What Is Thru-Hiking And How Can You Get Started?

If you’re an avid hiker or someone who likes to roam the wild outdoors following trails and tracks, you may have heard about thru-hiking and want to learn more. 

In this complete guide to thru-hiking, you can learn about how it differs to the likes of backpacking, how long an average thru-hike takes, routes you can try, and all about the best thru-hiking gear on the market right now, such as those we sell here at LA Police Gear.

But let’s start with the all-important first question: what is thru-hiking?

What Is Thru Hiking?

The definition of thru-hiking is simple: it’s the task of walking a long-distance trail from one end to the other. The idea is to complete the entire distance of the trail in full.

This doesn’t mean you have to complete the entire route in one go. Many trails and routes span hundreds if not thousands of kilometres (km). As a result, it’s sometimes necessary to leave the route and resupply before returning to complete it.

Thru hikes tend to be longer in length, as we’ll see in more detail below. However, the lengths of different routes can vary. For example, the Pacific Crest Trail is 4,265 km long, while the West Highland Way is 153km. However, both are considered thru hiking routes.

Thru-Hiking vs Hiking And Backpacking

Thru hiking differs to other types of hill-walking and rambling, like hiking and backpacking.

By definition, backpacking is more of a shorter pursuit, with people usually choosing to explore one small trail or area over the course of a few hours.

A step up from this would be section hikers. These individuals may look to walk entire routes like thru hikers. However, they may do so in no order and over long periods of time as they cover different sections on different hikes.

Thru-hikers are like the marathon runners of the hiking world. They’re more competitive and seek to achieve significant goals, doing so in arguably the perfect way—from start to finish. 

Is Thru-Hiking Hard?

Given the nature of the challenge, thru-hiking is considered harder than other forms of hiking. There are tough climbs, harsh terrains, unpredictable weather and everything else nature has to throw at you.

However, it’s these challenges that make it a draw. So if you’re keen, you won’t find it difficult.

With that said, extra considerations do need to be made for a thru-hike. This isn’t a stroll around your local woods after all.

The best thing you can do is prepare. Take into account the length of the walk and how long it’ll take to complete. Also, consider the terrain and the weather forecast. Armed with all of this knowledge, you’ll be prepared for all eventualities, so you’ll find the hike a much smoother experience. 

How Long Is A Thru Hike On Average?

Thru-hiking expeditions can range in duration. As we’ll see below, some trails can span thousands of miles and take months to complete, even at a good pace. Others are a fraction of that length and can be covered in a few days or weeks.

As a result, there really is no average thru-hike time. It all depends on what you’re prepared to cover.

If you’re thru hiking for the first time, it makes sense to start with a smaller trail rather than the likes of the Appalachian Trail.

It’s also important to appreciate your own hiking skills and fitness levels. Do you feel comfortable in remote and rugged environments? Do you know what to do if you get hurt, or if things don’t go according to plan? These are the kinds of things to ask yourself when deciding what length of trail to choose. 

Where Can I Go Thru-Hiking In The United States And Canada?

The United States and Canada are blessed with some of the finest landscapes in the world. These untouched vistas are fortunate to have some breathtaking thru-hike trails. There are scores of them, each of differing lengths and difficulties, with some following flatter routes than others.

Here’s a list of the best thru-hiking trails in North America:

●     Appalachian Trail - one of the longest thru-hikes in the world, spanning 3,525km over hills and valleys.

●     Colorado Trail - a trail that meanders through the Rockies, spanning 912km. It’s considered a hard trail.

●     Continental Divide Trail - another epic, this 4,990km trail takes you over mountains, hills and deserts

●     Ice Age Trail - if you live in or around Wisconsin, the Ice Age Trail is something you may want to check out. This 1,600km trail takes you on a scenic route through mountains and forests.

●     Great Divide Trail - this route is one for the more avid hikers. A difficult trail with stunning views, it’s 1,123km long and takes you through the mountains of Canada

●     John Muir Trail - if you’re looking for a technically difficult walk through rugged landscape, try this 265km mountainous trail

●     Canadian Island Walk - if you like to explore coastal trails, check out this 700km trail around the stunning Prince Edward Island in Canada

●     The Florida Trail - if you’d like a more sub-tropical climate for a thru-hike, check out this epic 2,436km thru-hike in Florida

●     Tahoe Rim Trail - an ideal trail for beginners and moderate walkers alike. It’s 265km long and takes you through mountains and forests

●     Trans Catalina Trail - this is one of the best walks for beginners at just 61km long. The route is fairly easy too and offers jaw-dropping views throughout

●     Pacific Crest Trail - this is arguably the most popular thru-hike in the world. It runs from Mexico to Canada over a distance of 4,265km, over rugged mountains. Not one for the faint-hearted. 

●     Trans Canada Trail - the longest thru-hike in the world at 23,000km, the Trans Canadian Trail spans every Canadian province. Expect mountains, forests, lakes and rivers aplenty

●     Arizona Trail - for a beautiful trail that takes you over hills, deserts and mountains, the 1,290km Arizona trail may be just the one for you. Don’t forget your water bottle.

How Can I Start Thru Hiking?

If you’ve liked the sound of what you’ve read so far and want to give thru-hiking a go, it’s easy. Here are our top tips:

●     Choose your trail wisely - there’s no point diving in at the deep end with the Trans Canada Trail if you’ve never done a shorter one like the Trans Catalina Trail. It’s also important to work out how long you’re going to be hiking for. We’re not all blessed with endless annual leave!

●     Prepare - linked to choosing your trail, it’s important to prepare for the challenges and obstacles you’re likely to encounter. If you’re heading to the desert, don’t forget that sun lotion. If you’re hiking up a mountain and there’s a bit of a scramble, you may need specialist shoes or safety ropes. The more prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have and the greater the chance of you finishing the hike.

●     Make A Back-Up Plan - if things do go wrong, you need to be prepared. If you’re hiking up a hill and sprain your ankle, who do you call if you’re on your own? What if you have no phone signal? These are vital questions you need to ask yourself in order to stay safe. 

What Equipment Do You Need For A Thru-Hike?

As we’ve seen, thru-hiking is a different challenge altogether compared to the likes of backpacking. You’re also likely to encounter harsher and more rugged terrain. As a result, you may need equipment to help you overcome it.

The main thing to bring is food and water. With so much exercise involved, it’s vital that you get the vitamins and minerals you need, plenty of fluids and lots of protein, carbohydrates and fats. If you don’t get enough of these foods on your hike, you may grow disorientated, weak and run into problems.

It also helps to have weatherproof clothing. Waterproofs and clothes that are breathable can help you stay dry and regulate your temperature, which again is vital if on a long hike. 

What Are The Best Thru-Hiking Shoes?

One thing you’ll also need for your thru-hike is a good pair of shoes. We appreciate the unique requirements for thru-hiking shoes—comfort, ruggedness and weatherproofing—and that’s helped us develop a line of excellent boots.

Take for example our Terrain Coyote Mid Hiking Boot. Its high-topped design provides vital support to the ankles while offering unrivalled comfort.

If you’re looking for even more support from your footwear, you could look at the likes of the Georgia Boot Eagle hiking boot. It offers 6 inches of ankle support and excellent weatherproofing, plus a solid grip underfoot.

Buy Quality Thru-Hiking Gear 

We’ve touched upon some of the best thru-hiking boots on sale in our store, but we’ve only just scratched the surface.

If you head here you can discover our range of hiking boots. There are scores to choose from, with all different designs, sizes, features and colors.

And if you have any questions about any of them, you can reach out to us via our helpline or live chat.