Every Reason I've Ever Quit - How To Thru Hike ep5

[@duanedibbley1661]

This is the best hiking video I've seen. Hikers who refuse to quit get pulled out by search and rescue, or worse end up dead. Not saying you can't push through pain, you can. A lot more than you think. But you should know when it's time to call it quits. I came on a hiker who ran out of food and water and kept on pushing hard. I gave him food and water. While I was sitting with him he had a seizure and passed out. If I wasn't an EMT and wasn't able to call search and rescue I don't think he would have made it. I highly recommend taking an EMT course if you're an avid hiker. Just knowing what's wrong and what to do about it keeps you calm in bad situations. At least it does for me. I was once chased out of a hike by a forest fire. Had to do 3 days of hiking in 1 day. The blisters on my feet were so bad I had to get medical treatment and couldn't walk for little over a week. I had to call off a summit attempt because I got high-altitude pulmonary edema. Before the hike I was running 5K each day for months so I'd be fit enough to complete the summit. I was fit enough but made the mistake of going from low elevation to high elevation too quickly.

[@safromnc8616]

This should be required watching for anyone planning their first thru-hike...

[@IanPryor]

yes

[@ItsAStephanieB]

I couldn't agree more!!!

[@dgmc3650]

Actually, the best thing I tool out of this is that it’s ok to fail- as long as you keep on trying. Great video.

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

Probably the most articulate hiker on KZbin.

[@burpleson]

In 1998, I went hiking on the AT for a few days. The first day, I went from Amicalola to Hawk Mountain. There was already a hiker with a tent in the shelter, so I set up my tent behind the shelter, then talked with him. He was from Israel. He had flown into Atlanta, got a ride to Amicalola, and started his thru hike. The first day he hiked to Springer, and the second to Hawk Mountain, where I met him. He told he was quitting, that it wasn't what he expected. I urged him to reconsider, but he said he was going to get a ride out the next day. When I got up the next morning he was gone. I hiked for several more days but never saw him again.

[@CaitlynGoesHiking]

A trick for anyone trying to take pictures by yourself for those perspective shots. Instead of using the self timer and rushing, record a video and do all the poses you want at once. Go back and watch the video, take screenshots and you can delete the video. So much easier than self timer, and you can be safer when trying to get that perfect shot. Thanks Jupiter! It can be hard to talk about our failures but so empowering to learn from them.

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

I have quit because my pack was too heavy and I’ve quit from boredom. The pack weight is easy to fix. But when you’re single and live alone, hiking by yourself is yet another solo activity that would be much nicer with some conversation to pass the time on trail. Finding a hiking partner that matches your style and doesn’t get on your nerves....now that’s a challenge.

[@turtlemummatreks9786]

Yep, that's a struggle. Joys shared are multiplied and hardships halved with good company.

[@drrockyr]

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

[@math768z5]

True

[@coffeecycles]

the value in your ability to self reflect and articulate the lessons you have learned transcends the hiking community and should serve as an example of how we all can learn to be better people. I wasn't expecting such a take away, incredible video from a great human.

[@deKampeerwijzer]

I’ve once read or heard this advise and took it to heart: never quit on a bad day.

[@simonebellisario3682]

This is gold. And I believe it applies to pretty much everything in life

[@vannemocilac274]

Thank you for sharing in a vulnerable and honest, humble way. One summer when I was scouting a new hunting unit for elk, I came across so much grizzly/black bear and wolf sign. And the rattler’s heads were the size of the back of my hand and their bodies as long as my Civic was wide! My mantra was I’d keep going until I was dead. I’d step over a big wolf poop, and say, “I am not dead yet. Take the next step.” I realized most of my fear was in my head. If I strongly felt not to go one way, then I would go around. I didn’t stop and turn around though. I did stop and breathe a lot before taking the next step! And I did see bears and wolves a few times. And yes, I’ve quit trails for the reasons you said as well. Be kind to myself and learn what to do differently next time. As long as I’m alive I can learn. And take that next step.

[@Joel-np9vl]

Yeah studying is very important that's why I'm here buddy 🤠✨🙌

[@JohDan6969]

I love your honesty. I know it's not in the same league, but I walked the Camino Franches back in 2017. Man, it was rough. I quit like a 1000 times. My 4 biggest reasons. 1. I wasn't prepared at all. The first 32km over that mountain broke me hard. I'm from Denmark where we don't have mountains. We only have small rolling hills. 2. I have PTSD. This disorder gives me anxiety, depression, nightmares, so I am never really rested or on top mentally. 2. Because of PTSD, I've become super introverted, and have a hard time being around people I don't know. Major trust issues. 4. This is maybe the biggest reason I quit. I'm a perfectionist. If even the smallest things fail or don't go hove I imagined it, I just want to quit the whole thing. It's quite debilitating. I guess it's my medics days that stuffed that perfectionism in my brain. I'm often at the point where I'm so afraid to fail just a little bit so that I end up not doing it at all. When I said I quit 1000 times, I didn't really. I slept till the next day, woke up, and did it all over again. I took me from the 5th of April to the 10th of May to go from SJ to Santiago. It's wasn't a good time while it lasted. But now looking back, I just want to go back and do it all over again.

[@mogain9258]

Some days I just think “I quit! ... for today”

[@CalebKennizzite]

Johnny...I love your honesty. Your story is encouraging.

[@maccaoutdoors2889]

Well you definatley took something from that trip even if you quit a 1000 times.You want to do it again,and thats a huge positive 👍

[@AML147]

Just so you know, introversion isn’t a trait. If anything you’ve become shy. You either have always been extroverted (need to be around people to gain energy) or introverted (need alone time to gain energy). If being alone eventually drains you, you’re an extrovert.

[@JohDan6969]

@@AML147 I've always been introverted. But I have become SUPER introverted. Can't you read?

[@BookwormSkates]

I can't imagine any reaction other than crying if I thought my hike was over because of a stupid injury. Thanks for sharing your truth

[@TheForester71]

I left a shelter in the middle of the night because a bat gave me the creeps so I can sort of understand about the alligator. Thanks for the honesty in this vid. We all learn as we go.

[@BurroGirl]

"I quit because an alligator was looking at me funny" OMG That's awesome!!! Seriously though, I LOVE your down to earth honesty. Makes you a very believable trustworthy mentor. Thank you so much for sharing the mistakes (we all make them) so we can learn faster and better! You de best!

[@KevinCGleason]

This must be the most difficult video you've ever posted. Thanks.

[@Go-zi1py]

Maybe the most inspiring hiking video I've ever watched. Your humility is humbling.

[@Everydaybackpacker]

This is one of the highest value informative video I have seen in preparation for a thru-hike. It is so important for people to share both their triumphs as well as their issues. So many people only show the good side and ignore the bad. Props to you for really laying it out on the line for everyone to learn from. Seriously thank you!

[@bearanoia673]

Any time I've had to come home early, I've never thought of it as a failure because I always learn something from the experience. Like not doing too many miles on the first day or not planning my water situation appropriately, etc. It's all experience! It's either a great trip or a lesson 🌲🐻

[@Nate_The_Great69]

Hiking PCT in 2019 various reasons I quit, had a small melt down 2 and half months in and I pushed on for a couple more weeks. I woke up one morning and decided I had enough not that it was bad but that I had experienced so much and had no desire to keep going. I had the fear of missing out on so much more. I regret not pushing myself more when it got harder. I hope one day I go back and finish but kinda dread the idea of knowing how hard its going to be. Last note the best thing I have ever done in my life.

[@dandewar4874]

Your uplifting spirit has helped me to soar again. After the first day hike of this year. I had to laugh with your honesty. Turned what was a 4 hr hike, into a painful 8 hrs. I made the the summit and painfully down again, experiencing many of your fobules. Couch to the fridge is not conditioning.✌️ I'll be working on that, and start with some overnights 🏕️

[@Jan.harvey]

I love your honesty and laughing and learning from you and Lotus.

[@snaponjohn100]

Thank you so much for being willing and brave enough to share all your mistakes. that’s hard for a lot of people. I really enjoyed this and I learned a lot from it. I am 63 and trying to hike the Ozark Trail because I live close to it. I want to use it as my training ground. It is close to 500 miles. Broken up into a bunch of sections. So far the longest I’ve been out on it is three days. God bless you, my friend. John

[@chaddventures]

Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to try the AT again. I've felt terrible for quitting twice. Third times the charm ha.

[@joshwood3]

You got this 💪

[@turtlemummatreks9786]

You've had 2 X successful shake down hikes along the AT.... All good prep, for the big dance!

[@chaddventures]

@@joshwood3 Thanks my dude :)

[@chaddventures]

@@turtlemummatreks9786 Ha thats the truth.

[@appalachiangirluk9960]

I had terrible luck on the AT. I first contracted Giardia (I think from a very famous hostel that doesn't have the best water system). I then got stung by something and went into anaphylactic shock (had no idea I had an allergy) and had to hike for like 4 miles to get to a track to get picked up and taken to hospital. By the time i got there I wasn't in a good way i had to take 2 weeks off trail and a lot of steroids. I got so deconditioned and tired and depressed. I just had to quit. I tried to push on for another few hundred miles, but it just wasn't the same. I made it halfway in the end. I was so sad and I felt like a failure.

[@JokersSti]

Being a recent follower of you, I have learned one thing. You Deserve More Subscribers! Glad I found you channel

[@user-yv2cz8oj1k]

I think the subscribers need to follow someone who knows what they are doing. I'm outta here.

[@JokersSti]

@@user-yv2cz8oj1k Check out Darwin onthetrail

[@jenno9799]

HUGE Thank YOU for sharing/ making this video nobody talks about several attempts etc. And it's nice to know that even a pro like you has had unsuccessful attempts/ has had his moments - love the alligator story 😅

[@fomo6789]

Echoing so many other comments, this was a great video. Your openness and candor is refreshing and illuminating. Always dig your vids, man, have a good one!!

[@js4513]

This is such an amazing video and think that these tips can be applied to life in general and look forward to watching this again with my 9 year old. Your videos always convey your love of hiking and encouragement for people to get out and have adventures of their own.

[@mtadams2009]

I quit overnight trip in the Whites because I was not prepared for the brutal cold weather. It was winter and I was truly unprepared. I had to stop my first long hike in Vermont because after six days my quad gave out. I simply was hiking to many miles to quick. Both hikes helped me to become better prepared and more fit. I actually always seem to learn more from failure than success. Maybe because failure hurts so much emotionally. Thanks for sharing. Take care

[@martyware123]

Used to hike a lot when I was a teenager in the bush in Australia, some crazy times to reach places and camp that were only accessible by boat or walking. Always ran out of food hehe

[@alix9292]

Planning for the PCT in 2022. Appreciate your videos, this one especially! Definitely something all thru-hikers should know about and prepare for. Many thanks

[@Shisharoo23]

You've done it again Jupiter. Taken experiences from your life and portrayed them to us in a totally consumable way so that we may learn from you. Thank you!

[@sophiewinkler7549]

Jupiter, I’ve been watching your videos lately. I love watching you hike, because it’s really different to how I hike. I can learn a lot from your perspective. But I think the thing that I’ve learned the most is that Florida is a crazy, beautiful place. I hope that one day, when the world is a different place, I can travel to the US and do the Florida trail. Thanks for showing some of your home state.

[@JupiterHikes]

I'm glad I can show off Florida a little bit! Maybe come over, rent a car, do some section hikes on the best portions (the suwannee, aucilla, big cypress, kissimmee river, pensacola beach, etc) But also hit all the springs that the trail doesnt go to! Florida has more natural springs than any other state in the US, and I think the FT only hits 4 of them.

[@livpopovich1957]

This is such a humble video and, as a young person planning for my first thru hike, I really really appreciate it

[@jackwells7482]

I think this is the most important hiking video I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Thanks for sharing

[@saxgoddess25]

I went out to hike the JMT in 2015 after reading everything I could find about the trail and preparing all the things (so I thought) and altitude nailed me before I'd really even gotten started. Before it should have been an issue, I was showing signs of HAPE. But I ascended too fast for my body after living at sea level for years. Learned quite a big lesson on that one. A year later, I had to quit the West Highland Way in Scotland because my knee gave out on me - though I also had a pretty heinous case of plantar fasciitis that took two years to recover from. Hoping to get back out and tackle both of them again some day, if we can ever figure out COVID.

[@deKampeerwijzer]

Faciitis Plantaris: never use those marketing hyped “zero-drop” shoes.

[@05chmps]

You are right. It's "something big happened." In The Maze in Utah's Canyonlands NP, I quit prematurely after 4 days despite my favorite part coming up just down the road. My Jeep 4x4 was fine, my gear was fine, I had plenty of spare gasoline and water .. but I was not fine. The day before I had a horrific hike with heat exhaustion and vomiting (my own stupidity), but I recovered fine physically. Mentally, I had had enough, however, and i used excuses like "I just want something cold to drink, dammit!" to hide my real reason ... fear. After getting back to civilization (The Maze is one of the most remote places in the lower 48), I was ready for anything, however, once again in 24 hours. I had come to grips with my mistakes which I could easily correct. Pissed me off, but that's life.

[@auswalker7865]

Great video and so honest. Thanks for sharing your experience. The trail is like life in general - improving after a series of mistakes and corrections.

[@clayton5817]

Great vid Jupiter! Appreciate you sharing your wisdom on a difficult subject for many.

[@tiedyem270]

This is a really great video. Your humility and experiences are what make you one of my favorite you tubers!

[@briancollins-friedrichs5641]

Thank you, Jupiter for sharing and being so honest. Very thoughtful and insightful and helps me better deal with the times I’ve quit a hike for some reason. All in the process of learning!

[@gracefulonthetrail2244]

Best video! Thank you for being honest. Although, to be fair, I’d ditch if an alligator was looking at me weird too. 😂

[@OrionsKelt]

Jupiter spitting them facts!! The wisdom of your thousands of miles is much appreciated.

[@LWOOBReggie]

Hey JupiterHikes! Thanks for sharing this video. I recently tried my first thru-hike from Oslo to Bergen and had to quit after three days. It hit me really hard and I felt horrible for a few days. Still recovering from that bottom so it was really wonderful to hear both that you have quit many times and also the many reasons. I already feel a lot better about myself! Not because I'm happy to hear you're failing too, but I'm happy to hear that its okay Bonus points to you for being a great story teller and really cute haha

[@ericcorbin7576]

Best most informative thru hike video I think I've ever watched thanks man

[@bikestang88]

It takes a strong person to talk about their failures. Thank you for your strength.

[@deadfight22]

I quit the NPT because a tree fell 10 feet from my shelter. Thought it was a bear nocking down my bear bag. I ran out of my shelter in my underwear and tried to scare the bears away from my food. I then saw the giant tree trunk feet from killing me. The first 50 miles were miserable: Rain, injury, faulty equipment. A tree almost killing me was the last straw.

[@ianhollman9285]

Always a pleasure watching your videos, I appreciate your candidness, drive, sense of humor, and honesty. I'm a also a Floridian, I appreciate your love our beautiful state.

[@walking_with_cj]

This video was long overdue. Thank you for taking the time to make it 😊

[@BareYoga]

These are such good examples. For section hikes on short time, I quit when my silnylon tarp was battered by large hail. There wasn’t resupply nearby but a hardware store had thick polyurethane tarps. So I bailed. Last year I got pulmonary edema from altitude.

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

I am super new at hiking in general. I never hiked a day in my life last yr. One of my friends did it and so I went on my first solo hike section on the AT. Couple more over nights. I did the Foot Hills Trail in SC which was 77. My pack was so heavy. My shuttle checks on me every day and see if I want to bail out and continue the next day lol. I didnt train at all for it. It was a great experience. Not once did I want to quit. However, i did a small 23 miles last weekend which was so hot. I was done 10 miles in. I thought i was gonna die from heat lol . You inspire me. I want to thru hike the Pinhoti Trail next yr.

[@michaelwilliams9280]

Enjoyed your candor. It’s difficult for many to take an objective view. I’ve spent 30 years hiking & living in miserable climates/locations throughout my military career. But deep down I always loved & hated it at the same time. I am planning my first NOBO AT thru-hike 2021. I was pondering the crowds in early March & was considering leaving in early Feb. to avoid the many other hikers.After listening to your words of wisdom I am now re-thinking an earlier departure b/c it would be out of season. Maybe? Your thoughts or anyone else? Thanks....

[@judithshorey2137]

Michael Williams ask yourself if you like winter hiking. If so go for the early start with warmer clothes. If not then wait for a little bit later start. Good luck!

[@TheForester71]

Go out on January for a night or two in cold snowy weather before you decide. Good luck.

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

A few more experiences like the Uintas and you’ll be ready for Scotland! Excellent video again.

[@NeuroDee]

Sounds like planning and preparation is the best way to go!

[@DeloraUpwards]

I really loved this video. You lay out some excellent points that often aren't discussed in depth, and really give viewers something to think about - both for their past hikes, and additional things to plan for with future hikes. I've always loved your very calm narration style, and it works so well with this subject since it shows that a mistake, or even quitting, isn't the end of the world.

[@IanPryor]

Supper awesome video, I can totally relate. Lots of people including me like to blame others or make excuses when I quit. It is important to acknowledge the truth in order to grow.

[@barondavis5692]

I’m glad you’re doing this series, really diggin’ it.

[@dougwilliams1741]

Strikes me as some mighty fine work...goodonya!

[@tinamcclure7984]

Thank you for your honesty. I am planning to do the PCT in 2021. I am going to be 55, am not in the best shape. But I am determined to do this. I hope to learn from your mishaps. Thank you

[@turtlemummatreks9786]

Go girl! Do what needs to be done to get the odds in your favour 💚👣🐢🇦🇺

[@Gozerthegozarian1984]

Great video. I learned a lot. You convinced me to train much harder.

[@keithosborne503]

Honest, thoughtful, and constructive. Thank you Jupiter!

[@annfoster5503]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. You are inspiring.

[@dakotaescher1]

I made the grave error of trying to thru hike not once but twice with someone else (the same person). Both times I left the trail because they refused to be a partner. I made the mistake of not bringing my own way finders, maps, etc. Never again will I make that mistake. Selfish people will only care about themselves no matter what they might say.

[@nickcrane888]

Honest and humble, you're a stellar role model, both in your incredible accomplishments and your sharing hard earned wisdom from less successful outings. Thank you for sharing, not just your adventures and expert opinions, but sharing your solid example of being a good guy, an admirable human. Also, thanks for doing all of this without monetizing your passion or exploiting your audience. Not that making money in the "sport" of thru-hiking is bad, but it can be compromising.

[@JupiterHikes]

I do some freelance work with a couple backpacking companies, not really a sponsor and not really making much money doing so. But it does allow me to continue doing what I love in an extremely frugal manor!

[@christopherch7307]

Thank you for sharing What you are passionate about.

[@randifriedner]

Wow, I really appreciate you sharing your successes and failures. I recently had a trail fail (due to my own poor planning) and just shared it. Hoping I can help others, sort of like you did here (think small scale). I love all your videos!

[@peterjohnson6273]

Love this guy's attitude towards things. :>)

[@notyouraccount9742]

This is a great video. Thank you for making it. I always thought you were knocking out thru hikes every 6 months. I am very interested in the Florida trail.

[@r.a.tackey3230]

I just finished the Specific Crest Trail, it's a 20 mile out and back section of the Washington PCT. I had originally planned on doing all of Washington (and by planned I mean decided 2 weeks ago), but shortly into the trail I realized I was in for trouble. Turns out taking 15lbs of just food because I didn't want to deal with resupplying was a bad idea, also only have the capacity to carry 1.5L of water proved to be a dangerous decision. All in all, my pack was too heavy, my body was not trained enough for this, and mentally I wasn't even sure that I wanted to do it. I still had a good time on trail and learned several lessons for next time.

[@Teo117]

This is phenomenal information. I also found your equipment list in the description, and I am forever grateful.

[@justrusty]

My first long hike - I had intended to go from the Massachusetts Turnpike to Mt. Katahdin and I made every mistake you did. (My pack was 55 pounds, but I only weighed 150.) I was a recent college grad, had been an athlete for 7 years. I gave up after 115 miles. That was 1979. I didn't have any maps, heavy pack, little money ($300, even in those days wouldn't get me far.) A little wiser now. Generally I've been doing 100 or so miles at a a time (having a full time job and a 40 year marriage to deal with.) My most recent mishap: I had the misfortune of having PERFECT hiking weather to go over the Presidential Range: 55F, clear with 110 mile visibility at the summit of Mt. Washington. For a week-end warrior and 61 years old at the time, I ambitiously went from the Mitzpah Hut to Madison Hut, rock hopping all the way. But I forgot to use sunscreen on my legs - usually not a concern on the AT. Ended up with 2nd degree burns all over my legs. Had to quit and go back 3 weeks later to finish the hike.

[@overindulgent]

Thank you for this video. I've been car camping around the Texas Hill Country and coast for the last couple months and am planning to thru hike next season. In my mind your video's are from the heart and actually explain physical and mental hurdles that any thru hiker will encounter. Wishing you the best.

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

No tall tales... just honest hiking experiences..Great vid💪🏼

[@experiFilm]

Hi Jupiter.. I've attempted the OTL three times and I'm going to try again.. I'm so thankful for this video. I thought, at first, maybe this isn't for me, but I want to make it be for me.. no matter how many tries it takes.. I hope I can finish the OTL. I will keep trying again and again until I get it right.

[@JupiterHikes]

I believe in you! Right now is prime time!! January and February are the best months to do it. Maybe change some things up. A different direction, or going slower, or different gear. More campfires, or going with a group.

[@Ratatrail]

Amazing advice, you said it all!

[@Dom.Rueedi]

i resonate so much with coming home and being in a dark cloud for a bit after having to give up on something you wanted. but as many others said... the learnings were always tremendous and led to much greater adventures later on :)

[@seaeff6428]

Started the tahoe rim trail on Friday. It’s not super long but there is a lot of elevation change. In 4 days I made it 76 miles which I was happy with but day 3 I did 30 miles on one of the toughest parts and had to bail out after getting very sick and getting IT band syndrome. I’m pretty bummed but also knew if I kept going I would only be injuring myself further. Gonna heal up and finish the 96 miles left next month.

[@ralfhedin]

It really means a lot to me, who is not nearly as experienced as you, to hear you describe mistakes you have made and how to avoid them. Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@trilbyarnold3341]

Great info for certainly through hikers bt also for those doing shorter but challenging hikes. In 2018 I set ot to do the JMT. I was seriously sleep deprived when I started p Cottonwood Pass. Exhaustion and altitude soon kicked my rear. At chicken springs lake I was sick during the night, not from altitude but as learned later from lactose intolerance. I had enriched my food with Nido whole powdered milk and whey protein which is 50% lactose. I was vomiting every day. Near Rock Creek campgrounds I figured it out. After a couple of days at that camp I decided to hike back on the trail and end the hike. I hiked again in 2019 successively as the oldest solo female on the trail.

[@KevinRStrauss]

I love this video and would love to see more people sharing their trials and tribulations. Great job learning from your experiences and hopefully many of us will benefit and learn from you too.

[@johnsnyder3204]

I really really appreciate your candor… This video is super helpful as I prepare for a hike on the Colorado Trail… Thank you so much!

[@marshallsolomon9488]

This is what confidence looks like. Great vid.

[@deniseperkins]

You are a beautiful soul!

[@dmccloskey3510]

Just subbed, been watching you for about a week. Ur a real cool guy, I look up to you a lot

[@lotrgirl275]

I really want to hike the Pacific Northwest Trail. I am from Germany and currently not very trained. I already hiked in Zion NP, Glacier, Yosemite, Sequoia, etc. I do not mind failing, however, from an international point of view, it's just double the expense. I will prepare well and hopefully succeed.

[@johnnyonthetrail629]

Dude! Such an informative video and honest. Thanks for sharing.

[@ckb1137]

your first hike reminds me a lot of mine, granted mine was a section hike not a through hike but at 250 miles it was still a pretty major hurdle doing it solo given I'd never done anything more than a dayhike before. my dryweight was 52 pounds and decided to carry all 15 days worth of food the entire trip making my pack at the start push 80 pounds. I made so many mistakes it's almost funny, I started my hike in early october which was begging for bad weather (don't worry I got what i asked for), my only legwear consisted of two pairs of jeans, heavy hiking boots were my footwear of choice which after a week straight of rain and snow lead to severe deterioration of my feet, my sleeping bag was the cheapest synthetic i could find and without a sleeping pad to help insulate myself I was borderline hypothermic a few of the nights (not to mention I was getting maybe an hour of sleep), I was not sufficiently conditioned for hiking, my upperbody was fine thanks to my work but my legs did not fare so well. I could continue with my poor gear choices but you get the idea. the food i carried consisted almost entirely of mountain house meals and survival ration bars which after the first few days had some strange effect on my digestive system and I could no longer keep food down so I just basically stopped eating leading me to lose weight at a dangerous rate, through one particularly dry stretch of trail which I was not aware of nor prepared for I ran out of water and became severely dehydrated, It's hard to know for sure but i actually think I was in quite a bit of danger of organ failure for a while there. Oh I also sprained my ankle at one point. but hey no mosquitos, that was nice. I made it the full 250 miles and on time I might add, the only reason I "succeeded" was because my mentality was I would make it or I would die, so I made it.

[@RoadToFreedom29]

Super vid buddy! Learnt a lot from this for myself!

[@tiffanymorris2260]

Thank you it’s help me have a wonderful weekend! Wants to go hiking with my friends

[@jmsbohannon]

Loving this series man. Thanks for putting in the work doing it!

[@AML147]

In reference to the PCT, you don’t need to be in fantastic shape. Like you said, if you had paced yourself then you would have been fine. You can never train enough for a long distance hike because you don’t hike every day for hours. You basically gain your “trail legs” while actually doing it. Even someone overweight with little experience could do it. For many people who have the motivation and discipline, they will finish no matter how many mistakes they make. You make a mistake and then you move on. Obviously not having enough money and an injury are the main issues.

[@InventorGadget]

Mm well done, there's a lot to solid real life advice here.. appreciate it!

[@nedanother9382]

Great vid - getting ready for my biggest hike yet (125m JMT). Really good info to mentally prepare. I have to go train now. Damn it

[@marthawade5297]

Thank you sir...definitely needed this As I contemplate doing the PCT next year.

[@dagnolia6004]

what a sweet heartfelt talk

[@bobbydiaz291]

Thanks Jup! Appreciate your videos and insight. I think what keeps me hiking long trails is the constant learning and improvement.

[@abelnunez-guerrero3832]

Thank you for your honesty @jupiterhikes, this is one of your best videos 💯👍🏽

[@danielog2741]

Very honest video, and I'm glad you overcame all the post-failed-hike depression. Love your videos man! Keep it up

[@knobbiehikes]

Wow! Great video! good job!

[@jhonyermo]

Just great. Moral just peaked out. Thanks as always. In all ways.