7 HARD TRUTHS about hiking the Appalachian Trail...

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I hiked the Appalachian Trail so I kinda know what I'm talking about but not really.
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#AppalachianTrail

[@PInk77W1]

“You ain’t gonna make it” I told my dad I was gonna cycle across the USA. His exact words to me were “You will never make it” First 3 tries I failed. Since then I’ve cycled across the USA 4 times. Next AT 4-4-22 NB start

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Hell ya!!

[@thehikingelf9069]

I will hike the AT 4-5-22 NB. I hope to see you out there.

[@trip7700]

Go get it!

[@orrandavis5950]

Update if/when you can please! Happy Trails👊🏽

[@PInk77W1]

@@orrandavis5950 not this year. I wanted to. I was worried about leaving my home alone for 4months. I will try 4-23 next year. I did ride my bicycle from Texas to key west Florida 1700 miles for the month of March.

[@HarpersInfiniteSystems]

A note on thru-hiking: 15 years ago, myself and two friends endeavored to hike the PCT from Kennedy Meadows northward. So, from the start, we'd already given up on the idea of hiking the complete trail. We ended up doing 500 on-trail miles, and called it quits around Donner Pass. We hiked Mt. Whitney and Half Dome, and all of the JMT, so we got the best parts. We sometimes camped for multiple days when we found a nice place. It took us three months to do those 500 miles, during which time many people would have hiked the complete trail. I believe those people missed out on the experience I had, and that their experience of those 500 miles was worse than mine. So my advice is to take your time and enjoy it. There's no great reward for doing a trail from one end to the other, and there's no virtue in self-abuse. In the end, you will remember incredible views and good vibes, not how many miles per day you clocked.

[@thefisherking78]

That sounds amazing. Having never done either, I'm nonetheless gravitating towards something like what you did

[@TrigJohnsonPhD]

"There's no great reward for doing a trail from one end to the other..." Really? How about a sense of accomplishment (for example)?

[@2nd_of_3]

You have also hit on one of the best life lessons I have personally learned.. He with the most toys is Definitely NOT the winner.

[@kyletoman3892]

Seems like a bunch of excuses to not hike the entire trail. What about the memories of 1.5k miles you missed out on ?

[@matthewclark8475]

Hell yeah man! Me and my buddy are thinking about doing it and thank you for this comment! It’s sort of the same what I used to tell my junior sailors stay out of bars and go on a tour on the country we’re in take photos ect

[@103kspencer]

I’m 61 and will be starting in the next couple years. My gut is that injuries may be my greatest threat, but I’m determined to make it

[@johnbarber4853]

Kelly, I'm 69 I was 63 on my 2015 hike, best advice I can give you is start with low milage days and listen to your body. Skip the approch trail that was the most miserable day of my life hiking those 8 miles in the rain. Be prepared for lots of rain, in 2015 it rained everyday at some point from the 12th to the 22nd of April. Most of the trail was a mud puddle. Most of the views were blocked by overcast and fog. The biggest challenge will be mental (lol) in the beginning you will be asking yourself why am i doing this, I'm not 20 yrs. old anymore. I'm wet from rain or sweat everyday and smell like salty shit and putting on cold wet or frozen clothes in the morning sucks.Like Kyle said some days are just plain aweful. Carry an inreach device after 635 mile I got a blood clout in my lung I was lucky I was off the trail. I would have died if i was on the trial. Be really carefully on wet rocks and slipping in the mud I broke a rib running to get out of the rain on a tree root at Roan mountain shelter. Carry a water proof mitten shells to put over your gloves cold rain and wind on your hands can make for a miserable day. Only pack what you need not what you want test your gear on a few weekend hikes. Watch post AT thru hike gear videos on youtube.And if you want to sleep bring earplugs (lol) the party animals don't care if you sleep. Good luck on your thru hike kelly!

[@103kspencer]

Thanks for your wise words, John Barber!

[@toyrificentertainment508]

Great advice, except for the part about skipping the approach trail: never start the trail taking the easy way out. Advancements in hiking have already softened the edges of a thru hike enough.

[@johnbarber4853]

@@toyrificentertainment508 The approach trail has some nice views but i wouldn't waste my time and energy to do miles that don't count. If I started another hike on the AT. Toyrific tell me about the soft edges when you are in your 60's or 70's (lol).

[@toyrificentertainment508]

@@johnbarber4853 I may literally be talking about soft edges - external frames used to be the preferred backpack when I was in Scouts ;) For me, the approach trail is on the bucket list of things I've dreamed of doing on my thru hike attempt. Yes, it's not officially part of the trail...but that's like saying the flight isn't part of your vacation. I guess the real sin is taking your picture in front of the arch then skipping it altogether.

[@paraol8281]

I'm currently at mile 1860, NoBo, almost there. And everything he says in this clip is true. Especially what he says about the sweat. And the missing comfort. And the lows. Man, i had a couple of major crisis so far. Just wanted to go home. But i didn't. I didn't quit (so far). And I guess that's the point. You can cry, sweat, feel pain, having no comfort, feel bad, everything - but one thing you simply cannot do: quit. Just get out of your tent, pack everything and start walking, even though you hate it. Then you will make it. And the next day will be wonderful. Accept that the Trail is stronger than you, stop fighting it, simply accept everything the Trail trows at you as part of your life. All that said, I'm still not at the end. In about 5 weeks we will know if I was just writing bullshit here or not :)

[@Blane2017]

Good luck!

[@PInk77W1]

How is it going ? I hope to start 4-1-23

[@parallax8322]

Hope all is going well, rooting for you!

[@paraol8281]

@@parallax8322 Just made it to Katahdin yesterday!!!! It was an amazing journey!!

[@ToadyWoods]

@@paraol8281 🎉Congratulations Parasol! I’m starting in 2023. Hope you had a great time!

[@monev]

My worst night on the trail was sleeping in a transient camp next to a busy highway with busy train tracks on the other side. It had been raining for days so my clothes were soaked and it was 50 degrees overnight. So the wet clothes I took off at night would still be cold and wet in the cold morning. Also, the skin cells that usually flake off due to thigh chafe and fall out the bottom of my pants was instead building up into a paste of rotting flesh sticking to my legs. I literally smelled like a corpse. Then at 1 AM a bunch of locals pulled up nearby to make a lot of noise for an hour. Then at 4 AM some animal was clearly being eaten alive in the nearby field. Anyways, that's the "magic" of thruhiking.

[@justadogmom]

do you regret it?

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

You're not really selling it to me to be honest...

[@stevhoff]

I only thru hiked one trail, the colorado trail.Even though that trail had a lot less urban experience than others i still found that it took me places I would rather not be hiking. Ever since I stayed away from thru hiking. You can get a lot better experiences in wilderness areas. I would rather not hear cars or partiers and be able to see a full, starlit sky at night. Doing these trails just to say you did them or hiking all the fourteeners in Colorado just to get your name on a list, don't seem right to me.

[@lickourballs1atatimeok]

To funny

[@ArtemisSilverBow]

​@@stevhoff Exactly. It's not about conquering trails and peaks. It's about being out there and enjoying the beauty of the wilderness. I lived in colorado and maine for a number of years and didn't go anywhere on trails most people hiked.

[@darrylkinman1533]

I thru hiked 2015, I was 50 yo. It took 119 days, I had 2 zero’s. Only the young who hasn’t dealt with loved ones dying will say the lowest lowes on the AT. I lost a lot of weight down to 147 lbs. from over 200 lbs. it’s a life changer. 🙏🏼

[@PInk77W1]

Wow. Awesome. I’m 62. Hope to do it 4-1-23 I’m hoping for 20mpd and 110 days. But I know that is ambiguous

[@bachroxx]

Please post a video of your experience! I would love to watch

[@bobsaget9675]

​@@PInk77W1 ambitious*

[@PInk77W1]

@@bobsaget9675 yeah I got no chance. I walk 18 miles for training and it almost kllls me

[@waynegeizer7874]

@@PInk77W1 you will get better, start slow and ramp up. each week you will see improvement. I did 800k at 52.

[@unitedstatesdale]

Ive completed 82.25% over the past 8 years. My plan is to complete it on my birthday Jan. 6th 2024 ill be 76

[@douglasfry6112]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm 67. With two attempts 2015-2018 I've made it as far as vermont. Hoping to finish in 2023.

[@thisbeem2714]

Good on you! Cheers!

[@mtadams2009]

Awesome. I think just hiking is wonderful. I am pulling for your both.

[@MrsStevenBrown]

Did you make it? ❤ I hope you did!

[@taikajorma7276]

Did you do it?

[@jayp4303]

I haven't done the whole thing, but did an 800 mile section one year. The boredom, loneliness, and daily discomfort were the main challenges for me. Leaving a world full of the ability to have information and interaction with people, and being by yourself for almost all day every day leaves a certain void that many people can't deal with. On the A.T., there are some pretty views, but once you have seen a few dozen of them, the next one isn't that special. I found more success focusing on the small things - interactions with people along the way, and the small beauty like watching ants or birds. That hike was the single largest experience in my life - more formative than college for sure. It changed my perspective on the nature of society, and reshaped my definition of "wants" vs. "needs" which are still with me 33 years later.

[@deathcar]

Funny story, April 3rd 2014, after a late start I headed up Amicalola Falls in the late afternoon, super nervous completely unprepared and headed into the unknown. Unlike most hikers I didn't make it to Springer Mountain, but instead stopped at Black Gap Shelter and was soon joined by 3 other hikers. Right away I discovered that I didn't have my tent with me...left it in the hotel? Maybe left it back home? Of the other 3 hikers, one had just retired from the Airforce...carrying an 85# pack, another had just retired from the Army, and was deathly sick with what appeared to be Noro virus, and the last was a young man that had just left the marines, and looked to have everything in order, and was well prepared. That evening as we nervously ate our dinners I mentioned that by the odds only 1 of us would finish the trail, and as it looked, that was definitely a possibility. As the trail proceeded I would periodically run into the other 3 hikers, but never hiked with them, just on the edges of different bubbles. Fast forward to October 6th, and wouldn't you know it, that 3 of us would summit on the same day, and would later find out that the 4th had summited 2 weeks earlier.

[@adamlawley8168]

One of the biggest things i saw in every person who finished their thru hike was that they never gave themselves the option to quit. They committed to themselves to walking to Katahdin. But of course, going 6 months without a lot of things going wrong is really hard and a lot can happen.

[@JOe-un7mg]

I quit everyday but somehow made it thru, a friend told me never quit on a rainy day alway quit on a good day.

[@blackmonday738]

I can see if there are Crazy Horney mean Bison, Wacky Goats with horns like Satan, Long Horns on Steroids, 1600lb Bears, Happy Hippies Hugging weeds , anything's possible 1 puts it's mind to do!! We are our worst enemy, Live that life, yr goal, 1%a day is all we need. Get out & Get Happy!!💙

[@GoAdventure83]

It's not going to play out the way you think it will is so true. After years of picturing my self standing on the sign at Katahdin, I didn't even get to stand on it when I got there. I was in a sprint dodging lightning bolts, touched the sign, took a selfie, and sprinted back down the mountain praying that I would not die. 🙏

[@bullwinkle734]

Re your PCT desert-hiking remark about carrying water. Have had to carry water on AT. Try this: The bladder found inside a box of wine is made to be durable & strong & light. There are various spigots, they all come off with simple hand tools and then usually slide on and off pretty easily. They hold 3 to 4 liters. And first couple of times you use them, the water tastes great.

[@josephdragan7734]

Don't think of thru hiking as a typical vacation. It is an adventure in to the wilderness of your own person. All the challenges mentioned are true but those depravations will help you discover things about yourself that will be with you all your life. No one can predict what your experiences will be. As for finishing the trail, well keep in mind the old adage.. It is not the destination, its the journey. Have fun, leave no trace and hike your own hike.

[@EliasVoorhees]

The truth always has a degree of offense to it…..In the end, being truly honest is the only way to really help others..and ourselves. Great video Kyle.

[@amyarcher8017]

Lol, some people strive to be one in a million, thru hikers strive to be one in four! Hope you're having a great day and feeling better!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

If you can't be one in a million, might as well be one in four lol

[@MattJohnsonhikes]

The real numbers don't include the number of people who failed to even get on the trail. That might actually be the hardest part.

[@kyllo8497]

@@MattJohnsonhikes it's been the hardest part for me lol. I told myself I would do the Arizona trail first but I keep pushing that back... that's going to have to change here soon

[@MattJohnsonhikes]

@@kyllo8497 Hang in there!

[@davidjones5045]

I'm planning to do a northbound through-hike but it will be in about twenty years when I retire. It's something I've dreamed of since I was a teenager. Also my ex-wife laughed her butt off and said I would never pull it off every time i mentioned it, so I intend to prove her and everyone else wrong lol.

[@colleenpodraza6050]

Don’t wait to do it when you retire! Youth has its advantages…lol And also, don’t listen to anyone who says “you can’t”…YOU GOT THIS!!!

[@jcam783]

You don’t need to prove anything to anyone , do it because you want too ! The reward is yours . Good luck 👍

[@smo_beats]

don't wait , live now

[@dolphincliffs8864]

I hope you make it!

[@martywilliard]

Prove yourself right !

[@mysticpresence]

Here because my 64 year old dad is doing this, and currently in Maine with 200 miles left. He looks like he’s 110lbs rn @ 6’0. I’m 27 and 200lbs and don’t know if I could even walk 10 miles in a day.

[@drewflickinger73]

One of your best videos in a while! Honestly it’s refreshing to hear some realities of a thru hike instead of the sugar coated videos many KZbinrs put out.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks Drew! Gotta keep it real

[@Joshmasanow]

Completed the full hike about a week ago. I agree with all your points. I would say in all honesty, the views weren’t impressing but the overall experience was. Very grateful to be a finisher. Congrats to you too. Thru hiking the Appalachian trail within 6 months without skipping any parts is one hell of a challenge.

[@peakbagger7682]

Thanks for the heads up on the AT. A 75% failure rate is a crapshoot. I think it was the 1943 US Navy survival manual that said something like, "Life's battles do not always go to the strongest or to the fastest man, but before long, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." I attended Dr. Warren Doyle's ATI (Appalachian Trail Institute) this year and hope to hike the AT in 2023. I am 66 and have been hiking in the Whites for over 40 years and recently completed my AMC's New England Hundred Highest. All I can tell you is I think I can do it. The mental part is the hardest it is said, and that is what takes a lot of people out. Hiking the AT is a cat of a different color from what I learned at ATI.

[@maxh4195]

#4 hits hard. I’ve done a fair amount of hiking on the north country trail and was pumped to get back to Lake Superior. I was greeted by swarms of flies

[@douglasfry6112]

There is a sign on the blue ridge " hiking the entire a.t.is equivalent to hiking mt. Everest 16 times".

[@adidascap9441]

Both are achievments in their own right whit different requirements

[@ScottKent]

Malnutrition on the trail is really hard because the person who experiences it is not likely to know it until it's too late...why it's a good idea to plan some meals and have someone to check with.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Facts

[@hermeticallysealed]

@@KyleHatesHiking someone to check with....PALNUTRITION

[@saysflushable]

I'm amazed at the terrible diet and junk I see AT hikers eat with no concern for even trying to supplement with healthy food.

[@kdavis4910]

@@hermeticallysealed lol

[@mwilsonUT]

​@mike phillips It's all about calories. Literally nothing else matters.

[@KatWomanHikes]

I've encountered a LOT of this, just in my section hikes. Labor Day 2021: 11 day hike to do all of GA derailed on Day 3 by a severely sprained wrist (hand was unusable, and as a solo hiker, that was no bueno). Healed up, went back every chance I could to pick up where I left off. Memorial Day, 2022: 6 day hike to finish the last 40 miles derailed on Day 3 by what turned out to be COVID (hiking down a mountain with fever, body aches, and chills is no fun - zero stars, do not recommend). Labor Day 2022: Picked up where I left off to do Unicoi to Dick's Creek: FINISHED this section without injury or illness knocking me off trail early, but... IT RAINED ALL WEEKEND. Torrential downpours. Also, stepping on a yellow jacket nest (during one of the brief dry moments) just outside of Tray Mtn Shelter and getting stung ten times. But, i finished it! Now later this month i'm going to go back and do the last little bit - Dick's Creek to NC! Almost. Done. (for this year).

[@robnoodle1]

Thank you for the sobering truths of the brutal hike that will either make you or break you

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Always here for you Rob Noodle

[@John-se5vc]

I had similar encouragement from my father for big projects in my life.

[@NickandRachel]

Definitely something I've considered doing one day. For now I think I'm content being a weekend warrior lol but I do enjoy all the videos you put it up thanks for sharing!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

No problem, hope you can make it out for a thru hike someday!

[@NickandRachel]

@@KyleHatesHiking maybe one day I just had a buddy complete the Appalachian Trail and he looked like he had the time of his life!

[@SultanofSpey]

I've hiked up and down all kinds of down mountains carrying ungodly loads for Uncle Sam in unpleasant places. Quitting meant failing my team. That wasn't an ever an option. I'm afraid of something like the AT because I'm not very a very social person since leaving the military. There's no real point to an endurance event like that for me because there's no one relying on me. It would just be me and myself. I think that would terrify me more than anyone trying to do me harm. This probably makes no sense but it's the truth.

[@robyncaddell5269]

I’m an Aussie veteran makes total sense to me! I’m doing the AT in 2024!

[@lickourballs1atatimeok]

It's hard to be the 1, only one relying on you is you, no matter who you are✌🏽✌🏽humbleness sets in sooner or later

[@JimD77]

My issue with element is that there is not much potassium, no magnesium(for cramps) and it's basically just salt which is cheaper to just buy in the store.

[@poss4757]

Good luck in your future hiking. My Brother did all three the AT, PCT, and CDT. AT IN 87, PCT IN 90, CDT IN 94. HE Is 62 now,

[@vincentspione]

It never ceases to amaze me on how everyone wants to be a celeb.

[@Safemoonprince]

December 10th 2007. I was hiking alone and when I reached Preacher’s rock trailhead I stoped at the parking spot for a break and there was an old grandpa wearing a bright and old green sweater that stinked kinda bad. He was sitting on the back of his van with a golden retriever so I asked him if I could pet his dog ( as I have 2 golden retrievers and they’re the best dogs) he said yes and he started asking me where I was from and what do I do for a living? And if I was hiking alone or in a group? He also asked me if a have any guns or knifes because last week there was a mountain lion attack that almost killed a hiker. I told him not I don’t have a gun but I have a small pocket knife that I showed him. He said that’s not enough to kill a mountain lion. I was like well I hope I don’t encounter one. Then we chatted for a little bit and he started ranting about the federal government. And before I was leaving he told me If he could join me on the trail because he really wanted to hike up but he being an old man and suffering from heart conditions so if something happens to him at least I could tell police where he was. I felt something, a strange sensation in my gut by the way his eyes looked. He had some really penetrating gaze and he would always make direct eye contact that I couldn’t hold so I would look away for some seconds. After thinking what should I say this old grandpa I told him “I’m sorry but I’m in a hurry and I really want to walk fast to get to the top before sunset” he kinda looked mad and said aight I’ll just wait for someone else. I proceeded to hit the trail but I could never forget his gaze. Even tho he was an old man his gaze gave me a bad vibe and I was thinking about it the whole trail. 25 days later when I was at home I watched this same guy in a mugshot on the news channel so I turned the volume up because I was intrigued I thought he died on the trial (because he told me he had heart problems) to find out he kidnapped and killed a girl about 15 miles on another parking lot. The guy I interacted with was fcking serial killer Gary Michael Hilton. I think he asked the same questions and told the same story to Meredith Emerson and she was kind and good hearted so she agreed to hike with the “old grandpa with heart problems”. So now I don’t trust anyone even if they have good intentions and they greet me I just say hi and continue my hike without stopping and if they ask me to stop to ask me a questions I just say sorry I’m in a hurry and keep going. I also carry a 9mm Glock 43x. It’s small and concealable. Another crazy experience happend another year before when I was hiking and at the distance I saw a naked old guy just walking around. So I freaked out and stopped before he was gone. Stay safe guys. Never trust anyone.

[@skesno309]

thats creepy

[@skesno309]

I grew up in a small midwestern town. There was a guy who lived about 4 houses down from us who had a rap sheet a mile long from rape to battery etc etc. He eventually strangled a gal at the laundromat in a nearby town. The crazy thing is i seen him leave town that day heading east towards the town it happened and remember thinking "who in their right mind who leave town in these crappy conditions" He killed her that day

[@mjk6618]

Yep! Always listen to your gut! It'll save you every time!

[@thehuskybalu]

That’s crazyyyyyyyy 😊

[@alyishiking]

When I made it to Max Patch, it was exactly how you described it--all clouded in and raining. I had a good time pretending like I was getting amazing views to the camera. I had my real Max Patch moment on Big Bald, which no one even talks about.

[@Bohonk212]

I had the reverse. Great Max Patch but ice-cold blowing rain & fog on Big Bald. Was nice to see what I missed from other's videos.

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

I have become kinda obsessed with hiking this trail. i dont think i could do it all but it would be interesting to give it a try

[@KyleHatesHiking]

You never know!

[@JOe-un7mg]

90% of ppl who finish the trail have never long distance hiked before , just do it!

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

@@JOe-un7mg its i would say 90% going to happen LOL later this month or next month . Nervous and excited 🙃😬🙂. You can see it on my channel hahahahahah . Its not a rainbows and unicorns channel

[@zoidsfan12]

I legit chuckled when you said "you probably aren't gonna make it". I just have such a combative personality that I'm the type to go "watch me beat this thing in record time". And also the type that would keep attempting it till I conquered it if I were to fail. But self felating my ego aside, I plan on starting with the major parks along the trail before I hike the whole thing. I really wanna enjoy it but I also wanna blow that expected time out of the water. I see 5-7 months and go, alright 20 miles a day, 100 days, plus about 20 full days of rest interspersed, that makes 4 months. But I'm completely fine with my expectations getting crushed rofl. I remember when I first got into sumo, I had all these plans and a big smile on my face when none of it went anywhere against experienced fighters, because I realized just how much I still had to learn. Hiking this trail is something I view as conditioning and getting myself to the level where I can enter into the amateur sumo scene. I will probably branch out around that time too. As if I'm gonna miss the pro sumo age deadline then I'm gonna enjoy other combat sports pro scenes in it's stead. So whatever date I finally hike the whole thing, that will be the day I deem myself ready for everything. Hopefully once I hike this thing the coup stuff will be over in Myanmar so I can learn muay Thai and lethwei from the source afterwards.

[@IReviewIt]

Love the videos Kyle. I will be having major heart surgery March 22 and my goal once recovery is over is to Thru Hike the AT. Your videos have helped me in planning and goal setting once I'm healed. Thanks for the content.

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Did 3.6 miles of the Appalachian Trail Jan 2024! First time on trail, was actually a life changing experience. I was just doing a 2 night backpacking trip. Got to double Spring shelter to drop weight too late to summit clingmans dome... survived the storm on night 2 that came in 18 hours early. 😂 2 plus inches of rain fell from midnight to noon!

[@MaxopieVideo]

Kyle out here uploading multiple times a week now... 👀👀👀 Love to see it!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Wish I could upload every day, but I would run out of stuff to talk about haha

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Never put expectations on a hike. I hate the expression hike your own hike but it’s so damn true

[@KyleHatesHiking]

true, kinda

[@kdavis4910]

@@KyleHatesHiking yes, kinda

[@glennl70]

About 2 minutes into his LMNT infommercial, I had to find another channel.

[@24934637]

Wow, what a MASSIVE mission! It's not something that I've ever considered doing personally, but never say never! Many years ago I started off walking the 'Pennine Way' which is the longest 'Long distance footpath' here in the UK. 260 miles along the spine of the Pennine Mountain / Hill chain. Made it to day 4, when I dropped out due to inexperience, poor equipment and poor planning. I was really attempting it at the wrong time of year, trying to carry ALL the equipment and food for the 12 day walk with me (Apart from water), and I had totally unsuitable kit.....Combat boots, proofed nylon waterproofs, a very heavy goosedown sleeping bag, which is no use if it gets wet, and 58 pattern webbing for load carrying, rather than a modern backpack. Research and planning were essential for even that relatively short walk, and even more essential for the AT! Good luck to anyone who is planning on doing it, and respect to anyone who succeedes!

[@alphaomega1351]

I'm gonna hike the entire trail in 1 day! 😳

[@bodaciousstudiobeats1225]

Dig your videos.. Side note. Lmnt drink mix is the jam. No joke. Hangover relief in such a hurry!

[@Drone256]

"Statistically speaking you probably aren't going to make it." This statement is frequently untrue but is a common misunderstanding of statistics. 80% to 85% of attempted thru hikes each year end in failure. But I saw many hikers, myself included, who put the odds of success well in their favor. Most people have this ability if they choose to do so. The odds of failure are not equally distributed among hikers.

[@erikgiggey4783]

plus there are other reasons to not finish, one i followed, made it to CT pretty quick and could have easily finished but he said, i got what i wanted out of the trail and have nothing left to prove to myself. others got near the whites and quit because the trail is all the same. many people cannot see the beauty of the trail without a view from a summit. i love the woods and spend many years of my life wandering through them enjoying the sights sounds and smells(well except my stench after 4 days in the heat sweating)

[@Drone256]

@@erikgiggey4783 I too ran into those people but the trail changes rapidly. Don't like where you are? Give it a week. It'll be very different. It's also important to understand before you start that your head will create reasons to quit. You need many skills to complete an AT thru hike. Walking is just one of them. Most important skill: High tolerance for discomfort.

[@melizabeth908]

Lots of good information here, thanks for sharing. I’m trying to get up the nerve to hike the East Coast Trail here in Canada and appreciate honest videos. I will have to go alone which is my biggest fear as I could be the only camper out there.

[@douglasfry6112]

If you wait for the nerve you won't do it. Go!!

[@adamr1439]

So excited to see you tackle the PCT

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I'm not going to hike it, I'm going to tackle it like a linebacker. Is that a position that tackles a lot? I don't know shit about football

[@freeheel748]

@@KyleHatesHiking , Nailed it. That's a carpentry reference. Nothing to do with football.

[@adamr1439]

I think as long as the PCT has the ball any position can tackle it?

[@kdavis4910]

@@KyleHatesHiking lol. I hope you vlog it.

[@mollys4826]

Thank you so much for the honesty! I’m excited to do this and I’m gonna do the best I can to finish..I’m determined!

[@americandissident9062]

I’m 36, turning 37 in March of 2023, and I’ll be starting a northbound hike after that.

[@HeatherrArmonia]

APP-UH-LATCH-AN.

[@AliciaintheMountains]

Great video and lots of helpful tips to tuck away for my thru hike of the AT next year!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Best of luck to ya!

[@capitalismisdivisionofevil8322]

AT is a breeze! I used a lightweight mini bike ( foldable ) to save time and avoid troublemakers! Problem solving is a piece of cake!

[@jeffpeters5347]

My own parents are my doubters. I use it as fuel to do it even more.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Yes this is the best attitude Jeff!

[@exbankerbob1]

Very interesting video. I'm curious why the music is being played while you're talking. That sucks.

[@kingpotato5941]

Nature is king

[@stevenhainsworth8743]

discomfort = “uncomfortability”

[@phillippitts6294]

Did you mention it’s not exactly safe, it’s not walking through Compton at midnight dangerous. But every time it comes close to a road you need to be aware. Like beauty spot. Probably not in guide books , but multiple bodies and murders have happened there.

[@longrider42]

As a long distance bike rider, eating the right food, and enough of the right food, is very important. I've heard a lot of AT thru hikers get "Trail Hungry" and I believe that is from a lack of meat protein, and I understand. As for comfort, for me thats a given. Sleeping in a tent, maybe not having the right sleeping bag. Yeah, it can be tough. But if you've walked a great deal, or pedaled a long distance, sleep should not be a problem. Making food after a long day, yeah, if you just feel so tired. Any ways, your doing a good job.

[@thejarrettsjourney]

Great brutally honest video ! And thanks for the info on the electrolytes. We had been looking for some good ones to try. Got the free samples headed our way !

[@alyishiking]

In English, we say discomfort, not uncomfortability. 🤣

[@jenniferrosenberry7662]

It’s discomfort not uncomfortability. That’s not a word. Just a pet peeve of mine that a lot of people keep saying. 😂

[@mikelavelle5019]

When you shit your pants are you supposed to just keep hiking are you supposed to scream it at other hikers ....to notify them..

[@gingertabby5533]

LOL. I'm guessing they'll figure it out. Great comment.

[@JOe-un7mg]

Hikers don't shit while on the Trail just in towns

[@justingagnier1394]

Me and one of my best friends from Oregon talked about walking across America. Everyone laughed at us and made fun of us when it got brought up the last time I was home. I’m determined to shut them up. It’s gonna happen.

[@willmartin34]

Man I am not hiking some damn trail with serial killers lurking in the

[@papajeff5486]

Seven Hard Truths: 1. You will sacrifice a lot to hike the AT, for example, family, job, comfort, good food, good shelter. 2. You will experience the highest of highs and lowest of lows. A lot of things go wrong. Rainy weather, pain, injuries 3. Statistically you’ll probably quit. Only 25% finish. 4. It won’t be quite like you thought it would be, maybe not as nice, as you thought, the great places you’ve heard about may not be so great. 5. People will doubt your ability to finish, at home/family, on trail. 6. You must realize there will be discomfort. Many quit because of the discomfort. 7. You’re gonna make some mistakes out there. Be amendable. Change your pace. Food and nutrition may be difficult, can make you quit. Recognize and be willing to correct mistakes.

[@Bohonk212]

Biggest Hard Truth. It's a Mountain Trail. You will always be going up or down something. Even in the 'flat' middle section where the trail goes up and down every friggin bump.

[@PInk77W1]

7 hard truths of AT * lots of sacrifice * Lowest of lo * Only 25% make it * Won’t go as planned * People will doubt u * Discomfort * Mistakes will b made

[@rcrit0]

I had a lot of discomfortability watching this thinking about when you'd admit you sh*t your pants during your AT hike. You know you did, Flossie knows you did, just admit it and move on. Really.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Never happened. Never

[@stevhoff]

@@KyleHatesHiking Better to shit your pants in the woods than in a city, on a crowded elevator, the kind you get on at the first floor and the next stop is the 35th floor. Not that it ever happened to me mind you.

[@ratgirl13]

Yeah, you lost me at #1, Lol-but your sense of humor kept me watching through to the end-I’ve subscribed because I find your content interesting, but I’m not outdoorsy-I enjoy watching other people camping/hiking and making videos about it. Cheers!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks Rat Girl lmao

[@GreggObst]

Having now abandoned your PCT hike you can add to the list of unknown challenges "wildfires". You just never know what the hell is going to be out there unfortunately.

[@alfredrussillo1864]

All 7 truths were true for me. Love the AT

[@kimberlyfetherston9788]

Okay lol not the point of the video but you asked if people go back and repeat trails on the triple crown and the answer to that is a few. I met a woman named Cashmere while I was dayhiking on the CDT this summer and she was almost done with her second triple crown. Very cool woman, I'm in awe of her.

[@SirLeDoux]

I just watched your episode on the hiker who died named Otter- yeah….everybody makes mistakes…..sometimes really bad and deadly mistakes!

[@tortreks]

I can't wait to start! NOBO 2023 let's gooooo!!!

[@katfromthekong414]

As someone who doesn't go hiking this video makes me wonder why people go hiking 😂

[@StephenJelinek]

2013 AT thru hike 56 y.o. Now planning my 2023 hike.

[@Hikesoup]

We all shit our pants some time in life. It's ok Kyle.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

not me, never

[@entwurfung]

@@KyleHatesHiking I once shit myself in the shower of a sauna. Just embrace the shitting yourself experience.

[@colleenpodraza6050]

@@KyleHatesHiking NEVER say “never”, Kyle…there are MANY of us that have shit our pants numerous times…LOL

[@tomjones2348]

Should you wear protection on the trail? Depends🙂

[@elonmusk9935]

I plan on doing my first multi-day hike around March or April of this year. I’ve hiked thousands of miles in my life, all in single day hikes ranging from 2 to 18 miles. I’ll be on the Appalachian Trail hiking from Penmar to Harpers Ferry (doing the Maryland portion), 42 miles in 3 days with a 7 day camping trip once I reach Harpers Ferry. Any suggestions on gear or specific times of day to hike, food etc etc, much appreciated!

[@JOe-un7mg]

Hikers hike 7am to 7pm then sleep the other 12 hours, those Mountain House meals are nice your only doing 3 nights so weight isn't really an issue. I'd get a copy of Awol's AT trail guide book for water sources and such. for gear it's going to be cold and wet, take xtra socks, I like having a heavy duty trash bag inside my pack for xtra protection, sounds like a fun trip , enjoy.

[@collinmc90]

Did ya do it? Hope you did. Cheers.

[@sdriza]

@@collinmc90 he backed out

[@thisbeem2714]

When I finally get to the hike, I'm going to say. "I'm going to hike until I'm done. Or, "I'm going to hike as far as I hike."

[@coffeebotography]

@3:56 electrolytes • during a hot 12 mile, poor choice of clothing, I became severely dehydrated. Developed full body heat cramp. Amazing and painful

[@kathycasey9153]

Thanks Kyle. That was some sage advice.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

🤙🤙

[@e.a.loomis2618]

Don't know about you, Kathy, but I never thought I'd see a post with "Kyle" and "sage advice" in it. But you're right.

[@jesshughes776]

ALSO, AS I HEARD, YOU MAY SLIP ON A ROCK AND BREAK A LEG. THIS IS SO BAD BECAUSE THEN YOU MUST FINISH THE TRAIL ON CRUTCHES. YOU BETTER HOPE THIS HAPPENS TOWARDS THE END. HIKING NORTH CAROLINA TO MAIN IS LONG MILES THIS WAY AND AT BEST YOU'LL MAKE ABOUT .7 MILES A DAY.

[@robertshields4160]

I plan on hiking one of the major trails one day. But first I have to take care of some health issues. Honestly, just getting healthy enough to start the trail will be a triumph for me. But hey. One day at at time. One med at a time. One test at a time. One step at a time. One healthy meal at a time ... and soon enough I'll be hiking.

[@dasta7658]

People will probably doubt you "you're going to get eaten by a bear" LOL almost spat my drink out laughing!

[@johnnyzippo7109]

When I was on the trail , Cake Icing and Tuna was what many of the ultralight clip-flashlight gurus were dining on . Personally I was Southbound , about 50% of those northbound in this very tactful way made sure to let me know I wouldn’t make it .

[@danielhammack413]

Go for it!

[@darrylhaage5415]

Great job, you did a great job. Look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@preston1172]

Honestly the hardest truth I’m coming to terms with while getting ready for my AT hike next year is that I can’t bring my camp chair :’(

[@Jason-pf8qc]

Yes you can... I will be bringing mine

[@bcamping1]

Its not called hiking chair for a reason.

[@Jason-pf8qc]

You will lose a pound of body weight before you regret taking it...

[@rockymountboy]

#TAKEASEAT kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYvKiqufiJ2Xaac

[@KyleHatesHiking]

It is illegal to hike the AT with a camp chair

[@mattr2773]

Great Advice,! Love # 6 Acceptance! but #7 hits home, - your gonna make mistakes - "Improvise, Adapt, Darwin,..., I Ching, You gotta roll with it" - Great video! Matador NOBO 21"

[@bigdant1291]

App-A-latch-an not App-a-llechan Drives me crazy.

[@iwalkenquicksand]

I'd love to hike the AT at some point but I can't afford to take the time off from work. Mortgage, bills, etc. Maybe if I can figure out a way to retire one day.

[@JillianCampsArizona]

Lol yo. Yeah hiking is hard but yeah. I hike all the time in Arizona and it is a difficult task sometimes! Love these tips! 😊

[@TimeOuttotheTrail]

Great video, these hard truths apply to a lot of trails.

[@hollyprincipato3287]

How about an idea for disabled people that are interested...like a virtual hike? It sounds so beautiful, but physically I know I can't.

[@Taich0u]

There are accessible trails! I’ve taken relatives on them before! Path is paved to accommodate a chair.

[@marchhareat9794]

I am not afraid to say it...I sh*t my my pants twice. Beware the road walk back to the trail right after a town meal.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂😂 that'll get ya!

[@tamadrummer001]

Those that hike the pct have a big rule. You can’t go if you don’t have a chair. You can’t sit on the rocks. It harms the environment 😂😂😂😂 obviously not really but good luck man. I hope you get out there and kick some ass!!

[@preston1172]

As is KZbin tradition; First!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Someone has to do it!

[@freeheel748]

Hooray!

[@ricker76er]

I believe “discomfort” is the word you were looking for. 😂

[@ricker76er]

Hard truth #8 “uncomfortability” isn’t a word

[@ricker76er]

But I kid. I love your videos.

[@360mAN100]

Flossy and kyle on the pct 2022!?!? Please

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😉

[@Danbae69]

U gotta have a better attitude for it, rain? Im looking forward to it actually. Makes it feel more primal and survival since thats the mindset im going in the first place.