5 Things I REGRET from my Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike (learn from them)

[@nicknstokes1]

We all know your biggest regret is not listening to Dan Becker more.

[@robertsherwood6378]

Now that Kyle has converted to section hikes, he really should listen to Dan the most experienced section hiker…Kyle you know we all just have a chance to poke fun at you. We know you would do it to us !

[@Neotidus]

😂

[@Bill_tyler]

😂😂

[@adlhikes3159]

4 me: Losing 7 wks off trail at Yosemite for a condition that eventually was a non-hiking issue. Lesson: never get off (quit) the trail until the issue is 100% confirmed. Appt w/ primary Dr=4 wks; appt w/specialist =3 wks. Stay local & figure it out. It was not something more obvious like a fracture. No reasonable way to reach CA without big snow.

[@FFLapin]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MacroHiker]

I’ve given up on thru-hiking. I found I just concentrated on the miles and being on schedule. Now I just go to a beautiful national park and spend as long as I have exploring and going down all the less trodden paths. I’ve found I’m much more in the moment and enjoy my time in nature much more. I also still end up walking as far, but without the pressure.

[@ewik939]

I watched a YT documentary about PCT that you’ve probably already seen, but it’s called “The Art of Walking” and watching that video brought me this mindset of thinking of hikes as a summer break. The sense of freedom and the unexpected and doing whatever you want really resonated with me and makes it easier to roll with the punches on my own hikes. I remind myself that it’s about that fun and freedom, which I will inevitably get from being out there, no matter how the hike changes

[@baskets8429]

you guys did more Miles and had more adventures out there than most people do in a year! happy hiking out there yall did great

[@Rastamon1]

I was following five different KZbinrs on the PCT and they were putting in more miles per day than any of them. Oh to be young again... Other than the military I didn't start hiking until I was 67. Now I know all the mountain summit trails around Flagstaff very very well. At this point I'm probably good for 15 miles every other day. I'll change my trail name to zeroman hahaha

[@baskets8429]

@@Rastamon1 15 miles is great! when i was training for my first thru hike that was the sweet spot for training days. Flagstaff Arizona ? beautiful area there! i would often park at the Truck stop and get some hiking in around the trails and local bike paths! happy hiking and exploring the trails

[@robertsherwood6378]

Love your content. Watched your PCT hike, every post you made. Couldn’t help but think if you had taken a camp chair you could have sat and waited for the fires to go out…while phoning Dan Becker for advice!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Ohh shut it 🤣

[@justbob4731]

Interesting points to listen to. So many folks do not consider the emotional and psychological prep that is needed on any long distance hike. Thanks again.

[@TheForester71]

As a older hiker “continuous footsteps” does not enter into my picture anymore. Hike smarter is kind of my mantra. For me it’s about keeping the hike moving north/south and just being out there. Good point about taking pics sometimes before shooting video. Good topic 👍

[@markthiel2953]

Kyle I always enjoy your adventures. Thank you for sharing them. I take LMNT drink mixes with me on my backpacking trips. I also use them to hydrate while umpiring Fastpitch softball through the spring, summer and fall. My cramping has been eliminated. You and Flossie have accomplished so much. Press on. "Homies Hiking Hills"

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Hahaha thanks for watching Mark! LMNT rules

[@pungo147]

The permit process for 2023 has changed. The new process allows "partners" to link their data in the registration portal to allow one person to register for both. Two is currently the limit. I hiked the AT in 2021 and walked every single stinking blaze (at least I think I did). For the PCT I know that may not be possible and I've already resigned myself to try and hike whatever sections are open and then call it a day. You can't do a damn thing about trail closures. Even on the AT you are not penalized if the trail section is officially closed.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

You got the right attitude. Thanks for the info

[@lenisemicolon]

Who is penalizing you for what miles you do or don't walk either way

[@zakkmiller8242]

I watch you guys all the time and stoke myself up thinking about giving a thru hike a shot one day. But holy shit there are like 1 million things that can go wrong. Those permit problems sound like some super mega bullshit, its a shame they make it so hard. Hope it gets better. Loving all the videos man. You bring a good energy to the genre.

[@mg222.]

I did the PCT last year. My attitude was that I wanted to hike 2650 Miles total despite closures, even if some of those miles were off trail. I also intentionally took alternates, but tried to only take them if they were harder or longer than the actual trail (or really freaking cool - i.e. Eagle Creek and Crater Lake Rim). I think I got close with side trips but I probably didn't hit 2650. I don't have too many regrets about that although my hopes of continuous footpath were dashed alot earlier as I skipped miles 378-403 due to a fire closure and the road walk being too sketchy at the time (road was closed but someone moved the gate so cars were on the road launching rocks at you). It's hard to break that mindset and I honestly could've done better with my attitude at times.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

It's tough. Thanks for sharing

[@bucky716]

I thru hiked the CL50 without foot pain. My biggest regret is worrying about rain and rushing to beat it. Had the right gear, should've just dealt with it to stay out longer.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Easier said than done... Adk weather can be rough

[@wio2189]

Cranberry Lake?

[@christineconley7903]

I hope the fires and border closures didn't "sour" you on my beautiful state of Washington. When it isn't on fire it is truly a heavenly place, at least the forest parts, lol. I live in Southeast Washington, the desert!

[@wio2189]

WA got a bit soured for me by the copious amount of toilet paper and human feces next to camp sites / the trail. Especially the southern part of the state north of Bridge of the Gods was in disgusting shape (at least when I came through).

[@chemistryflavored]

For those who want to hike the PCT. Labor Day is a good date to consider when fire season will be in full swing and you are bound to run into closures.

[@dakotaescher1]

Calories are not "calories". Eating nutrient deficient foods leads to psychological issues, body performance issues, and overall health issues. It is definitely one of the biggest mistakes on trail.

[@rallydrew]

I'm so bad at feeding myself (on and off trail). Definitely something I'm trying to get better at before heading back into the woods for any length of time. Excellent point!

[@robertsherwood6378]

What Wolf of Nature just said can’t be said enough to other hikers.

[@Pinnacle32]

Good stuff Kyle, You will finish the trail!!✌️🍻

[@pamelalynn3767]

enjoy your videos. I would say that your mindset is your choice- nothing wrong with wanting continuous footsteps. It is also true that in the grand scheme of life, how important is continuosu footsetsp vs. enjoying the journey. That was the learning for me.

[@eugenearchibald7375]

Don't thru hike the PCT during drought conditions, especially in CA southern Oregon. But 2022 was all time worse conditions. From like 2020 till 2023 now with all the snow can't start till later. Just hike, but situational awareness keeps you alive

[@safromnc8616]

How's Flossie doing ? if you are able to share.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

He's doing good!

[@BearTrekAdventures]

Nice video. I look forward to getting caught up on your PCT videos. My biggest regret is not starting early enough....finished Bama2Baxter this year and wish would have hit the AT by early Feb to avoid some of the heat!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

that's badass!

[@jasoncbrooks74]

I noticed in the PCT videos you talked very little about trail food and meals. You got really excited about town meals and talked about them and planned for them. It seemed the trail food was more of a chore that had to be done and you just ate what ever was easiest. Maybe do a video talking through the trail food and what worked, tasted good, carried well and how you consumed calories throughout the day. I think eating healthier and fueling your body more efficiently is a great concept but I wonder if the practicality, availability, and space limitations are hard to overcome. I remember watching a self supported bicycle race documentary and one guy was hauling nothing but protein powder shakes and although he was fueling his body and just had to add water it did not seem enjoyable in any way.

[@outcastsix7021]

Does doing the PCT as a flip-flop or SOBO mitigate the chances of fires any less?

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Probably not but I'm not entirely sure

[@dangaspar1707]

Most likely not. There is fire risk through all of Norcal, WA and OR from late June until October. Hard to start SOBO before late July, unless you really like deep snow.

[@russellinthebush2897]

My biggest regret thru-hiking is not packing a few beers out of Reds Meadow to share with you and Flossy below Silver pass. Heck, we could have even used our bear cans as camp chairs.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂 it was great to meet you Russell

[@yppykya]

I regret that I thought that I had TIME to do the hikes I always dreamed of. Now, I have the time, but don't have the health, after a lifetime of hard work, to do those hikes. Experience those things while you're young.

[@chili1593]

The desert section also starts to heat up in the spring

[@danik6393]

Also a purist. Had to leave the NPT twice this year. I should have finished it the first time. That was The Plan. Everyone says “The trail will always be there.” No shit - but that’s not how I want to do it. For reasons I can’t even explain. So I totally get it. And I don’t think I’m ever going to change. Hopefully I just get better at handling it as it comes up😂

[@KyleHatesHiking]

The NPT is no joke haha

[@jamesbailey9838]

You guys did great! I regret not hiking a trail again cuz I have to go to work! Thanks for sharing. 👍🇺🇲

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Haha maybe you can some day. Thanks James

[@gaspardaspe3192]

Still hard for me too to let go of the continuous footsteps. I mean we were so close and the border was just a heartbreak. But it's fun thinking of how ridiculous we were at the beginning, crossing roads after being drop off to get continuous footsteps on the roads etc... wish I had met you on the trail but maybe next year filling in the gaps !

[@KyleHatesHiking]

hope to see ya out there!

[@sirsir108]

I did the oregon section or a good chunk of it this summer and I wanted to leave a few weeks earlier but I couldn't get a month off work until mid to late July and I barely made it out of Southern Oregon before everything caught fire and I had to call it early I just didn't have the ability to pay for shuttles all around the closures but I still had fun and learned a lot out there I've got to fill in a few sections since october has been nice.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

congrats!

[@darcistephenson5359]

Sir sir October has not been nice , nor was August or September. There is a fire burning an hour from here that is choking out everything and has been for months! Oregon is beautiful but damn.

[@sirsir108]

@@darcistephenson5359 August was horrendous and its still smokey in my town now but if your willing to go for a mini road trip you can find some great clean air and open trails out there I was out last week and it was amazing I had to drive 90 miles which wasn't too bad. I'll be out again for a trip this week while I still can. I hope things clear up around where your at being smoked out every year is really getting old

[@markpanarese2452]

I think I understand when you say continuous footsteps, but if you go back and finish all the missed miles before your start date next year isn’t that a thru hike? Also hope to hear if flossy is doing ok! Don’t be so hard on ur self!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

It's not a thru hike, thru hike has to be in one year I believe

[@wio2189]

@@KyleHatesHiking It totally is as per agreed upon definition. 12 months, not a calendar year. Otherwise there would be no such thing as winter thru hiking...or a TA thru hike that starts in fall... Get her done boi

[@suske069]

A bad day hiking on the trail is better than a good day working at the office.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Got that right!

[@LeviBoldt]

Regret #6: not bringing a camp chair.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Never!!

[@MikeHacker]

Maybe starch like mash potatoes, peanut butter, and almonds might help... Potatos can sustain you , peanut butter will give you more protein in your diet, and almonds will cut cravings....

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Good ideas!

[@theomnipresent1]

Just hiked the PCT this year (2022). Wish I had more pictures of towns and people, but really wish I had taken more videos. Wish I didn't switch from Altra to Topo causing horrible blisters for a long stretch. Wish I didn't swap my 20deg bag for a 40deg, ended up going right back...

[@Merrybethable]

Do you think going SOBO would have worked better with the fire season?

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I'm not sure it would have

[@annieoakleykat]

Kyle you're great and you really make me laugh!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

haha thank you!

[@Nightlight7]

Biggest regrets on the long trail is trying to do to many miles, and being more focused on that then the experience.

[@janefreeman995]

I like eating fresh healthy foods. On the first days out i would substitute water with fresh fruit. This is anecdotal but there was a young guy who had a Dr. monitor his health indicators at the beginning snd end of his thru hike. The assumption was that all that exercise would offset the typical crappy hiker skittle diet... but in the end his indicators were worse.

[@rallydrew]

No Ragrets! (Except maybe not bringing a camp chair with cup holders)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Camp chairs don't exist

[@mikeypick1]

Well said

[@janefreeman995]

About the friends thing. Sometimes I totally love solo-ing and I've also made lifelong friends. One thing that affected the PCT was a glomber on who did things like throw rocks at habituated animals. He was creepy to me and I had to do things like cut rest days short to get away. So there's making friends and respecting privacy.

[@RH-tv9hk]

Omg! Throwing rocks at animals? What a sicko. Glad you got away.

[@4CountDaddy]

Have you ever thought of coming back to the PNW for the Wonderland Trail..?

[@jeffpeters5347]

Kyle’s biggest regret is using the bear canister as a chair, because now Kyle is now shopping for a backpacking chair.

[@AcuJamey]

Why can't you take stills from your videos for more photos? I realize they might be a little lower res, but it's an option.

[@TarraKlasen]

The new flexible mindset sounds healthier, more realistic, and just better

[@tootsla1252]

The whole “Continuous Footsteps” thing: who thought that one up? A macho, sadistic Overachiever? That trail can be brutal with lots of unexpected hurdles and challenges that nobody can anticipate. The whole concept is ridiculous.

[@GabeOfca]

Dude, don't want to gaslight but those regrets are babygrets. You killed it with the thru hike and we all enjoyed the doc. Good fortune to your future hikes!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thank! I think

[@patriciamoscato6586]

Can u do a video on healthy foods

[@Golddragon214]

Your attitude didnt really bother me when you started complaining. I know it was frustrating. But, when I started hearing about other hikers getting rescued and smoke being so bad people couldn't see, I figured it was going to happen. And when Flossy got sick and couldn't continue, I figured it was done. I think if you tried to finish even though it wasn't the right decision you would have gotten into trouble like others did. I was happy you left and can finish another time. Because that's what I want to see, more Kyle Hates Hiking!

[@rodneyp9590]

Only way to deal with it is skip around. Start in the middle go north come back to the middle go south. It’s how that trail will be done successfully from now on. You could make up the miles on nice trails I imagine but I would feel like I missed something doing that. Global warming is a bummer for hiking, ticks out east fires out west. Don’t worry though in a few years it will be warm enough to get continuous steps on the great northern trail

[@thomashimstreet3019]

Never worth dyin' over. Get hard to kill, then stay hard to kill on the trail. It's ok to bail out. That's why we train for it. Zippy

[@jaredgates4310]

Whoah! KZbin algorithm trolling hard today. Dan Becker's 3 crippling mistakes advanced hikers make video autoplayed after this.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂😂

[@Neotidus]

Strange how my next recommended video was of Dan Becker

[@KyleHatesHiking]

KZbin knows

[@jeffreyrule8143]

No regrets need to be explained. You, Flossy, and Brandon did the best you could with what was thrown at you.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

we really did. Thanks Jeffrey

[@bearanoia673]

Damn honey buns 😆 Bears like honey buns 🐻🌲

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Yes they do

[@wio2189]

Idk man. Thru hiking is hiking everything that's open within a year. Are you obligated to flip down and hike a now reopened section? I felt obligated to finish CA and hike OR that I had skipped because it was my own decision to not deal with the 4+ fires there and it did pay off. Got to hike everything including Lions Head, except Cedar Creek and the last 17 miles. Made it to the Monument from Canada. I had help from trail angels for those crazy flips and am very grateful for it. But it could've been done without that honestly. Many people quit this year after the northern terminus closed and didn't do OR. Had they hiked those missed miles there, by the time they were done, there would have been a way to get to the Monument...maybe some will come back and complete within the 12 months window but after thru hiking the PCT I honestly doubt much more people who say they "thru hiked the PCT". My goal is to triple crown and I am international so there's no way for me - and it's also not how I like to roll. All in all for a PCT thru I think doing every mile of open trail and revisiting larger closed parts that open later is a good goal. One isn't a thru hiker if one quits, I know that much (from quitting the AT once). But listening to my inner voice that's telling me if I am being a little bitch works well and produces the same results. Sometimes you got to be very stubborn and just keep on going...

[@annegallagher4005]

The high snows in the Sierras is no joke.... the PCT the old tale of Fire and Ice!! My regret is... not knowing about the big thru-hike trails in the US earlier in my life to be able to do one or all! Now it's health and money issues... dang it, I could have done it, as I was an avid hiker in my Swiss Alps! You can be proud of yourself, and boooo to the negative sissies out there lol

[@pushrodgarage8716]

Subscribe to this man! Awesome video. Lots of good info for short or long hikes. Keep up the good work!

[@3-7-77MT]

Well, if I ever go, I will be hiking 499.9 miles before I “stop”!

[@jimhenderson387]

On the social aspect of the hike, I think you're absolutely right. Camping with 7000 other hikers is ridiculous! (This was intended to be humorous.)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂 I might have been exaggerating a bit there

[@totoroben]

Not getting a bigger tent for romance times

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Your mum would have enjoyed that

[@dustincoy243]

Hey Kyle, eat deez nuts! 😂 Love you man. Anytime I hike I know I have to be flexible to unforeseen circumstances and often have to improvise or change plans. It’s more important to stay safe, healthy and just have fun rather than be bummed you didn’t make it to your planned destination. Come back next year, fill in those closures and just have fun doing it.

[@Rastamon1]

I'm cosmicharlie, how do you do? Hey now, you should head to Austin and do a minute on Kill Tony 😉 Your hikes did produce some funny events & material. Don't put yourself down you guise were pretty funny... in words and especially the editing in the memes.. the effects soo funny. Or let Joe Rogan know who you guys are and what you've accomplished and you might very well be a guests on his Podcast/Conversation. He's had ultra marathoners, rock climbers, endurance trail runners, team athletes, special forces, MMA fighters but he hasn't had any PCT, CDT or AT Thru Hikers. Anyone who can average 20 to +30 mi days with fewer then usual zeros thrown in are awesome athletes. Anyway, enjoy your further adventures and see you on Rogan 😜💨✌️

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Lol it would be a dream to be on Rogan! But I would cry if I had to do kill Tony

[@bearanoia673]

But Kyle, what was your favorite section?

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I told you!

[@mikelee7672]

I bet you also regret not bringing a camp chair

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Never!

[@stuartb9194]

Votes as to who wore the hiker beard best? I'm fully with team Flossy

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Psshhhhhh

[@rcrit0]

You forgot to mention lack of camp chair. I know you missed leaning back while gorging on honey buns and pop tarts.

[@g66-nguyettran82]

I found your video, and it brightens up my day! I perceive that your channel is well suited to the Ganjing World platform. May I repost and keep full of your information? Please let me know what you think. Have a wonderful day!

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Grab an ice axe and hit the border in early July it would be a lot of good scary fun 😊.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I'll wait haha

[@aaronfuentes5919]

premium content! 👍

[@earlybird4733]

Sorry but all I heard was the indelicate reference to someone’s mom. 🤣😂🤣 Cheeky❣

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂

[@brettnipps7205]

I grew up in Washington St. hiked and climbed there for 40+ years. While I find your channel entertaining, I also get annoyed with your juvenal perspective. Keep on entertaining us.

[@carlmcdonald4576]

Purist: AT? Of course. PCT? Probably not. CDT? Are you out of your mind? Not everything is 'AT Rules'.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

True!

[@allegrabraun7545]

The GREAT REVEAL. 😎

[@george-fn6oc]

Do the CDT! No fires!!!!!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Someday!

[@elpretender1357]

Man the thumbnail makes you look like a silver hiker

[@jonnyboom5993]

Glad to hear you are embracing yellow blazing.

[@MikeHacker]

Flaming hot 🔥

[@hyklyfmatto9714]

Do you miss your PCT beard?

[@KyleHatesHiking]

hahahah no

[@freedomforaging]

Lol I'm one of those people who goes out there to make friends and I'm watching your videos (and subscribed) so I can hit the trails soon (more prepared this time 😅) and build a KZbin channel to get more people to spend more time outdoors (responsibly, hopefully) sooo thanks for sharing! 😁

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Haha thanks for watching! Have fun out there

[@ryankuhn926]

What’s the purpose of the permit and does it cost money to get one? Probably a stupid question but i guess if the trail passes through private property?

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Nope, its for a few different national parks and other public land you need a permit to use

[@shawnr6117]

Missed opportunity for a Halo joke 🤣

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Wouldn't know how to do that haha

[@doncherney8649]

Wow, I didn’t know you had to have a permit to hike the trail. -don from Lorain Ohio USA 🇺🇸

[@Jason-pf8qc]

LMNT is awesome! Except the chocolate... errr....

[@thepandaknows]

The mint chocolate is one of the worst flavors. I truly hope someone got fired for creating that dirty toothpaste water flavor. YUCK

[@dansworld9635]

Section hiker..... Just finish it next year.

[@brianfairweather7298]

Dan Becker would have hiked thru those fires regardless of closures.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

probably lmao

[@brianfairweather7298]

@@KyleHatesHiking jk you are the man! Regardless of regrets, you went out and kicked ass and you did what most people dont! Plus I enjoyed watching your experience!

[@kristymoore7052]

You’re young. You have an entire lifetime of regrets to make. Look what you did do. Quit beating yourself up for your accomplishment.

[@jacotacomorocco]

Im only watching this to see how many times he said fire

[@knutelindstrom3716]

You can just take stills from your videos too!lol

[@kathycasey9153]

Hey Kyle, Since this was your first trail with fire closures, you didn't know what to expect. Its a live and learn situation. Next time you will be prepared so don't be so hard on yourself. The three of you did great!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks Kathy!

[@Sirshackleton]

Your kinda hard on yourself kid.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

It is what it is

[@pantingdeer]

I like the 'Farting Deer' shirt....

[@ursulaanne]

Great thumbnail

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thank you!

[@mattbishop7796]

Seeing Luke’s crotch over and over in that one episode is my biggest regret about the PCT hike

[@KyleHatesHiking]

you liked it

[@mattbishop7796]

@@KyleHatesHiking I subbed his channel.

[@michaelb1761]

My only through hike of a sort was my 2nd backpacking trip ever, the John Muir Trail. My biggest regret was the mind set that I had for the first 100+ miles of the trail. I had an itinerary that I had made at home, and every day I tried to keep to that itinerary and camp where I had planned to camp. Then around noon of the day that I left Muir Trail Ranch I finally realized that I didn't need to keep to that itinerary. I was out there to enjoy a hike through the most beautiful wilderness I had ever seen (and it's still the most beautiful I have ever seen).

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

Hey, Kyle, now that you have some bushfire experience, you & Flossy should totally just commit to the aesthetic + come hike down here in Australia. The Bibbulmun track is bloody beautiful.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I would die upon getting off the plane

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

@@KyleHatesHiking yeah nah, we'd take care of you.😄

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Probably your biggest regret is not going to the gorge first…..

[@KyleHatesHiking]

got that right

[@freeheel748]

He really needs to see the Gorge.

[@theamericanhiker9655]

@@freeheel748 at least once

[@freeheel748]

@@theamericanhiker9655, He should call the channel, "Kyle Hates Gorges".

[@shanehoffower]

I hiked the JMT this summer, my biggest regret is not swimming in more alpine lakes while I was out there. Towards the end I had 2 extra days to burn before my Half Dome permit. In the beginning we just kept pushing though thinking we wouldn't have the time.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I mean it is hard to time those things, so hindsight is 20/20. I also didn't swim in many lakes in the Sierra, too cold!

[@kylegohawks8604]

It takes a lot of money to do this trail

[@originalsixx]

There's no shame in being a section hiker. 😂

[@KyleHatesHiking]

🙄🙄

[@originalsixx]

@@KyleHatesHiking I'm just teasing you! I think you are great!