As a powerlifter, I can tell you that squats, deadlifting and benchpresses are the best training - for powerlifting. As a hiker, I find the best training for hiking is hiking, just as you say!

@JohnDoe-qr7fx

5 жыл бұрын

i second this. weight are great for building those short bursts of power muscles (the bigger kinds) but to build the endurance muscles you need to...endure

@nicki9356

4 жыл бұрын

Yes the principle of specificity

@iwonder013

2 жыл бұрын

As an mediocre alpinist - both. If you are traveling and without access to hills or if you are starting your training for long distance: do both. Some powerlifting + squats are very good for preparing your knees. Descends are cruel on knees, especially untrained ones.

@snlsnl2897

2 жыл бұрын

​@@iwonder013 I agree. I started hiking last year and I did struggle with endurance , knee pains etc. I started the gym this year and I see how much its helped me with hiking . when you are fitter you make less mistakes when hiking and yes experience helps too.

@ozp7144

10 ай бұрын

😅

As I got ready for my thru hike, I wore my pack for hours around the house. Cleaning, laundry, dishes, everything. Your big muscles will be fine, it's all the silly little ones in your back that need to get into shape and used to the pack on. At first my back hurt, but after a few weeks I got used to my base weight and hardly noticed it. You will be the subject of ridicule from family members.

@guavavodka

5 жыл бұрын

lol that is awesome

@TheRst2001

5 жыл бұрын

I tried this prior to a 2 day hike i did recently, when i realised i needed all the training i can get, even for just half hour a day ,made a huge difference and increased confidence ! especially if your house has stairs , good idea 👍🙂

@justalurkr

4 жыл бұрын

Any family members who ridicule are cordially invited to come with and be my pAck mule.

@felixfelicius7330

3 жыл бұрын

What a great idea

I walk 4-7 miles a day everyday not as exercise for anything but life. I like to think of myself as an urban hiker. I am trying to experience every inch of my small city on foot. For over a year I have walked my city rain or shine summer and winter. People ask me why I’m out walking in 10 below zero cold and I say why aren’t you? that’s a better question. Honestly I enjoy walking when it’s cold although I do realize that being able to go home after my walks is nothing like trying to sleep outside in that weather.

@brendagomez5072

4 жыл бұрын

david sandlin loved this!

@christianb8228

4 жыл бұрын

david sandlin if you enjoy the urban environment try out in the woods in nature you will love it!

You inspired me to hike the PCT. I just got back a month ago. Thank you for all you do and the support you give through your videos, you are truly an amazing person

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jake! I'm humbled. Glad you had a killer time on the PCT, can't wait to get out there myself! Hike On, Darwin

@jsmit9484

6 жыл бұрын

Jake Cortez How did you get back in June? Or did you do a section hike?

I love the video. I am 72 years old and plan on my first backpacking trip this fall. Eventually I hope to do the JMT then the PCT. Thanks again for the great information.

@Jerrymc1975

4 жыл бұрын

Richard Walker hi Richard. Did you hike the JMT or the PCT?

I’m deadass training to get through Disneyland without getting tired😂😂😂😂😂😂

@gatelord

2 жыл бұрын

Deadass? Da faq?

@jthymes3472

2 жыл бұрын

@@gatelord It's a Gen Z term

@diamondsprince

2 жыл бұрын

@@gatelord skiddy

@SophisticatedDogCat

2 жыл бұрын

Pathetic. This is why American health is so terrible.

A tip for anyone that lives where it is ONLY flat to train for a mountainous hike. For me, as a former athlete, I know that when it comes to muscles, nothing quite burns like quads, and your quads will most definitely be pushed hard on the countless climbs on the AT. I live in Houston area, so there is really nowhere to train on elevation gain. What I did was just try to get used to the suck I knew my quads would be in on my first section hike. Its as simple as using the leg lift machine at the gym. Instead of trying to do reps at heavy weight, put it on the lowest weight, which should be around 50 lbs. Instead of using both legs simultaneously, alternate them, lifting one at a time, so the other gets a chance to rest. Keep a good rythym of about 30 reps/min or 2 sec/rep. Adjust the weight so that its just heavy enough that you are getting a good burn on each rep, but not so difficult that you can't continue for a loooooong time. For me, it was between 50-65 lbs, depending on how I felt. By alternating legs each rep, you give your legs just enough time to recover from the burn from the previous rep. Try to do it for as long as you can. It becomes a mental game after awhile. Mind over matter. I could last about 20 minutes, which amounted to around 300 reps total for each leg. You will be sweating and your heart will be going really good by the end. People at the gym will think you are crazy, but for me, it really worked to prepare my quads. I had no issues with the quad pain and soreness. Also poles help. Let your arms do some of the lifting. Your legs will thank you. 👍🏼

@elliottwright3772

2 жыл бұрын

@ChristianDisciple247 No disrespect intended, but I was lucky to spend some time at Lympstone with our Royal Marines (mostly young PTs) who expressed their dismay at older bootnecks in recruitment roles giving poor fitness advice to new recruits. I bought into the traditional 'tough guy' mentality of "you want to get good at running? Get out there and run til you can't run anymore! You want to be good for the endurance course? Do press ups, sit ups and pull ups til you can't do anymore!" Needless to say, this is NOT the most effective way to train, and modern physical science backs that up completely. You don't NEED weights, but I'll tell you, weighted carries, squats and lunges etc sure help getting your muscles well prepared for carrying jerry cans, fireman's carries and carrying heavy rucks. I used to train by running til my knees gave way, and I got good, but my bleep test was only average - you need to train for specifics like boosting VO2 max with sprint work. The same way a footballer doesn't just 'play football' to train, everything can be broken down to pieces that need to be trained differently in order to get optimum performance. There are many exercises for legs and lower back that greatly improve hiking ability and reduce chance of injury, or cardio work like step machines or hill sprints that have great cross over. All this being said, the OP was a tad misguided on their exercise of choice. Weighted walking lunges are a far better choice and mimic the work your legs will actually be doing more accurately. 👍

You are always so clear and informative. I am a 76 1/2 year old woman. When I was 48 I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim and back as well as a couple of tame wilderness trails total 80 miles. I took 14 days spending time along the way to explore. I had a layover at Phantom Ranch for one day and two day at the lodge on North Rim where I had resupply shipped in. A rather short through hike :) I'm currently 28 years later planning and training to hike the John Muir Trail August into September, at 9 to 13 miles per day of hiking. When I hiked the GC ultra light was a rare term.My total weight carried was 50 lbs and I was only 5'1". My gear from then that is still in great shape is too heavy and I will reluctantly replace some of it, I can't financially go ultra light nor can I replace all my gear. Shooting for a 32lb carry. I am using the same training regimen used then. I'm fortunate to have a small mountain range practically in my yard with a steady uphill climb of 4500 ' in 6 miles to 9400' (It has part of the Arizona Trail) Today is my first day of training, a 4 1/2 mile hike on a flat trail carrying a 14 lb day pack. I also do planks and some bar bells. Tomorrow I will hike 2 miles on that mountain trail with 900' elevation carrying the day pack with 10 lbs.. I'll alternate flat and mountain days and keep increasing distances and weight until I'm comfortable with full pack 16 miles round trip on the mountain to it's peak. Then a couple of 3 to 4 day hikes on the AZT finally to colorado to see how far up a fourteener I can manage, hopefully I will do the 5 easiest then to California to go NOBO. Whether I actually do Mt Whitney remains to be seen. But if at my age I can train this way all those youngsters sure can. Training with the pack is essential as it uses different muscles especially in the hips and neck. You must now be on the PCT, and in the Sierras. Not as many towns there for resupply.

@denisebrewer4437

4 жыл бұрын

I think you should do some videos. You are very interesting

@ODXT

4 жыл бұрын

I second what @@denisebrewer4437 said.

@cambriawalilu

3 жыл бұрын

You are an inspiration to me ma'am.

@trilbyarnold3341

3 жыл бұрын

@@denisebrewer4437 Apeman did a vid interview with me Septemper 2019 when I was the oldest solo woman between Mexico and Canada. I had done a section on the JMT. I registered a domain name "meanderingartisttrilby" however life has kept me bsy so I have not yet posted it. Eventally.

@trilbyarnold3341

3 жыл бұрын

@@cambriawalilu Thank you . I'm blessed with good health and therefore fitness.

Since injuries are a number one reason that people quit hiking a long distance trail, I am delighted you are addressing this topic. It is so important. Sure, some people can successfully hike a thru-hike with no training and succeed but they are taking a huge risk that the trail experience won't work out in their favor.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

I totally Agree! People need to realize how much "Insane Stress" they are putting on their body when attempting something like a Thru-Hike. Especially when people are hell bent on carrying 40+ pound packs on their backs. Too many injuries and failures due to stubbornness & unpreparedness. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

Excellent. That’s how the Army trains by actually practicing the “real thing” by fully immersing themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally with real equipment, real world problems, outdoors in the heat and cold, just like the real thing when the balloon goes up.

Physiotherapist here. Couldn't agree more. Training for anything you need a very high degree of specificity.the longer you are away from the actual hike you can do more generalisere fitness. Strenght training, running etc. The closer to your hike the more specific - hiking with your actual gear and training with it :) Great advise!!!

Great advice. I just took my son on 20 miles (2 days) through the Shenandoah NF. His first backpacking trip. Neither of us were physically ready for the pace our friends set. We lagged back, but always caught up. Cold, drizzle & snow. Hammocks & flys, zero degree bags. We still had fun, & he still gave it a 7 out of 10. Hasn't sworn off hiking yet. I really enjoy your vids.

As far as I'm concerned this channel is by far one of the best on KZread for distance hiking advice and information. Many thanks for the effort and time you invest in these clips.

Down to earth, practical advices. Thank you Darwin.

I've been preparing just for 50 mile hikes for a year-and-a-half now. This is the best best word I have heard yet. Thank you so much. What you're saying is 100% life-saving

When I prepared my scout troup for a three day, 20 mile hike in the Big Bend State park in West Texas, we went over the proper things to bring and then did a 3 mile overnight hike. We progressed to increase the distance until we accomplished a 9 mile hike. We planned on covering 7 miles a day on the trip. The age range was 10 to 13 years old and from novice to experienced campers however, none had been on a three day, 20 mile hike. The plan worked as all completed the hike and the kids had some memories to talk about for years to come. So I agree with him, hike to get ready for a long hiking trip.

All of your vids I've watched are great, but this one is the best. Thank you!

Loving all the videos so far! I'm prepping for a thru hike I'd the AT for next year, and this is all great advice!

GREAT INFO!!! I'm prepping for my 2018 PCT thru-hike and your vids are always helpful to remind me what's important.....I have gotten so bogged down with all the stats and spreadsheets, can be overwhelming! This just helped put it back into perspective for me! Thanks again, love your videos!

You're awesome dude, keep up the awesome lifestyle and the positive attitude. I've learned so much from you and I am so appreciative of you being willing to offer your first hand knowledge! Keep the vids coming!

This reminds me of when I got my Coleman camping stove. I actually brought it to work to cook during lunch, just to get used to it.that helped me out tremendously!

Possibly your best video, yet? Love it!

Great video and advice. I am currently training for the Camino De Santiago this coming June 2023. 500 miles in 34 days. You provided great insight. You’re 100% on point on embracing the suck! Thanks!

Thank you so much Darwin for this Channel I really appreciate this info. I've never thru hiked, but I am an all-weather hunter so I am constantly trying to update my gear to be more mobile in extreme weather when I want to stay in the woods all day as well as make the camp experience more simple. Less frills, more basic!

Embrace the suck! Great advice.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

"Embrace the Suck" is in my experience, one of the best pieces of advice I can throw out to people. A lot of people get wrapped up in the Romance of doing a Long Distance Trail, & don't realize the Harsh reality of living in the elements for months on end...... Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

@d.r.dotson6552

7 жыл бұрын

Superb advice. It's only after ascending Clingman's at the tail end of five days of mid-40's grey skied drizzle that you can really appreciate a spring dawn on a warm morning in the Smoky's.

@scienceguy42

6 жыл бұрын

succ

Very good advice for sure. As an AT thru hiker, 2016, I can say most start off with their emphasis on the camping and end up quickly with it being the hiking. Break in any new hiking shoes you're going to be using before you step foot on the trail. If you are in generally good health you can do the AT. Yes , you will be sore and exhausted, a lot! You will be uncomfortable but know it will pass. It is an experience that will change our life. Enjoy the journey and adventure.

I have now watched several videos from you and this one convinced me to subscribe. Simple and comprehensive list of rules to doing a long trail hike. I can only hope that I live up to your example. One thing is certain, I will try and have a blast while experiencing everything that mother nature is planning for me!

This channel is AWESOME, so helpful and so motivational 👏🏻👏🏻

The Crawfords have inspired me to want to thru hike! I love your channel, lots of great content. Thank you!

One of your best, Bud. Fair winds on your upcoming hike.....

Spot on! One of your best yet.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Russell! Love producing better media for you guys, 1 video at a time! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

Thank you very much for your video! I'm just starting training and having these advices this early is wonderful!

Thank you. This was awesome. I've been training for my first through hike since March and feeling pretty intimidated with all the training advice out there but all this makes perfect sense to me.

Good advice! Thank you for laying it on the line. "Embrace the suck"... just what I was looking for major part of the truth. Thanks!

Your 4th and 5th tip are golden...thank you

That’s some great advice Darwin! Thank you !

This is a great video! Timeless advice for any hike. Thanks for the reminders!

I’m so stoked for my thru hike 2019 April 21!

Very true...i learnt most from just hiking...even spending overnights i learned to dial my stuff down a lot...good video Darwin great advice..

EMBRACE THE SUCK...is the best advice I have heard

Fantastic advice! Thanks for sharing.

Great tips brotha! I'm definitely embracing the suck, been trying to camp or sleep in my truck every weekend in the snow. Also I get out and hike probably 4/5 times per week. Luckily we have some great trails at high elevation within a quick 45 min drive. I really enjoyed this video. Hopefully you have more plans for other Thru hike vids. Andy

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andy! "Thru-Hike Tip Videos" are def my favorite to make. Love sharing my opinions & experiences with others! Hike On, Darwin

solid wisdom Darwin! That comes from solid experience... Hike on dude!

Great video! This helps a ton since I'm training to do the Oregon Pct and climb all 90 mountains in Oregon.

I'll be soon embracing the suck in Iceland and, thanks to the actual weather, there's a lot to embrace. It will be absolutely awesome! So, thank you for your great advices.

Couldn't agree more, if you want to get better at anything just keep doing that thing.... Simples. Awesome videos bro.

I like how happy you two look at the GA/NC boarder before having to embrace the suck of that first NC climb.

One of the best videos I have seen on prepping for a Thru-hike. I'm also planning on doing the PCT in 2018. Hope to see y'all out there! Thanks again for the great advice.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nate, Can't wait to meet you out there!.... Thanks for Watching & Good Luck in you Planning! Hike On, Darwin

might be the best hiking video I've ever seen

Sound common sense advice!! Practicing with and learning your gear is the best advice!! Thanks

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Yes Mam! Hike On, Darwin

Is so simple it's complicated. Well put Darwin! Awesome video. Thank you for it.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching guys! Hike On, Darwin

Funny I was just thinking about how to train for a hike. Being new to hiking so far it has just been researching gear. Ya I am so new have yet to even get a pack! So thanks for the info in this video. Living in AZ nothing is flat and you certainly get a heck of a workout going up mountains and ending in high elevations. Darwin, you have my attention! Great channel!

Thinking back at the time, when in my early teens in the boy scouts, and what we did during our 50 mile hike and what we went through. I can understand what you mean about the suck! Raining all day long we needed to start a fire to cook dinner, a group of guys got the fire going, that experience stuck with me. Years later, a buddy of mine went all over the state camping. During a really shitty August mountains day where it rained hard all day, the temp was unusually hot, and where we pitched the tent was in a low point… but at around 5 the sky cleared and using my BSA training I got a fire started and we cooked a steak while everybody viewed in amassment as they passed us, going into town for dinner! In the end I felt we had a victory because we stuck it out and embraced the SUCK!

Don't just know how to use your gear in "ideal" conditions. The time to explore the limits is when you can easily get to your house or car if you're too cold or wet to stay a full night. Being stuck in the woods miles from a trailhead or road crossing in the middle of a snowy cold snap is not the time to find out your gear and you aren't up to the task. Great video and advice.

As soon as i heard Embrace the suck i subbed ;) Wet n windy here in the UK but i'm out tmrw come what may.

Awesome! Thanks for the advice!

Awesome advice!

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Craig! Hike On, Darwin

Good advice Darwin, thanks.

Well said, Darwin. Thanks.

As always good practical information. After 23 years in the military, infantry. I still consider myself a novices with this hiking thing. Good stuff on listening to what others are saying. It doesn’t matter the tone or attitude, listen, chew the meat, spit out the bones, take the ego out of it. Best thing, make it fun. Thank you. Good stuff. I’ll be a chewing on it. (John B)

Thank you - this is the video I have been awaiting! :)

Great video! The mindset is definitely very important. Nothing is more important than getting out on the trail and putting in the miles. As a strength and conditioning coach, I do value doing prehab movements in the weight room to prevent overuse injuries...especially since I am a long distance section hiker and usually only out for a few weeks. Luckily, I have never had any issues as far as these injuries and can tackle some good miles right away when I get out on the trail.

Hi Darwin, this was a great video, thank you. I am in the very early stages of planning a walk in Australia, known as the Bicentennial National Trail. This is 5330 km. I am planning on taking one year to do this walk, which I think would allow a lot of time for diversions if anything in particular catches my interest. Your video is one of many that has given me a lot of good advice, thank you. :)

Awesome video! Really, that was on point! Gave me a good feeling :) keep it up man!

It is a good time to see your video as we are going to have a ten days hiking with 135km next week.

This is all great fantastic advice 👍. To share how i trained For a short 3 day 2 night hike in tough terrain , i started to go for simple long walks with dog on weekend eventually doing 9 miles with 14kg on my back. Testing clothing every weekend. When around tent , woods , terrain you can find yourself doing crawling , sitdownstandup alot. So i did alot of prison style exercises like simple burpees , leopard crawl and a suprising effective exercise of sitting down then trying to stand up in one fluent movement. squats , no weights required on any exercise just body weight.Once i got to that 9 miles and 14kg , i realised i could walk further if needed to. Constant gradual training to strengthen core body and tendons around knees feet and back . I had allsorts of back, knee injuries and stuff wasnt sure if i could carry that weight. , im 47 so built up walks gradually to avoid injury , and the exercises ended up sorting out alot of niggles .Hiking is so good and healthy for the mind and body 👍:)

Great advice - I did 24 years in the military. Yes - there will be good days and bad days!

the gear thing is true. it's always fun watching non camper friends set up their tents at festivals or different occasions. 😄

Some of those days that we were in the swamps and the mire of Maine we were just so miserable, but as bad as it can get, when we got to the top of the next mountain, it was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen or imagined! Bevis & Butthead--"If things didn't suck how would you know when it was cool" Man... it was so worth it!

Good advice - well presented.

Five VERY good bits of advice for hikers. The more a person hiker, the more they learn about their gear, their own good/bad points, and the various conditions they will encounter. Too many people sit around online asking questions and reading advice. They will gain their own wisdom and knowledge base if they spend time hiking. I am not saying one shouldn't read and listen to others, because that is important. But real knowledge and confidence is acquired by getting out there and seeing what advice actually works for themselves.

This is some great advice. Thanks for sharing :)

Excellent advice Darwin !!! My international backpacking surely taught me some of the same things........ :)

Great video Darwin! I have been following you for a while but I had not seen this video before. Embrace the suck! Great advice. Hope to see you on the PCT on 2018.

Loved the video lots of good advice!

A very good video with good advice

Best advice...ever!

Very useful info, thanks bud!

Great Advice!

When you focus, plan, do the things in your life so as the hike happens and you finally have to face your own competitive side of your personality. Reminding us this is not a competition will help me for sure.

I live in Florida, love packing in the ATC. Best training I found by accident was throwing on the pack and hiking up and down, thendoing the stairs up and down. Started out able to make that once. 3 moths later, was doing it 3 times in about same time frame. It was a 6 floor Parking garage.

Such invaluable advice for new adventurers... Ya know.. This video should be first in your series of tip videos .... I think it would help new hikers "before" they start buying gear & supplies... Might save em a heap of money. My life is on the trails... I always chuckle when passing by a hiking tramily frantically sheltering up cuz of the elements LOL..it is the adventure...in the Army I first learned about "the suck"...also the term "we train in the rain"... Folks gotta remember...it ALL is what we're out here for...if they want a walk in the park I suggest having a splendid sunny day having a picnic at the local lake shore park LOL. Anyways..another outstanding video sir.

I love the idea of embracing the suck. I am not used to hiking in the rain or snow and that's an excuse that I make a lot that prevents me from hiking but I will be more prepared for the suck and embrace the suck now

Great advice.

Excellent! Great good vid. Tks

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for Watching Carlos! Hike On, Darwin

This is good for us right now because we are planning a 50 mile hike for one of our birthdays in late September in North Carolina. We are a little worried about stress injuries that will keep us from finishing. But we will document the whole experience on our channel. Thank you.

Darwin i really like what you had to say about attitude on the trail. Its really easy to fall into a habit of complaining about every little thing out on the trail. Hike on

Subbed. Excellent advice. Was researching the PCT and ended up here. 62, been a outdoors-man all my life, But life and Health got in the way, so... training for the PCT 2018. Most of what you have said I was already doing, (Hiking,Pack carrying, figuring out weight and comfort) But needed more info. Found Dixie (Homemade Wanderlust) Now You, :) This Old Fart should have No Worries if I listen to those that have the knowledge. Thanks. Maybe see ya on the Trail.

Great viedo! Good advice.

This was great, thank you.

Glad to hear it because that’s what I’m doing!

I agree. With anything you do prepare. Hiking and knowing your gear should be obvious but I've seen a lot fail because they didn't do so.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

Yes Sir! Unpreparedness is definitely a Hike Killer! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

Embrace the suck. Love it! So true. In your training, you can make the suck harder in certain ways than it will be out on the trail. Then maybe the trail will be less of a shock to your body and mind. I actually loaded up an old highschool jansport bookbag with 40 lbs of bricks to train with. I looked like a fool walking around the neighborhood with bricks clanking around on my back, but when I got on the trail, my real pack was incredibly comfortable compared to the pain of those bricks digging into my shoulders through thin straps without much padding and no hip belt.

I swear if I could only choose one of the many pct videos to watch on youtube , this DEFINITELY would be the one!! Excellent advice! Btw, I'm stealing your nickname for my beloved husband..Snugles...how adorable!

@incomemobile8566

7 жыл бұрын

Joanne Caradonna Snuggles. Two 'g's. Otherwise it becomes Snudgles. Don't be that guy.

Hey Darwin! I used to think that hiking was such an easy sport and didn’t understand why people had to train for one. When I was 10 and went on a reasonably long hike (for a 10 year old) I was so exhausted and my feet were aching and know I have so much respect for hikers and backpackers. I do quite a bit of cycling, around 30 miles per day, and I really want to get into hiking again.

Super good advice!! I've never heard it put better..ENJOY THE SUCK....( kinda like enjoy the go). And yes, sometimes, you just need to SLOW down ( maybe not get ALL those miles planned) and take time to linger a bit and enjoy the view where you are. After all...its not ALL about the mileage....but being able to tell the story about where you have been. As John Muir said"Going into the woods is going home". I sometimes go slow just to embrace the moment......and yet another story to tell.

Great advice Darwin. When I was training for my AT thru hike I hiked through all conditions. I never made the trail because of bills but am doing the PCT in 18.

@DarwinOnthetrail

7 жыл бұрын

I'll see you out there! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, darwin

Great advice, would love to see your hike at PCT and meet you when you get to Julian, and would love to take care of your dinner

Nice work mate. Good advice :)

Spot on! Cheers geeza peace out ✌️