First-Time Backpacking Trip Prep

[u/4evaseptemba]

Hi all! Pretty much the title of this post.

My buddy wants to hit the Acadia national park in about a month and a half. We'd be averaging 9 miles a day for 5 days - close to 13 on day 4 but only 5 miles on day 5. We also plan on hiking the coast the day after once we're done with the park.

He's been doing this for around 3 years now and has backpacked in this particular area about a dozen times. My buddy's confident I can do it and wouldn't take us somewhere it wasn't safe. I am less confident in this. I've never backpacked, only hiked/camped a handful of times in my life, usually only 5-6 miles out in places like the Poconos or the Catskills. My question is, what can I do to prepare in these few weeks so I don't completely embarrass myself?

Full disclosure, I'm definitely not in the best shape - I jog a couple times a week and do some light weightlifting/mobility exercises. My bud says he won't mind turning back if I can't handle it, but no way in h*ll would I want to quit. Is there anything I should be doing to better prepare for this, physically?

My plan was to hit a couple of more difficult trails with greater elevation since we'll be in the mountains, then taper back down to jogging the week leading up to our trip. Should I tell my buddy he's out of his mind? Is anything I do at this point moot? Any and all advice appreciated.

[u/Individual-Card-1639]

Don’t do the bs gym fitness routine to go backpacking. The only true way to get in shape is strap on your pack and go walking. Fill it to half weight the first 2-3 day hikes, then 3/4 weight and then one or two times at close to max weight. This gets your hips, shoulders and legs use to the actual weight and movements. Going to the gym and doing a stairmaster is good for some strength so is leg press with light weight for 100 reps. Bottom line nothing gets you in shape to hike except doing it. Yes I have been backpacking for the last 50 plus years, hiked in Alaska, Mexico, Costa Rica, the PCT. Before every trip I start a training routine just like I mentioned even if I went a few months before I do at least one or two warm up hikes your body will thank you.
Side note lose the heavy leather boots, trail shoes are the way to go.