Dreaming of hiking 100 miles? The sense of accomplishment in achieving this hiking milestone is personally rewarding as you work to overcome the obstacles. A 100-mile hike will push your boundaries and immerse you in the beauty of nature in a way that no other experience can match.
We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you with expert tips and strategies as you prepare, plan, and successfully complete a 100 mile hiking adventure. Choose the right trail and gear for your needs and develop your goals and training program to optimize your chance of success.
You can accomplish this incredible hiking feat with the right knowledge and motivation. You’ll be able to manage the highs and lows of a multi-day hike with a new and inspirational mental state and a new level of physical stamina.
Some people might aspire to do a 100 mile hike once. Yet others become motivated to tackle even more challenging triple-digit hikes and other unique multi-day hiking experiences.
Long hikers are a special group, and while not everyone aspires to be a section hiker or thru hiker, to add more long treks to their resume. Many long-time hikers cite joining the 100 mile club, as the first step in going further and fully embracing a trekking ethos.
Understanding the differences between camping vs backpacking can significantly influence your preparation and strategy for successfully completing a long-distance hike like a 100-mile trail.
So, let’s get started!
Table of contents
Ultralight 100 Miles Backpacking Gear Weight Comparison
| 100 Miles Gear | Budget Option | Weight (lbs) | From Price | High-End | Weight (lbs) | From Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack | Granite Gear Virga 2 -52L | 1.19 lb | Amazon: | Gorilla 50 Ultralight by Gossamer Gear | 1.81 | $254.99 |
| Shelter | The One Gossamer Gear | 1.10 lb | Shop Garage Grown Gear $255 | Hyperlite Mid 1 Tent | 1.05 | Hyperlite: $599 |
| Sleeping Bag | Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 28F | 1.2 lb | Shop REI: $409 | Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 Deg | 1.13 | Amazon: $595.00 |
| Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | 0.9 | Amazon: $47.17 | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm | 0.96 | Amazon: $47.17 |
| Stove | Fire-Maple 300-T Ultralight Backpacking Stove | 0.1 | Amazon: $42.46 | Jetboil MightyMo Ultralight Backpacking Stove | 0.21 | Amazon: $84.27 |
| Cookware | GSI Outdoors Halulite Minimalist | 0.39 | $34.95 | Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0 | 0.42 | $86.95 |
| Water Filter | Sawyer Mini | 0.13 | Amazon: | Katadyn BeFree 1L | 0.1 | Amazon: $37.95 |
| Water Storage | Platypus Platy 2L | 0.08 | Amazon: $18.95 | MSR DromLite Bag 2L | 0.3 | $36.95 |
| Navigation | Suunto A-10 Field Compass | 0.07 | Amazon: $70.00 | Garmin inReach Mini | 0.24 | Amazon: $299.99 |
| First Aid Kit | Thrive Travel First Aid Kit | 0.25 | Amazon: $15.99 | Adventure Medical Kits .5 | 0.26 | Amazon: $22.99 |
| Headlamp | Black Diamond Astro | 0.17 | $19.95 | FENIX HM65R-DT Dual Spotlight Headlamp | 0.20 | $109.95 |
| Clothing | Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants, REI Co-op Trailmade Shirt | 1.4 | Pants –Amazon: $47.98 : $34.93 | Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants, Arc’teryx Motus Crew Shirt | 1.1 | Arc’teryx pants: $180 Arc’teryx shirt: $70 |
| Trekking Poles | Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber | 1.0 | Amazon: $54.99 | Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork | 1.0 | at $199.95 |
| Multitool | Leatherman Rev | 0.43 | Amazon: | Leatherman Skeletool CX | 0.31 | Amazon: $11.49 |
| Spork | Light My Fire Original BPA-Free Tritan Spork | 0.03 | Amazon: $49.95 | UCO 3-In-1 Titanium Spork | 0.04 | Amazon: $11.49 |
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 8.44 lb | TOTAL WEIGHT | 9.13 lb |
Setting Goals and Preparation
An essential task is assessing your fitness level and thinking about a strategy to increase your hiking endurance. Depending on your trail experience and general fitness, this might involve working on several aspects of your physical fitness, including cardiovascular condition or core strength.
Some hikers use the maximum aerobic fitness (MAF) test as a benchmark before setting goals and hitting the gym. Don’t neglect to set mental health goals and work on your mind game to prepare for the coming challenge.
A second major step is to identify possible target hiking trails presenting your preferred level of hiking difficulty. Look at topographic variables such as slopes, the amount and frequency of elevation change, and trail surface conditions.
Next, create a training schedule and milestone goals to arrive at the trailhead in good shape. Wrap up this preparation phase with initial gear selection and testing in conditions you’ll eventually face on the trail.
Gear selection should be based on a realistic assessment of the specific tasks ahead and how you intend to complete them.
For example: Are your hiking boots up to the challenge? Could you get by with a lighter sleeping bag and pad set-up? Will you carry a portable stove and cook morning and evening meals?
Check out our helpful hiking gear checklists and reviews to help you decide on the best hiking clothes, gloves, hiking shorts, breathable underwear, outerwear, camp gear, backpacks, and more!
Explore how programs like No Barriers for Warriors equip veterans with the skills to tackle challenging hikes and overcome personal barriers through transformative outdoor experiences.”
Physical Training and Conditioning
Moving into the training phase of preparation is exciting and motivating for many hikers. Prioritize cardiovascular exercises, stamina building, and strength and resistance training. A great idea is to incorporate actual hikes and long-distance walks into your routine, preferably in conditions like those on your chosen 100 mile trail.
Practice using hiking poles if you intend to use them on a superior hiking trail; poles are an excellent way to reduce stress on joints, but they do need to be properly fitted and used with effective poling techniques on the trail for maximum value.
Other useful exercises include climbing stairs and hills and walking lunges to help step over obstacles and high rocks. Practice carrying a backpack load and progressively work up to your expected trail pack weight. Weight management is a critical skill to hone before you arrive at the trailhead!
Nutrition and Hydration
Develop a daily trail meal plan and account for your expected calorie requirements on the trail. Pack lightweight and nutrient-dense foods, like some of your favorite energy bars, fruits and veggies, nuts, and jerky.
Hiking multiple days in a row for 100 miles is sustainable with a protein and carbohydrate-rich breakfast. Bring meals such as oatmeal, eggs, and granola. Also, carry nutritious snacks you can munch on every couple of hours or so and a protein-rich or pasta supper. Your daily trail snacks and fueling techniques should be itemized and scheduled.
Hydration strategies and water resources require careful thought. Are you content on using a water purifier purifying available water sources on the trail with a relatively inexpensive water filtration tablet treatment? Will you use LifeStraw Personal Water Filters, or are you going to pack a lightweight, portable water purification system, such as the Survivor Filter Pro?
Few hikers would want to carry water supplies for the entire 100 miles, and some hikers rely heavily on powdered drink mixes and protein powders on a long hike. Frequent stops are sometimes difficult to avoid. However, several key technologies, such as hydration bladders, are very useful to allow hikers to keep moving while snacking and replenishing fluids.
Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration and energy reduction and are not recommended on long hikes.
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Navigation and Trail Skills
Brush up on your map reading and orienteering skills, including using a handheld compass. This prepares you to match the parameters of the trail and the environment you’ve chosen to hike. Some trails are busy and well-marked, but others are remote and not well-populated or signed, so getting yourself from point A to point B might take some real navigational skills.
Excellent portable GPS and satellite communications options are available, such as the Garmin line-up of trail GPS watches and handheld GPS units, and navigation and campsite apps have come a long way in recent years.
You might not always have cell coverage or phone recharging capability, so a reliable satellite communication system is highly recommended. Understanding trail markers and signs, plus knowledge of the applicable trail and wildlife regulations for the time and place of your hike, are important.
To increase your confidence to deal with emergencies on the trail, consider a wilderness first aid and safety training course as part of your hike preparation. It’s important to carry a well-stocked first aid kit, and it’s important to know how to use it!
Mental Preparation and Mindset
Working on your physical fitness will naturally help build confidence and mental resilience, but here are a few specific pointers to help you calibrate your mindset for success.
As part of your hiking plan preparation, use mental visualization to run through different scenarios and see yourself succeeding. Improving your physical fitness will boost your mental health and confidence.
For example, calculate your hiking speed pace formula and work on ways to improve your hiking speed and stamina. Develop a strong positive self-talk dialogue to help reinforce your inner voice and motivate you when the trail gets tough. Another helpful idea is to join a local hiking club to meet other hikers to share and learn about mental techniques that worked for them.
Set a few benchmark goals using local trails. Use this time to practice your hiking skills in smaller increments as you gear up for the big one.
Overcoming challenges and pushing through a 100 mile hike is one of the greatest sources of satisfaction you will ever experience, but even the lead-up effort is a special time to savor. You are really going to do this! Remind yourself to enjoy the journey and celebrate your incredible achievement!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to hike 100 miles?
Depending on the terrain and your hiking preparation and fitness, a 100-mile hike can take 2 days to 2 weeks. The average hiker on a moderate-difficulty trail would likely need 5 or 6 days to hike 100 miles.
What are some recommended trails for hiking 100 miles?
A well-documented 100 mile hike is a section of the Appalachian Trail near Monson, ME. The John Muir Trail in California, is approximately 211 miles long and is part of the much longer Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Also, the Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas and Missouri, over 300 miles long, are also popular.
Some national parks, such as the New River Gorge National Park and Bluestone National Park Reserve in West Virginia, have created a 100 mile challenge to inspire more hikers to reach this milestone on local trails.
How do I prevent blisters and foot care during a long-distance hike?
Hiking boot quality and fit are critical in preventing blisters, but you should also wear sock liners and change socks frequently to avoid moisture build-up and friction hot spots.
Take care of sore or blistered areas as soon as possible with an appropriate cream or gel and padded bandage or tape. If a blister ruptures, treat the area with a bandage and antiseptic or antibiotic salve to prevent infection.
Safety precautions and emergency procedures
Certainly always carry a well-stocked emergency and first aid kit on long hikes. Also familiarize yourself with the contents and how to use all the items should the need arise.
A good handheld GPS unit with satellite communications is essential to long-hike technology. While in many areas, it’s wise to think about keeping bears out of your food and carrying bear deterrence.
Always register with the proper authorities, such as trail stewards or park staff. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return if something goes wrong. Read our Ultimate Guide to Hiking Safety for more tips and strategies to stay safe on the trail.
What are some tips for hiking 100 miles solo versus with a group?
Depending on your level of experience and trail conditions, solo hiking can be immensely rewarding or downright dangerous. Solo hiking presents some interesting challenges. It’s mentally and physically compared to group hiking, so your preparation and planning should be adjusted accordingly.
Perhaps the biggest solo challenge you’ll face is that you’ll have no immediate backup or margin of safety on the trail. Spending extra time preparing safety and contingency plans for the hike can pay big dividends.
You’ll have freedom and seclusion on remote trails. On the other hand, you might find it easy to join a passing group or another solo hiker if your circumstances or preferences change.
Some solo hikers report it’s easier to meet and share with other hikers, and conversely, some find hiking solo lonely and less fulfilling. Spending a bit of extra time getting your mental game in order might be appropriate in that case.
Conclusion
Successful completion of a 100 mile wilderness hike starts with good planning and preparation. Consider benchmarking yourself with a thorough fitness assessment. From there, work on your physical fitness and mental mindset to build your 100 mile hike game plan.
Test your gear and check that your equipment will meet your requirements. Plan daily nutrition and hydration on the trail and pay close attention to safety aspects and trail skillsets – such as map reading and orienteering – you may need to call upon.
Strengthen your ability to manage the mental challenge of this rigorous and rewarding adventure with visualizations and mental exercises. These keep your spirits up when the trail gets tough.
For an unforgettable long-distance trekking experience, consider hiking the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rigorous terrain, perfect for testing your newfound skills and endurance
Successful long hikers embrace the challenge of a long trail, stay focused and motivated, revel in a transformative hiking experience, and cherish the memory of their accomplishments for the rest of their lives.
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Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API