Steps to Prepare for a Thruhike
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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.
- Get any needed permits.
- Put your belonging in storage.
- Set your email vacation reminder.
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
- 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 surrender plates/registration.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions.
- Put your bills on autopay.
- 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.
Training & Skills
- Practice 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
- Get in shape.
- Visit your doctor and renew prescriptions.
- Get any needed vaccinations / boosters.
- Health insurance.
- If bringing a beacon, setup the subscription, configure the device, and practice using it.
- Download books, movies, music, apps, maps, etc.
