Should You Thru-Hike ALONE?

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

Such an important topic to cover, Hollywood, especially the difference in Trails on this topic. For YEARS I missed sooooo many hiking opportunities in TN to hike, because no one wanted to go hiking, and I thought “you should never hike alone”. Then when I became a Trail angel on the AT, and I realized just HOW MANY folks are on this Trail, at most times of the year, ESPECIALLY from March to June, HOLY COW❣️❣️❣️😮 So I decided, I’m getting out there. Safety is an issue each day of our lives, anywhere, being out on Trail is no exception. We just need to take some simple wise precautions, (make sure and let your loved ones know where you will be, ETA returning, maybe carry a garmen, so your loved ones can track your progress, and you can call for help, if needed) and live life to the fullest❣️❣️❣️😃 Letting fear rule our lives is not living, it’s not even surviving, it’s prison❗️😔 Hiking: day hiking, section hiking, thru-hiking the AT is one of the best places to break out of fears, it surely was for me, in soooo many ways-mind you, I haven’t backpacked EVER 😂 YET, but I’m slowly getting gear together, and it’s on my list, SOON❣️🥰❤️😎 And because I’m a Trail angel, I get to hear of other folks stories on how hiking the AT has changed their lives, solo, or paired, or in Tramilies❣️❣️❣️😃👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️😎 Great topic, Hollywood, love your videos❣️🥰

[@PackAndSoul]

Marlene! Thanks so much for this comment, you’re right in every way. Can’t wait for you to get out on a trail and have an angel treat YOU for once. You definitely deserve it. We all appreciate you! Hope to see you again soon

[@PackAndSoul]

SOLO or PARTNER thru-hike?? Let me know your thoughts 🙂

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

I have learned I am a loner and better solo.

[@joeclements8544]

i always love this content! Love how you just tell it how it is and add things people might not think of. Also be fan of your intro!

[@PackAndSoul]

Really appreciate that!! Thank yuu

[@timfromdurban]

Another great video. Thank you very much.

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate the support!

[@ctrawick3]

Nick - this is a great vid topic. Hey, here’s a question or maybe even a video suggestion: What would you do differently now that you have the benefit of hindsight? I don’t refer to the hike itself alone, but how about training as well? That is the one topic I haven’t seen covered before by anyone, really. Once you’ve completed the hike, you’ve got complete insight into what preparations were helpful, and which ones weren’t. What you would do differently in training to better prepare for the rigors of being on-trail- you get the idea. I just wanted to toss it to you since this is my solid thru hike channel on the inter webs

[@PackAndSoul]

That’s an awesome idea! Definitely gonna do that vid soon. Prob very soon lol. Only thing that came close is the one I made about fitness while you’re off trail / how to train. Really appreciate your support! Keep the ideas coming too, love that

[@sandy-yy1qh]

SOLO all day!!!!

[@PackAndSoul]

Yup!

[@Tg-in5xi]

awesome vid. hit all the major points, great work again

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate that!

[@sef5090]

Alone is obviously worthwhile, but only if done safely. Make sure to always let people know where you’re going! And bring a garmin with you

[@PackAndSoul]

Always let someone know :-)

[@lenaleo7976]

Great information. Really helps you see both ways and makes you think which way would be best for you.

[@PackAndSoul]

And which would you do???

[@WitcherOnTrail]

@packandsoul hi, Nick! THANK YOU. Thank you for your videos - the reviews, advice, and enthusiasm were all very helpful when I was preparing for my 2023 AT thru hike. I reached Katahdin's summit on 7/20. Appreciate you, man!!

[@PackAndSoul]

Yeahhhhh!!! Congrats!!! Sure it was an unbelievable ride. Thank you so much for this comment, made my day! So very glad I could help, tons of people helped me along the way, all I ever want to do is pay it back! Appreciate you :-)

[@outdoorguy1343]

For me it all depends on the trail. I like being alone for sure, but there is such a thing as too alone, for me anyway. Thanks for the content

[@PackAndSoul]

Definitely depends on trail

[@sandchar9640]

I'd say safety is the biggest concern, not from other people, but regarding normal hiking accidents. but as you pointed out, There are tons of other people on a trail like the AT, so you're never really alone.

[@PackAndSoul]

Tons!

[@JM.5387]

If your partner got injured or sick, I think it would be really hard to wait for them in town, knowing that the summer was slipping away and you'd potentially be sacrificing your own thru hike. Or conversely, if you were the injured partner, how would you feel about being "abandoned" if your partner decided to go on without you? There's no easy answers; even if you think you have an agreement before you start, you might feel differently if it actually happened. I haven't seen stats on this, but my guess is that solo hikers would have a much better chance of finishing the trail.

[@PackAndSoul]

That’s a great point, even if you work out the details beforehand, and think you’re on the same page, things can always change. I’d like to see those stats too, I’d imagine you’re right, solo hikers have a better statistical chance of finishing

[@FiveOClockSomewhereWalks]

Love the solo idea, seems like a worthwhile and valuable experience

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks a bunch

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

I found i am a loner and better solo. I like meetung others and talking. Once on the ttail, i prefer alone.

[@PackAndSoul]

I hear ya! I like it solo too. Even though we like other people, something about being in your own head as you hike…it’s wonderful

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

@@PackAndSoul So true.