... they themselves become less active. Also as a 5-6 foot tall human being, it's not like they could eat us, so instead they avoid us. We are the predator in this situation and it would be unwise for them to approach. I have personally never had a bad experience with these animals while tarp camping, or while cowboy camping. I am not saying it can't ever happen, but the chances are extremely unlikely.
@@JupiterHikes Austria, the little European country in the middle of the Alps, I guess as an Australian I'd be rather used to big crawling insects :D But yeah especially up in the mountains ants are huge and abundant here I would have expected that from snakes that would make sense that they are scared, but I've seen people having scorpions in their shoes, that's what worries me
I live in a country where snakes and scorpions are common both Mediterranean and desert . Main rule is not to approach and threaten them - watch your path . Long grass lifting rocks . Actually they are most active sunrise and sunset - where they lay in wait hunting. So choose your sleeping spot away from long grass or rocks
If you like through hiking vlogs, check out my man "Walking Tapeworm." He's going for his triple crown on the AT this year. Great videos Jupiter. I'm jealous of the van!
@@JupiterHikes Sagittarius in his positive form is the traveller and sublime teacher of the zodiac. Couple that with JupiterHikes - Jupiter being the ruling planet of Sagittarius.
Hey Jupiter Hikes, we are an emerging outdoor clothing company known for our unique fabrics and sustainable practices. We've been really enjoying your content and would love to collaborate if you are interested. Just in case, we’ve also sent you an email about it with more details. Anyways, have a nice day! -Mia
I actually got it wrong and he's hiked the PCT more than 13 times! He lives very frugally, and hikes very frugally. His thru hikes of the PCT are all very fast as well, much faster than the typical hiker affording him to spend less money, and do it all over again next year. His gear is often handmade, or thrifted, and generally his life is built around hiking as the primary priority
