#121 - The John Muir Trail RocketShip with Chad Lubinski

Chad Lubinski messaged me a few years ago after my PCT hike asking questions about how to section hike various portions of the PCT through Oregon because he’d never really considered any sort of hiking or backpacking outside of the hunting season. Since that first interaction, Chad has dived headfirst into backpacking. In 2019 he battled his first big chunk of miles along the PCT and just one year later he completed his first-ever thru-hike of the John Muir Trail. That one single thru-hike that put him through the wringer forced him to adapt to the changing conditions of the trail and when he came out the other side, he had a brand new lease on backpacking. It was like a rocket ship to backcountry freedom because when he came home, he went to work pounding out the miles as often as he could down some of the best trails Oregon and Washington have to offer.In this episode, Chad shares his personal story, lessons learned, and what it’s like to hit the backcountry with confidence.Show Notes and LinksIntroductionsChad’s backgroundChad’s transition from hunting to backpackingWhat caused Chad to begin section hikingExperiencing the hiking cultureObserving the efficiency of thru-hikersHow efficiency can improve your enjoymentWhat changed between 2019 and 2020Chad’s experience on the JMTNavigating the permit processPreparing for the JMTGetting punched in the face by the JMTLessons learned on the JMTLearning the rhythm of the mountainsThe powerful connection to others on the trailChad’s takeaway from the JMTConfidence equals freedom in the backcountryHow to followup with Chad onlinehttps://www.instagram.com/chadahooche_/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Hz3X4LcG4fczA5vtz59QSupport the Show.Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co