SACRIFIES of vlogging a Thruhike of the Appalachian Trail | pros & cons to daily filming & editing

[@chriskelly6559]

Since I first hiked on the A.T. in '98 till now, the changes have been massive. #1 is just the increase in the # of hikers. The trail couldn't sustain the numbers so hostels started popping up like mushrooms. The trail changed my life for the better absolutely, but it was still kind of a secret in '98 because it wasn't all over YT. There was wildlife everywhere until we pushed them away. Always leave no trace, daily find a spot by yourself, and listen to the quiet.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Cool beans

[@RickINFJ]

I've got nothing but props and respect for vlogging hikers. It's a labor of love for sure. I always appreciated you going the extra mile for a good shot. 👍 Like you said, now you have something beautiful and tangible to reflect on for life. 😊 ✌️

[@lauraevelynashley]

Totally!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

This is an interesting subject. When I finally do the A.T. (and it may still be some years off), I do not plan to upload until I've finished. I also plan to film sparingly. Ultimately, I might end up with just one documentary video, 1-2 hours long. I enjoy filming, but I do feel like it sometimes prevents me from immersing my whole being in the backpacking experience. But this is not a criticism of anyone else's approach. I certainly appreciated and enjoyed your style, which was very candid and raw -- you shared the good, the bad, and the ugly of the whole trail experience -- and many other people's filming styles, too.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Of course! Good luck on the AT some day

[@FlatLanderHikes]

You bet it is a lot of work and a labor of love. I vloged my 2023 AT solo NOBO thru hike. I dropped videos everyday for 218 days in a row with a 13 day lag. Uploading on the weekends and depending on the Wi-Fi, staying up till 2 in the morning to get done. My channel's premise was to show the trail, my wife was unable to hike with me, this gave her a way to virtually come along. A blessing for her. We enjoy your vlogs and continue to follow. 😍😍😍😍😍

[@lauraevelynashley]

Totally!👍🏻

[@scottcoard1486]

My personal opinion from a viewer of vlogs: I enjoy the cinematic approach and either shorter daily blogs or longer weekly vlogs. Its hard for me to keep up on longer daily ones. I also don't mind videos posted that are delayed by a month or even after trail. I typically don't watch channels that only have the people talking and not much scenery. But I am only one person and everyone is entitled to their own style. I think you do a great job.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Totally!! I personally love watching daily vlogs, so that’s what I wanted to put out

[@scottcoard1486]

@@lauraevelynashley My wife and I follow over 60 outdoor type channels (hiking, biking and boating). Some post daily, some weekly, some monthly. If everyone posted 30 minutes everyday... we'd never get through them!

[@christopherhaak9824]

Yeah, a 20 minute video when you cover 13 miles says something.

[@gabicerrahikes]

You did such a great job vlogging! I think it’s worth it even if just for yourself, they are so incredible to watch back. You forget some little things

[@lauraevelynashley]

Exactly!!

[@MudFlap62]

Most people including myself have no clue what editing a video involves. You’re really good at this vlogging thing. I’m glad you go the extra mile to create your content, I enjoy your videos. ☮️

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thanks!! I appreciate it

[@beckyleheny8636]

I watch about 3 hikers currenyly,and they each have their own distinct style. I enjoy each one the same. Its the personal stories and their approach to hiking I enjoy. You do a great job Laura!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thanks!!

[@wiladorm2439]

Your daily vlogs were great on the AT. I appreciate your hard work and time editing them. I’m starting my own KZbin channel and I’m learning to edit. Let me tell you that I have more respect for you and your skills in editing after I went through editing my first video this weekend. Lastly, I would be interested to see how much you make on videos.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Haha you got this!

[@garyharbert3961]

Wouldn't have a clue how much effort you put in vlogging but sure do appreciate it..that's one reason I'm a big fan of yours

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thanks

[@Kate_Pilgrim]

The algorithm just suggested this video to me! 😂 I did daily shorts from the Camino de Santiago! Even that took a lot of effort each day and I would often be editing /videoing me talking about my day and editing in b-roll each evening for an hour. But I was totally new to long distance hiking and vlogging. It’s only now I’m putting my footage into longer form documentary/docuseries videos. I would love to see the video on how much you made from your vlogs. I’m not at 1000 subscribers yet, but hopefully will be soon. I understand what you are saying about how to divide your videos up. I wanted to make 1 long video initially but that is too difficult! I’m probably going to do a week at a time. I look forward to watching your AT content! Thanks for your video! PS I would be very scared of 🐊! 😮😅 You seem very brave to me! 😂

[@lauraevelynashley]

How was the Camino? I heard great things about

[@paddle_hike]

I didn't hike the AT but I'm a hiking vlogger so I still get the idea of the job required here. I would vlog it but not (daily videos) I would maybe make week videos etc... It takes a lot of time, batteries etc. But..that's me.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Totally!! What kind of hikes do you do?

[@paddle_hike]

@@lauraevelynashley tons of day hikes, mostly mountains, Backpacking trips and I just completed the foothills trail in sc (77miles).

[@cristopherward9297]

Thru Hiking the AT is hard, creating a successful vlog is hard… not everyone can do it …that’s the point It takes a lot of work and commitment to do anything well…

[@lauraevelynashley]

Totes

[@laurabellman7682]

I like your videos. You need a microphone. I can't hear you.

[@lauraevelynashley]

I do need one but also turn your volume up