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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 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://www.instagram.com/chadahooche_/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9Hz3X4LcG4fczA5vtz59Q

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Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
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