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Can we talk about the obsession with mileage targets on long trails? | Backpacking Routes - Vivisector

Can we talk about the obsession with mileage targets on long trails?

I keep seeing folks planning their John Muir Trail trip around hitting a specific number of miles every single day, like 15 or 20. They map it out on paper and get super stressed if they fall short. From my three trips on the Colorado Trail, I learned that fixating on distance ignores the actual trail. Some 15-mile days with 4,000 feet of climbing are brutal, while a flat 20-mile day can feel easy. The weather, how your feet feel, and finding a good campsite matter way more than a number you wrote down months ago. I think this mindset leads to people missing cool side trails or pushing too hard and getting hurt. But some argue that without a strict plan, you'll run out of food or time. What's your method for planning daily distance on a multi-day route?

4 comments

4 Comments

the_alice6mo ago

Without a solid mileage plan you're just asking to run out of food in the middle of nowhere... a strict daily target is the only way to make sure you finish on time and stay safe.

violag806mo ago

Totally agree with @the_alice. A strict daily target is the bare minimum. You also need a buffer for bad weather or a rough stretch, because your plan will fall apart. Just hitting a number each day doesn't mean you're pacing your energy or food right for the whole trip. It's about managing your supplies against real conditions, not just a calendar.

grantw416mo ago

Exactly! That buffer is everything. I've seen people burn out by day three because they pushed too hard early on just to hit a number. You gotta listen to your body and the trail, not just the spreadsheet.

fionam114mo ago

Ugh, yes, this is such a good point. I've definitely been the one pushing too hard and then just hitting a wall. It's not just about the miles, it's about actually making it to the end in one piece.