What Trail Do You Think Is Better for Thru-Hiking & Section Hiking? The AT, PCT, or CDT? Is there another trail that's even Better than those? 👇Let Me Know Down Below! 👇
I planned to the very last detail, a decent section hike of the Sawtooths last year. Injury forced me to abandon, I’m now over, so I’ll be there. Can’t say from experience as yet, but I would think you would want to check this area out.
Thanks Darwin. To the guy worried about age - I met so many people in their 50s and 60s on the PCT. Me being in my 40s I could have gone either way in terms of socializing, with the 20s-30s crowd or with the older crowd - the older crowd was way cooler to hang with imho. Much more confidence, wisdom, and easygoing nature. There always seemed to be tons of drama in the younger groups. (To be fair a lot of times people from different age ranges did hike together, but the dominant larger groups are younger skewing) I met a dude in his mid 70s at KM south in the Sierra cleaning up some leftover miles on the PCT, and I met a woman who was 82 hiking the JMT for the tenth time or something, by herself, with a giant pack. She said her knees weren't what they used to be but she'd finish just fine. Age is just a number.
I've also met quite a few "older" people on truhikes, but the older you get the more "luck" with your genes are needed to be able to complete a thruhike. Same goes for previous injuries that could affect the ability to hike for many hours every day.
I had the privilege to meet Darwin at Canoecopia in Madison, WI the 2nd weekend of March 2024. What a genuine and really fantastic guy. Seriously! Darwin, I really enjoyed talking with you and am so glad to see you back on RUclips! And… I do so love your new hoodie! Finally had the chance to get one for my 6’4” husband who it exactly like you and it’s an amazing fit. Very, very well done! Worth every penny!
Totally enjoyed. Age is but a number,we just have to do more prep work 😁! To ALL: May your hearts be light ❤ May your minds be calm 🌻 May your spirits be FREE 🦋 Hike on my friends!!🥾🥾⛺🏞️
I usually don't use straps on my hiking poles as well. If you fall while gripping the pole you have a good chance of injuring your wrist. Best to let go of the poles if you are falling.
I have a lightweight bag that I put over my backpack when flying. The idea is to contain all the straps that can be hooked or caught by machinery. It works fine, never had a problem.
Talking about the balance between thru-hikes and home life, now that our kids are older, we are looking at doing longer hikes and hope we can eventually go on a long distance thru hike in a couple of years. The debate is if we do the AT or PCT. It's so hard to decide. But yes, as you get older, going to the gym definitely helps to prevent injuries.
So good, thanks Darwin. If you are still in CA after the Highlander, I have 2 open permits to do the JMT SOBO from Yosemite. If you are wanting to do another PCT section hike. I have 4 total permits but don't have 4 people. Just an FYI if you are interested!
Thanks for the Q&A! From watching this I got another question :) I saw in the backround your tents are in the stuff sacks. Do you store them stuffed in the stuff sacks all the time, or would you put them in larger bags so they don't stay wrinkled? And how do you usually store your quilts - stuffed or loose? Thanks!
Very enjoyable and interesting Q&A! Although I'm kinda glad you don't do them every week anymore; I used to feel mildly guilty about not watching them 😆. Have a lovely weekend! (Also, I think circular design, recyclable running shoes are starting to be a thing; surely trail runners can't be far behind?)
I would love to see a video on something as trivial as camp cleaning. I'm about to section hike the southern section of the PCT and thinking about deserts and scarcity of water etc, how do you clean your dirty cooking pot each night or morning? Does sand make a good substitute?
Looking at all your tents and other gear just on your shelf has got me wondering. Will you ever do a ultimate gear video where you go through every piece of hiking gear you own? I think a 4 hour video with relaxing sleep music in the background would be perfect.
@darwinonthetrail I love your videos and Patreon content. Do you have a favorite section hike on the AZT? I live in the northern part of the Valley, close to BCC.
Nick, after my AT thru hike, I'm switching to UL before my JMT thru-hike. I'm switching from a hip mounted osprey backpack to your Rancer pack. What muscles should I workout to prep for the difference in weight carrying styles?
I like the idea of that "hybrid" Alpha Direct type fleece that you have on. Is that one of the products you're working on, or did I miss a review of it?
I will always say the PCT is a better Trail than the AT simply because it has less people however it feels that is changing 😢 looking forward to seeing the Divide trail
You mentioned getting older several times in your video, and how it changes some things for you. Does it shift your perspective at all of hikers who start later in life?
I am surprised you take the straps off your trekking poles as I find they are very useful if you are crossing a high, raging stream or hiking on a steep snowfield where dropping a pole would be tragic. Attaching your hand to your strap on your pole will save you from losing your pole in a precarious situation. However, if you're not in a potentially serious situation where you can lose a pole would make more sense to lose the straps.
On X Maps is $29.99/year if you want it usable offline. The free tier doesn't work offline. (20% off with Darwin's deal makes it about $23.99 for a year.)
May be a personal question, but I think it’s relevant to the topic of ageing and fitness, etc. How old are you? I’m 38 and just starting out long distance backpacking. maybe I’m looking for some encouragement lol
Sponsored by OnX? Seems like they're sponsoring quite a few YTers lately. On the age thing - it does get harder with age. Great motivation to take really good care of your body so that it will last. (still backpacking and hiking in my 60s). Finally on the environmental damage our activities do - find other ways to reduce consumption, spend less, buy less, eat lower on the food chain, etc. Balance out in other areas, and don't worry too much about a pair of shoes (or 3).
Much better presentation content for me 64 I'm still not there post cycling accidents 2019 2020 now have dupytrens lack dentition last Sept a 10 day in a field in the lovely Porlock but still determined to try need cheap tent 2 man am 6,4" ,tent ,use barefoot would love to try .Any ideas. Sleep a real issue my lanshan 1 rained on inside condensation switched over to cheapi tent flooded out ,borrowed a better sleeping bag church set off everyday to walk ,love walking communing with God Mother Nature suggestions for newbies .Sleep ? Basics cheaper gear second hand other tips for us lesser mortals.
What Trail Do You Think Is Better for Thru-Hiking & Section Hiking? The AT, PCT, or CDT? Is there another trail that's even Better than those?
👇Let Me Know Down Below! 👇
I planned to the very last detail, a decent section hike of the Sawtooths last year. Injury forced me to abandon, I’m now over, so I’ll be there. Can’t say from experience as yet, but I would think you would want to check this area out.
Thanks Darwin.
To the guy worried about age - I met so many people in their 50s and 60s on the PCT. Me being in my 40s I could have gone either way in terms of socializing, with the 20s-30s crowd or with the older crowd - the older crowd was way cooler to hang with imho. Much more confidence, wisdom, and easygoing nature. There always seemed to be tons of drama in the younger groups. (To be fair a lot of times people from different age ranges did hike together, but the dominant larger groups are younger skewing)
I met a dude in his mid 70s at KM south in the Sierra cleaning up some leftover miles on the PCT, and I met a woman who was 82 hiking the JMT for the tenth time or something, by herself, with a giant pack. She said her knees weren't what they used to be but she'd finish just fine.
Age is just a number.
Well said!
Age is just a number reminding you that you're running out of numbers.😉
@@roberttrinies7698 something tells me all your cups are half empty
@@helpfulcommenter ⅓full. 😉
I've also met quite a few "older" people on truhikes, but the older you get the more "luck" with your genes are needed to be able to complete a thruhike. Same goes for previous injuries that could affect the ability to hike for many hours every day.
I had the privilege to meet Darwin at Canoecopia in Madison, WI the 2nd weekend of March 2024. What a genuine and really fantastic guy. Seriously! Darwin, I really enjoyed talking with you and am so glad to see you back on RUclips! And… I do so love your new hoodie! Finally had the chance to get one for my 6’4” husband who it exactly like you and it’s an amazing fit. Very, very well done! Worth every penny!
Thank you for the Monty Python question! Whoever you are…you rock baby!!
Easily the Best Question asked 😂
@@DarwinOnthetrail It's however equally fascinating that you recognize the question that easily :) I know a lot of people who couldn't do that... :)
One of the greatest movies ever made. I'm a huge Eric Idle & John Cleese fan!
“It’s just a flesh wound.” Most quoted (and fabulous) film ever IMO.
Thank you. I missed these. They are often more informative than regular videos.
Always fun to do a Good Ol' Fashion Q&A!
Living in WA….I CANNOT decide which section here is best. Cannot decide. Goat Rocks, Alpine Lakes, Glacier Peak, North Cascades…all are the best!
You’re so much better than ever!!! Love that you’re back!!!!!
Agree, the cascades and Washington state was my favorit
Absolutely Gorgeous! 🏔
Always my favorite of your vids, the Q&A's
It was really cool running into you at the water crossing I cant wait to hike the PCT some day!
Hope you had a great hike!
Darwin I'm glad you are back on youtube...you helped me choose my gear back in the day haha.
❤️
@@DarwinOnthetrailhe’s helped me update my gear🫡
Thanks for the Q&A, lots of useful info, and curiosity in them .. love to hear the random questions people asked 😊
You Bet!
Haha thanks for answering my question 😂🎉 always wondered that about the straps, they kind of annoy me too… might be time to take them off…
A small Tiny Screwdriver & a Hammer is the best way to knock that Pin Out 😉
Definitely safer during a fall.
Totally enjoyed. Age is but a number,we just have to do more prep work 😁!
To ALL:
May your hearts be light ❤
May your minds be calm 🌻
May your spirits be FREE 🦋
Hike on my friends!!🥾🥾⛺🏞️
I’m really glad you’re back making content.
Thanks! Glad to be back!
I usually don't use straps on my hiking poles as well. If you fall while gripping the pole you have a good chance of injuring your wrist. Best to let go of the poles if you are falling.
I have a lightweight bag that I put over my backpack when flying. The idea is to contain all the straps that can be hooked or caught by machinery. It works fine, never had a problem.
Talking about the balance between thru-hikes and home life, now that our kids are older, we are looking at doing longer hikes and hope we can eventually go on a long distance thru hike in a couple of years. The debate is if we do the AT or PCT. It's so hard to decide. But yes, as you get older, going to the gym definitely helps to prevent injuries.
So good, thanks Darwin. If you are still in CA after the Highlander, I have 2 open permits to do the JMT SOBO from Yosemite. If you are wanting to do another PCT section hike. I have 4 total permits but don't have 4 people. Just an FYI if you are interested!
You absolutely need a permit for the first section of the PCT if you intend to disperse camp in Cleveland NF (MM12.5-53.2 and 112.7-124.8).
Yup one of the few exceptions to his answer. Thanks for pointing that out! 😊 Always check the local regulations where you intend to go.
Foot Hills Trail SC/ NC❤❤❤
Almost peed my pants with the Scarpas in the gym footage. Well played.
Gotta break em’ in somehow 😉
Thanks for the Q&A! From watching this I got another question :) I saw in the backround your tents are in the stuff sacks. Do you store them stuffed in the stuff sacks all the time, or would you put them in larger bags so they don't stay wrinkled? And how do you usually store your quilts - stuffed or loose? Thanks!
Very enjoyable and interesting Q&A! Although I'm kinda glad you don't do them every week anymore; I used to feel mildly guilty about not watching them 😆. Have a lovely weekend! (Also, I think circular design, recyclable running shoes are starting to be a thing; surely trail runners can't be far behind?)
Thanks! I'm also kinda glad I don't do them all the time now 😅
Thank you Darwin you are the BEST!
You're welcome! ❤️
what storage method do you have there? A storage unit or your own house?
I would love to see a video on something as trivial as camp cleaning. I'm about to section hike the southern section of the PCT and thinking about deserts and scarcity of water etc, how do you clean your dirty cooking pot each night or morning? Does sand make a good substitute?
Looking at all your tents and other gear just on your shelf has got me wondering. Will you ever do a ultimate gear video where you go through every piece of hiking gear you own? I think a 4 hour video with relaxing sleep music in the background would be perfect.
No, probably not 😂
What do you do with the travel duffle?
I will typically store it at someone's house or a Hotel that I stayed at the night before
@@DarwinOnthetrail thanks ✌🏼
So glad you pulled back to work on your marriage and home life. Makes me like you even more.
❤️❤️❤️
@darwinonthetrail I love your videos and Patreon content. Do you have a favorite section hike on the AZT? I live in the northern part of the Valley, close to BCC.
Nick, after my AT thru hike, I'm switching to UL before my JMT thru-hike. I'm switching from a hip mounted osprey backpack to your Rancer pack. What muscles should I workout to prep for the difference in weight carrying styles?
Thanks for the video, did ever consider revisiting parts of the CDT, like the cirque of the towers loop?
I would love to Re-Hike that section!
My wife and I did a 5 day cirque loop from all trails last August. About 10 miles a day. Lots of time to enjoy the scenery.
I like the idea of that "hybrid" Alpha Direct type fleece that you have on. Is that one of the products you're working on, or did I miss a review of it?
The fleece Darwin is wearing in the video looks like a Norrøna Lyngen Alpha90.
God I love the trinity alps. I like to try and hike Thompson peak
I will always say the PCT is a better Trail than the AT simply because it has less people however it feels that is changing 😢 looking forward to seeing the Divide trail
It's definitely changing!
Welcome back!!
You mentioned getting older several times in your video, and how it changes some things for you. Does it shift your perspective at all of hikers who start later in life?
I am surprised you take the straps off your trekking poles as I find they are very useful if you are crossing a high, raging stream or hiking on a steep snowfield where dropping a pole would be tragic. Attaching your hand to your strap on your pole will save you from losing your pole in a precarious situation. However, if you're not in a potentially serious situation where you can lose a pole would make more sense to lose the straps.
Great answers!
Andrew Skurka removes has trekking poles as well.
@darwinonthetrail - who runs Evolved while you’re busy? Just curious.
I do 😅
I own Evolved with a good friend, but also have our lead sewist that helps out in our shop here in Flagstaff, AZ
Do you ever think about re-thru-hiking any of the big 3?
Not at this point in my life
Love that statement…hiking without comfort is kinda stupid 😂agree 👍
Absolutely!
On X Maps is $29.99/year if you want it usable offline. The free tier doesn't work offline. (20% off with Darwin's deal makes it about $23.99 for a year.)
May be a personal question, but I think it’s relevant to the topic of ageing and fitness, etc. How old are you? I’m 38 and just starting out long distance backpacking. maybe I’m looking for some encouragement lol
Can recommend the cheap duffle bag method to check in backpacks when flying, done for years going to Finland in winter
Darwin, how did you get your trail name? I'm sure it's been asked and answered before, but I'm curious.
from the internet ..An Indiana native, Darwin chose his trail name because “I’m constantly evolving; and the beard, too.”
The best one is whichever one you do first!
Not in this case for me 😉
Soo good.
Sponsored by OnX? Seems like they're sponsoring quite a few YTers lately. On the age thing - it does get harder with age. Great motivation to take really good care of your body so that it will last. (still backpacking and hiking in my 60s). Finally on the environmental damage our activities do - find other ways to reduce consumption, spend less, buy less, eat lower on the food chain, etc. Balance out in other areas, and don't worry too much about a pair of shoes (or 3).
The Monty Python question got me rolling
I liked the PCT best..
My friend, you are a youngster. Im 72yo, see you on the TMB
How could someone ever answer the question, when are you going to be through ?? I’m sixty now. You are never through… until, ya know.
I'm still hiking the PCT at 71.....
Much better presentation content for me 64 I'm still not there post cycling accidents 2019 2020 now have dupytrens lack dentition last Sept a 10 day in a field in the lovely Porlock but still determined to try need cheap tent 2 man am 6,4" ,tent ,use barefoot would love to try .Any ideas. Sleep a real issue my lanshan 1 rained on inside condensation switched over to cheapi tent flooded out ,borrowed a better sleeping bag church set off everyday to walk ,love walking communing with God Mother Nature suggestions for newbies .Sleep ? Basics cheaper gear second hand other tips for us lesser mortals.
Foistttttt