The pyrenees Haute Route (HRP) in France and Spain goes from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea always taking the highest possible way across the pyrenees mountains.
When I backpack I find that I am constantly change my pack tautness when on the trail. I understand why people might want a trampoline back, but in constantly changing the shoulder strap, belt, and sternum strap tension, I find I chafe less, my muscles I get less sore, and I prevent sweat accumulation. I am a believer in belts on backpacks. I’ve done the whole beltless frameless rucksack before, and I just find I like a belt. (I also think it’s a bit silly when ultralight hikers wear a fanny pack with a beltless backpack -but then I have to remind myself to hike my own hike 😅).
For figuring how how to start going ultralight, I started by listing everything on a spreadsheet with its weight. Then, I listed next to that options for replacing it and cost. Then you can calculate cost per oz or gram saved. Doing so will identify low-hanging fruit and help you prioritize. For example, when I did this, the first things I bought were (1) BeFree water filter to replace my old MSR hand-pump filter, (2) new stove, (3) the clothes I was packing, and (4) my pillow. Start with these small-ticket items and then work your way up. The same logic can be applied to bigger ticket items, but the cost per weight savings will be much higher.
GR10 (Pyrenees) and GR20 (Corsica) are both fantastic routes in Europe. There's also the Pennine Way (England) and West Highland Way (Scotland) if you want something a bit shorter and don't mind a spot of rain!
Nice one. Thanks for sharing. I recently created a list of conditions like 'Heavy Rain', 'Late Fall Sierra Mosquitoes', etc trying to figure out scenarios to use a bivy tarp, cowboy camp, full double walled tent, bug net tent, or a combination. Heading toward more modular setups by picking and choosing pieces. Feels like a video game. 😅
The coolest thing that you could do is to hike the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. Its brutal and absolutely wonderful at the same time. Its one definitely not to be missed.
I'm not from Europe, but I have heard of the Tour de Mont Blanc hike was definitely worth it! It spans 165 km from Switzerland, Italy and France! And also since you were planning to walk the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand, there is another short trail in New Zealand called the Abel Tasman track, which is about 60 km. Finally, as someone mentioned earlier, the Hexatrek in France is 3034 km, and goes through most of France's highest mountain regions. These are a few suggestions that were definitely on my bucket list, and I'd thought I'd like to share with you!
One cool hike in Europe that I'd recommend is the E4 trail in Bulgaria, also called the 5 Mountains trail. I have a video on my channel showing the many great views and experiences along that trail.. another trail I would recommend is the GR20 (also with a hiking documentary from that trip)..; Cheers and happy hiking!
I live in Edinburgh, Scotland so obviously I would love to see you here on the National Scottish Trail or the whole lenght of UK end to end JELOG! Then would love to see you compare Uk to Usa when it comes to hiking etc😊
I recommend the GTA for you. Its not that long (only 1000km but 70000 m elevation) and starts at the glacier in suisse to the beach of Ventimiglia. Don t carry a lot of food, enjoy the rural italian kitchen.
Scotland has a plan your own adventure vibe. For example, hiking from the northernmost Munro mountain, Ben Hope, to the southernmost, Ben Lomond, offers many route choices and planning your own is fun. Made trails are less necessary than in Alpine areas because almost all of the summits are accessible. Tarps work only if you have a bug bivy which fits neatly under them because of the midges.
Europe has so much. There are paths from the EU connecting the whole of Europe from every corner, like the E1 all the way from Norway to Palermo, Sicily. Some fantastic hikes are also the GR Routes, so GR132 in La Gomera or GR10, GR20 in France as well as the famous Dreamway from Munich to Venice
6:07 For me, as a person with family and work obligations (but my heart yearns to be out there), my primary objective is to simply get out into the wilderness. Get out and hear the wind in the trees, the crunch of the trail (or snow) under my feet, and really listen to the sounds and really see what can bee seen; and find the moment of time and the swatch of space for solitude (or camaraderie if I’m in a group) and personal renewal that can only be completed when immersed in untrammeled (or at least less-trodden) wilderness. Secondary objective is to push my physical limits. Tertiary to any outing is to accomplish the geographical objective.
side sleeper who used a thermarest trail rest short for years. im a quilt user now so I have a neoaire xlite but i love that trail scout half mat. so easy to repair with tenacious tape and great for side sleeper. i just used my pack under my head and a pillow out of my Xtra clothes crammed into a stuff sack.
The coolest thru-hike trail in europe is definitely the hexatrek. It goes through France, the Alps, all the way to the Pyrenees. But a more famous and OLD trail would be the Camino through France and Spain
The hexatrek is what comes to my mind most! I know someone who has thru hiked it, Scott. I wonder how it has changed since their hike. Thank you for the response!
@@JupiterHikes Since Scott hiked it in 2022 there's been about 450km of track changes total, this year there's more of the "Haute Route Pyrénéenne" and about thirty alternate routes, depending on weather, fitness levels and... motivation! We're trying as much as possible to give hikers options so they can tailor their own adventure. The HRP is definitely a highlight for many hikers for its wilderness and physical challenge, but the overwhelming feedback from the handful of international hikers we've had is their surprise at the diversity of landscapes on offer!
@@JupiterHikes The Hexatrek is still so new that there isn't much experience, but you may expect not everything to be smoothed out. I mean, 99% of the trail exists since a long time, the idea of the Hexatrek is just to combine existing trails. But I would doubt you find signs everywhere, the app may give you wrong information about some places, ...
@@ANGE__LICA we have an article on our website regarding the first dog to complete the HexaTrek in 2022. For some reason I can't link it here but if you go onto our homepage and scroll down a little you should find his feedback (in french!) and relevant .GPX files 😊
Can't wait for you to come back to NZ!! I did not buy the pack at the end or the start for making my UL summer load out, I brought it in the middle was that mistake I don't know... but did mean I knew where I could trim some stuff down.
The HRP I hiked it in 2022 it was quite the hike from coast to coast ( Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea) more like a choose your route kinda hike, as there are no official marking except in the parts where you cross other trails In my case I had to jump a lot from boulder to boulder and climb along of some mountain ridges if thats a thing for you The "Zentralalpenweg 02" Something I would like to do at some point. Did parts of it already as it is my home country. It takes you trough the Austrian Alps and country and sometimes you have to cross glaciers. I'm sure one ca translate the info, but most of it will be in German. The Via Dinarica A trail from Slovenia to Albania Was actually the first long trail I was considering, did parts of it. Also not always a well maintained trail, as I belief Croatian do have the trails but don't use them too often Or I was just stupid enough to hike in the middle of summer with 42°C in the shade and barley any water to be found :D
Great advice on the water proof boots vs trail runners on multi-day rains. My experience is exactly what you describe. They are not going to stay dry (even in one day of constant rain) and drying time is so long that if mold grew in the boots as they dried, it would not surprise me.
I was gonna recommend the West Highland Way in Scotland. I did it myself last year and it was incredible. However, I feel like that would be basically a long day hike for you hahah. It's only 100 miles, all clearly waymarked on (with a few tiny exceptions) very easy trail. As a more relaxing and social walk, I would highly recommend it. You meet tons of people in a short period of time. A still well known, but much longer and way more challenging trail that I think would be right up your alley on this side of the Atlantic would be the Cape Wrath trail from Fort William to Cape Wrath in Scotland. It starts basically at the foot of Ben Nevis, and treks into the incredible wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. It has pathless sections, and Scotland is one of the only places in Europe that allows wild camping. It's a bit out of my league for now, but I hope to try it some day.
Best hikes in Europe: 1. Crossing the Alps - Austria, Switzerland, Italy 2. Hiking along the swedish coast to Finland. 3. Hiking along the croatian coast to Greece
I love this. Can’t wait for the international trips! Regarding the boots/shoes waterproof issue; try goretex socks if you really want dry feet in trail runners.
Why don’t you thru-hike in South America? Amazing landscape. Try Patagonia (not only el Chalten or Torres Del Paine, look for Bariloche or Ushuaia), Monte Roraima (Brazil-Venezuela) or Huayhuash (Peru). If you want a totally new landscape, Chapada Diamantina, in Central Brazil.
Either traversing the Pyrenees or the alps. Id go for the via alpina. Goes from Monaco to Trieste traversing the complete length of the alps. I'd take a mixture of the yellow red and blue variations. But it's long... I don't know an exact number but it might be about 3000km and for a lot of the fun is actually summiting mountains and not "just" hiking next to them.
You could try the Trans Canada Trail. Officially the longest in the world! 24,000 total km's. Could take a couple years to do it all, as it goes in many directions. Plant Papa
Last summer I combined the HRP and GR11 in the pyrenees (and vlogged it :P) it was great. Never been to USA but yeah, the elevation gain here seem much higher looking at the videos. There is a mega-epic trail that combines several alpine trails and crosses all europe, I think you need 9 months to complete it and only one person has done it, it's called TEAR: Trans-European Alpine Route. Maybe chech it out.
If you want to go all out, do the E1. It goes from the North Cape to Sicily. 8000km (5000miles) and through stunning landscapes. I did the first few hundred km from the North Cape down and I have never done anything as wonderful, hard, crazy etc.
The coolest trail in Europe is Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising trail(Cesta Hrdinov SNP). It is 760 km long trail from Dukla pass to Devin castle. It passes through parts of Slovakia which played important roles during the Slovak National Uprising in 1944 and 1945 in WW2. There are many springs on the trail, so there is no problem with water. Also infrastructure on this trail is amazing, as there are many shelters that you can stay in for free.
In Sweden you'll find the "last untouched wilderness of europe" (Sarek). Look up trails like Green Ribbon, Via Suecia or Nordkalottleden (Nordkalotten trail.. maybe?). Prep like for the GDT weather and condition wise, the mountain areas can be pretty remote and unforgiving. There's good hut systems for resupply and shelter on some parts, but not a lot of town stays. And reach out if you need a trail angel or more info, I live in the north close to where the Green Ribbon/Via Suecia passes by
HRP has my vote, you may find interesting the GR5 through the French Alps as well (with more places to resupply). Beautiful, Trendy and crowdy are the GR20 and Tour du Mont Blanc.
Have you seen the Nemo Extreme mat that is barely over 1 pound and is over an 8 r-value? The previous pad that I had was nemo, and it bubbled up. They honored the lifetime warranty, and giving me a pad that is value 179 on trade in. I am using that to upgrade to the Extreme, that is ike 229 or 249, and also has a lifetime warranty. The weight to warmth ratio is quite high, and now I have much more trust in their warranty process.
The coolest European trail would probably be the Trans-European Alpine Trail TEAR. It spans the whole south of the continent from the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria to the Atlantic coast in Spain, going through sixteen different countries.
The best trail in Europe? There aren't enough lifetimes to honestly answer that question. The HRP coast to coast trek across the Feanch and Spanish Pyrenees has to be my personal suggestion. It's tough but rewarding in all senses.
In Europe: Via Alpina (Trieste - Monaco) and Hexatrek (France, since 2022); and the 17 day Parc Ela Trek (since 2023; no camping) and Alpenpassenweg (no camping), both in Switzerland. The Tour du Mont Blanc is nice but overcrowded.
For a long trail in Europe, you should try the GR5, 2500km from the north sea at Rotterdam to the mediterranean sea at Nice. And the tour du Mont Blanc is shorter but so nice
Jupiter, I was thinking about a hike that's in the Southeast, namely North Carolina. Not sure if you have done the Mountains to Sea Trail but its a 1175 mile thru-hike. Enjoyed this video and I have to try your idea regarding lowering/raising the pack for different terrain.
My friend has done it twice so I am familiar but don't yet know the most about it, is much of the eastern half on roads or is there a lot of trail there too?
@@JupiterHikes I've only sectioned the mountain portions, Iv'e been looking into biking the low country. The MST is reported to have about 450 miles of road walking... forest roads, paved and bike paths.
The major difference between US and European hiking is the hut system. Making reservations in advance instead of just pitching your shelter whenever you want can be a bummer. I’d say pick a trail where you can easily tent camp, aka bivouac.
Coast to coast looks cool! And I have always wondered what the Camino would be like for me, as much of my experience comes from more wilderness style walks rather than how culturally focused the camino is. As for the American Discovery Trail, at this time I think there's a lot of trails I would rather do sooner. It's very long which is cool but from what I understand is a lot of road?
@@JupiterHikes yes, definitely very long. Not sure about the roads but I know it’s still not entirely connected yet . The Camino de Santiago is on my personal bucket list. (Frances). I’ve read recently that Briana DeSanctis just became the first woman to solo hike the ADT so it’s becoming more popular.
The cdt looks hard. Got better at concentration in work because i need to save for pct. Motivation that actually works. I have had mild hypothermia and yes thats the worst but my sleep system was good so once camp was set up i was okay.
It's the ex light and maybe! But as I most use fleeces hiking I don't know that I will, other than in the context of fleeces vs puffies, or clothing systems for hiking. Who knows though
Hi Jupiter the GR20 on the Island of Corsica (France) is definitely one of the most favorite, beautiful and hardest trail ´s in Europe. I think it's more of a must-go in a hikers' life :)
Theres a bunch of amazing trails in Europe. Don't be stupid and follow the crowd on the hexa trail, it is beautiful but Europe has much more to offer. If you want something big is the Trans European mountain route. 6000km+ 200km of elevation or something crazy like that. I think that's one for you ;)
I live near the Appalachians KY, Tenn, North Carolina........do you feel you could use a tarp bivy set up considering the weather in this area....... or in other words would you personally use this set up on the A.T. I appreciate the input.....
I hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and Sheltowee Trace Trail all with a tarp. So yes! The Appalachian Trail worked well in particular because there are shelters for backup should any weather be truly horrendous. I didn't use many, but nice to know I could have. Worth mentioning though that a tarp setup is just better out west. Less rain, less bugs. While on the east you gotta work harder for it to work.
This may sound odd to some people, but I just got a Nintendo Switch. Never been into games really, but my first thought after starting Zelda was immediately, "This would be awesome for solo nights in the tent.."
I like your Montbell jacket, but they run so very small. I am definitely a size medium 5.8 about 156 lb. and a size medium in that brand fits but not great, so I need to size up to a size large. I tried the half pad, but I found it was just not worth the weight savings. I think because I am much older than you and my leg circulation is not great, I love my Neo Air. I also froze my ass off on cold nights using a half pad. I tried the pack under my feet and it just did not work and not to save a few OZ. I have seen to many videos on RUclips reviewing packs and not loving them because they are using a UL pack, and the rest of their kit is not UL. The way you did it worked well because you adjusted the rest of your kit. Many people will not do that or do it over time. When I went UL I went all in, not as light as you but a weight I am happy with, 8 lb. Your videos helped. I still love my Zpacks tent though, the tarp still scares me, it just rains to much in the Northeast, and I am to lazy to deal with the perfect camp site. Take care.
I do for the most part and often it is a 'one in one out' kind of thing for me. But then again I do this ever year for many months of the year, so it's not the biggest concern, I just *try* to keep things simple :)
@@JupiterHikes in 2022 there were 88 thruhikers and about 250 section hikers, and last year we had about 150 thruhikers and 400 section hikers. From these past two years we appear to be at around a 30% finisher rate which seems on par with other international thruhikes. Overwhelmingly (80%) french hikers but the international community is growing! I can think of maybe five north americans so far but plenty of europeans!
Yeah! That one is very popular. One idea I had was to come over and just do a ton of three to five day kinds of hikes, like that one. Instead of doing one really long one
@@JupiterHikes You might want to check out Abby Barnes, Spend more time in the wild. She has a lot of hike in England, Scotland, Germany etc. Most are !-5 day hikes.
Thank you for watching and thank you for all the questions! Next time I'll grab them from Instagram, so check me out there @jupiterhikes
About Europe: My Favorite Trip in Europe was a combination of the Kungsleden, Sarek Nationalpark and Padjelantaleden in northern Sweden.
The pyrenees Haute Route (HRP) in France and Spain goes from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea always taking the highest possible way across the pyrenees mountains.
But you have to be ok with all the elevation gain. Alpine ranges in europe are diferent, theyre are very steep.
I agree the HRP would be up your alley. It's a very technical trail though, but stunning and sufficiently remote
But you can also switch between the HRP and the GR11 a couple of times if the high route is to exposed
@@bavarian_wanderlust And the GR10 is also possible as alternative route
I'm starting at the end of August, so excited
That strap tip/pack height on back is gold, always learning.
When I backpack I find that I am constantly change my pack tautness when on the trail. I understand why people might want a trampoline back, but in constantly changing the shoulder strap, belt, and sternum strap tension, I find I chafe less, my muscles I get less sore, and I prevent sweat accumulation. I am a believer in belts on backpacks. I’ve done the whole beltless frameless rucksack before, and I just find I like a belt. (I also think it’s a bit silly when ultralight hikers wear a fanny pack with a beltless backpack -but then I have to remind myself to hike my own hike 😅).
For figuring how how to start going ultralight, I started by listing everything on a spreadsheet with its weight. Then, I listed next to that options for replacing it and cost. Then you can calculate cost per oz or gram saved. Doing so will identify low-hanging fruit and help you prioritize. For example, when I did this, the first things I bought were (1) BeFree water filter to replace my old MSR hand-pump filter, (2) new stove, (3) the clothes I was packing, and (4) my pillow. Start with these small-ticket items and then work your way up. The same logic can be applied to bigger ticket items, but the cost per weight savings will be much higher.
GR10 (Pyrenees) and GR20 (Corsica) are both fantastic routes in Europe. There's also the Pennine Way (England) and West Highland Way (Scotland) if you want something a bit shorter and don't mind a spot of rain!
In France, the Hexatrek. 1885 miles
I agree. This or the GTA. Nothing else.
Nice one. Thanks for sharing. I recently created a list of conditions like 'Heavy Rain', 'Late Fall Sierra Mosquitoes', etc trying to figure out scenarios to use a bivy tarp, cowboy camp, full double walled tent, bug net tent, or a combination. Heading toward more modular setups by picking and choosing pieces. Feels like a video game. 😅
The coolest thing that you could do is to hike the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland. Its brutal and absolutely wonderful at the same time. Its one definitely not to be missed.
I'm not from Europe, but I have heard of the Tour de Mont Blanc hike was definitely worth it! It spans 165 km from Switzerland, Italy and France! And also since you were planning to walk the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand, there is another short trail in New Zealand called the Abel Tasman track, which is about 60 km.
Finally, as someone mentioned earlier, the Hexatrek in France is 3034 km, and goes through most of France's highest mountain regions. These are a few suggestions that were definitely on my bucket list, and I'd thought I'd like to share with you!
Its beautiful but to short.
love the q&a! and never stop hiking! 🥰
One cool hike in Europe that I'd recommend is the E4 trail in Bulgaria, also called the 5 Mountains trail. I have a video on my channel showing the many great views and experiences along that trail.. another trail I would recommend is the GR20 (also with a hiking documentary from that trip)..; Cheers and happy hiking!
I live in Edinburgh, Scotland so obviously I would love to see you here on the National Scottish Trail or the whole lenght of UK end to end JELOG!
Then would love to see you compare Uk to Usa when it comes to hiking etc😊
I recommend the GTA for you. Its not that long (only 1000km but 70000 m elevation) and starts at the glacier in suisse to the beach of Ventimiglia. Don t carry a lot of food, enjoy the rural italian kitchen.
Scotland has a plan your own adventure vibe. For example, hiking from the northernmost Munro mountain, Ben Hope, to the southernmost, Ben Lomond, offers many route choices and planning your own is fun. Made trails are less necessary than in Alpine areas because almost all of the summits are accessible. Tarps work only if you have a bug bivy which fits neatly under them because of the midges.
Europe has so much. There are paths from the EU connecting the whole of Europe from every corner, like the E1 all the way from Norway to Palermo, Sicily. Some fantastic hikes are also the GR Routes, so GR132 in La Gomera or GR10, GR20 in France as well as the famous Dreamway from Munich to Venice
Probably the one I can relate to is the Kungsleden (Kingstrail) in northern Sweden !
My tips for Europe would be Selvaggio Blu and Peaks of the Balkans. Both are on my list, did research them heavily but haven’t done them yet.
6:07 For me, as a person with family and work obligations (but my heart yearns to be out there), my primary objective is to simply get out into the wilderness. Get out and hear the wind in the trees, the crunch of the trail (or snow) under my feet, and really listen to the sounds and really see what can bee seen; and find the moment of time and the swatch of space for solitude (or camaraderie if I’m in a group) and personal renewal that can only be completed when immersed in untrammeled (or at least less-trodden) wilderness. Secondary objective is to push my physical limits. Tertiary to any outing is to accomplish the geographical objective.
side sleeper who used a thermarest trail rest short for years. im a quilt user now so I have a neoaire xlite but i love that trail scout half mat. so easy to repair with tenacious tape and great for side sleeper. i just used my pack under my head and a pillow out of my Xtra clothes crammed into a stuff sack.
Try the Kungsleden in Lapland, Sweden
Dang, that was a great answer. Makes total sense... I gotta try this on my next trip, thanks!
The coolest thru-hike trail in europe is definitely the hexatrek. It goes through France, the Alps, all the way to the Pyrenees. But a more famous and OLD trail would be the Camino through France and Spain
The hexatrek is what comes to my mind most! I know someone who has thru hiked it, Scott. I wonder how it has changed since their hike. Thank you for the response!
@@JupiterHikes Since Scott hiked it in 2022 there's been about 450km of track changes total, this year there's more of the "Haute Route Pyrénéenne" and about thirty alternate routes, depending on weather, fitness levels and... motivation! We're trying as much as possible to give hikers options so they can tailor their own adventure. The HRP is definitely a highlight for many hikers for its wilderness and physical challenge, but the overwhelming feedback from the handful of international hikers we've had is their surprise at the diversity of landscapes on offer!
@@JupiterHikes I was going to recommend you the hexatrek as well. It would be so cool to see you on that thru-hike!
@@JupiterHikes The Hexatrek is still so new that there isn't much experience, but you may expect not everything to be smoothed out. I mean, 99% of the trail exists since a long time, the idea of the Hexatrek is just to combine existing trails. But I would doubt you find signs everywhere, the app may give you wrong information about some places, ...
@@ANGE__LICA we have an article on our website regarding the first dog to complete the HexaTrek in 2022. For some reason I can't link it here but if you go onto our homepage and scroll down a little you should find his feedback (in french!) and relevant .GPX files 😊
Can't wait for you to come back to NZ!! I did not buy the pack at the end or the start for making my UL summer load out, I brought it in the middle was that mistake I don't know... but did mean I knew where I could trim some stuff down.
The HRP
I hiked it in 2022 it was quite the hike from coast to coast ( Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea)
more like a choose your route kinda hike, as there are no official marking except in the parts where you cross other trails
In my case I had to jump a lot from boulder to boulder and climb along of some mountain ridges if thats a thing for you
The "Zentralalpenweg 02"
Something I would like to do at some point. Did parts of it already as it is my home country.
It takes you trough the Austrian Alps and country and sometimes you have to cross glaciers.
I'm sure one ca translate the info, but most of it will be in German.
The Via Dinarica
A trail from Slovenia to Albania
Was actually the first long trail I was considering, did parts of it.
Also not always a well maintained trail, as I belief Croatian do have the trails but don't use them too often
Or I was just stupid enough to hike in the middle of summer with 42°C in the shade and barley any water to be found :D
Great advice on the water proof boots vs trail runners on multi-day rains. My experience is exactly what you describe. They are not going to stay dry (even in one day of constant rain) and drying time is so long that if mold grew in the boots as they dried, it would not surprise me.
I do think Norge pa langs is probably the coolest route in Europe, as it's almost all wilderness, around 1700 miles of alpine and high alpine
I was gonna recommend the West Highland Way in Scotland. I did it myself last year and it was incredible. However, I feel like that would be basically a long day hike for you hahah. It's only 100 miles, all clearly waymarked on (with a few tiny exceptions) very easy trail. As a more relaxing and social walk, I would highly recommend it. You meet tons of people in a short period of time.
A still well known, but much longer and way more challenging trail that I think would be right up your alley on this side of the Atlantic would be the Cape Wrath trail from Fort William to Cape Wrath in Scotland. It starts basically at the foot of Ben Nevis, and treks into the incredible wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. It has pathless sections, and Scotland is one of the only places in Europe that allows wild camping. It's a bit out of my league for now, but I hope to try it some day.
Best hikes in Europe:
1. Crossing the Alps - Austria, Switzerland, Italy
2. Hiking along the swedish coast to Finland.
3. Hiking along the croatian coast to Greece
I love this. Can’t wait for the international trips!
Regarding the boots/shoes waterproof issue; try goretex socks if you really want dry feet in trail runners.
Goofy
You inspire me!!!
Why don’t you thru-hike in South America? Amazing landscape. Try Patagonia (not only el Chalten or Torres Del Paine, look for Bariloche or Ushuaia), Monte Roraima (Brazil-Venezuela) or Huayhuash (Peru). If you want a totally new landscape, Chapada Diamantina, in Central Brazil.
Either traversing the Pyrenees or the alps. Id go for the via alpina. Goes from Monaco to Trieste traversing the complete length of the alps. I'd take a mixture of the yellow red and blue variations. But it's long... I don't know an exact number but it might be about 3000km and for a lot of the fun is actually summiting mountains and not "just" hiking next to them.
You could try the Trans Canada Trail. Officially the longest in the world! 24,000 total km's. Could take a couple years to do it all, as it goes in many directions. Plant Papa
Last summer I combined the HRP and GR11 in the pyrenees (and vlogged it :P) it was great. Never been to USA but yeah, the elevation gain here seem much higher looking at the videos. There is a mega-epic trail that combines several alpine trails and crosses all europe, I think you need 9 months to complete it and only one person has done it, it's called TEAR: Trans-European Alpine Route. Maybe chech it out.
If you want to go all out, do the E1. It goes from the North Cape to Sicily. 8000km (5000miles) and through stunning landscapes. I did the first few hundred km from the North Cape down and I have never done anything as wonderful, hard, crazy etc.
The coolest trail in Europe is Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising trail(Cesta Hrdinov SNP). It is 760 km long trail from Dukla pass to Devin castle. It passes through parts of Slovakia which played important roles during the Slovak National Uprising in 1944 and 1945 in WW2. There are many springs on the trail, so there is no problem with water. Also infrastructure on this trail is amazing, as there are many shelters that you can stay in for free.
In Sweden you'll find the "last untouched wilderness of europe" (Sarek). Look up trails like Green Ribbon, Via Suecia or Nordkalottleden (Nordkalotten trail.. maybe?). Prep like for the GDT weather and condition wise, the mountain areas can be pretty remote and unforgiving. There's good hut systems for resupply and shelter on some parts, but not a lot of town stays. And reach out if you need a trail angel or more info, I live in the north close to where the Green Ribbon/Via Suecia passes by
HRP has my vote, you may find interesting the GR5 through the French Alps as well (with more places to resupply). Beautiful, Trendy and crowdy are the GR20 and Tour du Mont Blanc.
You should do the HRP in the Pyrinees!
The via Alpina is for sure the King of thru hiks in Europe. You walk thru 5 countries and a total of 2200km if you chose the red trail.
Wainwrights Coast to Coast Path in england is stunning, could be a good thru on another continent
The GR 20 is a very cool thing to do. It's also the hardest route in Europe 🌍.
not worth coming from usa to europe for like 10days of hiking
What if I did like 10 hikes that were all that length tho?
Connect the hexatrek with the Tour du mont blanc and you have it all
If you want a real challenge you should try to walk from the very south of Norway to the very north. Norway lengthwise as we call it here in Norway🇳🇴
You should hike Kungsleden in Sweden!
Or cross Norway from south to north!
Norway from Lindesnes to Nordkapp would be awesome
Have you seen the Nemo Extreme mat that is barely over 1 pound and is over an 8 r-value? The previous pad that I had was nemo, and it bubbled up. They honored the lifetime warranty, and giving me a pad that is value 179 on trade in. I am using that to upgrade to the Extreme, that is ike 229 or 249, and also has a lifetime warranty. The weight to warmth ratio is quite high, and now I have much more trust in their warranty process.
For thru hiking: GR11 in Spain or the Green Ribbon (”Gröna Bandet”) in Sweden.
The coolest European trail would probably be the Trans-European Alpine Trail TEAR. It spans the whole south of the continent from the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria to the Atlantic coast in Spain, going through sixteen different countries.
I think a hiking friend did that recently, I'll have to check out his blog on it!
@@JupiterHikes The guy who put the TEAR together has a very resourceful website. RUclips doesn't let me post it but you'll find it easily.
Even music can help anxiety while hiking alone.
HexaTrek is the French thru hike about 3000 km over all the great mountains of the country!!!!!!😜
The best trail in Europe? There aren't enough lifetimes to honestly answer that question. The HRP coast to coast trek across the Feanch and Spanish Pyrenees has to be my personal suggestion. It's tough but rewarding in all senses.
HRP is a nice one!
In Europe GR11, TMB or dolomites
In Europe: Via Alpina (Trieste - Monaco) and Hexatrek (France, since 2022); and the 17 day Parc Ela Trek (since 2023; no camping) and Alpenpassenweg (no camping), both in Switzerland. The Tour du Mont Blanc is nice but overcrowded.
Totally agree
For a long trail in Europe, you should try the GR5, 2500km from the north sea at Rotterdam to the mediterranean sea at Nice.
And the tour du Mont Blanc is shorter but so nice
You might want to consider the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pier de Port to Santiago de Compostela. 790 km (500 miles)
This summer I'm doing it but I will start in Le Puy En Velay so it more than doubles the length of the trip.
Don’t do that!
Jupiter, I was thinking about a hike that's in the Southeast, namely North Carolina. Not sure if you have done the Mountains to Sea Trail but its a 1175 mile thru-hike. Enjoyed this video and I have to try your idea regarding lowering/raising the pack for different terrain.
My friend has done it twice so I am familiar but don't yet know the most about it, is much of the eastern half on roads or is there a lot of trail there too?
@@JupiterHikes I've only sectioned the mountain portions, Iv'e been looking into biking the low country. The MST is reported to have about 450 miles of road walking... forest roads, paved and bike paths.
The major difference between US and European hiking is the hut system. Making reservations in advance instead of just pitching your shelter whenever you want can be a bummer.
I’d say pick a trail where you can easily tent camp, aka bivouac.
True!
Lands End to John o" Groats. Britton/Scotland.
Coast to coast walk in the UK or maybe the Camino de Santiago in Spain? Have you ever considered the American Discovery Trail?
Coast to coast looks cool! And I have always wondered what the Camino would be like for me, as much of my experience comes from more wilderness style walks rather than how culturally focused the camino is. As for the American Discovery Trail, at this time I think there's a lot of trails I would rather do sooner. It's very long which is cool but from what I understand is a lot of road?
@@JupiterHikes yes, definitely very long. Not sure about the roads but I know it’s still not entirely connected yet . The Camino de Santiago is on my personal bucket list. (Frances). I’ve read recently that Briana DeSanctis just became the first woman to solo hike the ADT so it’s becoming more popular.
I vote for HRP (it's around 500 miles) and GR20
The cdt looks hard. Got better at concentration in work because i need to save for pct. Motivation that actually works.
I have had mild hypothermia and yes thats the worst but my sleep system was good so once camp was set up i was okay.
I would say the Kungsleden trail in Sweden is pretty awesome
Yess my question made the cut 🎉😂
Always love your vids!
Are you going to review that montbell 1000 fill puffy you are wearing???
It's the ex light and maybe! But as I most use fleeces hiking I don't know that I will, other than in the context of fleeces vs puffies, or clothing systems for hiking. Who knows though
Hi Jupiter
the GR20 on the Island of Corsica (France) is definitely one of the most favorite, beautiful and hardest trail ´s in Europe.
I think it's more of a must-go in a hikers' life :)
Gosh I LOVE this guy!!
thanks for answering
but about the quilt ripping im
talking more about sharp rocks and sharp staff in general
Again, I have never had this happen. Never any extra wear there than anywhere else. Never a hole. I don't think it's a problem
Lots of good Europe trails in the comments so I wanna shine some light on Europe-adjacent hike Lycian way in Turkey
Quadruple double triple crowner Jupiter in da house!
Hexatrek in France 🇫🇷 3 034 km
Theres a bunch of amazing trails in Europe. Don't be stupid and follow the crowd on the hexa trail, it is beautiful but Europe has much more to offer. If you want something big is the Trans European mountain route. 6000km+ 200km of elevation or something crazy like that. I think that's one for you ;)
The coolest thing I ever did in Europe was to get on a train and go to Pompeii. Not really backpacking, but was the greatest.
GR20 Corsica, Lofoten Norway, Kungsleden Sweden, HRP France/Spain, Massiv Trail Norway
The bigfoot trail?
Lofoten, Norway
Hexatrek France !!
I live near the Appalachians KY, Tenn, North Carolina........do you feel you could use a tarp bivy set up considering the weather in this area....... or in other words would you personally use this set up on the A.T. I appreciate the input.....
I hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and Sheltowee Trace Trail all with a tarp. So yes! The Appalachian Trail worked well in particular because there are shelters for backup should any weather be truly horrendous. I didn't use many, but nice to know I could have.
Worth mentioning though that a tarp setup is just better out west. Less rain, less bugs. While on the east you gotta work harder for it to work.
Thanks so much for a detailed reply....Im ready to venture into the tarp and bivy and I needed your pro answer...☺@@JupiterHikes
Thank you
What are your favorite podcasts?
Not much I'd necessarily recommend but Stuff You Should Know is what I've listened to the longest
Alta Via 2 or Tour Du Mont Blanc
This may sound odd to some people, but I just got a Nintendo Switch. Never been into games really, but my first thought after starting Zelda was immediately, "This would be awesome for solo nights in the tent.."
My friend carried a switch on his Long Trail thru hike! I could see it being fun on some trails with frequent resupply to charge up!
great(est) Trail in Europe: Kungsleden, less than 14 days tho, probably 7 for u
Would you give your strava name?
What podcasts do you listen to?
My vote is for the Grande Traversata delle Alpi
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Traversata_delle_Alpi
Sentiero Italia
I like your Montbell jacket, but they run so very small. I am definitely a size medium 5.8 about 156 lb. and a size medium in that brand fits but not great, so I need to size up to a size large. I tried the half pad, but I found it was just not worth the weight savings. I think because I am much older than you and my leg circulation is not great, I love my Neo Air. I also froze my ass off on cold nights using a half pad. I tried the pack under my feet and it just did not work and not to save a few OZ. I have seen to many videos on RUclips reviewing packs and not loving them because they are using a UL pack, and the rest of their kit is not UL. The way you did it worked well because you adjusted the rest of your kit. Many people will not do that or do it over time. When I went UL I went all in, not as light as you but a weight I am happy with, 8 lb. Your videos helped. I still love my Zpacks tent though, the tarp still scares me, it just rains to much in the Northeast, and I am to lazy to deal with the perfect camp site. Take care.
Sleeping on the ground might be ok at this age, you will not be comfortable at 40 or 50…
I do not disagree! At 31 I may be slowly getting to that point, but I still prefer it for now
Do you try keep your gear that your not using to a minimum? So you don’t have too much to store? 😊 thanks for the video
I do for the most part and often it is a 'one in one out' kind of thing for me. But then again I do this ever year for many months of the year, so it's not the biggest concern, I just *try* to keep things simple :)
Hexatrek!
Via Dinarica white trail😉
Red light district in Amsterdam dmt and hoookers pretty much the coolest thing to do in urope
You are not very bright are you. Crummy thing to say.
Scottish national trail
The most hiked women in the world (Christine Thürmer) is in love with the Via Dinarica (850 miles through the southeast of Europe)
finally a real person in this dumpster
Isn't that Mont-Bell super expensive??
I bought it used, but it is 329 new yes
@@JupiterHikesAwesome! Used! It was making you hypocritical with respect to your video on equipment you didn't like...
Hexatrek so hot right now
Seriously! But have many people done it as an end to end thru hike? I know of one
@@JupiterHikes in 2022 there were 88 thruhikers and about 250 section hikers, and last year we had about 150 thruhikers and 400 section hikers. From these past two years we appear to be at around a 30% finisher rate which seems on par with other international thruhikes. Overwhelmingly (80%) french hikers but the international community is growing! I can think of maybe five north americans so far but plenty of europeans!
@@JupiterHikes I know of a few French people like for example TrekAttitude who has a yt channel. He did the wile thing in 2023.
Seems like the Tour Du Mont Blanc is getting popular these days, going by the amount of videos on RUclips.
Yeah! That one is very popular. One idea I had was to come over and just do a ton of three to five day kinds of hikes, like that one. Instead of doing one really long one
@@JupiterHikes You might want to check out Abby Barnes, Spend more time in the wild. She has a lot of hike in England, Scotland, Germany etc. Most are !-5 day hikes.
Say G'day to Sprocket, I'm from South OZ
Europe sucks compared to the US. The HRP is nice though.