1. Plan but don’t stress, 3-4 days max, more is a waste of time. 2. Buy fast phone charger, cable and charger…extra cables. 3. Get gear dialed in ahead of time. Get overnight time anywhere to get time with gear. Don’t leave/lose your gear. 4. Protect your gear from theft. 5. Know your body, that a thru hike is a marathon. Don’t develop false expectations. 6. Take GPS, compass with you when you go off trail to go to the bathroom. 7. Don’t quit on a bad day. Give yourself multiple opportunities to succeed/finish, push through the bad times. 8. Don’t shove your “purism” into everyone’s face. 9. Get your gear as lightweight as your budget will allow…the lightest gear is not necessarily the best. 10. The hike is temporary, take the photos, the videos, keep a journal, enjoy it, savor and remember. 11. Hitchhikers, don’t get into a sketchy ride, ask questions, scope ‘em out a bit first. 12. Thru hikers vs section hikers…Section hikers seem to enjoy the hike more. You can complete a thru hike in sections. 13. Always look for “widow makers” before setting up for the night, don’t get complacent. 14. Don’t compare yourself with other hikers. Don’t compete with miles to hike. 15. Hitchhikers, stop and face traffic. 16. Prepare for re-entry, getting back into home, society, job, after the hike. Budget extra money for paying the mortgage, car payment, time to get a job. 17. Never take a step without looking first, looking for rocks, roots and snakes.
Love the list, but as someone who dreams about a through-hike but is still very far from being ready for one ... I have to say that the idea of doing a through-hike in sections takes away all the romantic allure for me. I guess, on a merely theoretical level, I'm a would-be future purist. (Something actual experience could obliterate, of course.)
I really appreciate Hunter acknowledging that most of us are constrained by jobs. So many other hiking RUclipsrs basically call 9-5ers losers who simply lack the courage or motivation to leave work and go on a thru-hike. I have a career I love and health insurance I need, so section hiking is as high as I can even aspire
I am a lifelong section hiker who is now semi-retired and am planning to thru hike the PCT in two years when I stop working for good. Never say never. As long as your health holds out you can always plan a thru hike for your older years like me.
Well said. I thru-hiked the CT and was unemployed, but looking for a job and interviewing along the trail. No one seemed to understand the "need" for a job. There's so much pressure to "just quit and do it" and I don't think that's possible for most people.
It is interesting that so many folks say that. I mean, I feel like some thru hikers make a lifestyle of it, but it takes a lot of planning to shut one’s life down for a good part of the year.
Besides needing to work, it's not even ethical that everyone who wants to hike the AT should do it. This trail is already becoming more crowded as it is, and the gear to do a through hike is much more available and lighter than a couple decades ago, meaning it is more accessible to more people. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but section hiking can in some ways be more sustainable in using the trail more effectively and crowd management, or simply hiking alternate trail systems that don't see as much action.
Was jogging in CO with headphones, was in the zone, and came a few inches from stepping on a rattler… I somehow heard the rattle and saw his head raise up in the corner of my eye and I swear I leapt 10 feet off of one foot. Still can’t believe it didn’t get me. I was shaking with adrenaline for at least 20 minutes 😅
I do the coffee, pnut butter cliff bar, dehydrated banana chips and Greek yogurt in my oatmeal every morning before work! I love it!! lol! I also love these videos! 😊
Nice one, I might have missed some, but I hope this helps. If you like to hike, you will learn these lessons one way or another. Might as well choose the easy way. 8:00 eat and hydrate, even if you don't want to. You WILL get bored of foods so try to be creative. Snacking helps. 10:00 Plan to adapt your plan to the demands of the hike. Don't stress about planning beyond the outline. This includes resource planning such as time and money, a buffer is better than rigidity. 14:30 Fast charging ports for your devices so you can power up during limited availability. Don't cheap out on electronics equipment (phone, chargers, banks, cables, etc.) 16:40 Familiarize yourself with and test your gear before going out in a big trip with it. 19:15 Don't leave your gear unattended. 22:00 Be mindful of your emotional needs on the hike. Manage your goals, expectations, and outcomes. Don't hang out with people who bring you down or do not add a positive aspect to your hike. If your morale is weakening and you want to quit, take some time in town and chill for a bit before you decide to bail. (I personally disagree, if you want to leave GTFO and live life. who cares.) 36:00 Hike your own trail in the way you enjoy it most. Don't sacrifice enjoyment of the hike in order to get "100% completion." 39:00 Have the lightest equipment your budget will allow. It's not absolutely critical though. Don't financially gatekeep yourself from enjoying the outdoors. Start with the big three 48:00 Don't be naive about locals or other people. Stay with folks you trust, and don't put yourself in compromising situations. 51:00 Rather than a big honker of a hike, try smaller section hikes to build up and enjoy with less pressure. This can make it more enjoyable by hiking sections outside of their "through hike season." 54:00 hanging dead trees and branches are referred to as "widow makers" for a reason. Look up before setting up camp. 56:30 No need to compare to others. Might be unsafe to try to keep up outside of your abilities. Know your strengths and mitigate risk. Don't be fooled by instagram glory, hiking is stinky and tough. 58:00 he mentioned the use of the Garmin '"SOS" feature, fairly certain that if you call it for the correct reason (meaning your life is actually in danger) you don't have to the foot the bill for it. Might be wrong about that though. 1:01 Prepare for re-entry back into society. Months on the trail can change you as you become acclimated to a different life. The fellas talked a few times about "fish hook" or "far out," but I think they should have highlighted how important it is to know some basic land navigation skills. There is no reason a person should be life-or-death panicking when they are 30 feet from the trail unless they have ZERO skills to navigate. Don't be a moron, learn how to land nav in the safe trails nearby your house. In the age of cellphones and GPS, I will laugh at you if you die in the wilderness because you got lost.
I got hassled at a Walmart because of my pack. But it was because I was putting it inside suitcases. I wanted to see if the whole pack would fit because I was going to check it at the airport. They had a big selection of viable suitcases (near Sacramento Airport) so it took a while to shop.
RE: food. Used to have the same issue with being not hungry first day or two of long hikes - I find habit of snacking continuously during first day helps keep my stomach working. Also, from another thru hiker - caffeine pills instead of actually coffee cuts weight...thanks, Decaf!
The man he mentioned who made his sandals, Adam is a super nice person as is his wife. They do transportation up North on the Long Trail. During the flood last summer on LT they helped me to get off trail. Great people.
Child safety locks. When hitching, Uber, or shuttles, after you chat with the driver, and you open the back passenger door(s), check that the child safety locks are not engaged. With these engaged the door won't open from the inside.
A few years back I had gone camping with 3 friends in the BWCA. I walked away from our campsite to find a tree to hang our bearbag. After searching for a while, I was literally about 50 feet from site. I found a tree and hung my bag. When I went to head back to site, I had no idea which way to go. It is SO easy to lose track of your landmarks (couldn't see the lake, no footpath, sun under clouds, all trees start to look the same!) and get turned around very fast. If my friends hadn't been there for me to do call/response, I would have been screwed. Next time I'll bring my GPS or take the time to mark the trees as walking out.
This is something I picked up from working 100% outdoors in areas with no service, but I bring flagging tape to tie around a branch every few yards when I'm going off trail or away from my normal location for any reason. Almost like breadcrumbs. Collect them on your way back of course!
I listened to 1:19 seconds and that's all I could take... And I have tons of patience.... However -- here are my tips... * Don't bring your cat with you, they rip holes in your tent, but they might keep the mice away. * Take a break for 55minutes every hour, on the hour -- at least. * Don't forget milk for the cappuccino machine * Bring a big helium balloon -- it makes carrying the backpack easier. * Don't be selfish -- Hike is or her hike. -- Forget about your own hike. * Don't drink LMNT or whatever it is called. There are better ways to get your electricity.
Love having the opportunity to watch your videos, you inspired me to attempt a Thru Hike of the AT starting in Feb '25! Just got my trail bag today, and I am going to get the rest of the gear I need to start doing training overnight hikes! I've always loved being out in nature and I feel like I am stagnating in life so I am going to save up the next 13 months and dive into the AT!!
Kyle, thanks for sharing your fears because you aren't the only one. Also thanks for the discussion on section hiking. Sometimes hike your own hike involves hiking in sections due to work and family responsibilities. Love these episodes. Keep shining bright.
I totally get what you mean by “ re-entry.“ Being removed from society for a period of time can make coming back difficult. This is true for soldiers, but is also experienced just in living a nomad lifestyle. There’s this feeling of suspended time when you’re away with a very nuanced group, sharing a unique experience. Coming back can certainly evoke a sense of loss because your normal has been redefined. I’m really glad you brought that up, Hunter. I love your channel, Kyle! 🏕️
I hiked the 21,000km just over 13,000 miles Trans Canada Trail the worlds longest. Its acuslly 28,000km but 7000 of it is water route. I ate up 27 pairs of boots. The trail goes to all three of Canada's oceans, and it is made up of 500 individual trails. It goes through 1000 towns and cities and 15,000 communities. Please no negative comments it was a beautiful journey.
Old military adage: the PLAN is useless, the PLANNING is priceless. It is the planning, and knowledge gained in planning, that allow you to adapt when the plan you previously had goes to hell.
Kyle, you absolutely nailed it!!!! Been hiking PCT for 9 years now and seen it all and learned from my mistakes. I made the mistake of getting in a car with a drunk trail angel driving in Sierra City. Scary. Back in 2016, one of the old timer pack mule guys told me to never, ever let myself be separated from my pack. I follow that advice to this day, but my pack is 20 to 37L max, so never an issue being forced to leave it outside.
WOW ! When I subbed to trail tales it had about 400 viewers per episode. Now you're regularly in the 10's of thousands. Congratulations Kyle! I'm so happy for you
I was bit by a N. Pacific rattlesnake while fly-fishing and floating a river. Pretty debilitating. Best thing you can do is get to a water source, hunker down, and send for help. Most likely won't kill you but will be pretty rough. I got to a hospital within a few hours and was treated. Never saw or heard the snake (long story), or I would have avoided it.
My first backing trip was the AT - back in 2000 - best decision ever!! - Cell phones were only around in bounce boxes back then - and a lot less people!!
On the planning topic: No one plans to get sick or hurt. Came down with the flu and had to hike into town with a fever. Man there no way for me to stick to the "plan." Walked 5 miles in 6 hours because I ended up having to lay down and take a 2 hour nap on a rock.
Have you guys checked out the Four Corners Loop Association trail that was established and confirmed back over the summer of like 2022? Guy that hikes in my local club is the one that put it together. Over 2,000 miles in a loop through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Check it out!
So cool that someone hiked West Rim trail in Pennsylvania. I lived in the middle of Tioga Forest for 13 years a hop skip and jump from that trail. Not often I hear someone mention it. I Hiked AT in 2018.
2022 AT hiker from Western PA. Did the West Rim trail last summer and plan to go again this summer for my friends first backpacking trip. Was pretty overgrown in spots, but it definitely is a nice beginning trail.
I can relate to the dont stress one. I had a deadline to beat when I hiked the Pinhoti Trail, and it had me rushing a lot of places. Near the end, I finished 3 days ahead of schedule because I ran it and didn't enjoy it as much. I wish I didn't focus so much on finishing and enjoying the "here and now" more.
I've been listening to Trail Tails from the start recently, and Mullet Mike said something very similar to your tip at 32:32 Kyle, right back in Ep4, when discussing about getting off trail - try a few things; town days, zeroes, slack-packing first before getting off trail. Kristian Morgan's said something like that too; he was about to quit, but then got off trail for the night with his team and felt better then next day
Great video. I’m a newbie to hiking. My daughter talked me into hiking and I’m loving it, something we can do together. We live in NY lower part and have plenty of day hikes for me to start out with. Thanks for the tips!
After a few situations with waiting too long in between eating/drinking/consuming calories while hiking, I now set a 30 min timer/reminder on my phone and every time it goes off I have a small snack - - GORP, fruit, etc - - as well as some LMNT water. I'll have something "real" for lunch and or dinner at the usual times. This small change of adding the timer/reminder has made a big difference in my energy levels throughout a full day of hiking/backpacking.
I don't really hike but I grew up on my grandfather's farm that's bordered on three sides by the state forest between the Big and Little Hump Mountains on the North Carolina side. I grew up talking to hikers on the trail. We rode dirt bikes up the Houston Ridge to the top of the Big Hump almost every day. Now that would get you in trouble but in the 80s no one cared. The hikers were always nice. I even hauled a lady to Elk Park once from the top of the Big Hump with a sprained ankle and she gave me a $100 and a huge kiss.
Never rely on hiking in just sandals, you will have a very very bad time if you roll or fracture your ankle on the trail. Hiking with out the type of ankle support a shoe can give you is like rolling dice. Have a trail runner or miracle shoe and a pair of sandals for camp or parts of the trail you can do safely. Rocksylvania, NJ, New Hampshire and Maine you see should have both shoes and sandals. Just because people have done the AT with sandals doesn’t make it an intelligent choice. Some people carry guitars, one guy carried a leaf blower but that doesn’t mean it’s smart to do or will work for you. An ankle injury in the middle of nowhere will be a nightmare for you in multiple ways. And ESPECIALLY for those of you planning on a full thru-hike on the AT, PCT or other similar trail getting an ankle injury 98% going to end it for you and the repercussions of the plans you may have made to take off multiple months from life, work, etcetera may not allow you to retry for a few years if at all. Shoes are possibly the most important piece of gear, they get the most amount of use and abuse. Do not solely(pun not intended 🤣) rely on sandals, have a pair of both shoes and sandals.
I find my Chacos easier on my ankles than any of the trail shoes I have tried. I have a hard time finding a shoe that fits my heels. Most of the time my heels slip. They’re narrow and my foot is wide. Boots, shoes, whatever. The sandals don’t. I keep trying though.
i hiked with this guy and his GF taps with i thru hiked the A.T in 2021, they are wonderful ppl and TAPS MAKES AMAZING BAG TAGS TOO . I BOUGHT TWO AND MORE TO COME . THANKS FOR THE TIP. I CAN RELATE 100%.
I got taken away to a side room in France for going with my bag around the supermarket. In continental Europe they have an area at the start of the supermarket where you can put your bag and it’s on CCTV. I didn’t know, and (remember I was young, dirty and smelly) they assumed I was stealing. I now know that they actually need to show me the footage of me stealing. The fact I didn’t know where to put my bag, did not mean that they had the right to arrest me for stealing. I kept my rucksack on my back in the shop though so I obviously couldn’t have put anything in it. The French are the craziest and do not believe in recognising any English words. Fortunately someone spoke German. Hike Germany/Austria… it’s their national sport.
The French can be really wonderful and helpful or really nasty. I lived there and that was my experience. If you try to speak in French they will usually speak English to you. If you don’t try then they will pretend they can’t speak English. It’s kinda crazy.
I feel like bringing an AirTag on your backpack (or equivalent for any other phone) would be a massive peace of mind for me if I ever take a thru hike.
That was really interesting. I am coming to the point where I cannot listen to your podcasts on the road anymore. I have to listen to them when I have pen and paper with me so that I can take notes. These are TOP backpacking podcasts here. One of my favorite tips is to get your gear as light as your wallet will allow. I would love to have an ultralight backpack but I cannot afford to pay hundreds for each product. Thank you for validating my circumstance. I actually am happy to have found really good products from OneWind for less than $100, recommended to me by another RUclipsr. Thank you again!
Backpack is literally the last place you want to save weight. It appears to make sense, always carry it lighter is better. But in a long hike you always carry everything else too, the backpack is what you carry it ON! I had around 20kg on an ultralight osprey for just a few days the other day (as a gear check) and I thought my shoulders were going to carve through... It was horrible. Never again. Gregory for life.
My two older brothers are leaving from Pen-Mar park, april 12th, heading Southbound, one 64 & 62. They plan to go all the way to GA. I was going to spend two weeks with them, but other things came up. Hopefully I can start Section hiking in 2025.
l always bring a chair. weight weenies don’t have the power or strength to ever do something like that. l hike n camp to get stronger not like the weight weenies that pass out at camp after a 10 mile easy crawl.
When he told Kyle to be present, I hope he takes that in. When I was around him in 22 it was the opposite of that, but we're all human and Belden was a hard area around the fires.
That was super interesting. Thank you all for this. You brought up excellent points to consider. Don’t step on snakes. We have rattlesnakes and copperheads here. Never heard of Zpacks except for antibiotics by that name. They are expensive for sure.
I am a planner in every aspect of my life. I make detailed gantt chart schedules for a weekend golf trip with my friends (who all know this and proceed to mess with me about timing because they know it raises my blood pressure). If I ever did a thru hike, I would have every water stop planned out much like campsites.
I get the planning point. That was hard for me to not plan on the PCT last year. I knew I wanted to avoid wildfires and make it through the Sierras by September. As a SOBO hiker, timing is everything because you have less time on trail than NOBO hikers. Luckily I was able to start SOBO in Washington June 16th and beat all of the wildfires due to my planned schedule. I made it through the sierras by end of September, even with 2 weeks off trail going back home to Massachusetts for a wedding. I get the idea of trying to not schedule or planning a thruhike. It’s probably the best advice, I just went against the grain haha
I'm in the Ithaca area and posted that exact comment and they deleted my comment. There are around 200 trail miles in Tompkins County, so I have no idea why he says there are no hiking options around Ithaca. I can walk out my back door cross the street and not leave a trail for 12 states.
My hitch hiking story comes from when I was backpacking in Europe (not the hiking kind) (f - at the time, early 20's). I arrived to Brussels via train into Midi station, and this was at a time when this station did not have he best reputation. I was used to wifi being readily accessible at all public transit areas, and this station did not have public wifi. Luckily, I always saved my walking route from train station, to public transit, to hostel. Somewhere between tram and walking to the hostel my instructions were not clear and I got off in a very sketchy area of Brussels. Lost and confused I wandered into a daycare, and asked if anyone spoke Spanish (my got to language since i was traveling solo, second is English). The guy only spoke Dutch and French, he motions for me to follow him to his car so he could just take me to the hostel, and lets someone know he would be gone. I get in, he's going so fast thru allies, all over town, and asking me questions like where are you from, how much my parents make, just anything along those line. I answer as vague as possible or act like i didnt understand the question. I see the hostel and motion for him to just pull over and let me out. he tried to insist on driving me closer, but i started to motion like i would open the door. Thankfully, I had my bag in the backseat with me and i made it to the hostel.
Regarding tent shakedowns, I live in a mobile home park with hardly any yard, and I wouldn't feel safe in local campgrounds where drinking and carousing are the main activities. I'd likely wake up at 3 a.m. fighting off intruders. The A.T. by contrast sounds pretty safe, so as long as I've practiced setting up my tent, maybe it would be reasonable to think of the Georgia section as a shakedown, and if all goes well, continue on.
I reckon these are all very useful insights. Very hard to achieve I would've thought, especially since "you" are most probably fundamentally a super empathic, giving person and/or has some self esteem issues AND you're up against a super exploitative, gaslighting energy vampire. I think it makes more sense to start off focusing on yourself. What's your contribution to having ended up in this relationship? I don't mean to shame anyone, quite the opposite. Realising you're in control of how you're treated can be a difficult thing but also amazing! If your friend was in your situation would you tell them "yeah but... maybe you should give little Dracula here another chance"? I think not. If you think your friend shouldn't put up with being abused, why should you? You KNOW it's not right. If you struggle with claiming or reclaiming your self worth, get some help. Therapy can be expensive but may be a necessary investment. Have the therapy focus on YOU though, not on your relationship. No couples therapy! Don't even mention it to the vampire because they'll do their best to sabotage your effort. The fact that you're getting therapy WILL BE used against you at some point. I reckon the getting rid process will be much less difficult if you approach it from a position of strength. The final goal should be you being happy and spending time, energy and resources only on people who reciprocate in some way and increase your happiness. Whenever you don't have a strong emotional reaction of any kind to that vampire - you're well and truly over that bump in the road. In fact you can, in your own head only, thank the vampire for helping you learn an essential life lesson.
I always wear a hip bag aka a fanny pack so in case i get separated from backpack at least I’m not up shit creek without a paddle if backpack goes missing
I’m from Seattle Washington I was so nervous to move from Seattle to the upstate of South Carolina, but I fell in love with a man so I MOVED from hiking HEAVEN to the unknown. Luckily the Blue Ridge area doesn’t suck!
Haven’t done a huge hike yet but I can only imagine how important reintegration to society and having time to process all of it would be I know when I’ve gone camping for a week with friends or gone on some other trip with family and friends it’s such a disappointment to come back to normal life after being on that high for just a week and spending so much time together.
It's awesome to see someone with IBD doing this. I have UC and it's made things difficult. How does Hunter handle flare ups, meds, etc. while on trail?
I’ve never hiked, I’m older I’m going to be 50 this month and want to be more active. I love your content. I’m in Massachusetts, any advice for me as a new person looking to start and where to start?
About the unattended gear: I get the pack concern, but i live in an urban area where backpacks are not allowed in store either. To me, it's shocking a store would even allow for a pack or backpack of any kind to be in the store. It would be amazing if stores would have a bar in trail towns to provide backpackers with a place to "lock" their bag tho. Will it stop someone, not, but locks dont stop bike theft when there's determination. The big thing some thin gauge wire that wraps around the pack with a lock provides is deterrent. Hiring someone to watch bags (while i love the idea) is unreasonable and can open the store up to a level of liability they might not be able to take on.
Somewhere in VA I heard a rattler while I was standing between logs where a tree had fallen across the trail and been cut out. I froze and looked to my left and it was coiled right beside me on the log at waist height and cocked! I bolted but went south and had to pass it again😂😅 ANOTHER TIP!! Wearing ear buds! I would never. That could’ve been my last day on trail had I not heard it. It was fat as my arm and about 6 foot.
Don't stab the snake with your trekking pole...got it! 😮😂 Copperheads scare me more than rattlesnakes. They're so well camouflaged, and they don't make any sound. Sometimes you don't see them until you are about to stab them with your trekking pole 🫣
Dude, Watkins Glen here, did you ever do the finger lakes trail? It's supposed to be 900mi across NY I asked bcuz you said not much to hike in Elmira area that's nuts lots of places in Schuyler county Tompkins co.area in fact the states only national park is located along Seneca . I live next to the State gorge in Watkins on Seneca I welcome a visit to change your mind on the ample opportunities my area has to offer however Elmira does suck lol Keep beating feet Dude 😎
If I was going off trail more than 5 feet, I would make a small paracord line to walk back by. But I’m terrified if bears & snakes so…. Most hiking is in my rear view mirror. The only two times I hiked alone, I got parallel followed by someone or something. Freaked me out enough, I only group hiked after that with family, kids along, so generally everyone was staying on trail. Hikers are amazing humans.
I get lost so easy. I think you got some thing with the para cord. Tie around a tree and let it loose as you go. Sounds stupid but that would terrify me to be lost
I bring my phone when I go off the trail to take a shit because maybe one of these days I will take a picture of one that looks up and says "Hi everyone, I am a huge hiking TURD! 💩
I dont normally eat during day... just candy/soda normally... then big meal at night... works well but when hiking have to force myself to eat.. i really need to do that while working construction in the summer haha.. team caffeine n nicotine 😂
1. Plan but don’t stress, 3-4 days max, more is a waste of time.
2. Buy fast phone charger, cable and charger…extra cables.
3. Get gear dialed in ahead of time. Get overnight time anywhere to get time with gear. Don’t leave/lose your gear.
4. Protect your gear from theft.
5. Know your body, that a thru hike is a marathon. Don’t develop false expectations.
6. Take GPS, compass with you when you go off trail to go to the bathroom.
7. Don’t quit on a bad day. Give yourself multiple opportunities to succeed/finish, push through the bad times.
8. Don’t shove your “purism” into everyone’s face.
9. Get your gear as lightweight as your budget will allow…the lightest gear is not necessarily the best.
10. The hike is temporary, take the photos, the videos, keep a journal, enjoy it, savor and remember.
11. Hitchhikers, don’t get into a sketchy ride, ask questions, scope ‘em out a bit first.
12. Thru hikers vs section hikers…Section hikers seem to enjoy the hike more. You can complete a thru hike in sections.
13. Always look for “widow makers” before setting up for the night, don’t get complacent.
14. Don’t compare yourself with other hikers. Don’t compete with miles to hike.
15. Hitchhikers, stop and face traffic.
16. Prepare for re-entry, getting back into home, society, job, after the hike. Budget extra money for paying the mortgage, car payment, time to get a job.
17. Never take a step without looking first, looking for rocks, roots and snakes.
Rockstar summary!
You're the hero we don't deserve
Love the list, but as someone who dreams about a through-hike but is still very far from being ready for one ... I have to say that the idea of doing a through-hike in sections takes away all the romantic allure for me. I guess, on a merely theoretical level, I'm a would-be future purist. (Something actual experience could obliterate, of course.)
I really appreciate Hunter acknowledging that most of us are constrained by jobs. So many other hiking RUclipsrs basically call 9-5ers losers who simply lack the courage or motivation to leave work and go on a thru-hike. I have a career I love and health insurance I need, so section hiking is as high as I can even aspire
That is the reality most of us face. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to be able to take a month or two off and get in a longer hike.
I am a lifelong section hiker who is now semi-retired and am planning to thru hike the PCT in two years when I stop working for good. Never say never. As long as your health holds out you can always plan a thru hike for your older years like me.
Well said. I thru-hiked the CT and was unemployed, but looking for a job and interviewing along the trail. No one seemed to understand the "need" for a job. There's so much pressure to "just quit and do it" and I don't think that's possible for most people.
It is interesting that so many folks say that. I mean, I feel like some thru hikers make a lifestyle of it, but it takes a lot of planning to shut one’s life down for a good part of the year.
Besides needing to work, it's not even ethical that everyone who wants to hike the AT should do it. This trail is already becoming more crowded as it is, and the gear to do a through hike is much more available and lighter than a couple decades ago, meaning it is more accessible to more people. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but section hiking can in some ways be more sustainable in using the trail more effectively and crowd management, or simply hiking alternate trail systems that don't see as much action.
You have graduated to my "press Like, then watch the video" group. Keep up the good work and God bless!
Thank you for adding a new descriptor to my RUclips lexicon.
Was jogging in CO with headphones, was in the zone, and came a few inches from stepping on a rattler… I somehow heard the rattle and saw his head raise up in the corner of my eye and I swear I leapt 10 feet off of one foot. Still can’t believe it didn’t get me. I was shaking with adrenaline for at least 20 minutes 😅
I do the coffee, pnut butter cliff bar, dehydrated banana chips and Greek yogurt in my oatmeal every morning before work! I love it!! lol! I also love these videos! 😊
This guy Hunter is one of your best guests, I’d love to see him on some more.
Nice one, I might have missed some, but I hope this helps. If you like to hike, you will learn these lessons one way or another. Might as well choose the easy way.
8:00 eat and hydrate, even if you don't want to. You WILL get bored of foods so try to be creative. Snacking helps.
10:00 Plan to adapt your plan to the demands of the hike. Don't stress about planning beyond the outline. This includes resource planning such as time and money, a buffer is better than rigidity.
14:30 Fast charging ports for your devices so you can power up during limited availability. Don't cheap out on electronics equipment (phone, chargers, banks, cables, etc.)
16:40 Familiarize yourself with and test your gear before going out in a big trip with it.
19:15 Don't leave your gear unattended.
22:00 Be mindful of your emotional needs on the hike. Manage your goals, expectations, and outcomes. Don't hang out with people who bring you down or do not add a positive aspect to your hike. If your morale is weakening and you want to quit, take some time in town and chill for a bit before you decide to bail. (I personally disagree, if you want to leave GTFO and live life. who cares.)
36:00 Hike your own trail in the way you enjoy it most. Don't sacrifice enjoyment of the hike in order to get "100% completion."
39:00 Have the lightest equipment your budget will allow. It's not absolutely critical though. Don't financially gatekeep yourself from enjoying the outdoors. Start with the big three
48:00 Don't be naive about locals or other people. Stay with folks you trust, and don't put yourself in compromising situations.
51:00 Rather than a big honker of a hike, try smaller section hikes to build up and enjoy with less pressure. This can make it more enjoyable by hiking sections outside of their "through hike season."
54:00 hanging dead trees and branches are referred to as "widow makers" for a reason. Look up before setting up camp.
56:30 No need to compare to others. Might be unsafe to try to keep up outside of your abilities. Know your strengths and mitigate risk. Don't be fooled by instagram glory, hiking is stinky and tough.
58:00 he mentioned the use of the Garmin '"SOS" feature, fairly certain that if you call it for the correct reason (meaning your life is actually in danger) you don't have to the foot the bill for it. Might be wrong about that though.
1:01 Prepare for re-entry back into society. Months on the trail can change you as you become acclimated to a different life.
The fellas talked a few times about "fish hook" or "far out," but I think they should have highlighted how important it is to know some basic land navigation skills. There is no reason a person should be life-or-death panicking when they are 30 feet from the trail unless they have ZERO skills to navigate. Don't be a moron, learn how to land nav in the safe trails nearby your house.
In the age of cellphones and GPS, I will laugh at you if you die in the wilderness because you got lost.
I got hassled at a Walmart because of my pack. But it was because I was putting it inside suitcases. I wanted to see if the whole pack would fit because I was going to check it at the airport. They had a big selection of viable suitcases (near Sacramento Airport) so it took a while to shop.
RE: food. Used to have the same issue with being not hungry first day or two of long hikes - I find habit of snacking continuously during first day helps keep my stomach working.
Also, from another thru hiker - caffeine pills instead of actually coffee cuts weight...thanks, Decaf!
The man he mentioned who made his sandals, Adam is a super nice person as is his wife. They do transportation up North on the Long Trail. During the flood last summer on LT they helped me to get off trail. Great people.
Child safety locks. When hitching, Uber, or shuttles, after you chat with the driver, and you open the back passenger door(s), check that the child safety locks are not engaged. With these engaged the door won't open from the inside.
This is ALL the time, every time I check. Being a female that travels solo, you can never be too careful
A few years back I had gone camping with 3 friends in the BWCA. I walked away from our campsite to find a tree to hang our bearbag. After searching for a while, I was literally about 50 feet from site. I found a tree and hung my bag. When I went to head back to site, I had no idea which way to go. It is SO easy to lose track of your landmarks (couldn't see the lake, no footpath, sun under clouds, all trees start to look the same!) and get turned around very fast. If my friends hadn't been there for me to do call/response, I would have been screwed. Next time I'll bring my GPS or take the time to mark the trees as walking out.
This is something I picked up from working 100% outdoors in areas with no service, but I bring flagging tape to tie around a branch every few yards when I'm going off trail or away from my normal location for any reason. Almost like breadcrumbs. Collect them on your way back of course!
a hiking podcast was something i'd never thought i'd get into.
great episode!!
I listened to 1:19 seconds and that's all I could take... And I have tons of patience....
However -- here are my tips...
* Don't bring your cat with you, they rip holes in your tent, but they might keep the mice away.
* Take a break for 55minutes every hour, on the hour -- at least.
* Don't forget milk for the cappuccino machine
* Bring a big helium balloon -- it makes carrying the backpack easier.
* Don't be selfish -- Hike is or her hike. -- Forget about your own hike.
* Don't drink LMNT or whatever it is called. There are better ways to get your electricity.
Love having the opportunity to watch your videos, you inspired me to attempt a Thru Hike of the AT starting in Feb '25! Just got my trail bag today, and I am going to get the rest of the gear I need to start doing training overnight hikes! I've always loved being out in nature and I feel like I am stagnating in life so I am going to save up the next 13 months and dive into the AT!!
Hey man, I'm leaving Feb. 25 also!! Maybe see you out there. Good luck😁
Hell yeah! Hope we get the chance to meet on the trail!
@@PortgasDPale are you gonna do the approach from amicola falls?
@@stevehandley6025 I most certainly will be.
@@PortgasDPale 👍
Kyle, thanks for sharing your fears because you aren't the only one. Also thanks for the discussion on section hiking. Sometimes hike your own hike involves hiking in sections due to work and family responsibilities. Love these episodes. Keep shining bright.
This is something I will likely never do (for reasons) but I'm so intrigued by those who do. Thanks for giving me a window into another world 😊
that's so cool! thanks for looking into the world of thru hiking
So do I.
I totally get what you mean by “ re-entry.“ Being removed from society for a period of time can make coming back difficult. This is true for soldiers, but is also experienced just in living a nomad lifestyle. There’s this feeling of suspended time when you’re away with a very nuanced group, sharing a unique experience. Coming back can certainly evoke a sense of loss because your normal has been redefined. I’m really glad you brought that up, Hunter. I love your channel, Kyle! 🏕️
I hiked the 21,000km just over 13,000 miles Trans Canada Trail the worlds longest. Its acuslly 28,000km but 7000 of it is water route. I ate up 27 pairs of boots. The trail goes to all three of Canada's oceans, and it is made up of 500 individual trails. It goes through 1000 towns and cities and 15,000 communities. Please no negative comments it was a beautiful journey.
Wow. Never heard of that trail. Sounds amazing!
I always take my gear with me everywhere even to poop…. Your gear is your lifeline
Old military adage: the PLAN is useless, the PLANNING is priceless. It is the planning, and knowledge gained in planning, that allow you to adapt when the plan you previously had goes to hell.
No plan survives contact
Kyle, you absolutely nailed it!!!! Been hiking PCT for 9 years now and seen it all and learned from my mistakes. I made the mistake of getting in a car with a drunk trail angel driving in Sierra City. Scary. Back in 2016, one of the old timer pack mule guys told me to never, ever let myself be separated from my pack. I follow that advice to this day, but my pack is 20 to 37L max, so never an issue being forced to leave it outside.
WOW ! When I subbed to trail tales it had about 400 viewers per episode. Now you're regularly in the 10's of thousands. Congratulations Kyle! I'm so happy for you
Those were the best two Trail Tales episodes
I was bit by a N. Pacific rattlesnake while fly-fishing and floating a river. Pretty debilitating. Best thing you can do is get to a water source, hunker down, and send for help. Most likely won't kill you but will be pretty rough. I got to a hospital within a few hours and was treated. Never saw or heard the snake (long story), or I would have avoided it.
My first backing trip was the AT - back in 2000 - best decision ever!! -
Cell phones were only around in bounce boxes back then - and a lot less people!!
On the planning topic: No one plans to get sick or hurt. Came down with the flu and had to hike into town with a fever. Man there no way for me to stick to the "plan." Walked 5 miles in 6 hours because I ended up having to lay down and take a 2 hour nap on a rock.
No one planned Covid
Have you guys checked out the Four Corners Loop Association trail that was established and confirmed back over the summer of like 2022? Guy that hikes in my local club is the one that put it together. Over 2,000 miles in a loop through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Check it out!
Looks like a great opportunity to help build something incredible. Wish I was 20 years younger.
Outstanding episode, Kyle! This info was great.
So cool that someone hiked West Rim trail in Pennsylvania. I lived in the middle of Tioga Forest for 13 years a hop skip and jump from that trail. Not often I hear someone mention it. I Hiked AT in 2018.
I had never heard of it! will have to check it out
2022 AT hiker from Western PA. Did the West Rim trail last summer and plan to go again this summer for my friends first backpacking trip. Was pretty overgrown in spots, but it definitely is a nice beginning trail.
I can relate to the dont stress one. I had a deadline to beat when I hiked the Pinhoti Trail, and it had me rushing a lot of places. Near the end, I finished 3 days ahead of schedule because I ran it and didn't enjoy it as much. I wish I didn't focus so much on finishing and enjoying the "here and now" more.
I've been listening to Trail Tails from the start recently, and Mullet Mike said something very similar to your tip at 32:32 Kyle, right back in Ep4, when discussing about getting off trail - try a few things; town days, zeroes, slack-packing first before getting off trail.
Kristian Morgan's said something like that too; he was about to quit, but then got off trail for the night with his team and felt better then next day
exactly! thanks for the throwbacks!
@@trailtalespod Well thanks for the great content to throwback to!
Great stuff! I'm about to set out on the CT tomorrow. This popped up in my feed while packing, repacking, and stressing. Thanks for the tips!
Great video. I’m a newbie to hiking. My daughter talked me into hiking and I’m loving it, something we can do together. We live in NY lower part and have plenty of day hikes for me to start out with. Thanks for the tips!
Great episode!!! I just started backpacking & hope to do some through hikes in the future, so the tips & insights were very valuable.
This guy is awesome! Good head on his shoulders 👍
yes he is! thank you for watching!
Gentlemen, this was really good! Glad I took the time to watch it and alot of great insight Thanks!
After a few situations with waiting too long in between eating/drinking/consuming calories while hiking, I now set a 30 min timer/reminder on my phone and every time it goes off I have a small snack - - GORP, fruit, etc - - as well as some LMNT water. I'll have something "real" for lunch and or dinner at the usual times. This small change of adding the timer/reminder has made a big difference in my energy levels throughout a full day of hiking/backpacking.
great idea! you are very disciplined haha
Barfing will do that for you. @@trailtalespod
Hope it works for you. @@PedalPaddlePush
I don't really hike but I grew up on my grandfather's farm that's bordered on three sides by the state forest between the Big and Little Hump Mountains on the North Carolina side. I grew up talking to hikers on the trail. We rode dirt bikes up the Houston Ridge to the top of the Big Hump almost every day. Now that would get you in trouble but in the 80s no one cared. The hikers were always nice. I even hauled a lady to Elk Park once from the top of the Big Hump with a sprained ankle and she gave me a $100 and a huge kiss.
Dude! You are a Trail Angel!
Never rely on hiking in just sandals, you will have a very very bad time if you roll or fracture your ankle on the trail.
Hiking with out the type of ankle support a shoe can give you is like rolling dice.
Have a trail runner or miracle shoe and a pair of sandals for camp or parts of the trail you can do safely.
Rocksylvania, NJ, New Hampshire and Maine you see should have both shoes and sandals.
Just because people have done the AT with sandals doesn’t make it an intelligent choice.
Some people carry guitars, one guy carried a leaf blower but that doesn’t mean it’s smart to do or will work for you.
An ankle injury in the middle of nowhere will be a nightmare for you in multiple ways. And ESPECIALLY for those of you planning on a full thru-hike on the AT, PCT or other similar trail getting an ankle injury 98% going to end it for you and the repercussions of the plans you may have made to take off multiple months from life, work, etcetera may not allow you to retry for a few years if at all.
Shoes are possibly the most important piece of gear, they get the most amount of use and abuse.
Do not solely(pun not intended 🤣) rely on sandals, have a pair of both shoes and sandals.
I find my Chacos easier on my ankles than any of the trail shoes I have tried. I have a hard time finding a shoe that fits my heels. Most of the time my heels slip. They’re narrow and my foot is wide. Boots, shoes, whatever. The sandals don’t. I keep trying though.
Im a triple crowner almost 2 times over, I agree with all these.
Eating 100 calories every hour on the go made a huge difference in my endurance.
i hiked with this guy and his GF taps with i thru hiked the A.T in 2021, they are wonderful ppl and TAPS MAKES AMAZING BAG TAGS TOO . I BOUGHT TWO AND MORE TO COME . THANKS FOR THE TIP. I CAN RELATE 100%.
I got taken away to a side room in France for going with my bag around the supermarket.
In continental Europe they have an area at the start of the supermarket where you can put your bag and it’s on CCTV.
I didn’t know, and (remember I was young, dirty and smelly) they assumed I was stealing.
I now know that they actually need to show me the footage of me stealing. The fact I didn’t know where to put my bag, did not mean that they had the right to arrest me for stealing.
I kept my rucksack on my back in the shop though so I obviously couldn’t have put anything in it.
The French are the craziest and do not believe in recognising any English words.
Fortunately someone spoke German.
Hike Germany/Austria… it’s their national sport.
The French can be really wonderful and helpful or really nasty. I lived there and that was my experience. If you try to speak in French they will usually speak English to you. If you don’t try then they will pretend they can’t speak English. It’s kinda crazy.
This is such a helpful video, thank you for all of the tips
Trailtalespod never misses
I feel like bringing an AirTag on your backpack (or equivalent for any other phone) would be a massive peace of mind for me if I ever take a thru hike.
pretty good idea!
Watch it driving away…. Chase that car!
That was really interesting. I am coming to the point where I cannot listen to your podcasts on the road anymore. I have to listen to them when I have pen and paper with me so that I can take notes. These are TOP backpacking podcasts here.
One of my favorite tips is to get your gear as light as your wallet will allow. I would love to have an ultralight backpack but I cannot afford to pay hundreds for each product. Thank you for validating my circumstance. I actually am happy to have found really good products from OneWind for less than $100, recommended to me by another RUclipsr. Thank you again!
Backpack is literally the last place you want to save weight. It appears to make sense, always carry it lighter is better. But in a long hike you always carry everything else too, the backpack is what you carry it ON! I had around 20kg on an ultralight osprey for just a few days the other day (as a gear check) and I thought my shoulders were going to carve through... It was horrible. Never again. Gregory for life.
My two older brothers are leaving from Pen-Mar park, april 12th, heading Southbound, one 64 & 62. They plan to go all the way to GA. I was going to spend two weeks with them, but other things came up. Hopefully I can start Section hiking in 2025.
Thanks for all the tips guys!
Kyle keep crushing it!
I don't have time to watch the whole thing....which tip involves bringing a chair? 🤣🤣🤣
Chair? I’m taking a table.
Digging your cathole?
pro: your living room is in actuality just a really well built wilderness shelter 😎😂
l always bring a chair. weight weenies don’t have the power or strength to ever do something like that. l hike n camp to get stronger not like the weight weenies that pass out at camp after a 10 mile easy crawl.
tip dont bring one save the weight your back and feet will thank you later
Going to the AT March 2025 and I'm going to save a lot of these to listen at night on the trail lol. I love these !!
When he told Kyle to be present, I hope he takes that in. When I was around him in 22 it was the opposite of that, but we're all human and Belden was a hard area around the fires.
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ love your stuff 😁👍
That was super interesting. Thank you all for this. You brought up excellent points to consider. Don’t step on snakes. We have rattlesnakes and copperheads here. Never heard of Zpacks except for antibiotics by that name. They are expensive for sure.
As a subscriber to the podcast and now the RUclips channel, does listening to the podcast or watching the RUclips channel support you more?
That's really kind of you to ask, I know I've been pushing the RUclips hard lately but whatever works for you works for me!
I am a planner in every aspect of my life. I make detailed gantt chart schedules for a weekend golf trip with my friends (who all know this and proceed to mess with me about timing because they know it raises my blood pressure). If I ever did a thru hike, I would have every water stop planned out much like campsites.
Autism (me, too) is great for backpacking. ADHD folks hate all the organizing and packing up.
...OCD, micromanager, uptight, Type A, controlling, neurotic distrusting, nuisance, joy sucker... Sorry you left the door wide open on that comment.
Do you know what hat Hunter is wearing? I dig it.
I get the planning point. That was hard for me to not plan on the PCT last year. I knew I wanted to avoid wildfires and make it through the Sierras by September. As a SOBO hiker, timing is everything because you have less time on trail than NOBO hikers.
Luckily I was able to start SOBO in Washington June 16th and beat all of the wildfires due to my planned schedule. I made it through the sierras by end of September, even with 2 weeks off trail going back home to Massachusetts for a wedding.
I get the idea of trying to not schedule or planning a thruhike. It’s probably the best advice, I just went against the grain haha
There’s a shit ton of hiking around Ithaca, NY. The Finger Lakes Trail offers over 1,000 miles of trails.
I'm in the Ithaca area and posted that exact comment and they deleted my comment. There are around 200 trail miles in Tompkins County, so I have no idea why he says there are no hiking options around Ithaca. I can walk out my back door cross the street and not leave a trail for 12 states.
1:08:55 OODA Loop
Observe, Orient, Decide, Act
My hitch hiking story comes from when I was backpacking in Europe (not the hiking kind) (f - at the time, early 20's). I arrived to Brussels via train into Midi station, and this was at a time when this station did not have he best reputation. I was used to wifi being readily accessible at all public transit areas, and this station did not have public wifi. Luckily, I always saved my walking route from train station, to public transit, to hostel. Somewhere between tram and walking to the hostel my instructions were not clear and I got off in a very sketchy area of Brussels. Lost and confused I wandered into a daycare, and asked if anyone spoke Spanish (my got to language since i was traveling solo, second is English). The guy only spoke Dutch and French, he motions for me to follow him to his car so he could just take me to the hostel, and lets someone know he would be gone. I get in, he's going so fast thru allies, all over town, and asking me questions like where are you from, how much my parents make, just anything along those line. I answer as vague as possible or act like i didnt understand the question. I see the hostel and motion for him to just pull over and let me out. he tried to insist on driving me closer, but i started to motion like i would open the door. Thankfully, I had my bag in the backseat with me and i made it to the hostel.
Great pod Kyle!
thank you so much!
Great info. Thanks.
Regarding tent shakedowns, I live in a mobile home park with hardly any yard, and I wouldn't feel safe in local campgrounds where drinking and carousing are the main activities. I'd likely wake up at 3 a.m. fighting off intruders. The A.T. by contrast sounds pretty safe, so as long as I've practiced setting up my tent, maybe it would be reasonable to think of the Georgia section as a shakedown, and if all goes well, continue on.
Would love a list of favorite section hikes along AT and PCT
I would like to have a discussion about Kent, Connecticut because I had a great time there and the people I met were really friendly to hikers lol
I reckon these are all very useful insights. Very hard to achieve I would've thought, especially since "you" are most probably fundamentally a super empathic, giving person and/or has some self esteem issues AND you're up against a super exploitative, gaslighting energy vampire. I think it makes more sense to start off focusing on yourself. What's your contribution to having ended up in this relationship? I don't mean to shame anyone, quite the opposite. Realising you're in control of how you're treated can be a difficult thing but also amazing! If your friend was in your situation would you tell them "yeah but... maybe you should give little Dracula here another chance"? I think not. If you think your friend shouldn't put up with being abused, why should you? You KNOW it's not right.
If you struggle with claiming or reclaiming your self worth, get some help. Therapy can be expensive but may be a necessary investment. Have the therapy focus on YOU though, not on your relationship. No couples therapy! Don't even mention it to the vampire because they'll do their best to sabotage your effort. The fact that you're getting therapy WILL BE used against you at some point.
I reckon the getting rid process will be much less difficult if you approach it from a position of strength. The final goal should be you being happy and spending time, energy and resources only on people who reciprocate in some way and increase your happiness. Whenever you don't have a strong emotional reaction of any kind to that vampire - you're well and truly over that bump in the road. In fact you can, in your own head only, thank the vampire for helping you learn an essential life lesson.
I always wear a hip bag aka a fanny pack so in case i get separated from backpack at least I’m not up shit creek without a paddle if backpack goes missing
I’m from Seattle Washington I was so nervous to move from Seattle to the upstate of South Carolina, but I fell in love with a man so I MOVED from hiking HEAVEN to the unknown. Luckily the Blue Ridge area doesn’t suck!
Haven’t done a huge hike yet but I can only imagine how important reintegration to society and having time to process all of it would be I know when I’ve gone camping for a week with friends or gone on some other trip with family and friends it’s such a disappointment to come back to normal life after being on that high for just a week and spending so much time together.
West Rim Trail in Allegheny is beautiful!
It's awesome to see someone with IBD doing this. I have UC and it's made things difficult. How does Hunter handle flare ups, meds, etc. while on trail?
I’ve never hiked, I’m older I’m going to be 50 this month and want to be more active. I love your content. I’m in Massachusetts, any advice for me as a new person looking to start and where to start?
What’s up! I have an idea for this year as I am attempting my thru hike!!
what's the idea!
About the unattended gear: I get the pack concern, but i live in an urban area where backpacks are not allowed in store either. To me, it's shocking a store would even allow for a pack or backpack of any kind to be in the store. It would be amazing if stores would have a bar in trail towns to provide backpackers with a place to "lock" their bag tho. Will it stop someone, not, but locks dont stop bike theft when there's determination. The big thing some thin gauge wire that wraps around the pack with a lock provides is deterrent. Hiring someone to watch bags (while i love the idea) is unreasonable and can open the store up to a level of liability they might not be able to take on.
Somewhere in VA I heard a rattler while I was standing between logs where a tree had fallen across the trail and been cut out. I froze and looked to my left and it was coiled right beside me on the log at waist height and cocked! I bolted but went south and had to pass it again😂😅 ANOTHER TIP!! Wearing ear buds! I would never. That could’ve been my last day on trail had I not heard it. It was fat as my arm and about 6 foot.
It's all about dealing with bad weather.
Don't stab the snake with your trekking pole...got it! 😮😂
Copperheads scare me more than rattlesnakes. They're so well camouflaged, and they don't make any sound. Sometimes you don't see them until you are about to stab them with your trekking pole 🫣
You want a USB PD GaN charger with multiple ports that works from one outlet. A USB battery with USB PD is also a good idea.
Reflective tape and cord can be a life saver.
Can I make it a suggestion? Put something over that electrical box. Cool poster maybe.
It’s a girl thing. 🤷♀️
Dude, Watkins Glen here, did you ever do the finger lakes trail? It's supposed to be 900mi across NY I asked bcuz you said not much to hike in Elmira area that's nuts lots of places in Schuyler county Tompkins co.area in fact the states only national park is located along Seneca . I live next to the State gorge in Watkins on Seneca I welcome a visit to change your mind on the ample opportunities my area has to offer however Elmira does suck lol
Keep beating feet Dude 😎
If I was going off trail more than 5 feet, I would make a small paracord line to walk back by. But I’m terrified if bears & snakes so…. Most hiking is in my rear view mirror. The only two times I hiked alone, I got parallel followed by someone or something. Freaked me out enough, I only group hiked after that with family, kids along, so generally everyone was staying on trail. Hikers are amazing humans.
I get lost so easy. I think you got some thing with the para cord. Tie around a tree and let it loose as you go. Sounds stupid but that would terrify me to be lost
Man where can you go to re-live the 60’s and 70’s? Phones and vlogs have changed hiking the A.T. Forver…
Don’t ever rely on GPS or PHONES learn to read maps and compass and you’ll never get lost first thing I was trained on in the outdoors
You have never done a thru hike😉
Does an airtag help w stolen pack?
Where do we leave 5 star reviews? 😁
Podcasts
that's for the folks who listen on podcast apps instead of watching on RUclips! so if you use Apple podcasts or Spotify for instance.
I’ve been watching/listening on RUclips. I can look it up on Apple Podcasts
Those dead trees in the survival/bushcraft communtiy are called "widow makers"
Evan Hikes did the AT in sandals also
How do you deal with foot ticks with sandals and no socks?
I bring my phone when I go off the trail to take a shit because maybe one of these days I will take a picture of one that looks up and says "Hi everyone, I am a huge hiking TURD! 💩
What blue hoodie is that?
I dont normally eat during day... just candy/soda normally... then big meal at night... works well but when hiking have to force myself to eat.. i really need to do that while working construction in the summer haha.. team caffeine n nicotine 😂
A.t for the party , c.d.t for solitude, pact for the views
Need that hat Hunter is wearing. Anyone know what kind it is?
Kent CT yes!
Or take a bearing with your compass n then tuck it in your pocket. Then back walk the bearing.
Brand of sandals ?