Preparation for Type 2 fun expedition!
Hiking has become my core value. The more time I spend in nature the further I feel connected to self. This feeling pushed me to start with day hikes, multiday backpacking and now the legendary John Muir Trail (JMT)!
JMT is renowned for being one of the most beautiful and challenging long-distance hiking trails in the world. It spans 211 miles from Yosemite National Park (YNP) to Mount Whitney in California excluding the hike to resupply stations and Mount Whitney summit to Whitney Portal. The trail traverses iconic wilderness areas, including Yosemite NP, John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, as well as the Ansel Adams Wilderness. We set ourselves to face a total elevation gain of approximately 47,000 feet. The route will take us through high alpine passes, past pristine glacial lakes, and natural granite formations, all of which are truly awe-inspiring.
Our journey began way before hitting the iconic trail with my enthusiasm for discussing the JMT over the years! Talking to fellow hikers I met on the trail and searching online fueled my excitement about tackling this challenging route. We decided to apply for the lottery system, and I was particularly fascinated by the idea of hiking southbound (SOBO) through the most rugged and high-elevation sections at the end of the trail.
To our delight, we received a permit for our hike during the breathtaking fall season!
The beauty of the John Muir Trail (JMT) is undeniable, but a successful thru-hike requires much more than just physical conditioning. It involves careful planning for backpack weight, resupplies, navigating potential reroutes, solar charging, organizing meals, and adapting to the constantly changing trail conditions over the next three weeks.
Nearly three weeks into the preparation, we initially considered dehydrating regular meals, but as the days went by, it felt more cumbersome. The options for dehydrated food available online outweighed the time investment required. We calorie-counted, electrolytes, and water consumption since we came from endurance hikes at high altitude a few weeks back in Colorado, which helped, as we were physically conditioned and used it as a template.
The breakfast and dinner were the dehydrated foods and we estimated the weight of packaging and rationed into light weight ziplocs as per day.
All dehydrated food transferred into light weight ziplocks with measurement of amount per serving!
On our way to mail the food to resupply stations
The food goes to the resupply station.
The perks of residing in California and within miles, it reached within 72 hours!
Starting on August 9, we began ordering supplies from Amazon and REI to ensure we have enough time to test everything out.
A week before our trip, I weighed every item that would go into my backpack, including layers, a change of clothes, accessories, and even something as small as a lip balm! Every ounce counts, and so far, my pack weighs 29 pounds and my partner’s backpack was 36 pounds. It may seem obvious, but I also prepared specific outfits: one for reaching the Tolumene Meadows, a fresh set for Independence at OV, and another change of hiking clothes to reset after 14 days. Additionally, I need clothes for when the hike is completed and we reach our car parked at Independence before heading home. This was the initial plan but plan change, don’t they? Phew! 😅
As part of my preparation, I focused on staying physically active. I committed to a routine that included a 2.5-mile walk, 45 minutes of slow-flow yoga, or 40 minutes of biking. This regimen aimed not only to keep me active but also to aid in my recovery after climbing 14ers in Colorado a few weeks prior. Additionally, I had regular appointments with my exercise physiologist to work on recovery, maintain a positive mindset, and stay conditioned.
In the days leading up to the trail, I indulged in my favorite foods while also maintaining a balanced diet with whole foods to keep my nutrition in check. I made sure to reset my body with regular deep tissue massages as well.
A sense of elation filled us as we packed the entire living room into our backpacks, as one of my hiker buddies said! From now on, my sturdy backpack will be known as “BAGira,” my reliable companion for the peaceful and challenging John Muir Trail (JMT)! A lovely and kind couple, friends of ours, offered to drop us off at Yosemite and see us off on our much-anticipated hike. They would be joining us for the final section of the trek, which starts in Onion Valley!
Check out my full video of 22 days of backpacking on JMT on my YouTube channel:
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