So You Want To Vlog Your Thru-Hike..? | Expert Advice for Future Appalachian Trail Vloggers

[@laurastone-angel7515]

Taylor, you're the first blogger I ever watched on the AT! It was several years ago, 2022 I think, and I was very sick with bronchitis for a couple of months, and could do nothing except stay at home and rest. I had just watched the movie "Wild" and that's ALL I knew about thru-hiking at the time. While lying in bed with bronchitis, browsing KZbin I happened upon your Channel, and videos of your first AT thru-hike. I loved them! I started with your Day1 video, and over the next several weeks binge-watched them all. They were engaging and educational and inspiring. In addition to keeping me from going bonkers while I was sick, your videos taught me so much about the AT and thru-hiking, and also sparked an interest in me to try backpacking someday myself. Now, a couple of years later, I've gotten into great physical shape, have learned about and accumulated gear, and this year hiked about 150 miles! In a year or two I plan to attempt my AT thru-hike! All I can do is say "thankyou!" I feel that you've been one of my mentors and teachers. Please keep doing what you're doing. You are certainly paying it forward. Someday I hope to do the same.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you so much! You have been a vlogger I’ve followed for years before Little Bear and I got on trail this past year. We have learned a lot from you and appreciate everything you’ve shared! We only got to 758.8 miles before our homesickness took over. We are giving it another go in February, and this time, we’re Hiking for Healing in Appalachia. -Mama Bear & Little Bear, Wild Flowers Adventures

[@brianloop3649]

You two did a great job. Looking forward to seeing you on trail once again!

[@wildflowersadventures]

@@brianloop3649Thank you so much! We’re thankful that you’ll share this adventure with us, too! 💙☀️🙏🏼

[@pauliedavis49]

@@wildflowersadventures Yes, really looking forward!!!

[@meghanjones185]

You’re an inspiration, Taylor. There are many of us out here who missed their golden opportunity to ever hike the AT (for whatever reason), and now we can’t. 😢 So, we are living vicariously through you (and, BadBat, of course!). Woot! I love your format, too, of having you in frame, cuz as I watch & listen, I’m also able to casually wander into the landscape behind & around you and get the feel for the terrain & atmosphere. In other words, I feel like I’m hiking, too! As a former avid hiker, losing that part of my life has been especially traumatic, so your vlogs have been a gift… esp. the AT in 2023. I finally got to “hike” the AT, even if it was virtually. And, all because of you! It was such an adventure and more than I ever dreamed of. Just a fascinating journey of self-discovery, appreciation for the beauty of nature, cultural appreciation, and camaraderie with fellow humans. Also, it was about survival and the absolutely critical part that your family & Trail Angels played in that regard. (Hi, Mom! Hi, Chet! Hi, Callie! Hi, Trail Angels!) “It takes a village!” So, I thank you for all you have given to us out here in the hinter-lands. I mean, I may have “only” hiked the AT virtually with you, but after it was over, I was exhausted!!! Not kidding!!! I was so invested emotionally & cognitively, that physically, I felt I had hiked all 2,000+ miles! (The Notch was virtually brutal for me because I’m a chub in real life and literally would not have fit through it. Whew! That was tough!) 😂😅🤣 Anyway… thanks for the “How to” vlog on vlogging. Very informative and interesting. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🎄🎁🟢🔴🎉🥾🥾🎒👶🍼 P.S. Hi, Baby Backpack! Goo-Goo, Gah-Gah! 👣

[@carriehagstrom9777]

I agree, I get bored when people don’t show their faces much too. I don’t like solely watching the trail. You do a good mixture of both, and that’s part of why I like watching your videos!

[@edreilly6674]

Your vlogs are great! I think one reason to show your face and not just your point of view is that we become attached to you. When you are on the trail--and I will never hike the AT, though my wife and I are planning on doing some of the NH 4000 footers--I would wake up, make my coffee, check the news, and see how Taylor was doing! At least from my perspective, the length of your AT vlogs were perfect: more than just a check-in, but not a blow-by-blow, either.

[@Kate_Pilgrim]

I love your videos! I vlogged my camino de Santiago but ended up editing it at home afterwards and turning it into one long movie with music etc many months after the event. (It’s called Pilgrim) This worked well for me but if I were more efficient I would think of using a more simplified and efficient process on my next long hike. I did a daily short from the trail which friends and family appreciated as at the start I only had a handful of subscribers. Thanks for vlogging your AT hikes and sharing your videos! 💚

[@emiixs12]

I loved your videos and the way you filmed them! The point you made about finding videos of just long stretches of trail boring, is so true! I love seeing some longer clips of the trail, but if the videos are mostly just that, I don’t find it as fun. The best parts I think are the unique moments and quirks of every hiker. You sharing small moments of your day, your dinner and so on made you feel like you were there with you.

[@shoshinman]

Thanks for this. I am planning a NOBO or flip flop in 2025. I will try to remember your tips while posting videos. Mainly doing it for family and friends, but trying to keep it as interesting as possible. Great advice!

[@AlumniQuad]

1:31 Simplify the process 3:11 Set priorities and manage time 6:39 Make engaging videos 10:45 Make sure you actually enjoy vlogging 13:05 Have fun and roll with the punches 15:28 Quick story

[@WanderingGadget]

Hey Taylor:) like most, you were a huge inspiration for me to hike the Appalachian trail. I didn’t watch anyone else and then I jumped on trail. Vlogged the whole thing:) it was tough, I enjoyed most of it, but I felt pressured to get it out everyday and I was behind. Halfway through I decided I didn’t care and some upload days were skipped 😬 but the community was still there. I also had someone say I was showing my teeth too much 😂 it’s a big balance between enjoying yourself/ experiencing and vlogging. But I’m glad I did it. I even met another big fan of yours, sassafras:) we plan to come hike with you one day and visit the shop:) hope all is well and keep being you! This video was a great idea!

[@akarioncastonguay33]

I'm not a KZbin vlogger, but I am going to be attempting a thru hike of the Florida Trail beginning of 2025. I plan to make some videos along the way to share with a private group so they can follow along. Thanks for the tips to make the "job" easier!

[@RickINFJ]

This is great advice for any aspiring vlogger. Your videos always have a good balance that keep us non-vloggers coming back. 😊

[@Self_Proppelled]

Tom Jones. You called him out girl! Name and shame, I love it.

[@sockedinhikes]

I love your videos Taylor! I remind myself a lot that it isn’t my job to babysit everyone on the internet’s opinion of me 😊 you’re awesome and screw the haters 😊😊😊

[@pikeshike]

Thanks for your vlogging. I like your positive atitude. Your vlog from AT 2023 was really helpful in the planning and preparations for my AT 2024 hike 😊

[@charlesmorain]

I had so many questions for you about your filming and editing process on the AT when I met you at Trail Days, but didn't really want to take up much of your time. Thank you for this video, and I look forward to more about the technical side of things. Also can't wait to see your next thru-hike, whenever that happens! Still have my fingers crossed for a SOBO AT adventure! Thanks Taylor!

[@pestopaces9346]

I love that you put Tom Jones on blast 😂😂😂 my channel is pesto paces, 22 thru hiker! I looked forward to your videos everyday as I was prepping for my hike and just doing anything I could to be near it. Screw the haters!

[@adventure_outdoors]

Your insight is very helpful to hear! I'll be vlogging my thru hike in 2025 and am currently thinking on the ins and outs of how I want my vlogging experience to be. I love making videos as well, so that is very relatable!

[@Nleary77]

The teachers I work with love your vlogs as do I !

[@stattravels8109]

You are the perfect person to do this video! We loved your AT Vlogs. They were a great balance of it all!

[@warecurtis]

Taylor another great video, I’m retiring in 4 months and after will attempt my 48 year old bucket list AT hike. I plan on Vlogging for family and former co-workers. I learned allot on your how to blogging videos. But being older I’m not vlog savvy. Maybe you could offer an hour or so live webinar for like 5 or so “students” I would be willing to pay to get questions answered. Think about it 😃

[@MrTitanTopper]

Big fan of your channel. I am planning to ATTEMPT an AT Thru-hike starting in late Feb/early March. Haven’t set exact date YET. Also, still deciding on whether to vlog or not, but leaning that way. I’m not a content creator, so if I do, it will be mainly for family and friends. With that said, I learned so much from watching you and others and would like to share my exp with the hope of helping and entertaining someone else. #AT25 #LFG

[@wildflowersadventures]

We’ll see you out there!

[@tomellis3218]

Taylor what software app did you use? Taylor this was a very helpful and focused vlog . Thank you . PS: I like seeing your face and I agree some vlogs of hiking with the camera looking straight forward with no one in the frame diez get boring. You keep doing what you always do; hike your own hike, live your own life and enjoy what you do. ❤😊

[@JonHewson825]

You should really apply to be on Survivor!! I think they'd love a young, outdoor Vlogger with a following and who is a fan of the show.

[@mathfan0918]

I always love your videos! You put so much of your personality into them. It's hard not to be discouraged by negative comments, but you've done a great job of keeping them from affecting you too much. Since finding your vlogs, I've watched several other AT thru-hikers but your channel is still one of my favorites.

[@charlesjohnson9662]

Great tips, I didn’t watch your first hike but I did your second and totally enjoyed your vlog. I have not done a thru hike but I have hiked, since 1972, hiked a number of sections and for me it was great to see your videos of places I have hiked over the years. Watching also gave me ideas of sections I would like to hike. Thanks again for your vlogging pastime, very enjoyable for those of us who love the AT but are not able to hike from Springer to Katahdin.

[@celenasherrill1455]

Your vlogging style is great. I've watched all of your AT videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@kristymoore7052]

Nice job. I’m not a vlogger, wish I was…but I may try. BTW, your suggestion for the Shocz headphones saved me on my JMT thru hike this year. I’m 61 and needed an audiobook or podcast distraction many times to get up and over passes. I’d tried many others, but I don’t like the thing in my ear long.

[@gabicerrahikes]

Great tips! I definitely learned a lot watching your vlogs and I tried to vlog similarly. My videos are shorter and I try to vlog all different aspects. Only thing I don’t do much is set up the camera and walk by 😂 because I’m lazy in that way lol. I also edited super basic and most nights in my tent, then would upload in town while I did chores. The percentage of how much of your day is vlogged is also interesting and a good reminder to people that they aren’t seeing much of your hike in the grand scheme of things

[@leedanielson7452]

Taylor if you answered the above question yes you will be my hiking buddy then I must tell you it's gonna take a while cause I really only like to hike 4-5 miles per day... Just so you can plan to take a lot of time off from work... Oh and I'm sure you'll miss Chet, your mom and the baby if it takes us a whole year....🤯 OK I'm done commenting now. Have a great day.!!!!😂

[@LionessHiker]

I was able to snag a PCT permit. But my first love is the AT. I applied for the PCT permit when the ATC said the first 865 miles was not hikeable. So, I am torn. I decided that since I am selling both my empty lot and my home that if I sell both, I will hike the PCT first and maybe do the AT SOBO. If I sell only the lot, I will hike the AT.

[@KathyColorado1]

I love your video's and they are a huge reason that I attempted the Colorado Trail this year. I didn't finish and I only did a few video's because I was not sure how to go about starting a KZbin channel. I am going to attempt the trail again next year. I have already started training differently to make it more successful. I am going to go back and look at your editing video. I remember that you did that video and thinking that the way you did that sounded more approachable and doable for me. Thank you so much, Taylor. As always, thank you for sharing.

[@akarioncastonguay33]

Your videos are great! Love the style and approach.

[@sherifudge563]

I’ve loved watching your vlogs, my daughter and I will be hiking in 2026 and I will be Vlogging. I don’t think I could have planned to do this hike without being able to watch other Vlogs ahead for research, I have some medical issues and dietary restrictions so I would have thought it might be too hard to pull this off. Because I got sooo much out of other vlogs I really want to give back…that being said I barely just learned how KZbin works and often have to hand someone my phone to get apps etc to work lol but I have time to practice 😅 I will definitely be looking for some advice as we go from the tried and true hikers like you so I will definitely reach out and send you our channel

[@hikeaholicstt]

I have been following your vlogs for a while, among several others usually of the AT. As I have been planning to hike it next year, hopefully. These video's have been super helpful with the information towards the AT, and I'm hopeful that the trail will be ready for the hiking season next year after what Helene has done. I'm from a small Caribbean island called Trinidad & Tobago, so I'm waiting on some clearances before I can make my official announcement on my channel, otherwise I do normal videos of the hikes in my country for now. Anyways I wanted to congratulate you on doing the AT twice, becoming a trail angel, and most importantly becoming a proud mother, to a hopeful future thru-hiker. Keep up the good work, on advising future thru-hikers, and nature enthusiasts in general.

[@BuppyWahm]

Congratulations on the birth of your child! As a fellow New Englander I think that you are wicked pissah. Thanks for sharing your insights in VLogging. I followed your last 2 thru-hikes and what you say is true about holding your audience's attention. Your video were short but entertaining and filled with personality. Could you please share the tools that you used to do your editing? Thanks.

[@Bostonclassics1]

LOVE your videos. You are inspirational to hikers.

[@MrsJoyism]

Thanks, Taylor, I appreciate your advice on vlogging. Especially about making it as easy as possible on yourself.. and only doing it if it’s something you like. I typically journal my hikes, and I’ve been considering vlogging if I get the opportunity to thruhike again. I think I’ll make some videos and just see how I feel about it.

[@johnsandell4501]

Wonderful tips!!! I will never hike, but enjoy your hikes and others. Do you like Captain Jack's yoyo vlog style? BTW, nice buff👍👍👍

[@TheChantybb]

Wow that comment! He was going to follow you to see you fail… can’t believe how mean people can be. Sorry you had to deal with negative people like that; I’m so glad you proved him wrong! Did he said anything else after you made it out of GA or the smokies? 😂 I really wanna know how furious he was to see you succeed. Sending love ❤

[@melanieworthington4110]

Thank you for the tips ! 2026 will be my next attempt! I’ll be the same age as Grandma Gatewood . Enjoy your videos so much! I’ll be practicing these tips prior to that … on some local hiking/ camping trips.

[@danielfegley2735]

I love the outdoors, but when it co mes to vloging, I have no clue. But you should see my collection of vinyl and caset tapes 😂

[@Live-life-to-the-fullest]

what waterfall was that at 7:13?

[@walterpaton8698]

Yes. I need to learn.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@lulamaeatliberty4632]

I'm interested in watching your on-trail editing video. Would you post the link to that? Thanks

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Just added the link, thanks!

[@allenshiflett]

Thank you😀💜❤️

[@KatieValleyBourdeau]

Planning on starting an AT thru hike in March. I reached out to you during your last thru-hike asking if you would like a little side job helping me set up a KZbin Channel and offer some tips. Technology is not my friend. Lol. Please let me know if you are available. I love in MA, but I am in NH often. Will be at Rek' Les for the Winter Kickoff.

[@Chadginski]

Taylor ❤

[@AdventuresoftheSoul]

Great Video thank you Class of 2025AT I plan to blog . I’m not sure what I’m using yet. Phone or insta 360. I love the simplicity of the phone🤔… Breathe:Adventures of the soul

[@leedanielson7452]

The only way in heck I'm ever gonna thru hike the AT is if Taylor will be my hiking buddy!!!! 😂🥰👍👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I'm waiting by the phone!☎️

[@MichaelJones-lq5is]

I always thought the videos were just about perfect. The first one I saw was something like dropping off trail Angel stuff somewhere on the Maine border, and I had never heard of a trail angel. Unrelated question here, but something I always wondered about is can you do the AT if you're claustrophobic? I always thought I could handle thru hiking, until one time I camped in a mummy bag in a one man tent, maybe in the twenties. It was one of the worst nights of sleep I've ever had. I wasn't always claustrophobic, it just happened at some point in my life and I never noticed, but I would never camp in a one man tent again.(My daughter and I went camping this summer in a ten man tent, and looking around after everything inside was set up, I said, " this is the perfect size for two people")

[@Wolfmanhikes]

I put my 2024 AT thru on Instagram but want to attempt to put my videos on utube at some point. The pics and video were saved during my hike on iCloud. Any tips for permanent storage of pics and video for future editing ? What was you permanent storage method u did post hike?

[@HikingWithCam]

Great video thank you I’d LOVE a shout out! Our two hobbies are exactly the same hiking and content creation! I have a couple of questions for you…. 1. Did you edit on your phone? What apps were you using? 2. What tripod are you using? Thanks!!! -Hiking with Cam

[@Jan.harvey]

You go Nahamsha!!

[@Taz90]

Hey Taylor, what advice do you have for a legally blind/visually impaired person (me) who is planning on blogging thier AT thru hike, which starts in late February 2025?

[@tvtoms]

When I am in hardcore hike video watching mode, I seek OUT those videos where it's almost all forward trail facing video and rambling or not rambling commentary. I do not even like when music is added, I want the footsteps or the commentary, lol. I can watch those forever. It's weird right? But it's my style when I'm in that certain mood in winter time it seems. There are always hikers doing it this way, that way, other ways. Very fun.

[@kenmachine9951]

🎉🎉🎉 Hey Taylor 🎉🎉🎉Ken NC

[@margmarilynr9061]

You mentioned giving the link to a past vlog of yours where you told about actually making a video, that making a video only takes ~30 minutes. I don’t see this link, could you include it?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Just added!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Your's helped me!

[@BoundlessWander]

We will be flip-flop thru hiking the AT and attempting to vlog it in 2025. We have a small channel where we have all kinds of outdoor adventures. Happy Trails, Y'all! www.youtube.com/@boundlesswander

[@strombley5]

Taylor, Thank you for putting these video's out. I have watched many of your experiences and learned so much from you and others that have vlogged their hikes. I will be a member of the Class of 2025, I will be vlogging my experience and have created a Utube channel for that purpose. "Scott's Outdoor Excursions" is my Utube channel name. I have already made a few attempts a blogging a few experiences. I would appreciate any constructive criticism that you might have to share.

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

I followed you daily. Most of the nasty comments imho were men threatened by your athleticism.

[@meghanjones185]

You’re an inspiration, Taylor. There are many of us out here who missed their golden opportunity to ever hike the AT (for whatever reason), and now we can’t. 😢 So, we are living vicariously through you (and, BadBat, of course!). Woot! I love your format, too, of having you in frame, cuz as I watch & listen, I’m also able to casually wander into the landscape behind & around you and get the feel for the terrain & atmosphere. In other words, I feel like I’m hiking, too! As a former avid hiker, losing that part of my life has been especially traumatic, so your vlogs have been a gift… esp. the AT in 2023. I finally got to “ hike” the AT, even if it was virtually. And, all because of you! It was such an adventure and more than I ever dreamed of. Just a fascinating journey of self-discovery, appreciation for the beauty of nature, cultural appreciation, and camaraderie with fellow humans. Also, it was about survival and the absolutely critical part that your family & Trail Angels played in that regard. (Hi, Mom! Hi, Chet! Hi, Callie! Hi, Trail Angels!) “It takes a village!” So, I thank you for all you have given to us out here in the hinter-lands. I mean, I may have “only” hiked the AT virtually with you, but after it was over, I was exhausted!!! Not kidding!!! I was so invested emotionally & cognitively, that physically, I felt I had hiked all 2,000+ miles! (The Notch was virtually brutal for me because I’m a chub in real life and literally would not have fit through it. Whew! That was tough!) 😂😅🤣 Anyway… thanks for the “How to” vlog on vlogging. Very informative and interesting. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🎄🎁🟢🔴🎉🥾🥾🎒👶🍼 P.S. Hi, Baby Backpack!