Day Hiker / Section Hiker / Thru Hiker: Can You Tell the Difference?

Originally posted on The Trek on November 8th, 2016

An older hiker whose name I sadly can’t remember (I have the memory of a 90 year old), once told me a joke that goes a little like this:

“There was a jelly bean laying on the trail. A day hiker walked right passed it not even acknowledging it was there. Then a section hiker walked by, stopped and debated whether or not he was going to eat it. Before the section hiker could decide, a thru hiker came up behind him, grabbed the jelly bean and ate it without hesitation.”

Although we all are nature lovers getting outside to enjoy the fresh air and scenery (we should all be proud, since so many people don’t even bother getting off the couch), there are very discernable differences between day hikers, section hikers, and thru hikers. This is meant to be for fun so don’t get your panties in a wad over it. Let the hate mail begin!

ODOR

Day Hiker: Smells like heaven (to a thru hiker). The pleasant aroma of shampoo, soap, and body mist are ever flowing from their skin and hair. A day without a shower would be unimaginable to a day hiker. Always uses deodorant.

Section Hiker: Hair disheveled, sweaty and slightly stinky. They appear to be a day hiker who has been lost in the woods for a couple days. They’re not exactly swampy, but look like they may have taken a slight tumble in the dirt. Sometimes uses deodorant.

Thru Hiker: Smells like they found a pond full of sweat with dead animals and rotting produce floating around in it. You can actually see the odor evacuating their pores. They don’t seem to care; in fact, they seem quite proud of it. What’s deodorant?

PACK SIZE

Day Hiker: They carry anything from a fanny pack to an oversized backpack and it always remains attached to them at all times. They have brought enough water with them to keep them alive for 2 weeks. Everything they carry is squeaky clean.

Section Hiker: Carries more than enough gear than necessary. They are prepared for every emergency with their first aid kit to their bear mace.

Thru Hiker: Carries the bare minimum. Why carry any more when you’re hiking 2,000+ miles?

TAKING IN SCENERY

Day Hiker: Selfies galore! “Look world! I do get out and do fun things!” May have brought a wardrobe change with them.

Section Hiker: Stops at every view unless they’re hating life at that very moment. Will go the extra distance for an overlook. They’re fearful someone out in the woods might steal their pack if they leave it along the trail so they’ll lug it with them even if the view is 0.4 miles or more off trail going uphill.

Thru Hiker: Won’t likely go the extra distance for a view unless it’s really close, there’s graffiti on the sign saying it’s worth it, or if it’s rumored along the trail to be super rad. Ditches their pack along the trail to go see a view because they’re aware that if their pack were to be stolen, thru hikers can spread the word faster than a virus. When they do get to a rad view it shall be enjoyed over Slim Jims and trail mix.

PACE

Day Hiker: Snail speed with a lot of socializing. What’s the rush?

Section Hiker: Speed o’ Deer. They got their stride down by now and can easily prance past a day hiker, especially if they’re a week into their section.

 Thru Hiker: “The f*ck just flew past me?” They’re on a mission to dominate one mountain at a time.

FEARS

Day Hiker: Getting dirty, losing phone signal, bugs, needing to poop outside, rodents, bears, snakes, getting lost, running out of water, running out of food, thru hikers, “Deliverance” hillbillies…

Section Hiker: Bears, snakes, getting lost, running out of water, running out of food, thru hikers, “Deliverance” hillbillies… Aren’t the last two about the same thing?

Thru Hiker: Running out of money and injuries; the only two things that could lead to failure.

ATTIRE

Day Hiker: Might be out hiking in high heels (hey, I’ve seen it!), flats, or other inconvenient clothing. Dressed up for the runway or a photo shoot in case they run into anyone they recognize.

Section Hiker: Properly dressed for the outdoors, but maybe a little too dressed up. Looks like they jumped out of an REI catalog.

Thru Hiker: Dressed in clothes that should probably be burned, like, seriously. Gross.

FOOD

Day Hiker: Brought a full blow picnic to be enjoyed on the summit. Sandwiches, guacamole dip, fresh cut fruit, potato salad, and shrimp cocktail.

Section Hiker: Mountain House.

Thru Hiker: Eat the worst diet imaginable. Is that a tortilla with peanut butter, M&M’s, Fritos, raisins, pepperoni, mayonnaise, and Starburst? Looks delicious.

ATTITUDE

Day Hiker: Trots along the trail like they own the damn place. Entitled bastards.

Section Hiker: Trots along the trail like they own the damn place. Entitled bastards.

Thru Hiker: Trots along the trail like they own the damn place. Entitled bastards.

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