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

Why do people quit thru hikes? Why have I quit thru hikes? After investing so much money, time, dreams, efforts, and resources into what is planned to be a 6 month hiking trip, why do people quit? It's just walking right? I think a great way to learn how to be successful on a thru hike is looking at reasons why others have not made it the entire distance.
So today we look at all the reasons why I have quit thru hikes, and all the times I didn't quit reach the goal I was after. I at times have been angry, depressed, or down about these failures but it's important to get past that. To use these experiences to learn. If everything always went right, I don't think I would have gained half has much in the process. It's ok to be down, but always ask yourself what you could have done better, and how you can come back stronger.
As brief summary, heres a recap of what happened to me, as well as some extras that I've seen happen to other people. This can happen to anybody, so the point is to bring the odds in your favor by learning from this
- Your backapack is too heavy and causes injury
- You run out of money
- You don't pace yourself
- You start out too fast
- You go too slow and weather stops you from finishing
- You didn't do enough research
- You find it's not something you enjoy doing for long periods of time
- You get bored
- You miss your family
- You have a family emergency
- You get Lyme disease
- Your body isn't prepared
- You aren't familiar with your gear
- You don't have the proper maps or guidebooks
- And the list goes on
Whether you're hiking the appalachian trail, pacific crest trail, continental divide trail, arizona trail, john muir trail, wonderland trail, or any long distance hiking trail in between... I hope this has been helpful. Ask yourself if these are reasons or things that may take you off trail and what you can do to prevent them.
On my first appalachian trail attempt I didn't do enough research, and actually outright refused to look into anything. Which of course resulted in me getting injured via carrying far too heavy a backpack with way too much useless stuff in it. I also had no idea how much a thru hike actually cost and so if it weren't for the injury I would have run out of money very shortly thereafter.
On the 5,000 mile eastern continental trail I made one silly seemingly harmless mistake that led to a sprained ankle. Luckily I was able to rehab it in a town and continue onward slowly until I was back to normal. Always keep in mind the money and time you've put into these trips and use that as motivation to be careful and safe.
On the appalachian trail and international trail for my third time I learned just how hard it is to hike with a partner, especially joining a a friend or girlfriend halfway into their hike is. Budgets are different, paces are different, we got on each others nerves, coordinating where and how to meet was very difficult, and so we quit. She finished the AT and we continued on the IAT for a little while before parting ways.
On the Pacific Crest Trail I failed spectacularly, I started out way too fast after not having trained enough so although I had planned everything very well, my gear was exactly how I wanted it, and I was extremely determined I still quit. I broke two bones in my foot 200 miles into the hike, and because I was so determined I continued to hike on those two broken bones for another 800 miles before getting off the trail.
On the Uinta Highline Trail I underestimated since it's just 100 miles and so I didn't do research or plan. I didn't look up the weather and got slammed with thunderstorms every day above 10,000ft, even towards the end of the trip getting slammed with snow. Putting myself in a very wet and cold situation. I also forgot to download the surrounding maps for my gps on this hike, and thus was walking mostly blind.
I think it's important to have a safe space to be able to make these mistakes, to learn from these mistakes. A place you can accelerate your learning near home where you could easily be picked up. For me that is the 63mile Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail. I've hiked it from end to end more than 20 times, and I've also quit an attempt far more times than that. I've hiked that trail in every season of the year, "learning" about heat stroke, dehydration, bugs, gear, bad conditions, injuries... the list goes on.
Get out, make mistakes, and come back stronger.
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[@safromnc8616]

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

[@IanPryor]

yes

[@ItsAStephanieB]

I couldn't agree more!!!

[@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.

[@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-en-3-jours]

Probably the most articulate hiker on KZbin.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@drrockyr]

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

[@math768z5]

True

[@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.

[@Go-zi1py]

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

[@gracefulonthetrail2244]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@KevinCGleason]

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

[@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?

[@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 🌲🐻

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Especially over something so ridiculous.

[@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 🏕️

[@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.

[@Jan.harvey]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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 😅

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@clayton5817]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@livpopovich1957]

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

[@deniseperkins]

You are a beautiful soul!

[@tiedyem270]

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

[@jmsbohannon]

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

[@derekfalkowsky8317]

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

[@barondavis5692]

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

[@johnnyonthetrail629]

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

[@walking_with_cj]

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

[@Ratatrail]

Amazing advice, you said it all!

[@Crispkingguy]

So much insight! Thanks Jupiter!

[@fishcake46]

Thanks Jupiter. Love your videos.

[@RoadToFreedom29]

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

[@dmccloskey3510]

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

[@annfoster5503]

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

[@sindyseal5411]

Your candor is refreshing. Great info! Thanks for putting yourself out there.

[@ericcorbin7576]

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

[@lqvale]

Great video. Thanks for the honest and real story.

[@peterjohnson6273]

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

[@RK-yq3sn]

Best hiking video ever. Thank you

[@christopherch7307]

Thank you for sharing What you are passionate about.

[@theguytoknow000]

I love your videos. Ty for making USEFUL content.

[@keithosborne503]

Honest, thoughtful, and constructive. Thank you Jupiter!

[@ryanmcdonough6179]

Really great insight, thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@dougwilliams1741]

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

[@ronbrown6272]

Great info. Thanks for your perspectives, and lessons learned.

[@ChrisfromFL]

Very interesting and a much needed video. I'm sure I'll be revisiting this episode again and again. Thanks!

[@Joel-np9vl]

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

[@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.

[@danielog2741]

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

[@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.

[@bobbydiaz291]

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

[@JMS407]

Appreciate the honesty.

[@knobbiehikes]

Wow! Great video! good job!

[@jhonyermo]

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

[@marshallsolomon9488]

This is what confidence looks like. Great vid.

[@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

[@KiteDominik]

Thanks for sharing all of your lessons learned.

[@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.

[@jrclark2479]

Fantastic content! Super helpful.

[@Avi_K_dog]

One of your top 5 best videos :)

[@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

[@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!

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

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

[@Gozerthegozarian1984]

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

[@dagnolia6004]

what a sweet heartfelt talk

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnmiddleton4753]

Excellent video, useful for anyone starting or experienced. Good food for thought, thanks

[@jays7318]

I think this will be helpful for a lot of people!

[@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.

[@roberthavard6930]

Thanks for all the great videos you make…👏👏👏

[@allenthecreative]

Great video bub!

[@christopherch7307]

374 likes and 0 dislikes 👍😎👍 Happy trails to you.

[@toddherman2020]

Great vid. Thanks so much.

[@JessikaaPoppe]

Great video ! I do love the OTL😃

[@abelnunez-guerrero3832]

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

[@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!

[@InventorGadget]

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

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

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

[@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 :)

[@kayasper6081]

That is a quite interesting talk, Jupiter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I make and am planning large solo trips in my sea kayaks, and everything you mention is also valuable for my kind of "hiking". Cheers!

[@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!