8 Things You Should Do to Prepare for a Thru-Hike

Preparing for a thru-hike or long-distance backpacking trip can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. Here are 8 steps to get you started on your incredible journey. Yes, it will be more complicated than just following these steps, but this is a good start. It is fundamentally important to prepare for a thru-hike. Don’t just wing it.

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A hiker on the Colorado Trail.

1. Research the different trails and the best times to hike.

Each trail provides a different experience and hiking in different months of the year can also change the experience. It is very important that you prepare for a thru hike. For example hiking the John Muir Trail in May or June is a completely different experience than hiking in July or August. Some trails are more traveled and others can be very isolated. Check out our guides to find the best trail for you. 

Backpacking gear

2. Research the gear you will need.

Different trails will require different gear. For example you might need an ice-axe and microspikes if you are thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. These requirements can also change depending on time of the hike and winter snow conditions. But there is a lot of common backpacking equipment you need.

6 resupply boxes with food

3. Research your resupply strategy.

Some trails are easy to buy food along the trail and other trails require you to mail food ahead. Most hikers do a combination of the two. You can estimate food weight with the FarOut food calculator.  

trail sign

4. Research the permits you will need.

Some trails require permits and some don’t. We created a permit list for all of the trails we have guides for to make it easier to see.

A green tent overlooking a lake and mountains

5. Go on short overnight test hikes

I recommend going on some short overnight hikes before your thru-hike to test your gear and yourself. In just one night of hiking you will have the time to test out almost all the gear you will be using on your thru-hike. It is almost guaranteed that you will find things you can improve or will want to change. It is important to learn from these experiences so you can better prepare for a thru hike.

Train

6. Make sure to train beforehand

The best way to get into physical shape is to practice hiking with your pack on. Select hikes with elevation changes similar to the trail you are hiking. I would recommend starting out with hiking just a mile or two on more level terrain. Then gradually increasing the miles and slope until you can easily hike the lower end of your daily mileage of your long-distance hike.

A savings glass jar with coins in it and next to it

7. Start saving

Make sure you have enough money for your specific thru-hike. The cost of your hike can vary a lot depending on the length of the hike and your town spending. The FarOut thru-hiking cost calculator  makes it easy to estimate the cost of your hike.

A mom and her son and dog outside on a hike

8. Make it fun

Preparing should be fun. Researching, buying new equipment, and learning about your hike should be fun. If you feel overwhelmed it is okay to take a couple of days off and relax. 

Related Post: Calculate the Cost of Your Thru-Hike