Steps to Prepare for a Thruhike

Common tasks to complete prior to beginning a thruhike.

• If bringing a beacon, setup the subscription, configure the device, and practice using it.
• Arrange travel to your starting point.
• Review the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
• Cancel your car insurance and surrender plates/registration.
• Cancel or pause subscriptions.
• Learn which phone carriers are most reliable for your trail, and consider switching, if necessary.
• Find a person or service to handle your mail.
• Download books, movies, music, apps, maps, etc.
• Confirm that water sources will be available during your intended timeframe.
• Learn about the resupply options on your trail. Determine if and where you would like to send resupply boxes.
• Figure out section-specific gear. Will you need warmer layers? An ice axe? Extra water capacity?
• Check the condition of your gear, and make any needed repairs.
• Get in shape.
• Put your bills on autopay.
• Setup your blog/social media/etc.
• Get any needed permits.
• Health insurance.
• Keep an eye on the snowpack, if applicable.
• Practice using your ice axe.
• Learn to identify plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poodle-dog bush, and learn how to safely remove ticks.
• Notify your credit card company you’ll be traveling. Make sure you know your debit PIN.
• Check the expiration date on credit and debit cards, drivers license, passport, and so on. Renewing while on the trail can be difficult.
• Notify your landlord and employer.
• Practice throwing a bear hang, if necessary.
• Put your belonging in storage.
• Set your email vacation reminder.
• Go on some shakedown hikes to test your gear and comfort levels.
• Visit your doctor and renew prescriptions.
• Get any needed vaccinations / boosters.

References

• https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/pct-thru-hiker-checklist/
• https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/the-appalachian-trail-thru-hike-checklist/