Difference between revisions of "Steps to Prepare for a Thruhike"
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==Physical Training & Skill Building== | ==Physical Training & Skill Building== | ||
* Research and physically train according to the conditions expected on trail. | * Research and physically train according to the conditions expected on trail. | ||
| − | * Practice using your ice axe. | + | * Practice snow traversal with microspikes/crampons and self-arrest using your ice axe. |
| − | * Review the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. | + | * Review the [https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ Seven Principles] of Leave No Trace. |
* Go on some shakedown hikes to test your gear and comfort levels. | * Go on some shakedown hikes to test your gear and comfort levels. | ||
* Practice throwing a bear hang, if necessary. | * Practice throwing a bear hang, if necessary. | ||
Revision as of 13:54, 6 December 2021
Common tasks to complete prior to beginning a thruhike.
Contents
Friends, Family, and Employment
- Find a person or service to handle your mail.
- Notify your landlord and employer.
Logistics & Life Organization
- Arrange travel to your starting point.
- Learn which phone carriers are most reliable for your trail, and consider switching, if necessary.
- Setup your blog/social media/etc.
- Put your belonging in storage.
- Set your email vacation reminder.
- If you have a vehicle that will be placed in storage or not driven, have someone routinely run the vehicle, or disconnect the battery and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank
- Ensure a trusted person has access to important personal documents and passwords in the event of an emergency
Gear
- Figure out section-specific gear. Will you need warmer layers? An ice axe? Extra water capacity?
- Check the condition of your gear, and make any needed repairs.
Trail Planning & Resupply
- Obtain all necessary permits for trail, campsites, and campfires.
- Confirm that water sources will be available during your intended timeframe.
- Learn about the resupply options on your trail. Determine if and where you would like to send resupply boxes.
- Keep an eye on the snowpack, if applicable.
Bills & Finances
- Cancel your car insurance and, if applicable, surrender plates/registration. Depending on location, local laws may require comprehensive-only/parked car insurance, even if a car is in storage.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions.
- Ensure all bills are set to autopay with email and text notifications turned on for payment status
- Notify your credit card company you’ll be traveling. Make sure you know your debit PIN.
- Check the expiration date on credit and debit cards, drivers license, passport, and so on. Renewing while on the trail can be difficult.
- Lock credit reports
- File taxes
Physical Training & Skill Building
- Research and physically train according to the conditions expected on trail.
- Practice snow traversal with microspikes/crampons and self-arrest using your ice axe.
- Review the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
- Go on some shakedown hikes to test your gear and comfort levels.
- Practice throwing a bear hang, if necessary.
- Learn to identify plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poodle-dog bush, and learn how to safely remove ticks.
Health
- Visit your doctor and dentist for check-ups, and if applicable, receive vaccinations/boosters and renew prescriptions for the duration you expect to be on trail.
- Purchase health insurance that provides coverage for the entirety of the trail. Some healthcare plans now include optional coverage for wilderness rescue.
- If bringing a GPS device/beacon, set up the subscription, configure the device, and practice using it. Share GPS tracker access information with key family/friends.
- Download books, movies, music, apps, maps, etc.
