The minute I'm done with a challenging section hike I forget the painful part and remember the good. Then I immediately begin thinking about how to get back out there and do it again. The AT is wonderful!
I can identify - two hours after my first section hike ended my mind was racing with ideas to return and hike more effectively. Thanks a million for watching!
Alan Bloodworth this is so true. The only part of my hike that still haunts me a bit was the climb down the north side of Mooselauke where the trail was just a sheet of ice on about a 45° pitch. If you start siding down it, nothing will stop you in places until you go off the edge of the waterfalls...freaking treacherous! Other that that one section, I am ready for it all again!!!
That is in my section hike plans. Easy for me to accomplish in the best weather due to the fact that I live in NH and it's only 50 to 60 miles from my house. I'll think of you E.R. when I do it !
My knees were hurting bad after a section hike last Easter. Never felt that before. Pack too heavy I am sure. On way home all I could do was think about how soon I was to return! I've already been back and planning over Christmas Break!
Thank you for your truthful video. I have seen most of what you produced and have taken to heart the info and I enjoyed them! I started backpacking on the AT when I was in high school. I had friends who even cut the edges of their maps etc. to try to save weight. They would have 25 to 30 lb packs. I, on the other hand, had 50 to 60 lb packs with even camera gear. Everything I had seemed to be heavy since it was what I had on hand. But I was able to keep up with the others and I even enjoyed myself. Now I’m retired with heart problems because of Lyme disease. It infected my heart, but now I feel much better because of herbs. So, I have decided that I would need the lightest of packs to make it on the AT, on the order of 15 to 20 lbs. Even my camera is lighter (iPhone) but I sure miss my Kodachrome colors. For awhile I lived in Washington state, but now I’m back east in WV, in the eastern woods that I love. I guess the hiking I do these days would be considered to be taking it easy but it sure doesn’t feel like it.
Met you last year nearJennings Creek and now, as I did then, commented on your excellent, informative and no BS posts. No fluff but plenty of substance. Keep up the good work and Happy Trails!
A month ago I did the section from Springer to Neel Gap before visiting family for Thanksgiving to see what the Trail is like and why so many people quit after 30 miles. Didn't do the approach trail (I'll do that separately). It was challenging and I was not trail fit at all, but I just took it one chunk at a time. To that bend, to that ridge. Do I think I can make the whole trip? Of course. That's why we try. Do I have a better understanding of what to do and that I might not make it? Yes. Thank you for making this video and for unvarnished facts
My brother, who took up backpacking in the Sierras while stationed in northern California, was shocked at how much more difficult the trails were on Isle Royale when I took him there once he returned to Michigan. The rocks and roots were a real surprise for him, and quite a challenge. He thought the lower elevations and Great Lakes terrain were going to be easy after being in "real mountains."
Thanks for sharing that story. Weather can turn nasty fast out west, but nothing I've seen out there has footing as nasty as a mess of rocks and roots. The AT also has roots, but they're far outnumbered by the rocks. As always, thanks again for being a great viewer!
I planned and trained for more than a year to hike three weeks last summer, from Harpers Ferry north, but only lasted three days. The weather was perfect, but the rocky trail tore up my feet and hips and I had to quit. I am training even harder this year with a full pack almost every day and Im going to try going southbound from Mt Greylock (mass.) as far as I can. I have no illusions about how hard this will be. I have found your videos to be inspiring and helpful. Thank you.
Sorry to hear last year's hike didn't go well -- but I'm like you, if a hike didn't go well, I train harder for the next one. I hope all goes great from Mt Greylock and thanks again for watching!
I took my wife backpacking in the White Mt of NH and did a section of the AT. She had done a lot of hiking out west and she could not believe how hard the trails were, no switch backs, just straight up the Mt. I have spent many days and nights in the Whites so its normal. I have hiked and rock climbed out west and all I can say do not underestimate the AT. That said its beautiful.
Great information. I am just an old guy who loves hiking and camping. I will likely never see the AT. I have never done a thru or section hike on any big trails just local trails in the Big Horn National Forest in WY. Having said that I have undying respect and admiration for those who can and most importantly do. It is not for a lack of desire that I have not done so but rather time, finances and disability. So I experience the big trails through the eyes and cameras of others while I do my day hikes, camp in my area and extremely enjoy what I have . Max
Sobering numbers. Thank you for each of your videos. They are all unique and filled with a wealth of information. The AT calls to me, and I know that I’ll be a smarter hiker thanks to your channel.
I'm sorry you get those simple questions a lot I've watched your videos to somewhat prep my 2016 thru hike finished Oct 19th. This is the hardest thing I've done, shin splints, shingle, seriously injured hip. My common phrase I would say" embrace the suck bc it's the only close friend you have at this moment". The AT can make strong men and women break down to there core survival and slow the thoughts down to be in the moment more often.
Thanks for sharing your experience and congratulations on finishing that thru hike! I hope the injuries have healed up! Sorry if it sounded like I was complaining about the questions -- Questions are welcome and give me something to talk about. :) And thanks a million for being a viewer!
I appreciate your wisdom and encouragement. Easy is defined by the individual and so is difficult. This is what makes the AT such a personal challenge. No matter the individual a challenge on the AT awaits them. I am looking forward to the AT challenge (for me it is always difficult) in a few weeks. Well done and great information. Thank you for sharing!
I know your great deal of experience will serve you well on your thru hike. I'll be watching your videos and cheering you on! I wish you all the best and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Thanks for the reply. You are an impressive hiker with a wealth of experience and knowledge. I appreciate that you share your insight with the hiking community. By the way, I will be starting a PCT thru hike attempt in early May, 2018.
I remember your regular supportive comments during my AT thru hike and I would like to thank you again for taking the time to watch my videos and write comments! I have not decided yet whether or not to post videos during my PCT thru hike; if I do I will strive to keep them shorter and more interactive with the viewers. Alpenglow
In my experience, I have learned that there is no such thing as an easy day on the AT. Hoping to do another LASH in the Spring. Thanks for yet another most excellent video.
Glad your back. I have listened to all your stories. Very different than other bloggers. Took your advice and walked in the worst rain storm last week to test my equipment. Learned a lot. Better finding out at home than 20 miles out. Thanks. Have you thought about hiking the Buckeye trail? I”m from Cleveland..
I have indeed thought about doing at least part of the Buckeye Trail. It runs right through an area I have been wandering in for decades. The BT Association sells guide-map publications for different sections and I bought one for the area closest to me. Then I was in that car wreck and now I can't find the guide, have to get another one. :) Thumbs up on the rain test! Keep hikin' and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Thanks, sir! Congrats on the epic thru hike you did this year! I've been watching your videos on the aspiring Class of 2018 - great idea for a series! It's an honor to have you as a viewer!
I live near the AT in SW Virginia, so I can go out on the weekends and walk as little or much as I want. That’s my personal style. I may never see the whole trail, but that’s ok. I do want to say that I also hike the dozens of other short trails around me, and here they are all much like the AT. Steep and rocky. Also I know I can walk uphill all day long with no problem, but as soon as I take the first down hill step the pain starts. But the enjoyment of hiking is worth the pain in the end. I sit at work daily looking out at Mount Rogers dreaming of the next weekend trip.
I envy those who live close to the AT! Have you tried using trekking poles on the downhills? I've noticed mine help me then. Keep hikin' and thanks for watching!
Those breakdowns and time line charts were awesome with the mileage listed ..ive seen alot of stuff online but it was very interesting with the time lines..great video..i l9ve the AT..ill be out there this weekend
Early_Riser_71 Hi Early Riser! It’s great to hear from you. Thanks for everything you are doing for the hiking community! I have been watching your latest videos. I would like to wish you and your family all the best in 2018; especially good health!My family and I are all doing well. By the way, I will attempt a thru hike of the PCT in 2018.
Interesting video Flat. I plan to go slow and easy for 8 hours a day. I will be hiking low mileage fir the first 3-4 weeks and then gradually hiking around 18-22 miles per day with a zero once a week and a nero once a week. Also will be visiting Washington and NYC for 3 days each because those 2 cities are very unique and mysterious for those of us who have never visited. Good news is my base weight is a surprising 14lbs and full pack weight is 22lbs..... if I had only known about 6 moons design before lol. Here is my non Zpacks top 4 list and as you can see, I did not spend a fortune and these prices are pretty low when you think about it. I could always equip myself out free from the hiker boxes but I am afraid that my pack would explode lol. 6 moons Lunar Solo - 180.00usd at 24oz sealed. Eco Burrow Sleeping quilt 30 degree 850fill for 180.00usd at 18oz. ULA OHM 2.0 for 190.00usd at 31oz (took off handles and sacs and foam back). Exped hypersummit airpad for 70.00usd at 13oz. Anyway start date is still 19 March 18 and looks like we will have a long winter on the lower AT in 2018. Perfect for crazy Canucks like me lol. Currently minus 40 celious and 5 feet of snow with another feet over the next week lol. So would it not be funny to be the only hiker hiking fir a couple of weeks on the AT because everyone’s huddled up in the shelter and towns lol. I would catch up to the lead bubble pretty fast lol. Anyway hope to see you on the trail during my Thru hike in 2018 eh 🇨🇦.
Wow, you did a great job of assembling an affordable gear list - high five on that! Decent weights, also. Your plan sounds pretty good. I think you are gonna have a fine hike in '18. And thanks again for watching!
flatbrokeoutside I always watch your videos when I think about it. And I am so proud that I have a low base weight compared to zpacks for 18oz more but I did save 880.00usd lol. Anyway this could be a good gear comparison for one of your future videos. And the hikers with low budgets will probably spend the same amount as me but their gear might be very very heavy. Just a though. I will be doing the top 4 heavy items video up when my tent arrives in another couple of weeks.
Love your posts! Gives me a fresh perspective. Not a bad idea to think "slow" when starting out (not saying easy though) then work into a faster pace rather than forcing it at the start. Might prevent injuries. Also I didn't see altitude listed, and it's is a huge issue with the rating of trails for us lowlanders. I have backpacked near gorgeous vistas only to be too beat up to care. I live near the AT and the rocks, roots and slippery clay is becoming increasing difficult. Never ever found trails above 8,000' ( hiked many years ago) to be easy though. Made me constantly out-of-breath. The mental thing is funny. While watching RUclips videos, I find people who are inspired by the lush greenery of the AT. It drives them onwards. Then your find other hikers who are so depressed by the AT "green tunnel" that all they want is to quit. Personally i find heat and deserts depressing.
Thanks for sharing your experience - When I get up to about 9,000 feet out west I also feel the effects of altitude. And thanks again for being a great viewer!
been on some section hikes walk cross Maryland and some of Virginia live near Pearisburg cand be there in less then 2 Hourys so have hake that section many times and love woods hole hostel
Thanks for another great video. It occurs to me the difference between AT or that gentle, grassy local trail is intent. Thru or Section, the hiker's intent is to do it all. That puts an urgency to the effort. I always managed to make by one week section hikes hard too. But if one can tame the ego and attitude from inside, perhaps a journey could be enough just to BE there. I have not mastered this. For my next section I plan to solo, resupply at every opportunity, shower at every opportunity and take time to chat with other hikers. Perhaps I can tame the ego and attitude some.
"Why are AT hikers in a rush?" ... Sitting comfortably in my office chair and having met only a few thru hikers and read and watched several accounts of hikers... I find myself with a fairly negative opinion. Skipping such edge cases as speed records, collecting trail badges or advancing weather it seems to me that there is a cluster of thru hikers who are trying to make a living at this. As most hikers seem to suggest HYOH, however, I feel that there is a lot that seems to go unsaid. This weekend a Florida Trail thru hiker told me about his $300 pack that had to be replaced mid-hike and when the second pack had the same damage he had to call the manufacturer for repairs to both. He also mentioned how is expensive and light tent's door zipper broke and he had to repair with a sewing needle and dental floss. I once joked with a friend about a section hike and skipping a few items with the notion of "embrace" the rain. But frankly if I went on a weekend or section hike and it rained all day and night I might not think that was a fun time. The same could be said if a thru hiker invested many months on a trail... I would not expect them to say the adventure was crap but expect that they might forget the bad days. I would not expect to hear "I dropped out of college for this! What a waste of time!" And mostly I'm getting aggravated by those hikers who are shamelessly producing videos including product videos trying to make a business rather than promote the trail. (yours not included)
I used to quiz thru-hikers I met on the AT about what they felt was most difficult about being a thru-hiker. The two answers I got were always the elevation change and being wet all the time.
Thanks for sharing that. I plan to do yet another video about rain and being wet. I have been growing more aware of just how demoralizing it can be for some people. And thanks again for being a great viewer!
Uphill was a challenge to me. When people say, "Well, what about the downhills ? I heard that they were harder." I reply, "The sections I walked were all uphill !" At least it felt like it to me. I didn't notice any downhills at all. They were either easy or didn't bother my knees.
Great video, as always. Is the AT hard? For sure it depends. I'd say it's pretty easy in the south, pretty frustrating in the middle and pretty hard in the north. Worth it though!
Agreed! And thanks again for watching. (For others reading this, she thru hiked the AT in 122 days this year. Check out her channel for some great videos!)
Shenandoahs gets tough when you get off the AT and take all the side trails... there’s some very steep trails that will kick your butt with just an 8 mile trek...
It's not just the AT where pack weight matters it's all of the trails. The lighter the pack the more pleasure it is for me , not sure about anyone else. I did the oversized heavy pack routine many years ago and Never More. I want my packs base weigh as light as humanly and reasonably possible. Backpacking for me is fun , not a marathon , work or misery. You need to know ( Learn ) the challenges of the trail and what to expect before going and in today's world that is relatively easy to do. You can bet someone ( or a lot of somebody's ) has already gone down the trail in question and posted a video about it. Even a question and answer session like this one. I tell myself , it's my hike so I hike it my way. If it is unpleasant and not enjoyable why would anyone do it ?
I really enjoy your videos on the Appalachian Trail! I've always had a fascination with the trail since I started backpacking at age 11... After I began my career as an over-the-road tractor trailer driver I noticed that every time I entered the Carlisle Pennsylvania operating facility I would drive directly under a small Bridge labeled Appalachian Trail... Long story short I was determined that once I had time and some Gear with me I would park at our facility and at least do a section... I was glad I did and here's a little video account of how it worked out for this section from Carlisle PA fo the Darlington shelter.... ruclips.net/video/coAsB1-7vKk/видео.html
For me, the absolute shortest drive is to Route 60 crossing at Buena Vista, Va. It helps that the interstate runs north and south for a long stretch in that area. And thanks again for watching!
I strongly suspect the trail is intentionally routed over rock beds to simplify trail maintenance. I recently was standing on a spot Where I could see the trail 20' ahead over dirt but the trail ran over a rock bed that took at least 20 yards to reach the same point. It is often harder to spot the blazes over broad Rocky areas.
I also have found the blazes sometimes harder to spot on rocks. Was this at a hilly spot? Sometimes they route away from dirt to avoid erosion. And thanks for watching!
The experiences and food and gear development by thru hikers is simply fantastic. But the thru hike itself is too similar to the Griswolds visit to the Grand Canyon.
I found the AT to have a lot of ups and downs, but it tends to be much better maintained than the trails around it. Compared to the surrounding trails, the AT hikes like a highway. That being said, I always hate to end a a hike with a road walk. Asphalt feels terrible under your feet compared to trail if you're wearing footwear made for hiking.
I live near the Smokies. The Smokies and the AT have much better maintained trails than the national forest and wilderness areas around them. I usually go with a near "zero drop" trail running shoe from Hoka or Inov8 with a wide toe box until there is snow on the trail when I'm on marked trails. They're designed for ultra-marathons. The Hoka's offer enough padding and space for trips that have higher mileage days. They have plenty of room for my feet to swell without pinching them, and they dry well enough overnight. For me, a trail with rocks, roots and dirt has a lot more give than asphalt. Thanks for your videos and your channel.
How many miles a day can someone do over the most steep terrain, and how many days off will someone take? That will have a huge effect on the total number of days. A few did the whole thing in 100 days in recent years, but they are rare individuals. I'd say anybody who gets it done in six months turned in a fine performance, physically speaking.
The minute I'm done with a challenging section hike I forget the painful part and remember the good. Then I immediately begin thinking about how to get back out there and do it again. The AT is wonderful!
I can identify - two hours after my first section hike ended my mind was racing with ideas to return and hike more effectively. Thanks a million for watching!
Alan Bloodworth this is so true. The only part of my hike that still haunts me a bit was the climb down the north side of Mooselauke where the trail was just a sheet of ice on about a 45° pitch. If you start siding down it, nothing will stop you in places until you go off the edge of the waterfalls...freaking treacherous! Other that that one section, I am ready for it all again!!!
That is in my section hike plans. Easy for me to accomplish in the best weather due to the fact that I live in NH and it's only 50 to 60 miles from my house. I'll think of you E.R. when I do it !
My knees were hurting bad after a section hike last Easter. Never felt that before. Pack too heavy I am sure. On way home all I could do was think about how soon I was to return! I've already been back and planning over Christmas Break!
Thank you for your truthful video. I have seen most of what you produced and have taken to heart the info and I enjoyed them! I started backpacking on the AT when I was in high school. I had friends who even cut the edges of their maps etc. to try to save weight. They would have 25 to 30 lb packs. I, on the other hand, had 50 to 60 lb packs with even camera gear. Everything I had seemed to be heavy since it was what I had on hand. But I was able to keep up with the others and I even enjoyed myself. Now I’m retired with heart problems because of Lyme disease. It infected my heart, but now I feel much better because of herbs. So, I have decided that I would need the lightest of packs to make it on the AT, on the order of 15 to 20 lbs. Even my camera is lighter (iPhone) but I sure miss my Kodachrome colors. For awhile I lived in Washington state, but now I’m back east in WV, in the eastern woods that I love. I guess the hiking I do these days would be considered to be taking it easy but it sure doesn’t feel like it.
I'm like you, I miss film cameras! Keep hiking and thanks a million for being a great viewer!
Met you last year nearJennings Creek and now, as I did then, commented on your excellent, informative and no BS posts. No fluff but plenty of substance. Keep up the good work and Happy Trails!
Hey, great to see you again! :) I really appreciate having you as a viewer!
Thank you for continuing to provide this knowledge. The practical side of this training can apply in all disaster situations.
Good point, and thanks for watching!
A month ago I did the section from Springer to Neel Gap before visiting family for Thanksgiving to see what the Trail is like and why so many people quit after 30 miles. Didn't do the approach trail (I'll do that separately). It was challenging and I was not trail fit at all, but I just took it one chunk at a time. To that bend, to that ridge. Do I think I can make the whole trip? Of course. That's why we try. Do I have a better understanding of what to do and that I might not make it? Yes. Thank you for making this video and for unvarnished facts
I commend you for doing that test run. I know that's valuable experience for the future. Keep hikin' and thanks a million for watching!
My brother, who took up backpacking in the Sierras while stationed in northern California, was shocked at how much more difficult the trails were on Isle Royale when I took him there once he returned to Michigan. The rocks and roots were a real surprise for him, and quite a challenge. He thought the lower elevations and Great Lakes terrain were going to be easy after being in "real mountains."
Thanks for sharing that story. Weather can turn nasty fast out west, but nothing I've seen out there has footing as nasty as a mess of rocks and roots. The AT also has roots, but they're far outnumbered by the rocks. As always, thanks again for being a great viewer!
I planned and trained for more than a year to hike three weeks last summer, from Harpers Ferry north, but only lasted three days. The weather was perfect, but the rocky trail tore up my feet and hips and I had to quit. I am training even harder this year with a full pack almost every day and Im going to try going southbound from Mt Greylock (mass.) as far as I can. I have no illusions about how hard this will be. I have found your videos to be inspiring and helpful. Thank you.
Sorry to hear last year's hike didn't go well -- but I'm like you, if a hike didn't go well, I train harder for the next one. I hope all goes great from Mt Greylock and thanks again for watching!
I took my wife backpacking in the White Mt of NH and did a section of the AT. She had done a lot of hiking out west and she could not believe how hard the trails were, no switch backs, just straight up the Mt. I have spent many days and nights in the Whites so its normal. I have hiked and rock climbed out west and all I can say do not underestimate the AT. That said its beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching!
Great information. I am just an old guy who loves hiking and camping. I will likely never see the AT. I have never done a thru or section hike on any big trails just local trails in the Big Horn National Forest in WY.
Having said that I have undying respect and admiration for those who can and most importantly do. It is not for a lack of desire that I have not done so but rather time, finances and disability. So I experience the big trails through the eyes and cameras of others while I do my day hikes, camp in my area and extremely enjoy what I have . Max
Wyoming has beautiful terrain. Keep hikin' and thanks for watching!
Thanks...I love it here. Max
I have been reading about the AT for years. I don't know if I will ever try it but I admire all that do. Thanks for your videos.
And thank you for watching my videos!
Sobering numbers. Thank you for each of your videos. They are all unique and filled with a wealth of information. The AT calls to me, and I know that I’ll be a smarter hiker thanks to your channel.
Thanks for your endorsement! I hope you have great times on the AT and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Your videos are highly informative, hope you’re doing well
I'm doing fine except for the fact I can't seem to find the time to get back on the AT. Next year! And thanks for watching!
Yup. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you on the trail
Hope your Christmas was good and your new year will be great! And thanks for watching!
I'm sorry you get those simple questions a lot I've watched your videos to somewhat prep my 2016 thru hike finished Oct 19th. This is the hardest thing I've done, shin splints, shingle, seriously injured hip. My common phrase I would say" embrace the suck bc it's the only close friend you have at this moment". The AT can make strong men and women break down to there core survival and slow the thoughts down to be in the moment more often.
Thanks for sharing your experience and congratulations on finishing that thru hike! I hope the injuries have healed up! Sorry if it sounded like I was complaining about the questions -- Questions are welcome and give me something to talk about. :) And thanks a million for being a viewer!
I appreciate your wisdom and encouragement. Easy is defined by the individual and so is difficult. This is what makes the AT such a personal challenge. No matter the individual a challenge on the AT awaits them. I am looking forward to the AT challenge (for me it is always difficult) in a few weeks. Well done and great information. Thank you for sharing!
I know your great deal of experience will serve you well on your thru hike. I'll be watching your videos and cheering you on! I wish you all the best and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Thank you! I appreciate so much your kind words. Keep Hiking!
Thanks for the reply. You are an impressive hiker with a wealth of experience and knowledge. I appreciate that you share your insight with the hiking community. By the way, I will be starting a PCT thru hike attempt in early May, 2018.
I hope your PCT hike is a great experience -- If you can post videos I'll be watching!
Alpenglow Followed you on the AT. Glad to hear you are going to attempt the PCT. Are you going to VLOG it ? Hope to be able to cheer you on.
I remember your regular supportive comments during my AT thru hike and I would like to thank you again for taking the time to watch my videos and write comments! I have not decided yet whether or not to post videos during my PCT thru hike; if I do I will strive to keep them shorter and more interactive with the viewers.
Alpenglow
Thanks for another great video. I section hiked in 2017, I found abandoned gear and food on the approach trail. And always found stuff along the way.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for being a great viewer!
In my experience, I have learned that there is no such thing as an easy day on the AT. Hoping to do another LASH in the Spring. Thanks for yet another most excellent video.
Big Bird here. What section are you going to LASH?
Howdy Steve, the plan is to pick up where I left off and head north.
Thanks for watching, men!
Love your channel. Thanks for all you do for the AT community. Glad you are healing, recovery takes a long time, especially as we get older...
I will start north again from Tuxedo NY. Haven't decided on April or May yet
Glad your back. I have listened to all your stories. Very different than other bloggers. Took your advice and walked in the worst rain storm last week to test my equipment. Learned a lot. Better finding out at home than 20 miles out. Thanks. Have you thought about hiking the Buckeye trail? I”m from Cleveland..
I have indeed thought about doing at least part of the Buckeye Trail. It runs right through an area I have been wandering in for decades. The BT Association sells guide-map publications for different sections and I bought one for the area closest to me. Then I was in that car wreck and now I can't find the guide, have to get another one. :) Thumbs up on the rain test! Keep hikin' and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Such sage advice as always FBO! Thanks bro...loved it!
Thanks, sir! Congrats on the epic thru hike you did this year! I've been watching your videos on the aspiring Class of 2018 - great idea for a series! It's an honor to have you as a viewer!
I live near the AT in SW Virginia, so I can go out on the weekends and walk as little or much as I want. That’s my personal style. I may never see the whole trail, but that’s ok. I do want to say that I also hike the dozens of other short trails around me, and here they are all much like the AT. Steep and rocky. Also I know I can walk uphill all day long with no problem, but as soon as I take the first down hill step the pain starts. But the enjoyment of hiking is worth the pain in the end. I sit at work daily looking out at Mount Rogers dreaming of the next weekend trip.
I envy those who live close to the AT! Have you tried using trekking poles on the downhills? I've noticed mine help me then. Keep hikin' and thanks for watching!
GOOD LECTURE, thank you.
Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!
Nice video, as usual, both practical and thought provoking.
Glad you liked it and thanks for being a viewer!
Why does this video motivate me?
That's the spirit we like around here! And thanks for watching!
Those breakdowns and time line charts were awesome with the mileage listed ..ive seen alot of stuff online but it was very interesting with the time lines..great video..i l9ve the AT..ill be out there this weekend
Wish I could be there this weekend! Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching!
Once again you have made an excellent video; it really helps to provide perspective! Thank you!
Rich or Alpenglow
Glad you liked the video! It's always an honor to have a backpacker of your ability as a viewer!
Alpenglow, hope all is well bro!
Early_Riser_71 Hi Early Riser! It’s great to hear from you. Thanks for everything you are doing for the hiking community! I have been watching your latest videos. I would like to wish you and your family all the best in 2018; especially good health!My family and I are all doing well. By the way, I will attempt a thru hike of the PCT in 2018.
As always, great advice sir! Well thought-out videos, keep them coming.
Glad you liked it and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Great video. I am a section hiker and always gain knowledge from you. Thanks
Glad to hear you have found the channel helpful! Keep hikin' and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Interesting video Flat. I plan to go slow and easy for 8 hours a day. I will be hiking low mileage fir the first 3-4 weeks and then gradually hiking around 18-22 miles per day with a zero once a week and a nero once a week. Also will be visiting Washington and NYC for 3 days each because those 2 cities are very unique and mysterious for those of us who have never visited.
Good news is my base weight is a surprising 14lbs and full pack weight is 22lbs..... if I had only known about 6 moons design before lol.
Here is my non Zpacks top 4 list and as you can see, I did not spend a fortune and these prices are pretty low when you think about it. I could always equip myself out free from the hiker boxes but I am afraid that my pack would explode lol.
6 moons Lunar Solo - 180.00usd at 24oz sealed.
Eco Burrow Sleeping quilt 30 degree 850fill for 180.00usd at 18oz.
ULA OHM 2.0 for 190.00usd at 31oz (took off handles and sacs and foam back).
Exped hypersummit airpad for 70.00usd at 13oz.
Anyway start date is still 19 March 18 and looks like we will have a long winter on the lower AT in 2018. Perfect for crazy Canucks like me lol.
Currently minus 40 celious and 5 feet of snow with another feet over the next week lol. So would it not be funny to be the only hiker hiking fir a couple of weeks on the AT because everyone’s huddled up in the shelter and towns lol. I would catch up to the lead bubble pretty fast lol.
Anyway hope to see you on the trail during my Thru hike in 2018 eh 🇨🇦.
Wow, you did a great job of assembling an affordable gear list - high five on that! Decent weights, also. Your plan sounds pretty good. I think you are gonna have a fine hike in '18. And thanks again for watching!
flatbrokeoutside I always watch your videos when I think about it. And I am so proud that I have a low base weight compared to zpacks for 18oz more but I did save 880.00usd lol. Anyway this could be a good gear comparison for one of your future videos. And the hikers with low budgets will probably spend the same amount as me but their gear might be very very heavy. Just a though. I will be doing the top 4 heavy items video up when my tent arrives in another couple of weeks.
Just wondering did you go on the AT and how did your new gear perform and were you happy with the ULA that was on my list too. Take care
Thanks Flatbroke...yes, another no-nonsense vid. Hope you are doing well.
Doing great! Glad you liked the video and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Love your posts! Gives me a fresh perspective.
Not a bad idea to think "slow" when starting out (not saying easy though) then work into a faster pace rather than forcing it at the start. Might prevent injuries.
Also I didn't see altitude listed, and it's is a huge issue with the rating of trails for us lowlanders. I have backpacked near gorgeous vistas only to be too beat up to care. I live near the AT and the rocks, roots and slippery clay is becoming increasing difficult. Never ever found trails above 8,000' ( hiked many years ago) to be easy though. Made me constantly out-of-breath.
The mental thing is funny. While watching RUclips videos, I find people who are inspired by the lush greenery of the AT. It drives them onwards. Then your find other hikers who are so depressed by the AT "green tunnel" that all they want is to quit. Personally i find heat and deserts depressing.
Thanks for sharing your experience - When I get up to about 9,000 feet out west I also feel the effects of altitude. And thanks again for being a great viewer!
another great video. glad to see you again.
Glad to see you again also, and thanks again for being a viewer!
been on some section hikes walk cross Maryland and some of Virginia live near Pearisburg cand be there in less then 2 Hourys so have hake that section many times and love woods hole hostel
Thanks for watching and keep hiking!
Thanks for another great video. It occurs to me the difference between AT or that gentle, grassy local trail is intent. Thru or Section, the hiker's intent is to do it all. That puts an urgency to the effort. I always managed to make by one week section hikes hard too. But if one can tame the ego and attitude from inside, perhaps a journey could be enough just to BE there. I have not mastered this. For my next section I plan to solo, resupply at every opportunity, shower at every opportunity and take time to chat with other hikers. Perhaps I can tame the ego and attitude some.
Sounds like a plan, and thanks for watching!
Another tour de force. Great video, Sir.
Thanks for the endorsement and thanks for being a viewer!
Hope to spend a few days in SNP in late April.
It's a fun place. Thanks for watching!
I'm a YouTubing section hiker and just found your channel - awesome vid! Love your perspective, Subscribed!
Thanks! Nice channel you have, subbed ya back!
Thank you! I have a lot of watching to do to catch up on your channel. :)
"Why are AT hikers in a rush?" ... Sitting comfortably in my office chair and having met only a few thru hikers and read and watched several accounts of hikers... I find myself with a fairly negative opinion. Skipping such edge cases as speed records, collecting trail badges or advancing weather it seems to me that there is a cluster of thru hikers who are trying to make a living at this. As most hikers seem to suggest HYOH, however, I feel that there is a lot that seems to go unsaid. This weekend a Florida Trail thru hiker told me about his $300 pack that had to be replaced mid-hike and when the second pack had the same damage he had to call the manufacturer for repairs to both. He also mentioned how is expensive and light tent's door zipper broke and he had to repair with a sewing needle and dental floss.
I once joked with a friend about a section hike and skipping a few items with the notion of "embrace" the rain. But frankly if I went on a weekend or section hike and it rained all day and night I might not think that was a fun time. The same could be said if a thru hiker invested many months on a trail... I would not expect them to say the adventure was crap but expect that they might forget the bad days. I would not expect to hear "I dropped out of college for this! What a waste of time!"
And mostly I'm getting aggravated by those hikers who are shamelessly producing videos including product videos trying to make a business rather than promote the trail. (yours not included)
I look forward to each of your videos! Thanks for sharing!! :-)
You're welcome and I appreciate you watching!
I used to quiz thru-hikers I met on the AT about what they felt was most difficult about being a thru-hiker. The two answers I got were always the elevation change and being wet all the time.
Thanks for sharing that. I plan to do yet another video about rain and being wet. I have been growing more aware of just how demoralizing it can be for some people. And thanks again for being a great viewer!
Uphill is a breeze! Downhill sucks. But it's worth it
Definitely worth it! And thanks for watching!
Uphill was a challenge to me. When people say, "Well, what about the downhills ? I heard that they were harder." I reply, "The sections I walked were all uphill !" At least it felt like it to me. I didn't notice any downhills at all. They were either easy or didn't bother my knees.
Great video, as always. Is the AT hard? For sure it depends. I'd say it's pretty easy in the south, pretty frustrating in the middle and pretty hard in the north. Worth it though!
Agreed! And thanks again for watching. (For others reading this, she thru hiked the AT in 122 days this year. Check out her channel for some great videos!)
Another excellent talk.
Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!
Shenandoahs gets tough when you get off the AT and take all the side trails... there’s some very steep trails that will kick your butt with just an 8 mile trek...
The ones I have been on are steep, yeah. But some great waterfalls on the side trails. And thanks for watching!
You always cover good topics nice video
Glad you liked it and thanks for being a viewer!
*informative video. Thank you very much.
And thank you for watching!
I'm a flat lander who dreams of the AT.
I hope you make it there, and thanks again for watching!
It's not just the AT where pack weight matters it's all of the trails. The lighter the pack the more pleasure it is for me , not sure about anyone else. I did the oversized heavy pack routine many years ago and Never More. I want my packs base weigh as light as humanly and reasonably possible. Backpacking for me is fun , not a marathon , work or misery. You need to know ( Learn ) the challenges of the trail and what to expect before going and in today's world that is relatively easy to do. You can bet someone ( or a lot of somebody's ) has already gone down the trail in question and posted a video about it. Even a question and answer session like this one. I tell myself , it's my hike so I hike it my way. If it is unpleasant and not enjoyable why would anyone do it ?
We can assume they too are hiking their own hike. Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks again for watching!
"It helps if they get rained on." ...Haha!
Even 11 miles per day counting 30 zero days is easy except up in Maine, that would be 229 days. Plus we tend to Nero into towns.
Great Infor !! Many Thanks !!
And thank you for watching!
Enjoy your credibility and insight. You need to produce more of the same
Glad you liked the video and thanks a million for watching!
Excellent video. Thank you
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
I really enjoy your videos on the Appalachian Trail! I've always had a fascination with the trail since I started backpacking at age 11... After I began my career as an over-the-road tractor trailer driver I noticed that every time I entered the Carlisle Pennsylvania operating facility I would drive directly under a small Bridge labeled Appalachian Trail... Long story short I was determined that once I had time and some Gear with me I would park at our facility and at least do a section... I was glad I did and here's a little video account of how it worked out for this section from Carlisle PA fo the Darlington shelter.... ruclips.net/video/coAsB1-7vKk/видео.html
Thanks for watching!
What part of the trail is closest to you? For me it is Franklin, NC area ...
For me, the absolute shortest drive is to Route 60 crossing at Buena Vista, Va. It helps that the interstate runs north and south for a long stretch in that area. And thanks again for watching!
I strongly suspect the trail is intentionally routed over rock beds to simplify trail maintenance. I recently was standing on a spot Where I could see the trail 20' ahead over dirt but the trail ran over a rock bed that took at least 20 yards to reach the same point. It is often harder to spot the blazes over broad Rocky areas.
I also have found the blazes sometimes harder to spot on rocks. Was this at a hilly spot? Sometimes they route away from dirt to avoid erosion. And thanks for watching!
flatbrokeoutside if I remember correctly, it was around Mountain Lake in VA on a mountain top, little or no incline.
The experiences and food and gear development by thru hikers is simply fantastic. But the thru hike itself is too similar to the Griswolds visit to the Grand Canyon.
I know some folks agree with you on that. And thanks again for watching!
I found the AT to have a lot of ups and downs, but it tends to be much better maintained than the trails around it. Compared to the surrounding trails, the AT hikes like a highway. That being said, I always hate to end a a hike with a road walk. Asphalt feels terrible under your feet compared to trail if you're wearing footwear made for hiking.
What footwear do you use, exactly? I'm shopping for a new pair.
I live near the Smokies. The Smokies and the AT have much better maintained trails than the national forest and wilderness areas around them. I usually go with a near "zero drop" trail running shoe from Hoka or Inov8 with a wide toe box until there is snow on the trail when I'm on marked trails. They're designed for ultra-marathons. The Hoka's offer enough padding and space for trips that have higher mileage days. They have plenty of room for my feet to swell without pinching them, and they dry well enough overnight. For me, a trail with rocks, roots and dirt has a lot more give than asphalt. Thanks for your videos and your channel.
Does being on the AT increase your chances of Alien Abduction?
Fredrick Rourk Wild animals and the occasional screwy human are the problems.
No. Zero equals zero... the Barbell Equation, 0=0 .
+Fredrick Rourk Are we talking about Legal or Illegal Aliens?
Only if Bigfoot doesn't get you first....
Bob McElroy just don't steal his beef jerky and you be alright.
Whoohoo!
Hell yeah! :)
How long will it take me to hike it I'm fit
How many miles a day can someone do over the most steep terrain, and how many days off will someone take? That will have a huge effect on the total number of days. A few did the whole thing in 100 days in recent years, but they are rare individuals. I'd say anybody who gets it done in six months turned in a fine performance, physically speaking.
The reason it seems all the AT Hikers are running is to escape the shelter rats! You gotta be fast! The slowest hiker is Rat Food!
Don't forget the mice, skunks and raccoons! And thanks for watching!