There is no way to know until you get on the trail, right? My biggest was not buying great shoes or proper shoes for long hikes, and a lighter tent. Other mistakes I think I avoid watching your channel and learning from experienced hikers!
Big regret...letting life keep me from backpacking more in my younger years. I also tried a three day hike when I was not physically ready. That did not end well and I had to bail.
I had a similar experience with UL packing. I'm in my fifties, so when I started backpacking, EVERYTHING was heavy. Nobody was talking ultarlight then, but a light baseweight would have been around 20 pounds, not 10. So when all this ultra lightweight gear started to come on the market, I started shedding pounds off my loadout. And the experience got so much better, so I thought - let's go UL and it will be even better... and I got there, but as my BW dropped below 12 pounds, everything besides the actual hiking got so much worse. My sleep was worse. My relaxed time in camp was worse. My meals were worse... So I started picking the luxury items that I missed most and adding them back in a bit at a time until eventually I settled around 13 pounds BW and that was the sweet spot for me where my pack was plenty light to not feel like a weight on my back, and the rest of the experience was truly comfortable and enjoyable. UL + pillow + frying pan and seasonings + a couple extra clothing items and sometimes a camp chair = heaven
I'm in my fiftys as well. Actually 55 I never understood the trend to drop all this weight and make the enjoyable parts about backpacking as miserable as the hiking. To me hiking has always been the suffer. Then camp is where you get to relax and enjoy your hard work. I always take different clothes to sleep in extra socks and underwear. Plus a change of clothes. That is no noticeable weight in my opinion. A chair is a most. Unless I'm hammock camping then I don't need it. I'm liking hammocks more and more. I gave up tents for a tarp and a 2person bug net with floor. Remember the days of rolled up egg crate foam? Lol
@@richardhenry1969 Yeah, love hammocks as long as I'm going where I know I can hang. And sleep clothes is a must. I did drop a bunch of weight just in the big three - 3lbs off for a better pack, half pound for a quilt, and about a pound for a DCF tent that fits me better anyway. For me, the luxuries were mostly kitchen items - a frying pan that weighs 6 oz and allows me to cook nearly anything, some seasonings and olive oil... And the pillow changed the game - no matter what I do, no clothing bag or whatever works well. The whole day is better when you sleep well. Keep on keeping on, brother!
Realizing regret is the first step to changing future behaviour. You've grown a lot over the years, and gaining some wisdom along the way! Keep up the great work
I've followed you for some years now, meet you on two different occasions, and I think you're a good guy. The video was good to watch and actually to see someone tell "their" mistakes, not "beginner" mistakes as if they've never made the mistakes before. Unlike countless other youtubers, you've got the miles and the experience to make a video like this. Thanks for sharing your "wrong" or "mistakes" or whatever one would like to call it. I just hope like hell you don't fall in to the videos like many of these other youtubers are doing, your content has been way too damn good for that! As for the biggest regret, it's what you mentioned here and in another video a while back, good shoe wear and changing them when you first feel it's time they're gone and replace them immediately
Only started getting into hiking/camping in my late 30s/early 40s when I met my current boyfriend. I always had a love for adventure but now I have a partner who loves the same things and we adventure together. I wish so much I had of started all of this at an earlier age.
I can’t really put my finger on why, but I feel like this is one of the best videos you’ve done in a while. I can’t tell if it’s because you seem specifically genuine, or if it’s that you’re giving very good advice, or if it’s a combination of a bunch of things. But I just wanted to let you know that it was enjoyable and informative. I don’t think you get told enough that you’re a credit, and a very valuable member, of our community.
Something I regret? Not getting out and hiking more… I’m trying to make it more of a priority, for my mental health. Thanks for the great vid, as always!
God, I love this one! Thank you sooo much for voicing this! I’m older now , 74, and still get out, but what I am able to do has changed radically. I was in extreme sports for years, loved it. I truly regret not revisiting some of the areas before they got so busy… my memories started in the 50’s..Yosemite with my folks, high sierras as a teen, the Canyon ….You can imagine… I did the AT in 70, was hurting and didn’t do any of the formal sign in stuff.. kinda regret that in a way… trail helped me heal. Yet there is so much joy in what I CAN do. Being comfortable has enabled me to do more … I hike slower but longer hours and take in the beauty, the “why” of being out there. I’ve followed you for sometime, seemed like you lost your joy in it for awhile. It thrilled me to see you get that back! We do trail Angel things and the people we meet are amazing! So many different stories and experiences…. Just Thanks for sharing , think this might be you most impactful vlog yet! Hugz, Granny ❤
I think that is what makes backpacking great. The evolution of the backpacker. Age really does make us wiser. It is great to see that you document how you have evolved your thinking and passing it along to others. Keep it up.
This is all right-on Darwin. I’ve been backpacking for 50 years and I’ve also learned some some things from you. All of what you’ve said here is true for me except sharing gear with your mate. I’m locked-in on that but everybody’s relationship is different. Great vid.
While I’m still a novice in the hiking/backpacking world, I definitely can agree with ensuring you take care of your body! 20 years in the military and feeling for many years that I was young and infallible has definitely taken its toll. Definitely need to ensure that I am listening to what my body is telling me. thank you for another great video !
Great reflections and maturity! I regret not doing much training when younger and not hiking more. At 71 I now train hard to keep multiday hiking, and love each day Im out there now.
Hey Darwin, we planned our through hike in 2020 & began in GA Feb 21st 2021. I learned a lot from you, we tried some things you suggested & discovered it wasn't for us but that helped us find out what worked before we got on trail. Oddly, we shared a tent & loved it but wouldn't have considered sleeping head to foot. Shared a cock pot, stove, filter but we chose air mattress's and a pump. I learned about filming our experience from watching your videos. We being older 59 & 62 & being married 42 yrs loved each others company. It was the best experience of our lives. Sadly we had to quit in Bennington VT at 1,615 miles due to a blood clot in my thigh from my cancer medicine. Thank you for your videos, I now know that it like anything is work to make it worth while.
Great video documenting self reflection. Too many of us spend far too much time defending our choices instead of listening to our bodies and experience and making the alterations that create more personal joy and growth. It's all about the journey and EVOLVING! I continue to love your videography and information.
A smart man learns from their mistakes. A foolish man doesn’t learn from any mistakes. A wise man learns from others’ mistakes. Thank you much for helping me become wiser in hiking.
Great video. After 25+ years, I can relate to so much! I recall a few years back you discussed "Simplicity vs. Weight" and that really resonated with me. I feel like backpacking is hard enough so the more simple I can make it for myself, the happier I am. E.g., I posted a recent overnight fastpack video... and I took a 16oz chair. It was glorious!
That is most impressive: genuine wisdom, and anyone watching could see it. These are the things one regrets on one's deathbed. You've had the drive, experience and insight to learn it early. Well done. Best wishes.
Man, Darwin, I LOVE that you're backtracking on the training thing. To be honest, I think you were somewhat correct, when you were saying the best way to train for a hike is to just hike - caveat: *at your age* at the time. The older we get, as you're now finding out, the better we do, overall, when our bodies are regularly training in a good range of motion with proper resistance. This applies to any physical feat we're trying - long distance hiking, swimming, climbing, whatever. When we're younger we can get away with so much more. Hell I was skateboarding till I was into my late 20s and continuing to fall and bang myself up and get up and keep going, but it was already starting to feel rough. Now in my mid-40s, a fall on a skateboard is a whole other ball game. I trained before my PCT hike in the gym and by hiking (gotta combine them imho) and I think it prevented injury, like you say. Good for you for..... .....evolving. :)
I can relate to the listening to your body comment. About three years ago I noticed that my cardio fitness had really deteriorated. A couple weeks later I felt a flutter near my left shoulder. A couple weeks after the flutter I drove myself to urgent care. Turned out I had a heart attack! Three years later I’m hiking and running. Oh, I will soon be 67 years old.
Really enjoyed this longitudinal view of your experiences. I've watched your videos for ages and learned a lot along the way with you. I'm 38 and probably close to your age... I'm having many retrospectives as well concerning my own journeys; it sure is interesting to see what a decade or so will reveal.
I love your perspective about not sharing stuff! My husband doesn’t backpack, but my friends sometimes give me crap for not wanting to share stuff with the group. But I just like having my own stuff!
Love to see this video. All good advice. I started on the AT in '79 as a trail maintainer north of Roanoke, Va. Fast forward 30 years, and becoming an empty nester, I started serious LASHing. First goal was to finish VA. Then up to Duncannon. Then Damascus to Springer. Lastly, I finished Vermont to Duncannon. The last 450 miles I have yet to complete are NH & ME. I can tell you the sections where I physically prepped weeks and months in advance were much easier than the ones I did on a whim with little prep. The unavoidable problem with LASHing is that it still takes 3-4 weeks to get your legs, and then it's time to go home. Thanks for the videos to keep me motivated and inspired to finish. The other advice I will add is that giving trail magic is a wonderful motivator as well. One year, I was doing TM in Shenandoah, and I went home and decided to do a 150-mile LASH the next week. I couldn't do that today. Papa Muskrat
Very nice video. Sure you made mistakes with hindsight, but that's what learning and growing is all about. Just don't call them regrets, regretting something you did or didn't do can cast a shadow, a bitterness on your memories, just laugh it off as a mistake and move on...and have no regrets. (from the UK where we don't have long trails like yours!)
Taking separate tents is magic. I will do this this year. I love her but my own tent would be a game changer. We can still hang out in a tent but at night, separate
Solid video as always, man. I'm so happy you went deeper (way deeper) than just talking about your glasses in that glacial pond and other kind of shallow low hanging fruit-content that a lot of other youtubers would do just to make content for the content's sake. This means more. Hopefully I'll be able to do another trek with you again someday, the TMB last year was a great experience for me. Cheers from Norway.
Hey Darwin. Great comments! Thank you. Love you too.
8 месяцев назад
I very recently did an awesome 4 day first aid seminar that catered specifically to being outdoors (hiking etc). Practicing calling emergency services, and how to deal with an incoming heli, etc. That greatly helped me feel more confident (do I need to abort or can I take it a bit easier and go on) and also better understand what I should carry as a medkit and how to use it - either for myself, my hiking partner, or others I might meet on the trails. I'll be refreshing that one periodically.
It is so good to hear about your base weight issues. In the mid 80's, when I began to lighten my load, everyone I hiked with was always several pounds lighter than me. I finally got my base weight down to about 12 pounds and only had to add 2 pounds for colder weather trips. The last ALDHA Ruck I attended I took my pack, loaded for a six day trip, to be "professionally" assessed. They wanted me to get down to 8 pounds, so I stopped going to their Rucks.
That was a solid set of confessions. I appreciate your experience and wisdom and why I often use you as a guide when learning new things. Thanks for taking a break but even more, thanks for coming back.
Good to be honest with the people that you’ve been supporting- it’s all about keeping things realistic while the great service that you do says. . . .hey, wait a minute. . . .-let’s take a step back . . . .-yes , that is the real deal, thanks for sharing this ongoing support! 🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
Have you ever considered carrying the heavier items in some sort of a belt kit? I'm not an ultralite hiker by any stretch, but I noticed that when I put more load on the hips and keep the rucksack feather-light, I'm able to cover more distance, maintain better balance and agility, minimise chances of injury and be less exhausted at the end of the day.
Great information, I noted years ago that many of the most fit hikers and climbers I was with were big into bike riding, so I took it up too. Thanks for putting it out there.
Haven’t watched your videos in quite some time. This was a really good one to come back to! The title piqued my interest and I love this self reflection
I’m about to go on my first backpacking trip, and I super appreciate you putting your mistakes out there for noobs like me to learn from! Love your videos man!
I thru hiked the Appalachian trail in 2023. I wish i could have enjoyed it more to be brutally honest was in considerable pain and struggling whith the why i was doing it definitely dealing with mental problems and working thru truama but know that I've got it sorted mostly the next one (Pacific crest trail) ill focus on enjoying it more and really try to make it about having a good time hopefully with new friends.
My son, obviously 1/2 my age and I hiked the JMT. That in itself was epic, but….he would spend time on top of a pass, worried, but then cold and then irritated by the time I arrived. This was daily. I therefore never gave myself the needed breaks in an effort to always keep up. I didn’t take care of my body and hygiene just to keep up. I completed it! Did I really enjoy it? Jury is out. I went NOBO and hiking over the last Donahue Pass, my son came across a young woman. They connected for a long while, because they were both waiting for their mothers. She was just starting sobo with her Mom. Many, many hours later I ran into her Mom and I knew they were in for the same experience.
Your videos are getting better and better! I have enjoyed this latest part of your life journey. You are “evolving” and we are learning from your “regrets”. Don’t worry about any nay sayers. Bravo.
lol forgot my regrets…tried to thru the AT this year without any strength training and had to stop after 100 miles because of a stress fracture. Totally preventable with weight/strength training.
This was a great video. Seems like you learned a lot these years. I plan to walk Te Aroroa end of this year. Will take your advice. Esp the listening to your body/small pains and aches before they become big ones seems important. I’m 53 and have always been virtually free of serious injury but this is slowly changing 😂. I plan to enjoy the hike and the people, take enough resting days I and plan to not go for the familiar:’ I think I can make it in ’ this time around.
Great video. Concerning being more focused on others, there is merit to that. This should be a life philosophy we all should adopt, purposing to help our fellow humans. It comes from a deep place of care and a love for people. You would not believe what kinds of doors get opened because of that. Plus the lasting relationships that happen as well. Keep up the good work.
The 10 or so years that I spent embarrassing myself in crit and road races were definitely the healthiest I ever was in my life. I was on the bicycle everyday and paying a lot more attention to what I ate for dinner in those days. 🚲
OMG the Elina shout out was amazing. As if I could not love this channel more, you go and shout out another of my favorites. Go watch Elina's journey. It's awesome. Hike on, Darwin. You're my original vicarious PCT and AT experience. And you are the original inspiration that got me out on the PCT literally this past weekend. My first real backpack trip on trail in probably 15 years. I love you for this, and will be a lifelong fan and subscriber.
I have always enjoyed your insight even if I didn't always agree with it all, but the transparency in this video was truly insightful and beneficial as I continue to introduce my son to hiking and backpacking. Thank you.
I did not know you have a history in triathlon, how cool is that! But it explains some of your regrets, I think. About keeping up a high pace, being that focussed, etc.
I found your channel when I first started backpacking. Honestly, and I’m 100% not blaming you or any others, but I wish that I wouldn’t have listened to RUclips backpackers as much. Especially about base weight. For years, I chased a sub-10lbs base weight. Now, like you, I’ve decided that it’s good to go as light as possible, but if you skimp on som things, your trip will just be miserable. Although, I am glad that I listened to you regarding some gear. I’m a huge fan of Zpacks now. As well as a lot of other cottage companies.
Excellent advice! On getting out hiking for preparations is still a really good idea IMO. The problem is that very few can spend enough time doing it to prepare for a thruhike so any other more intensive training is extremely beneficial. On ultralight - I think everyone need to try for themself to find the right balance.
Really good thoughts, thanks. I've cycled across the U.S. several times and wish I had done it differently. Weight training in the gym is excellent advice for all sports, it helps with balance, overall strength, bone density, and if you fall it might help you land without injury. Happy trails!
I agree - go with comfort and performance and then look at weight - I never weigh my rucksack these days. Just put in what I think I want to enjoy my time in the fells.
Ultralight is a beautiful approach to hiking. It challenges and encourages. It frees and unburdens. It's always changing and growing. You may regret some parts - but to me it's all a beautiful adventure in discovering the best you can be.
Great advice! And you're correct - Elina Osborne video "It is the People" is amazing! Wish I would have taken more pics and vids of people during my adventures.
Totally agree with the UL vs Comfort balance. I carry a z-fold pad AND an inflatable. I stack them with the inflatable on top. I get added warmth AND a comfortable night's sleep. I use an inflatable pillow with an elastic strap to cinch to my pad. Nothing worse at night than a tiny inflatable that is constantly squirming out from under your head. These are my luxuries and it makes all the difference in the world. Totally worth the extra ounces.
Totally agree with training! Currently hiking the PCT. At 54, I was able to start off with 20 mile days and did my first 30 within a few weeks, injury and pain-free because I did strength training in the gym in addition to hiking. People don't realize how important ot is to properly train to mitigate injury.
Not on a thru-hike thankfully, but one short trip I naively thought all electrolytes were about the same. I picked up some “hydration” additives and didn’t read the contents. I got SO dizzy in the heat even though I drank 6-7 liters. When I got to camp it took 3-4 hours to cool down (in Colorado). I couldn’t fall asleep because I was so hot. I also had no appetite and had to force myself to eat, which was nauseating. Come to find out the “hydration” additive I was using had very low sodium. 🤦🏻♀️ I regret not educating myself earlier about balanced electrolytes.
So much wisedom in your video and I hope people will learn from that. A trhu-hike can be tough. Mentally and physically, that's why base weight shouldn't become an obsession and comfort items are essentials. There's Ultra-Light, and Stupid Light :)
Excellent video. I can identify with parts of it. I regret not start when I was young and unfettered. Now I'm just hoping that I can hold it together physically for another 8 years until I'm retired (and that the economy doesn't delay that retirement) and can spend several months hiking.
Oh great. I've got 10 weeks to build a base for the John Muir Trail. And I'll be 66. (But I have hiked the Colorado Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, and Collegiate Loop.) I'm so screwed. But seriously: this is a great list and I've learned SO MUCH from you over the past four years! Thank you!
Wow! Dude, I am an old person and several years ago you and your videos helped me get back into backpacking. I did a small section of the AT with my son and it hasn't stopped there. I just walked/hiked entire the Camino de Santiago in Spain and while it isn't exactly backpacking we carried our "stuff" in a pack on our backs. I tried to keep it light, but I needed comfort too and it was a worthwhile compromise. This is a really inspirational video! One thing you can never regret is making the videos that have gotten countless folks out on the trail.
The Camino is great to get into long distance hiking as you don’t need to carry a shelter. You still get the great encounters with awesome individuals and the alone time with your thoughts and demons. And of course if you are catholic you get some of your sins forgiven ;)))
I regret not stretching and strengthening my core and glutes more over the years. I didn’t want to “waste” time doing those things before running, hiking and cycling. It caught up with me in my 60’s with lower back issues. Now I’m trying to dig myself out of that hole while dealing with pain and weakness.
What are some of your BIGGEST REGRETS from Backpacking or Thru-Hiking? Let Me Know Down Below! 👇👇
There is no way to know until you get on the trail, right? My biggest was not buying great shoes or proper shoes for long hikes, and a lighter tent. Other mistakes I think I avoid watching your channel and learning from experienced hikers!
Big regret...letting life keep me from backpacking more in my younger years. I also tried a three day hike when I was not physically ready. That did not end well and I had to bail.
I haven't done a through hike yet but I appreciate your wisdom and all you have learned. Thank you for helping future hikers.
Not learning much about plants and foraging, which now seems like a great thing to learn about - finally giving it a try. 🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
Not listening to my body (self-care, nutrition) worrying about miles.
no-one is wise when they are young...wisdom comes from experience. great content mate!
Well Said! ❤️
I don't look at things as a "regret" but more as a "learning experience" to becoming a better person in the future.
I had a similar experience with UL packing. I'm in my fifties, so when I started backpacking, EVERYTHING was heavy. Nobody was talking ultarlight then, but a light baseweight would have been around 20 pounds, not 10. So when all this ultra lightweight gear started to come on the market, I started shedding pounds off my loadout. And the experience got so much better, so I thought - let's go UL and it will be even better... and I got there, but as my BW dropped below 12 pounds, everything besides the actual hiking got so much worse. My sleep was worse. My relaxed time in camp was worse. My meals were worse... So I started picking the luxury items that I missed most and adding them back in a bit at a time until eventually I settled around 13 pounds BW and that was the sweet spot for me where my pack was plenty light to not feel like a weight on my back, and the rest of the experience was truly comfortable and enjoyable.
UL + pillow + frying pan and seasonings + a couple extra clothing items and sometimes a camp chair = heaven
I'm in my fiftys as well. Actually 55 I never understood the trend to drop all this weight and make the enjoyable parts about backpacking as miserable as the hiking.
To me hiking has always been the suffer. Then camp is where you get to relax and enjoy your hard work.
I always take different clothes to sleep in extra socks and underwear. Plus a change of clothes. That is no noticeable weight in my opinion.
A chair is a most. Unless I'm hammock camping then I don't need it.
I'm liking hammocks more and more. I gave up tents for a tarp and a 2person bug net with floor.
Remember the days of rolled up egg crate foam? Lol
@@richardhenry1969 Yeah, love hammocks as long as I'm going where I know I can hang. And sleep clothes is a must. I did drop a bunch of weight just in the big three - 3lbs off for a better pack, half pound for a quilt, and about a pound for a DCF tent that fits me better anyway.
For me, the luxuries were mostly kitchen items - a frying pan that weighs 6 oz and allows me to cook nearly anything, some seasonings and olive oil...
And the pillow changed the game - no matter what I do, no clothing bag or whatever works well. The whole day is better when you sleep well.
Keep on keeping on, brother!
Realizing regret is the first step to changing future behaviour. You've grown a lot over the years, and gaining some wisdom along the way! Keep up the great work
I've followed you for some years now, meet you on two different occasions, and I think you're a good guy. The video was good to watch and actually to see someone tell "their" mistakes, not "beginner" mistakes as if they've never made the mistakes before. Unlike countless other youtubers, you've got the miles and the experience to make a video like this. Thanks for sharing your "wrong" or "mistakes" or whatever one would like to call it. I just hope like hell you don't fall in to the videos like many of these other youtubers are doing, your content has been way too damn good for that! As for the biggest regret, it's what you mentioned here and in another video a while back, good shoe wear and changing them when you first feel it's time they're gone and replace them immediately
Too damn many "Beginner Mistakes" Videos. I can only speak from my perspective on things, so that's all I know to do. Thanks for watching! 🤙
@@DarwinOnthetrail Great respect for you dude! That's all i know
My biggest regret is that I didn't have (or make) the time to do more of it when I was younger.
Concur Miguel! I had hoped to have finished the trail - but I at least made it to the half-way point.
@@kenwbrenner nice job! 🤙
Only started getting into hiking/camping in my late 30s/early 40s when I met my current boyfriend. I always had a love for adventure but now I have a partner who loves the same things and we adventure together. I wish so much I had of started all of this at an earlier age.
@@MiguelGomezMountainRunner Thank you sir, God blessed!
@@forestfirelight agree so much with this. If you can’t share this with you partner it is such a wasted experience
I can’t really put my finger on why, but I feel like this is one of the best videos you’ve done in a while. I can’t tell if it’s because you seem specifically genuine, or if it’s that you’re giving very good advice, or if it’s a combination of a bunch of things. But I just wanted to let you know that it was enjoyable and informative. I don’t think you get told enough that you’re a credit, and a very valuable member, of our community.
I give you credit for admitting your mistakes. It takes courage and integrity to do it. Good luck and keep on hiking.
Something I regret? Not getting out and hiking more… I’m trying to make it more of a priority, for my mental health. Thanks for the great vid, as always!
God, I love this one! Thank you sooo much for voicing this! I’m older now , 74, and still get out, but what I am able to do has changed radically. I was in extreme sports for years, loved it. I truly regret not revisiting some of the areas before they got so busy… my memories started in the 50’s..Yosemite with my folks, high sierras as a teen, the Canyon ….You can imagine… I did the AT in 70, was hurting and didn’t do any of the formal sign in stuff.. kinda regret that in a way… trail helped me heal.
Yet there is so much joy in what I CAN do. Being comfortable has enabled me to do more … I hike slower but longer hours and take in the beauty, the “why” of being out there. I’ve followed you for sometime, seemed like you lost your joy in it for awhile. It thrilled me to see you get that back! We do trail Angel things and the people we meet are amazing! So many different stories and experiences…. Just Thanks for sharing , think this might be you most impactful vlog yet! Hugz, Granny ❤
I think that is what makes backpacking great. The evolution of the backpacker. Age really does make us wiser. It is great to see that you document how you have evolved your thinking and passing it along to others. Keep it up.
That was always the #1 goal of the channel 🤙
Thanks for sharing the hard-earned wisdom! I think I'll invest in a nice sleeping pad.
There is no evolution without change
It is very humble and noble of you to admit that you were wrong
Major respect for you bro
This is all right-on Darwin. I’ve been backpacking for 50 years and I’ve also learned some some things from you. All of what you’ve said here is true for me except sharing gear with your mate. I’m locked-in on that but everybody’s relationship is different. Great vid.
While I’m still a novice in the hiking/backpacking world, I definitely can agree with ensuring you take care of your body! 20 years in the military and feeling for many years that I was young and infallible has definitely taken its toll. Definitely need to ensure that I am listening to what my body is telling me. thank you for another great video !
Great reflections and maturity! I regret not doing much training when younger and not hiking more. At 71 I now train hard to keep multiday hiking, and love each day Im out there now.
Ahhh, the wisdom that comes with age (through experience)! Thanks for the honesty.
My pleasure!
Hey Darwin, we planned our through hike in 2020 & began in GA Feb 21st 2021. I learned a lot from you, we tried some things you suggested & discovered it wasn't for us but that helped us find out what worked before we got on trail. Oddly, we shared a tent & loved it but wouldn't have considered sleeping head to foot. Shared a cock pot, stove, filter but we chose air mattress's and a pump. I learned about filming our experience from watching your videos. We being older 59 & 62 & being married 42 yrs loved each others company. It was the best experience of our lives. Sadly we had to quit in Bennington VT at 1,615 miles due to a blood clot in my thigh from my cancer medicine. Thank you for your videos, I now know that it like anything is work to make it worth while.
Life, just like a hike, is about the people we travel with or meet on the way, thank you, for sharing Darwin
Great video documenting self reflection. Too many of us spend far too much time defending our choices instead of listening to our bodies and experience and making the alterations that create more personal joy and growth. It's all about the journey and EVOLVING! I continue to love your videography and information.
Darwin, thanks for making yourself vulnerable. Good advice.
A smart man learns from their mistakes. A foolish man doesn’t learn from any mistakes. A wise man learns from others’ mistakes. Thank you much for helping me become wiser in hiking.
Great video. After 25+ years, I can relate to so much! I recall a few years back you discussed "Simplicity vs. Weight" and that really resonated with me. I feel like backpacking is hard enough so the more simple I can make it for myself, the happier I am. E.g., I posted a recent overnight fastpack video... and I took a 16oz chair. It was glorious!
That is most impressive: genuine wisdom, and anyone watching could see it. These are the things one regrets on one's deathbed. You've had the drive, experience and insight to learn it early. Well done. Best wishes.
Thx for being real - it's refreshing to hear honest wisdom from an experienced enthusiast.
Man, Darwin, I LOVE that you're backtracking on the training thing. To be honest, I think you were somewhat correct, when you were saying the best way to train for a hike is to just hike - caveat: *at your age* at the time. The older we get, as you're now finding out, the better we do, overall, when our bodies are regularly training in a good range of motion with proper resistance. This applies to any physical feat we're trying - long distance hiking, swimming, climbing, whatever.
When we're younger we can get away with so much more. Hell I was skateboarding till I was into my late 20s and continuing to fall and bang myself up and get up and keep going, but it was already starting to feel rough. Now in my mid-40s, a fall on a skateboard is a whole other ball game. I trained before my PCT hike in the gym and by hiking (gotta combine them imho) and I think it prevented injury, like you say.
Good for you for.....
.....evolving. :)
Experience + reflection = wisdom... lots of all of that here. Think a lot of thru hikers will benefit from this hearing this sage wisdom. Great video!
I agree with you when you say, "making connections on the trail" is important - it's one thing I NEED to improve on. Thanks, Darwin!
We live and we learn 👍🏻
All true. We learn by doing. Thanks for sharing.
I can relate to the listening to your body comment. About three years ago I noticed that my cardio fitness had really deteriorated. A couple weeks later I felt a flutter near my left shoulder. A couple weeks after the flutter I drove myself to urgent care. Turned out I had a heart attack!
Three years later I’m hiking and running. Oh, I will soon be 67 years old.
Really enjoyed this longitudinal view of your experiences. I've watched your videos for ages and learned a lot along the way with you. I'm 38 and probably close to your age... I'm having many retrospectives as well concerning my own journeys; it sure is interesting to see what a decade or so will reveal.
Having watched you on and off for years, so cool to see the maturing and progression of different thought processes. Loved this video!
I love your perspective about not sharing stuff! My husband doesn’t backpack, but my friends sometimes give me crap for not wanting to share stuff with the group. But I just like having my own stuff!
I have learned from you a lot, thank you for always been honest and share with us all your wisdom
Love to see this video. All good advice. I started on the AT in '79 as a trail maintainer north of Roanoke, Va. Fast forward 30 years, and becoming an empty nester, I started serious LASHing. First goal was to finish VA. Then up to Duncannon. Then Damascus to Springer. Lastly, I finished Vermont to Duncannon. The last 450 miles I have yet to complete are NH & ME.
I can tell you the sections where I physically prepped weeks and months in advance were much easier than the ones I did on a whim with little prep. The unavoidable problem with LASHing is that it still takes 3-4 weeks to get your legs, and then it's time to go home.
Thanks for the videos to keep me motivated and inspired to finish. The other advice I will add is that giving trail magic is a wonderful motivator as well. One year, I was doing TM in Shenandoah, and I went home and decided to do a 150-mile LASH the next week. I couldn't do that today.
Papa Muskrat
Very nice video. Sure you made mistakes with hindsight, but that's what learning and growing is all about. Just don't call them regrets, regretting something you did or didn't do can cast a shadow, a bitterness on your memories, just laugh it off as a mistake and move on...and have no regrets. (from the UK where we don't have long trails like yours!)
Taking separate tents is magic. I will do this this year. I love her but my own tent would be a game changer. We can still hang out in a tent but at night, separate
Solid video as always, man. I'm so happy you went deeper (way deeper) than just talking about your glasses in that glacial pond and other kind of shallow low hanging fruit-content that a lot of other youtubers would do just to make content for the content's sake. This means more. Hopefully I'll be able to do another trek with you again someday, the TMB last year was a great experience for me. Cheers from Norway.
These are beautiful words of wisdom Darwin. Thank you!
Your, "Listen to Your Body" one resonates the most with me. I hope you find peace everyone.
These hiking videos make me want to hike, camp, paddle, bike. Enjoy being by myself doing my own thing.
I 100% agree with you on training in the gym in addition to hiking & backpacking! Great tips on sharing gear !
Hey Darwin. Great comments! Thank you. Love you too.
I very recently did an awesome 4 day first aid seminar that catered specifically to being outdoors (hiking etc). Practicing calling emergency services, and how to deal with an incoming heli, etc. That greatly helped me feel more confident (do I need to abort or can I take it a bit easier and go on) and also better understand what I should carry as a medkit and how to use it - either for myself, my hiking partner, or others I might meet on the trails.
I'll be refreshing that one periodically.
Love this, vs., videos telling us what to do. I’m 60. If anyone younger than me tells me what to do, they mostly lose me.
It is so good to hear about your base weight issues. In the mid 80's, when I began to lighten my load, everyone I hiked with was always several pounds lighter than me. I finally got my base weight down to about 12 pounds and only had to add 2 pounds for colder weather trips. The last ALDHA Ruck I attended I took my pack, loaded for a six day trip, to be "professionally" assessed. They wanted me to get down to 8 pounds, so I stopped going to their Rucks.
It's all about balance. 🤙
That was a solid set of confessions. I appreciate your experience and wisdom and why I often use you as a guide when learning new things. Thanks for taking a break but even more, thanks for coming back.
Good to be honest with the people that you’ve been supporting- it’s all about keeping things realistic while the great service that you do says. . . .hey, wait a minute. . . .-let’s take a step back . . . .-yes , that is the real deal, thanks for sharing this ongoing support! 🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏
You seem way happier than the last time I saw one of your videos. It's great to see.
So smart Darwin. Thanks for sharing with your followers. Strength training is way important as we age.
Totally right on the base training. You're just going to have a better time if you have more strength to work with.
Have you ever considered carrying the heavier items in some sort of a belt kit? I'm not an ultralite hiker by any stretch, but I noticed that when I put more load on the hips and keep the rucksack feather-light, I'm able to cover more distance, maintain better balance and agility, minimise chances of injury and be less exhausted at the end of the day.
Back to where it all began, Blue Ridge Parkway, that brings back memories. We have just arrived in Montenegro no donut shops here Joe😂😂
Great video Darwin, sincere thanks for sharing this one. Stay safe out there. 😊
Appreciate your honesty and wisdom.
Props! Cheers dude. Love that you always keep it real and true to yourself.
Great information, I noted years ago that many of the most fit hikers and climbers I was with were big into bike riding, so I took it up too. Thanks for putting it out there.
Haven’t watched your videos in quite some time. This was a really good one to come back to! The title piqued my interest and I love this self reflection
I’m about to go on my first backpacking trip, and I super appreciate you putting your mistakes out there for noobs like me to learn from! Love your videos man!
Awesome advice! Thank you for taking your time to share this!
Glad it was helpful! 🤙
Thanks very much!! Some true wisdom that takes guts to share. Much appreciated.
many miles covered. Thanks for sharing
I thru hiked the Appalachian trail in 2023. I wish i could have enjoyed it more to be brutally honest was in considerable pain and struggling whith the why i was doing it definitely dealing with mental problems and working thru truama but know that I've got it sorted mostly the next one (Pacific crest trail) ill focus on enjoying it more and really try to make it about having a good time hopefully with new friends.
I absolutely agree the building up own body is most important for preventing injury
My son, obviously 1/2 my age and I hiked the JMT. That in itself was epic, but….he would spend time on top of a pass, worried, but then cold and then irritated by the time I arrived. This was daily. I therefore never gave myself the needed breaks in an effort to always keep up. I didn’t take care of my body and hygiene just to keep up. I completed it! Did I really enjoy it? Jury is out. I went NOBO and hiking over the last Donahue Pass, my son came across a young woman. They connected for a long while, because they were both waiting for their mothers. She was just starting sobo with her Mom. Many, many hours later I ran into her Mom and I knew they were in for the same experience.
Your videos are getting better and better! I have enjoyed this latest part of your life journey. You are “evolving” and we are learning from your “regrets”. Don’t worry about any nay sayers. Bravo.
Thank You! I'm never worried about "nay sayers". Better & Better is becoming Harder & Harder though being a one man band 😅
lol forgot my regrets…tried to thru the AT this year without any strength training and had to stop after 100 miles because of a stress fracture. Totally preventable with weight/strength training.
This was a great video. Seems like you learned a lot these years. I plan to walk Te Aroroa end of this year. Will take your advice. Esp the listening to your body/small pains and aches before they become big ones seems important. I’m 53 and have always been virtually free of serious injury but this is slowly changing 😂. I plan to enjoy the hike and the people, take enough resting days I and plan to not go for the familiar:’ I think I can make it in ’ this time around.
Great video. Concerning being more focused on others, there is merit to that. This should be a life philosophy we all should adopt, purposing to help our fellow humans. It comes from a deep place of care and a love for people. You would not believe what kinds of doors get opened because of that. Plus the lasting relationships that happen as well. Keep up the good work.
The 10 or so years that I spent embarrassing myself in crit and road races were definitely the healthiest I ever was in my life. I was on the bicycle everyday and paying a lot more attention to what I ate for dinner in those days. 🚲
ive never related to a backpacking video more in my life. Thank you for sharing,
It’s been fun to watch you transition and change over time. And yes EOs documentaries are great too
OMG the Elina shout out was amazing. As if I could not love this channel more, you go and shout out another of my favorites. Go watch Elina's journey. It's awesome. Hike on, Darwin. You're my original vicarious PCT and AT experience. And you are the original inspiration that got me out on the PCT literally this past weekend. My first real backpack trip on trail in probably 15 years. I love you for this, and will be a lifelong fan and subscriber.
thanks for sharing. Some really good pragmatic advice here.
This is wisdom. It comes with age and experience - there is no substitute.
I have always enjoyed your insight even if I didn't always agree with it all, but the transparency in this video was truly insightful and beneficial as I continue to introduce my son to hiking and backpacking. Thank you.
Hey Darwin, great video. Loved the young Darwin pictures. Self evaluation and making adjustments in life is a critical skill.
I did not know you have a history in triathlon, how cool is that! But it explains some of your regrets, I think. About keeping up a high pace, being that focussed, etc.
Awesome. Takes a lot of bowls to admit that. Right on man 💪 thanks!
You inspired me, hiking saved my life. The many adventures I had touched my soul. I just wanted to say thank you and happy trails. #mentor
Fantastic vid! Both insightful and pragmatic. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
I found your channel when I first started backpacking. Honestly, and I’m 100% not blaming you or any others, but I wish that I wouldn’t have listened to RUclips backpackers as much. Especially about base weight. For years, I chased a sub-10lbs base weight. Now, like you, I’ve decided that it’s good to go as light as possible, but if you skimp on som things, your trip will just be miserable. Although, I am glad that I listened to you regarding some gear. I’m a huge fan of Zpacks now. As well as a lot of other cottage companies.
Excellent advice! On getting out hiking for preparations is still a really good idea IMO. The problem is that very few can spend enough time doing it to prepare for a thruhike so any other more intensive training is extremely beneficial. On ultralight - I think everyone need to try for themself to find the right balance.
Really good thoughts, thanks. I've cycled across the U.S. several times and wish I had done it differently. Weight training in the gym is excellent advice for all sports, it helps with balance, overall strength, bone density, and if you fall it might help you land without injury. Happy trails!
I agree - go with comfort and performance and then look at weight - I never weigh my rucksack these days. Just put in what I think I want to enjoy my time in the fells.
Ultralight is a beautiful approach to hiking. It challenges and encourages. It frees and unburdens. It's always changing and growing. You may regret some parts - but to me it's all a beautiful adventure in discovering the best you can be.
Great advice! And you're correct - Elina Osborne video "It is the People" is amazing! Wish I would have taken more pics and vids of people during my adventures.
Totally agree with the UL vs Comfort balance. I carry a z-fold pad AND an inflatable. I stack them with the inflatable on top. I get added warmth AND a comfortable night's sleep. I use an inflatable pillow with an elastic strap to cinch to my pad. Nothing worse at night than a tiny inflatable that is constantly squirming out from under your head. These are my luxuries and it makes all the difference in the world. Totally worth the extra ounces.
Good, honest assessment
Totally agree with training! Currently hiking the PCT. At 54, I was able to start off with 20 mile days and did my first 30 within a few weeks, injury and pain-free because I did strength training in the gym in addition to hiking. People don't realize how important ot is to properly train to mitigate injury.
Not on a thru-hike thankfully, but one short trip I naively thought all electrolytes were about the same. I picked up some “hydration” additives and didn’t read the contents. I got SO dizzy in the heat even though I drank 6-7 liters. When I got to camp it took 3-4 hours to cool down (in Colorado). I couldn’t fall asleep because I was so hot. I also had no appetite and had to force myself to eat, which was nauseating. Come to find out the “hydration” additive I was using had very low sodium. 🤦🏻♀️ I regret not educating myself earlier about balanced electrolytes.
Great advice. Thanks!
So much wisedom in your video and I hope people will learn from that. A trhu-hike can be tough. Mentally and physically, that's why base weight shouldn't become an obsession and comfort items are essentials. There's Ultra-Light, and Stupid Light :)
Excellent video. I can identify with parts of it. I regret not start when I was young and unfettered. Now I'm just hoping that I can hold it together physically for another 8 years until I'm retired (and that the economy doesn't delay that retirement) and can spend several months hiking.
Darwin, you are a good Human!!
Oh great. I've got 10 weeks to build a base for the John Muir Trail. And I'll be 66. (But I have hiked the Colorado Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, and Collegiate Loop.) I'm so screwed. But seriously: this is a great list and I've learned SO MUCH from you over the past four years! Thank you!
So true on having separate gear with your partner/Friend
Wow! Dude, I am an old person and several years ago you and your videos helped me get back into backpacking. I did a small section of the AT with my son and it hasn't stopped there. I just walked/hiked entire the Camino de Santiago in Spain and while it isn't exactly backpacking we carried our "stuff" in a pack on our backs. I tried to keep it light, but I needed comfort too and it was a worthwhile compromise. This is a really inspirational video! One thing you can never regret is making the videos that have gotten countless folks out on the trail.
The Camino is great to get into long distance hiking as you don’t need to carry a shelter. You still get the great encounters with awesome individuals and the alone time with your thoughts and demons. And of course if you are catholic you get some of your sins forgiven ;)))
Fantastic video. So enjoyed watching this one 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 love the honesty and truth behind what you've done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
One of your best videos Darwin! You should run this on the channel main page so people see it first. :)
I regret not stretching and strengthening my core and glutes more over the years. I didn’t want to “waste” time doing those things before running, hiking and cycling. It caught up with me in my 60’s with lower back issues. Now I’m trying to dig myself out of that hole while dealing with pain and weakness.