#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, if the By Land Podcast, Chad shares his personal story, lessons learned, and what it’s like to hit the backcountry with confidence.

By Land,

Emory R. Wanger

By Land Links

LEARN HOW TO BACKPACK https://byland.co/learn-how-to-backpack

YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSSISEgIfwYz2cc0aHQj3g

FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/1192723304224313/

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/byland.co

SAY HELLO!! https://byland.co/contact

Show Notes and Links

Introductions

Chad’s background

Chad’s transition from hunting to backpacking

What caused Chad to begin section hiking

Experiencing the hiking culture

Observing the efficiency of thru hikers

How efficiency can improve your enjoyment

What changed between 2019 and 2020

Chad’s experience on the JMT

Navigating the permit process

Preparing for the JMT

Getting punched in the face by the JMT

Lessons learned on the JMT

Learning the rhythm of the mountains

The powerful connection to others on the trail

Chad’s takeaway from the JMT

Confidence equals freedom in the backcountry

How to followup with Chad online

https://hikertrashnation.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chadahooche_/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Hz3X4LcG4fczA5vtz59Q