JMT thru-hike: What would you have done differently

imported
#1

Hello all,

I plan to go solo week of 7/19 from TM as far as I can go and expect to take 20+/- days (largely according to Cicerone book). Resupply at RM, VVR, MTR. I’ve got backpacking experience but nothing this extensive. Alot of reading and new gear acquired. I’ve been heavily committed to endurance biking since Feb and am fit but have not been hiking. Know enough about nutrition and hydration at altitude. Not interested in ultralight trekking nor taking truly unnecessary items.

What ancillary items did you wish you had (or had not) brought on a JMT thru-hike?

What preparations did you wish you had made? - More pre-trip conditioning, more thorough route-planning, better food choices, alternate routes.

I know these are broad questions…whatever stands out in your mind

mark

#2

I hiked the JMT in 2005 in 13 days, with a base pack weight (pack + contents, but not food & water) under 10 lbs - so, light. I didn’t take anything that I didn’t use every day, and I didn’t want anything that I didn’t have. I really valued going light because I could enjoy spending more time walking, and walking was the only entertainment that I had or desired. I just resupplied at RM & MTR (not VVR, it’s close enough to be redundant with MTR). All I would really say is that every object you don’t take with you will make every step of your hike more pleasant.

Shelly

#3

I would encourage you to shift the emphasis of your conditioning regimen and begin walking as much as reasonably possible. Being in shape and being in hiking shape are two different things as the bottom of your feet, heels, hips, etc. will soon let you know.

Also, I have a question for you. Why no interest in ultralite gear? I can imagine a few reasons but am interested in yours. Thanks for the thoughts.

Matt

#4

I appreciate the advice - thank you. I agree about the value of transitioning from biking to hiking but there won’t be much time. I’m doing the Death Ride in Markleeville, CA next weekend and we’re supposed to take it easy this week. Then it’s 10 days before I start JMT. I expect soreness and blisters and that’s why I’m starting at TM and planning an average-intensity itinerary. I’m not opposed to ultralight gear. I’m not ready to use running shoes instead of boots, a tarp instead a tent, or an alcohol stove, or give up a sleeping pad - things like that.

mark

#5

My husband and I did the JMT in '07 in 24 days. http://wannabp.smugmug.com/ for pics and a trip report. Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. We resupplied at TM, RM, and MTR. We went to VVR for a shower and dinner, but no resupply. We included soap, shampoo, etc. in the RM resupply – really nice in the showers. We used a chemical treatment for drinking water because it weighed less and was easier. I agree with Shelly that every object you don’t take will make your hike more pleasant.

Wannabp

#6

Bring sunscreen & sunglasses. Also, an extra battery for your camera. There are so many fantastic vistas to photograph.

Jeff

#7

I am interested in doing this hike next year. I am suppose to be in Seattle for the Solstice (6/30) and had hoped to combine the two outings to save on a second plane ride to the west coast. However, I have been told due to mosquitoes it is not a great idea to hike the JMT in July. So, I guess that leaves Aug-Sept.

Any thoughts on the best time to hike this trail. Mark I would love to hear back from you on how the hike went in July with bugs.

hammock hanger

#8

people who know, advise to do practice walks, hikes with your loaded pack on - great idea - wish i could get round to doing it :slight_smile:

Barbara

#9

Hi hh,

I don’t know if I would let mosquitoes (but black flies, maybe) be the primary factor in determining the date of your hike but - my preferred time would be September. That does mean frost at night (= no mosquitoes) and shorter days. I was very fortunate; I finished a day earlier than planned (Sept 19) and that night it snowed on Whitney - the following day, I would have been unable to summit.

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=123551

Shelly

#10

  1. Go lighter. That MTR resupply is heavy if you’re going from there all the way to Whitney.

  2. Get shoes a size bigger. If you’ve never done a 20-day backpack, expect your feet to swell from sometime around 5-15 days in. Wearing big shoes (really, too big) goes a long way towards keeping your feet from blistering. In my case, the blisters didn’t start until about a week in, when my feet were outgrowing my shoes.

  3. If resupplying at VVR, send your stuff in a plastic bucket instead of a box. They have mice who like hiker food. I guess it’s too late for this advice for you.

  4. Leave plenty of time. Looks like you’ve already planned this. 16 days wasn’t enough for me, so i had to really push myself beyond what i would have liked.

  5. Climb some mountains and explore off-trail. I did a little of this but n ot enough. Split Mountain is a nice easy climb, for instance.

markv