Hiking 7,400 Miles in 9.5 Months. AT, PCT, & CDT - a Calendar Year Triple Crown Documentary

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching! If you need personal training/logistics/gear/nutrition/mental toughness training for thru-hikes check out my program: www.couchtotrail.com Gear list for the entire CYTC here: www.couchtotrail.com/blog/calendar-year-triple-crown-gear-list-and-reviewand-how-the-gear-changed-along-the-at-pct-and-cdt This was a quick edit I made to be shown at CDT trail days. Still working on the series, and working on a more detailed documentary cut.

[@derrickwalker538]

Hey brother! Walker here in East Tennessee I admire your grit and determination. That’s the kind of grit I had during BCT (Basic Combat Training) when I enlisted in the Army. This determination and grit is what is missing in so many young folks today. Awesome videos!!

[@jeremymcgehee3368]

You didn't use a bear bag, it's literally illegal on the AT. The worst part is, you taped yourself going to bed with food bag at your side. Sucks to be you.

[@derrickwalker538]

Man that’s amazingly awesome!!! I saw some pretty good views when I was deployed to Afghanistan but definitely wasn’t there sightseeing that’s for sure but anyway. My question is how do you plan your finances to do these long hauls ?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

@@derrickwalker538 Afghanistan looks so beautiful and rugged. So I've been able to build income streams from my hikes now, I can get most of my gear sponsored, some money from companies, and make money from KZbin, etc. But most people and what I did my earlier hikes is just save some money and go. It used to be a lot cheaper, back in 2016 you could easily hike for $500-1,000/month, so a 6 month hike would be under $6k. Now it's probably closer to $1,500/month, but still most people just save up like 6 months of budget, and then just go.

[@derrickwalker538]

Wow man it’s awesome you responded back bro! I honestly didn’t think about sponsorships and stuff like that! Be safe bro I’m gonna finish watching your videos!!🤙🏻

[@gsauvinsky]

Bro never once skipped leg day

[@MichelleMartinDPT]

A calendar triple is impressive and difficult to comprehend. Sharing your experience about the adversity, the friendships, going through the motions, and the let down at the end. It was beautiful and raw, thank you for sharing.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

Been a competitive bodybuilder & power lifter for over 25years...lockdown took it all away & I accidentally found hiking through KZbin which took me out of the depression I found myself in & literally changed my life in so many ways. I’m now just turned 50, about to start the longest national trail here in the UK (it’s “only” 630miles) & I’m trying to see if I can financially make an attempt at the PCT next year. Your videos are an inspiration to me, more so than any UK hiker & between yourself & Jupiter I’ve learned so much & gone against the grain of what’s considered normal on this side of the pond in regards to gear. Thank you for sharing your journeys & helping me find a better life.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I really appreciate you sharing this and good luck on your hike. I'm actually about to start a hike of the AT with $500 of gear and a $1000 budget and going to make a buncha videos about that budget hike so hopefully that will be helpful for you in terms of feeling like you can pull together the finances for the PCT.

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

@@QuadzillaHikesThat's amazing...appreciate the heads up & for sure I'll be tuned-in & taking notes. Thank you...& safe travels sir.

[@mustangmikebrewsterford7479]

Hey Jack I just want you to know something brother. Before this year, I had hiked once. I saw your videos and your calander year triple crown video from months back changed my life. It gave me so much motivation I can't even put it fully into words how incredibly it resonated with me. This year, after spending 26 years years of my life being a homebody and a video gamer I decided to go outside and hike every single moment I could while still working full time. I've done only about 300 miles this year and have recently decided to join the Air Force for a better career path but the perminance of the mountains will call me back as I feel like I have found a home in their solace. I dont know where I'd be if I hadn't found your videos, I am eternally grateful to you for this. I hope to one day meet/hike with you! Stay blessed brother ❤

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Wow that's really amazing thanks for letting me know. 300 miles is no joke! Good luck on your air force adventure and all future adventures!

[@drewj12]

this is such an insane feat - I have no idea how it's possible. huge congratulations. Also, shoutout to the person doing the PCT with the jansport, that's pure insanity

[@jessegraves9130]

I went to school with him. He’s a wild one and I can’t be more jealous

[@mattmcdowell5225]

The finish was beautiful... How many times have we built up our expectations?? And how many times have those expectations been as we'd envisioned?!? How much LIFE was displayed in that moment, even with all the natural LIFE you've been walking through... The realization you had in that moment may be the most HUMAN reaction to anything I've seen online in more than a decade. Thank you Jack!!! And continue to remember, that there will only be one YOU for all of time... Fearlessly be yourself!!!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you :)

[@ronkirk5099]

I've done the triple crown myself, but the 'stop and smell the roses' version - 7 months on the PCT, 6 months on the AT and 3 two month and 1 three month section hike to complete the CDT. Overcoming the physical challenge was gratifying, but I enjoyed the primitive camping solitude, the spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife viewing even more. The PCT is the best, but then again as a So Cal native, I may be biased.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

The PCT is the one trail I'd like to do again more than any other, especially Oregon and Washington. Although the AT really grew on me the 2nd time.

[@Papatoole]

I don’t even have words to express how blown away I am from what you have done. You are a post modern Goliath of endurance. I’ll be thinking about this for weeks.

[@jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327]

Congratulations on an epic journey. You are an incredible athlete. Your mental discipline and courage is off the charts. Huge props!

[@Zoomdak]

Really impressed with your mental preserving though this all. The physical challenge is incredible, but to me the mental endurance to keep going through all of that is what really amazes me. Incredible.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

That really is the challenge, to keep going all those days when there's nothing making you be out there

[@StamfordBridge]

I’m sure this amazing adventure was a roller coaster of emotions for you. As for me, I just watched this 36-minute video not far from tears throughout, with an emotion that was … well, the simplest label would be envy. Well done, well done.

[@whitneymitchell7779]

Beautiful video and I hope in the months that have passed you have been able to reflect and appreciate what an amazing goal you set and accomplished ❤

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I have had time to reflect and process and thafs been very helpful

[@mralekito]

That’s an incredible achievement. One that is hard for people to comprehend. You can never fit everything into a one documentary. I love that you included going back for the camera! That must have been annoying. It’s all you out there. Well done.

[@JeremyMcGehee]

Ive seen a lot being a marine, but this time is impressive. Before i found you and this channel, i was thinking 14 months for triple crown, but now youve inspired me, thank you.

[@nelsondln]

Absolutely incredible! Thanks for sharing this, you are a legend now and well deserved

[@jamesmartinez458]

Outstanding! The accomplishment alone is extraordinary, but then providing us your vlogs made me feel like I was hiking with you every step of the way. Thank you!

[@juliehsunflower]

im grateful i found your channel. stories like this, robin davidson crossing australia, matt parker being the first person to cross america on horseback, people circumnavigating the globe, all of it, gives me this feeling of hope and freedom i cant find anywhere else. i hope to be able to do things like that someday. i did my first marathon at presque isle state park in spetember by myself. i got rope burn on my chest from my drawstring backpack with car keys and it was worth every blister. i have had a rough winter since and a few weeks ago had a foot injury that laid me up. I am starting a training plan and just did the 9 mile long run today. Im want to prove to myself i can do it again. this got longer than i thought but anyway i just wanted to reach out to say thank you.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

That's really great and I agree when I was younger I got a lot of hope and inspiration from reading stories about people's crazy adventures, that was one of the main reasons I wanted to do KZbin in the first place, to help put out the same kinds of content that helped me so much when I was struggling. Congrats on the 9 mile run!

[@ashley227202]

I can’t help but keep coming back and watching your achievement and your journey. You’re very inspirational, thank you for sharing.

[@maibster]

Very few people manage to live up to their potential as much as you. Incredibly impressive!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you! Just small steps, one day at a time :)

[@Mikehastohike]

Absolutely amazing! Congratulations to you, a CYTC is an extremely difficult feat. I just gave ride to hiker with 1000 miles left on the PCT to finish his CYTC. What a great time we had talking. You’re a rockstar!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh that's cool what was his trail name?

[@Mikehastohike]

@@QuadzillaHikes I need a trail name, never got his actual name we were so busy laughing and talking and then he got excited when he found out I’m going to do my first thru hike this coming spring (PCT)

[@Mikehastohike]

@@QuadzillaHikes 😂That is his trail name..”I need a”….trail name

[@QuadzillaHikes]

@@Mikehastohike lol well that is very confusing

[@FansyTheFamous]

Stoked to watch this - you going to still keep doing the episodes on each trail? Or wrapping it all up with this?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yep still going to make those, this was a cut I put together to be shown at CDT trail days in Leaville this year.

[@joankline343]

Extra nice hiking video! 🎉 ❤ Thanks for sharing

[@Beertownbill]

Great video! I cannot image going thru the Whites or Mahoosuc Notch in those conditions! It was hard enough during "normal" condition on my 2017 AT thru. I met Flyby on my 2020 CT thru hike at around 9:00 PM just north of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Boundary. She was kind enough to stop and chat for a few minutes.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh how fun Flyby is a great person.

[@julianrodriguez7535]

Your ability to maintain weight throughout the journey is extremely impressive! Can you do a video where you talk about what you ate and your strategy for not losing muscle?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yes that's a great idea for a future video

[@Putzinator]

Damn man I'm sorry the ending wasn't as grandiose as you maybe had hoped but I just want to congratulate you on your efforts! You are an insane human and I love watching everything you do. All that snow looked absolutely miserable I don't know how you kept up the mental fortitude to trudge 1.5mph for possibly days at a time. Wild man. You're an inspiration and watching you makes me want to get back out there and finish my AZT attempt. Can't wait to see what's next for you Jack!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

It is miserable but so beautiful and makes it feel like a real adventure. Looking back, the snow is some of my favorite and most memorable memories. Good luck on the AZT!

[@mikegage4933]

I have watched a number of hikers capture their journeys on the 3 three trails but had no idea that this was even a possibility! To complete all 3 in one year! WOW - what an incredible journey. Congratulations and may you have many more adventures hiking the world.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yes! I think it's actually more possible than people would imagine, as hiking each trail in 90 days is fast, but not break-neck considering FKTs of those same trails are done in half the time again, like 45-50 days. It's more a matter of people having the time and resources to do such a big long hike. I expect in the years to come more and more people will complete CYTCs as they see that it's actually quite feasible. But that said, still hard as hell haha.

[@biffburley1]

Thanks for putting this version together sir! It’s like a pocket edition. Your posts in New Hampshire, Maine, are incredible.

[@xbalance]

What you did is amazing, which makes you amazing! I loved the community portions of your experience, and wish you had been able to have more of them since you also seemed to thrive in those shared experiences. Congratulations and I am so grateful for watching your video.

[@GiG.gaming]

Truly exceptional completing the triple crown in one year!! I followed a lot of your journey and you even inspired me to complete the AT this year. Way to go Jack, amazing !

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh that's amazing glad you got out there!

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

You are a BEAST!!! Wow! Your mental and physical toughness are something else! And…I FELT what you were talking about at the end, what I would expect after miles of pushing and adventure was a group of people cheering you home and laughing and hugging you - like a runner finishing a 100 mile race, what you got was a super anticlimactic ending! However…it is just the way God works in my life all the time - always teaching me - even at the end, you had to push a little farther, alone and likely hungry, thirsty and uncomfortable. But dude!!! Wow! What a rockstar!!! If I were training for something - I would want to train with you!!!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you :)

[@btnjerome]

Certified Legend in my book.

[@randyjackson5159]

Just amazing. Hiking one of those trails during prime season and the best weather is hard enough. Hiking all three one after another in adverse conditions is just beyond belief. Congratulations for your amazing accomplishment, I hope someday I have the willpower and determination to perservere through 1/10th of what you can do.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you. It really is just one day at a time and worked up to this point over many years, I believe most people could do it with enough time and dedication, really finding the time is the difficult part.

[@Sharklover2024]

Thank you so much for making this video. Every part of it was beautiful. Showcasing the ugly parts and the struggles you went through to all the happy moments you shared with friends. One of the best youtube videos I've ever watched before. Super inspiring. Congratulations on the triple crown!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!

[@jamesquinlivan7876]

Wow! That is the most extreme adventure! Glad you made through to the end. Bravo young man forever onward!

[@SoulstormTMTL]

I saw your first videos in march, thinking it was absolute madness. Now 7 month later, which passed in a blink of an eye in my life, you did it. How fast time goes scares me, and you go faster. You legend. Beautiful images.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Time is so wild. It was so surreal to be finished and think back to day 1 when you had THREE freaking trails looming ahead.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Really appreciate everything you do to bring us along your through hikes, the additional time spent to capture everything is truly appreciated.

[@Mwilke3789]

This is amazing!!! Great job and fantastic videography. The fact that you were able to do this AND film this... 👏👏👏

[@elainewhitmore3383]

I'm crying. Very moving experience to watch. What an absolutely incredible feat! Well done sir!!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you! 😊

[@timjenkins7903]

Toe and May Queen!! I met them in Vermont as they went SOBO and I headed NOBO. I finished up and they made it to VA where I’m from, so I was able to bring them some trail magic last night! You’re a legend man, thanks for the videos!

[@steelydan2022]

An incredible achievement! Thank you for taking the extra effort to document it and share it with us.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you for watching!

[@hibiru6868]

What a super impressive accomplishment. When you were feeling down I questioned whether the goal was worth it. However, when things got tough again in the snow and you said it rekindled your spirit because it was hard and that's why you were there it all made sense. Suffer in beautiful places. Completing any one of those trails in a huge accomplishment in my eyes. To do all three in a year must have been physically and emotionally trying and rewarding. Congrats!

[@c-beam3670]

Doffs my cap to your Epic Adventure!! I'm so glad you did the CDT last as I always hold CDT Thru Hikers in such awe, due to it being the most difficult and remote trail.

[@AllisonAmason-zh9yw]

Incredible!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!

[@paulkhanna1]

That was an incredible journey. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@dhoov08004]

congratulations and thank you for documenting , a great journey!

[@WingStop1234]

Damn man, Congratulations on the CY Triple Crown that is amazing and you are very inspiring. You seemed so down at the end of your journey, I see a lot of videos of hikers who hike alone and the journey doesn't seem to be as rewarding as it is when they hike with others. Thanks for sharing your adventure tho.

[@walkingestonian]

"In the end of the PCT I was kind of tired and over hiking but proceeded to do the CDT" - that put things into the perspective. :) What's in one more walk across the whole country :D

[@gregharmon3797]

Incredible video and accomplishment, you accomplished something very few have done.

[@ervinslens]

Congratulations bud, what a stunning journey! Your energy and cinematography skills are unmatched!

[@Damian_Hunt]

The only negative, the film was too short. Loved it, motivated me. Well done buddy.

[@barragin9893]

Just finding this video. Kudos. Having done the AT, I can't begin to fathom going down that back side of Moosilauke in ice and snow

[@QuadzillaHikes]

That was really quite nuts. Especially surreal to see the rebar handles buried beneath the ice.

[@tresannrn8454]

WOW! I’m pretty sure, that you’re the only one that could put your accomplishment into words. Amazing! Congratulations!✌️❤️

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Huge congrats! What an adventure! I appreciate your approach and humility. Amazing.

[@JasonSnailer]

I’m so glad I was able to follow along on your CYTC. You’re a beast!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching the cytc :)

[@bertwolf]

Congrats to this unbelievable journey. RESPECT! 👍

[@valerie3184]

Woah, great job man! I can't imagine how it feels to return back to social life after being in the wild for a year. Also, your legs look fantastic, haha

[@RichardBrubaker]

Incredible accomplishment. A real inspiration for those of us plotting and planning our first through hike!

[@RobertAnthony-p4t]

Praying for your continued journey friend!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you so much!

[@joe1071]

Thanks man, you’re giving a fellow thick legged dude hope for some incredible endurance feats

[@TeddyBearFarmer]

What a journey of endurance that you have had🎉❤

[@milmaxxx]

Yes..I only found out recently how hard it is mentally comprehend such an amazing accomplishment. Severe Dopamine dump ❤

[@sherpamaan]

Congratulations! As a Sherpa from the Himalayas,it's my dream to do what you did. You are an inspiration.🫡

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Woah that's pretty cool, I'm sure these trails would be super easy compared to the himalayas!

[@BobCorsaro]

First 10 minutes have me really looking forward to winter hiking in the whites! It's almost time!

[@schwartz6660]

Feeling inspired- well done amigo!! Thx for sharing the journey!!

[@dougmiller4567]

So impressive and so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey and hiking your hike.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you for watching!

[@williamwirick886]

Amazing accomplishment! Great to watch all the videos!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Wow Jack , what an amazing film ! Thank you !

[@reym9j]

Congratulations on ur epic hiking year! I followed u on social media throughout ur journeys. Loved ur videos ❤

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!! 😊

[@WalkingNose]

Amazing feat and documentary!

[@pepijnvandenberg9151]

Truly incredible, mindblowing. Congrats man.

[@JulieBurtoft-ve1zd]

Great video. Ya know I really enjoyed your first video covering the day to day, but this one gives us an insight of what was going on in your head along the way. That glissading thing could have been a treacherous end to the hike if there had been a sharp rock under the snow. I’m glad you commented that you wouldn’t be doing that again. Thank goodness the fall didn’t crack your head open either. It is good to see that you got some socialization in with other hikers and have some laughs along the way. With the speed you did the trails, it was good to see you stopped to enjoy some of the wildlife too. Anyway, so glad that you are going to continue your Relentless series. Looking forward to the next one. Stay safe, huh?

[@Raymannos]

What an amazing accomplishment and great to watch. You are definitely a thru hiker! All the best!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks so much!

[@MylifeofTao]

Way to go dude! Impressive accomplishment🎉

[@Campzzyzx]

Epic accomplishment dude. Congratulations!

[@sda141]

I love this guy! Kinda my hero

[@billpowell5207]

Unbelievable! I can't even imagine the effort.

[@livingdecimus4398]

You are an absolute madman! Well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!

[@tylergherman]

You sir, are a madman. Great work

[@JeremyMcGehee]

Im still gonna try, starting APT northbound january 1st, because i live in Arizona and i want to finish there. Youve inspired me thanks again.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

The Arizona trail? Good luck, it's a beautiful trail! You're gonna hit a lot of snow and ice early on starting in Jan.

[@davelipsiea1553]

Truly inspiring! You are one tough dude!

[@alexclegg05]

The quadfather!

[@zachbarber]

Truly inspiring! Thank you again.

[@Keebrev]

Just found this off the Reddit thread. Extremely impressive!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@drewgatewood1864]

Dude, your stuff is amazing, thank you for sharing this with us...

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Appreciate you watching!

[@vincentvega5686]

Wow, congrats on this amazing achievement!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jimo2665]

Congratulations !! Amazing accomplishment. Thanks for sharing your adventure.👍

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you too!

[@pauliedavis49]

Wow. THANK YOU for the great video and for the inspiration. All good wishes for the future...

[@slydogg616]

Very impressive, unbelievable fortitude

[@whatthefunkwasithinking7645]

Impressive!!! Congratulations!! ~Siesta PCT sobo 2016 & AT LASH GA>VT Thanks for the Vid!!!

[@bjorn_outside]

Thanks for sharing this great adventure. Cheers!

[@wolfeadventures]

Just fantastic. Congratulations.

[@Cuchulainn42]

Congratulations, and thank-you for sharing.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you!

[@jean-paulcourville9041]

You are an inspiration ! Amazing job and superb video compilation.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks a lot!

[@jean-paulcourville9041]

@@QuadzillaHikes my pleasure 🙏

[@amypellerin2368]

So much respect for you....such amazing inner and outer strength 🙏❤

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thank you 🙏

[@spinewalker_]

Wow! Thanks so much for this video and congrats again for the CYTC. Just amazing to see it. I can't even imagine doing Mahoosuc Notch in these conditions. That must've been real "fun". Also ever since I started doing video myself I realize and appreciate the amount of effort you put into it (and I am only carrying a small action cam😅). It was fun to hang out with you at Kennedy Meadows North! Again, thanks for the video and HMU if you're ever in Switzerland✌

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Haha it is work eh, great hearing from you Spinewalker.

[@BennyL-rc6ml]

Wow! Impressive... what a great journey with you Congratulations 🎉

[@cwesley2005]

Yo, these red altras are my jam! Such great shoes!!! Insane accomplishment bro!

[@matwinner9708]

Very inspiring, thanks for sharing!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@AquaTech225]

WOW. DAMN YOU WAS PUSHIN. CONGRATS. If it wasn’t for this amazing video couldn’t even wrap my mind around something so big as this is.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Just one day at a time!

[@peterjohnson6273]

Impressive accomplishment. Good video.