Thru-hiking is a long-distance backpacking journey where you hike an entire trail from start to finish in one go. The main difference between thru-hiking and backpacking is the distance and duration of the journey. Backpacking might mean a night or two in the backcountry, while thru-hiking, depending on the trail, can take anywhere from a few days to several months to complete.
If you're new to thru-hiking, this blog covers all the planning, prep and gear tips to help you get started.
How to get started with thru-hiking
Before setting foot on the trail, thru-hiking starts with a lot of planning. The planning process will vary from person to person, as everyone has different goals, timelines and interests.
Below are some of the most important steps to consider before heading out on your first long-distance thru-hike.
- Time commitment: Figure out how much time you can realistically take off to complete a hike. Your time commitment will play a key part in picking which thru-hike you can do.
- Pick a trail: Choose one that suits your timeframe, fitness level, and terrain preferences. Consider difficulty, remoteness, weather and scenery.
- Budget: Multi-month hikes require saving for gear, food, permits, transport, occasional accommodation and emergencies.
- Permits & reservations: Some trails require booking campsites or backcountry permits. Take the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, for example. To help protect both the environment and the experience, only 30 overnight hikers are allowed to start from each end of the trail per day. You'll need a permit and a reservation to be one of them.
- Physical & mental prep: Build endurance with shorter hikes and a loaded pack. Train on similar terrain and prepare for the ups and downs, physically and mentally.
- Gear: Invest in lightweight, reliable gear suited to your route and expected weather. We'll get into essentials later in the blog.
- Food & water strategy: Bring calorie-dense meals and a solid water filter. For long hikes, plan food drops or combine them with town resupplies.
- Safety & navigation: Know how to read a map, use GPS and handle emergencies. Pack a basic first aid kit.
- Communication: Share your plan with someone. For remote trails, consider a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.
Experienced thru-hikers recommend giving yourself about a year to prep, especially for trails that take one to six months. For a multi-month long-distance hike, a full year gives you enough time to budget, source the right gear and learn everything you need to know about your chosen route.
How to pick a thru-hiking route
Choosing the right thru-hike starts with knowing how much time you can take off to complete the hike. Thru-hiking routes can range from a few days while other thru-hikes can take several months to complete. Your time commitment will be a driving factor in shaping your options and dictate how much you need to plan and budget. A multi-month hike comes with higher costs for food, gear, and resupply logistics, while a shorter trip is easier to manage both financially and logistically.
Once you know your timeframe to complete your thru-hike, start researching regions that interest you. Type "North America's best thru-hike trails" into Google or Wikipedia or explore apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and FarOut (formerly Guthook) to get started. Online forums like Reddit's r/ThruHiking, Facebook groups, and even your local hiking clubs can offer recommendations and help you narrow down beginner-friendly options. You can also check out one of MEC’s in-store hiking clinics to connect with others who may have done these routes before. Talking to hikers online or in your community is a great way to find a trail that matches your experience level and goals.
What to pack for your first thru-hike
When it comes to thru-hiking, lightweight gear is everything. Once you've added a tent, sleep system, stove, food, and water treatment, the grams add up fast, and so does the fatigue. Your goal is to bring only what you need and make every item count.
Start with the basics: shelter, sleep system (sleeping bag and pads), layered hiking clothing, food, and water. Use our ultimate backpacking checklist, meal planning, and how to pack a backpack articles as a starting point to make sure you've packed smart, stayed light, and distributed your backpack weight for all-day comfort on the trail.
The two most common issues for new thru-hikers is carrying too much weight and wearing the wrong footwear. Lightweight, weather-appropriate gear and well-fitting hiking shoes and boots will make all the difference for your comfort and endurance.
Check out some of our trail-specific checklists as another starting point:
How to plan meals and water for thru-hiking
Staying fueled and hydrated on a thru-hike takes some strategy. You'll burn thousands of calories a day, so focus on lightweight, high-calorie foods that are easy to prep and pack. Popular options include dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, instant oats, and nut butters. For multi-day or multi-week hikes, you can either resupply in towns, pre-send food drops, or a combination of these two approaches. Town resupplies give you more flexibility (and food cravings control), while food drops are handy for remote stretches with limited access to resources. Check out our backpacking food and meal planning guide as a starting point.
When it comes to water, you should always know where your water sources are along the trail. Some trails will have frequent water sources, while for others trails, like alpine or desert routes, you'll need to strategize your water intake and refill options. A good water filter or purifier will safely treat water from streams, lakes, or other natural sources during your thru-hike. Even if the water looks clean, it can carry bacteria or parasites that could ruin your trip. Do your research before you go so you know where you can refill and so you're never caught off guard.
