How to Successfully Complete a Thruhike (or any hike for that matter)

[@TinaMeyers-z8r]

Hello Rev My husband had a heart attack also in 2019 he has been hiking ever since. I wanted to thank you so very much for all the videos you posted of your PCT hike I watch them so I can see the sites that my husband is seeing and places that he is visiting on his PCT hike. He is almost to the Klamath river!! Thank you again so much and God bless you!!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you. Wow…I’ll bet he’s having a great time. 😁

[@doconawalk9367]

Great video Rev. I agree that for my 2022 AT thru hike, the most difficult physical challenge of my life was 90% mental. My method for handling the difficult days, of which there were many, was to remind myself that a big reason I wanted to hike the trail was to become comfortable being uncomfortable. So a bad day meant I was getting my money’s worth and exactly what I signed up for! This allowed me to embrace the suck, and appreciate the great days as an unexpected gift! It also enabled me to be grateful for every day of my hike regardless of my circumstances.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Doc. Great advice and great perspective. That’s why you were successful. 😁❤️👍

[@JP-jn2yx]

This is a great mindset, not just for thru-hiking, but for everyday life. It's only when we're uncomfortable that we challenge ourselves and grow. For any prospective thru's, no need to wait for the trail to be uncomfortable. Start training your mind now. Make your bed every morning, stretch every night, schedule a hike and do it regardless of the weather that day.

[@ironpig701]

Watched all your videos and another great video full of advice. For me resupply in town is much more than money or supporting the community. Its convience. I dont need to arrive at a certain date or time to get my package. I also get to pick and choose what I want at the moment. Heck its about 4 hours from dinner and Im not sure what I want so packing a box 4 months pre arrival at a town would be challenging. My 3 rules on quitting trail. No quiting in town, no quiting on a bad day and no quiting hungry

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Travis. Those are great rules for resupply and quitting. 😁👍❤️

[@markfletcher8084]

You are always encouraging. Even to us “couch potatoes.” 🤠

[@TheHikingRev]

😂 Thanks Mark. 😁👍❤️

[@grampakilt]

Hi Rev. Returning to the PCT as I am this year, vivid knowledge of the 'big' picture, of the depravation and emotional struggles ahead, keep assaulting my mind and spirit. It takes persistent self-talk, perhaps prayer and the encouragement of a hiking friend, but the only way through this is one day at a time if not the next step and the one after that. Thankyou for the reminder! As for finances (well aware that life circumstances often preclude this), nothing beats the best funder of thru-hikes.....PENSION! Regards, as always, GK

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Marv. You’re right…just focus on one day at a time. You’ve got this! 😁👍❤️

[@wolfeadventures]

Some really great points Rev. 👌🏻👌🏻

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Brad. 😁👍❤️

[@skippyonatrail1170]

I love the encouragement throughout this video. I am doing a LASH of the Oregon section of the PCT this summer, from mid July to mid/late August. I'm giving myself 34 days to complete it. Like you said in a previous video I will start hiking and keep going as long as I can for the day. I need to catch up and watch some of your recent videos of the last 3 or 4 months. Thanks again for taking us along. Tanya

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Tanya. The Oregon section of the PCT was one of my favorites. Absolutely beautiful and stunning. Be sure and watch my Oregon PCT videos to get an idea of what you’re going to be facing.😁👍❤️

[@Brett_Noll]

The Hiking Rev thanks for sharing your experiences. Your wisdom is priceless!!!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Brett. You’re very kind.😁👍❤️

[@Stephi12Anderson]

Always nice to see you and listen to your intel. You’re such an uplifting spirit and it’s nice how you mix that with “keeping it real”. God Bless.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Stephanie. You’re very kind. 😁👍❤️

[@kristinap6300]

I did 730.5 miles Of the AT last spring, then got Lyme (very painful) I am hitting the trail where I left off in 3 weeks!! I’m so excited and yes it was more expensive than I expected even though I feel I spent much less time at formal lodging or restaurants than other hikers, my food expense literally doubled as I lost weight and had to carry more food 4 weeks in, but I learned a lot and am excited about getting back on trail, also wore out expensive footwear quickly.

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds like you’re progressing. It’s not how far you’ve come, what’s important is the direction you’re headed. 😁👍❤️

[@papajeff5486]

Rev, I have watched and listened to you for a while now. I began walking to and from work, not far, .6 mile to work, 2-4 miles, home. I’m getting stronger, better, but extremely slowly. I thought I’d get stronger much faster. Nope. Haven’t made 5 miles yet. Have acquired all hiking gear, pack, tent, tarp, sleeping quilt and sleeping liner, stoves, clothes, water filters, etc.. My hips and knees seem to putting up quite the arguments; but, the more I hike, the stronger my muscles get, the better they feel. Was gonna start this month, the AT. Wife vetoed until next Spring, (money). My lack of progress, not getting strong enough, the pain with walking, are conspiring to defeat me. If you still say your prayers, please ask the Lord to send me some help, that go or no go, that I’m in his will.

[@davestagner]

Have you thought about doing a small section hike somewhere, before tackling something as big as the AT? Just go spend a weekend, or a week maybe, getting a sense of your pace, learning your gear? Starting with 50 miles rather than a couple thousand can teach you a lot.

[@papajeff5486]

YES, we’re going to visit our retirement home, down the road from Mt Le Conte, just on the Maryville side of Townsend, TN. I live in northern Kentucky, where I work. I’ve thought about hiking up Le Conte, maybe hiking down to Newfound Gap. My wife could pick me up there. I’m not sure I can even make it up I the mountain.

[@ruthgoebel723]

I have a few friends who have completed the AT in sections, over 20 years. They had to do it that way as they were still working. BUT, they still did the whole trail! It may be the good Lord wants you to do it that way. I cannot do long through hikes, but I CAN do them bit by bit, and as such, I find I appreciate it much more by not getting so worn-out along the way. I have health issues that don't allow me to overdo things and when I pay attention to my body, I find I can enjoy my hike better.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I watched PCT Class of 2022 and thought I could do that. I soon came to the conclusion that I couldn't. I failed on my first hike. Couldn't get up the first hill. But little by little, I got further. But even after 7 months, the maximum I can do is 10 - 13 miles and spend a week recovering. Not everyone can do a thru-hike, but I'm happy to complete smaller hikes weekly rather than big hikes. I'm 61 and know my limits. Good luck. But treat yourself gently.

[@davestagner]

@@papajeff5486 Better to go see if you can make it up one mountain first! Sounds like a good start. Doesn’t even need to be a backpacking trip, so you don’t need to bring sleeping gear and extra food and all that. Find an ordinary day hike in the mountains, something with a relatively easy summit, and do that. I did that last year, when I was learning how to hike… Green Mountain, near Boulder CO. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it - four miles out and back, 721 feet of elevation, most of that at the very end. But I did it! And it gave me confidence to do more. Going back to CO Memorial Day weekend, and planning to tackle Twin Sisters Peak - seven miles out and back, 2475 feet of elevation gain, 11,428 foot summit. I don’t know if I can do it. But if I can’t, well… the stakes are low. I don’t have to commit months of my life and thousands of hours to find out. Assuming that goes well, in late August I plan to do the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota - 123 miles, and I’m estimating 10 days but giving myself some padding. I just started hiking at 57, and I’m going to do this at 58. If I can pull off Centennial Trail, I’m thinking of some shorter California hikes, like the John Muir Trail. THEN maybe I can think about something longer and more grueling. Build yourself up… your strength, your experience, and your confidence. Don’t just fall in love with an unattainable fantasy. As one of my favorite writers says, we don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems. Build those systems! Learn what you can and can’t do, and get used to doing them!

[@annfurlough5729]

Thank you, Rev, for another great video and words of wisdom! We have progressed to some trail hiking. The weather has been unseasonably warm here, and I have to say I’m not the biggest fan of heat and bugs. The push behind our efforts is to be able to be in the best shape to enjoy Yellowstone and the Tetons when we get back there. Have you spoken previously about pests on the trail - of the insect and reptile varieties? I do appreciate your videos and I am often reminded of things you’ve said as I’m hiking. Keep up the great work! Happy Trails ❤️

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you very much Ann. Good luck on your upcoming hikes. They sound fantastic. “Insects, bugs, reptiles, oh my!” Sounds like a good subject for a video.😁👍❤️

[@michaeldismukes4439]

The image of your finish never fails, gets me every time.

[@TheHikingRev]

Me too! 😁👍❤️

[@citizenofheaven9556]

Rev, your videos are an inspiration for older hikers. I'm 66 and just started hiking. I'm looking forward to my 1st backpacking adventure and then who knows. Thru-hike? We shall see.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. First backpacking adventure…great. Go for it! 😁

[@peterbedford2610]

Ive done a lot of one and two week hikes, but I dont have a desire to do a thru hike. I do understand the zen of a long hike. Maybe sections at a time

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Peter! Section hikes are better than no hikes! 😁👍❤️

[@esthershankula6760]

Great advice, great video! Thank you for sharing! Were those tears when you touched the Northern terminus? Way to persevere!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Esther. If you get a chance, please watch the last video of my PCT Hike. I think you’ll enjoy it. I’ll leave a link to it here. 😁👍❤️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aouumWxqd5iIf9E

[@shirleyhall1924]

Small goals.......very good advice.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Beeka. So true. 😁👍❤️

[@douglasconrad8969]

So great to hear common sense which is no longer common!

[@TheHikingRev]

Ain’t that the truth. 👍😁❤️

[@josephmayes8302]

Sage advice indeed. Thanks brother.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Joseph. 😁👍❤️

[@JoseHernandez-jh7ht]

That's what I've been reading and hearing..do seasonal to avoid the bad weather do sections at a time and complete it😊

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s the best way. 👍

[@warwickpreston1653]

Rev, thanks for all the wise advice with your hiking videos over the years. I was thinking maybe a topic u could cover in the future is the role of the gym in keeping you in good nick and the exercises and frequency you would recommend. Thanks again for all your efforts to date and best of luck for upcoming 2023 summer hiking season

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Warwick. That’s one of the topics on my To Do list. Just got to find the time to record it. 😁👍❤️

[@ruthgoebel723]

Good to see this latest video. I hope you are doing well.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Ruth. So far so good. 😁👍❤️

[@countrygirl63baker64]

Well, congrats Rev.!! Good for you!! I love all of your advice, baby steps have to be taken at times!! Have been day hiking here with the dogs, snow is almost gone! Spring can't get here soon enough! Thanks again Rev! Have a happy day!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Yes. Baby steps are better than no steps for sure. 😁👍❤️

[@rrichardson53]

Great vid and advice! I’ll never do a Thru hike but sure do admire those that do (including you). Emory and I love our mornings out in nature and it is our place of worship. This video will be invaluable to anyone who is considering doing a Thru hike ( or section hikes)

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Rebecca. I admire you guys. 😁👍❤️

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

It's always great to see a vlog from you Rev. I'm 61 now and come to the conclusion that I'll never thru-hike. But I'm content with smaller hikes with recovery time between. Thanks for the upload, Rev. Looking forward to this season's hikes from you.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Chris. Smaller hikes are better than no hikes for sure. 😁👍❤️

[@MoeBergOSS]

About the part where you say you’ll never thru-hike. Rethink that. The only trails to thru-hike aren’t just the 3-5 very long trails in the US. In Texas they have two trails that are 129 miles and a third that is 64 miles. There is the 485 mile Colorado Trail. There are tons of trails out there under 300 miles as well. Arkansas has a some. Tennessee has some. I strongly encourage you to find either the closest one and research it or find one that appeals to you and give it a go. Happy hiking sir.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

@MoeBergOSS Hi there, I appreciate your words of encouragement, but I live in England UK. I had watched the PCT hikers for the last few years and thought, I can do that, but after hiking on trails near me, I can't. Various reasons. Maybe if I was fitter and younger. The most I've ever hiked is 13 miles, and it wiped me out. 5 or 6 miles I'm OK with. So I'm resigned to day hiking and enjoying the outdoors. But I appreciate the positivity, I really do. Thank you for the words of encouragement. If you want to see where I was to where I am now, then check out my failure and latest vlog. I have come far, in my eyes, but not far enough that I can ever do long trails, unfortunately. I've been at it for 7 months, who knows, maybe my stamina will increase but...... anyway, thank you for reaching out. I really do appreciate it.

[@bkf238]

Just hike what you can and enjoy the beauty God gave us to enjoy. I may never do a through hike either (I’m scared to go alone and most people my age that I know don’t want to hike long trails) but I’m going to do smaller day hikes. Who knows maybe the opportunity will present itself.

[@RiseDreamInspire]

Thanks for the videos Rev! I enjoy your lessons and now love to get out and hike.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. Good for you. 👍❤️

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Great food for thought!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Perry. 😁👍❤️

[@aliwaga4710]

Thank you Rev for all of your wonderful videos. I'll never do a through hike, I will never travel to the US but thanks to you, I get to see places I will never be able to visit in person. Also, you are the living proof that age might be something we don't need to be afraid of which is quite encouraging. I wonder if this new law that prohibits filming for social media within national parks without a special permit will affect you? Unfortunately, the procedures for getting such a permit are complicated and expensive and even if you spend the money, they still can refuse the permit. I wish you all the best and I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you for your kind words Ali. The purpose of my videos are so that others can hike vicariously through me. As long as I’m able, I’ll be out there. I’m not sure about the regulations for national parks. I guess that’s something I’m going to have to look into. 😁👍❤️

[@hikinganddrone]

Great sharing and tips👍👍👍👋👋👋

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁👍❤️

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Very good info thank you for sharing Rev

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁👍❤️

[@filmic1]

Great episode, Hiking Rev. Thank-you!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁👍❤️

[@sellignomod83]

Love this… like I always remind me of on a trail is : How do you eat an elephant… One bite at the time.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Sellig. So true, so true. 🐘

[@lorismith8479]

Good for you!!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you Lori. 😁👍❤️

[@tangenttrails]

Thanks for posting this. It’s all great advice. It’s the mental aspect that is my kryptonite if I let it.

[@TheHikingRev]

Mine too. It’s something we need to work on. 😁👍❤️

[@thomasheaney2087]

Thank you sir

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Thomas. 😁👍❤️

[@ervinslens]

Great upload bud, you elaborated this really nicely! Love it! 🔥🔥

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. You’re very kind. 😁👍❤️

[@adlhikes3159]

Good timing on this for the Year of the Flip 😂. Good flipping can save ur hike. Physical- Emotional- Mental. Def, mental is the biggest issue. But so is injury. Never quit the trail/hike before ur absolutely sure you can’t continue that same year. My Rookie mistake. My Thru hike became a LASH in ‘14 after I got off trail (& incurred a huge delay from my medical team) with an physical mystery that was finally cleared after 7 wks! Finished the next year in ‘15 as a LASH which is still a good thing. Having reasonable solutions in ur “toolbox” can get u hiking. Use zeros . So many variables in this activity!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. You are so right. 😁👍❤️

[@michaelmeadows2195]

Thank you!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Michael. 😁👍❤️

[@behindenemylines9033]

Morning Rev! Watching from the IE. I'm glad to see you're posting , its been awhile. What's the trail you're on during the filming of this video? Take care sir.....

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey! Been sick in January and February. I’m finally able to get out and hike some. There’s a trail near my house that I try to hike twice a week. Wildcat Creek Trail in Wildcat Canyon, San Pablo, CA. I do most of my videos from here. 😁👍❤️

[@TheJourneyRewards]

Hey Rev I think for me personally money is what is holding me back. I have all the determination as well as fascination to complete it. What are your thoughts on working your way through the trail?

[@TheHikingRev]

I have heard of some people doing it on the AT. With “left-coast” politics and labor laws, doing it on the PCT might be kinda difficult. (Though minimum wage at California McDonald’s is $20 an hour) 😁

[@TheJourneyRewards]

@@TheHikingRev Thank you for all you do, I hope you have a great time in Ireland. I can't wait to see it.

[@lorismith8479]

For the PCT is there an average daily mileage that everyone hikes? I have long legs so I know on some of the flatter stretches I could push it…just planning for future and training endurance… Love your videos Rev :)

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Lori. I wish I had longer legs.😁 I have found that is not how fast someone hikes but how long they hike.😁❤️👍

[@grnmtns1]

I'm 63 and planning to start the Appalachian Trail next year. Now there's a possibility I might need cataract surgery and I'm wondering if I'll be fit to go several months afterward. I know that's a question for my doctor, but do you know of many older hikers going on a thru-hike post-cataract surgery?

[@TheHikingRev]

No, but I would imagine that you would just have to adjust to your situation like any other surgery (ie knee replacement, by pass, etc. ). 😁

[@paulhease1007]

Rev-- please tell older folks to not buy all the equipment before the training starts in the excitement of what you think you might do. Some physical problems might arise during training that mean that you may not be able to do the hike as you wanted to. Or you might not be ready in time!!!!!

[@TheHikingRev]

So true Paul. Good advice. 😁👍❤️

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Oh oh Paul - now you tell me? LOL, but I'm only 73, watched 730 hours of youtube and maybe spent $7,300 on gear... so far, or at least if feels like it! Still, I'm doing at least 3 trial day hikes each week, full pack of 32 pounds (with food and water), doing 1,000+ vertical feet over 7 miles in 2.5 hours with only a few 1-3 minute breaks. So pray for me and keep your eye on my youtube channel - I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up and the Rev makes a great "poster child" for me! Happy Trails, Michael

[@MoeBergOSS]

Rev, on a side note. Is there an app you use to read or listen to the Bible while on trail? Maybe make a 10-15 video about this topic. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Moe! I have used the Scourby YouBible for years. I used to listen to it when it was on cassette tapes. I’ll leave a link to it here. apps.apple.com/us/app/scourby-youbible/id524402839

[@crustyoldguy612]

I am lying in bed, in a Hostel, on my Thru-Hike, watching a video about successfully completing a Thru-Hike, go figure!! 😂

[@TheHikingRev]

An old guy watching an old guy doing a video on successfully completing a Thruhike while successfully completing a Thruhike. Classic! Good luck on your Thruhike. 😁👍❤️

[@crustyoldguy612]

@@TheHikingRev Thank you sir! Not completed yet but I have no intention of quitting!

[@JoseHernandez-jh7ht]

You avoid your emotional stuff too

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s true! 👍