Showerthought: I was overplanning my thru-hikes for years

I used to map out every single mile and campsite weeks ahead. Last month on the Long Trail in Vermont, I met a guy who just carried a map and picked spots based on how he felt each day. He seemed way less stressed than me. That night, my reservation at a shelter got messed up and I had to hike an extra 3 miles in the dark. Now I just pick a general direction and figure it out as I go. Has anyone else found that looser planning makes trips more enjoyable?

4 comments

4 Comments

willowg881mo ago

Did you factor in how planning less can make you safer in bad weather?

ross.lily1mo ago

Ha yeah totally. I wing it more now and it actually saves me from sketchy situations.

troy_price1mo ago

Overthinking plans just gets you stuck... sometimes the real move is not having one.

max2231mo ago

ross.lily said "saves me from sketchy situations" and that reminds me of a time in the Smokies where my super tight plan had me crossing a stream that turned into a raging river from afternoon storms. I decided to just camp early on the wrong side and wait it out. Woke up to clear skies and a fun little detour the next day.