7 Mistakes Rookie Thru-Hikers Make on the Appalachian Trail

[@junkfish2007]

AT: February 15th 2017, made it. PCT: March 24th 2019, made it, even straight through the Sierra. Remember; “no such thing as bad weather, just improper gear.” The one thing I will say about starting early, is be ready for months of cold. At least in my AT experience. Being from New England, a “cold” southern winter is a mild northeast winter. Imo rather hike through cold, than the mid Atlantic humidity. Moral of the story, take everything with a grain of salt.. and do what makes you comfortable. Just know you can start early and succeed!

[@rebekahm.3351]

Started the AT: February 11th 2017. Took my time. 12 mi/day is fine. No injuries. Yes, it's all about the right gear. Rain pants was enough for legs. Core warmth is most important. I had shirt, puffy jacket and rain jacket. You build body heat as you walk. 0° bag is good, extra pounds are good to stay warm.

[@antoniabaker7770]

I'd rather hike when its cooler than hot. I agree. So long as your toasty when you need to sleep. I was supposed to hike the AT in 2017.

[@rebekahm.3351]

@@antoniabaker7770 did you ever hike it? I found myself hiking in my underwear one day, because it was so hot. I wasn't the only one. I wiped my brow with a bandana every time I saw water.

[@antoniabaker7770]

@@rebekahm.3351 not yet. My mum got cancer just before I was due to leave so I've been caring for her. By 2020 I should have tripled crowned. I keep buying more gear and I was hoping this year but covid happened. Our government is now saying 2023 for international travel. Argh. So right now I have the Te Araroa booked for next year. As soon as we can travel to the USA again I'm there.

[@rembrandtshadows]

@@antoniabaker7770 My friend Jessica 'Dixie' Mills is in the same predicament but from the USA side. I am in Virginia, about 25 miles due south of the US Capitol. Kiwis have always been the nicest peeps. Let me know what you are up to. I would say about 600 miles of the AT are with in a 6 hour drive of where I live. I don't mind standing on the side of a road with an ANTONIA BAKER sign. :P

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Many days last year I said the AT is a mean b*tch that doesn't care about me. I hiked every mile though! 200 days and I showed the AT that I took everything she had and finished atop Katahdin!!! Class of '22!❤

[@Jdennis240]

Great advice Rocket. I have been section hiking the Appalachian for several years. Just the approach trail, to Springer Mountain, kicked my butt on my first hike. Pack was way too heavy and my body was not used to hiking. Got myself in better shape and connected the dots (sections), over the years, with 3 day hikes till I reached the northern end of The Great Smoky Mountains NP, from Springer. Personally, at age 62, I never want more than 3 days on the trail. To each their own but for me...those 3 day hikes get my mind to a better place. Love you enthusiasm. PS: my dog Zeta was with me, most of the way. Never has there been a happier dog, then when she was on the trail. She passed away, recently, and I get to connect with her great big smile, every hike. Most hikers loved her and she loved all of them. Feeling blessed.

[@jamesroachjr4074]

I practice 3-1 on multi day hikes 3 days of miles and 1 day of rest and relaxation! It's great!

[@bruceringrose7539]

Great advice from Rocket! As a son of NH, two books I would recommend to folks planning a north bound hike ( not trying to scare anyone here) are “Not Without Peril” by Nick Howe, and “Critical Hours - Search and Rescue in the White Mountains” by Sandy Stott. Proper equipment is essential in the Whites, and common sense is crucial! Hike smart and stay safe!

[@timterry5156]

Rocket, really good stuff. So glad that I came across your suggestions. Mucho appreciated!

[@craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

In 2018 I started March 2. Pack weight was around 32 lbs with 3.5 days of food and a bottle of water. Had a few cold nights in the teens but managed. When I hit Fontana Dam I spent 2 days waiting out a snow storm and as I climbed into the Smokies I hit 6-16" of snow. Two days later it rained and we were walking in slush and on ice. For me I wanted to hike in cooler weather and had the proper layers to stay warm plus prior experience in winter backpacking. At 68 I was one of the oldest on the trail and managed to do about the same miles as the younger crowd but just at a slower pace. Got to meet many amazing people. One thing I found common among the starting hikers was that they all tended to have a smaller apatite and consequently packed too much food during the first few weeks.

[@mtadams2009]

Congratulations but to be honest that is a seriously heavy pack. I am in my 60s and carry about half the weight for a 5 day haul. You are much stronger than I am I for sure.

[@craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

@@mtadams2009 I did train for the hike but for winter hikes I find that more layers of clothing are needed.

[@mtadams2009]

@@craiglenhard-rvrguyd This is true. I am a fan down pants and booties. Super light and great for camp and sleeping. Take care

[@craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

@@mtadams2009 I had the down booties. Only had nylon zip off cargo pants and a pair of long underwear. When I hit the Smokies It had just snowed up to 16" in places. Two days in it rained all night and 80% of the snow turned to flooded trail conditions. I stopped at Clingmans Dome to wring the water from my socks and put plastic bags over my socks to retain some foot heat.

[@MiddleAgeManAdventures]

Really enjoyed the honesty, shows complete integrity - unlike several others that I’ve seen - who just keep pumping products - good job!

[@Jmack01]

Cheers from Benton MacKaye’s great nephew! I feel obligated to thru-hike the AT at some point in my life.

[@Tofu_Pilot]

Let's do it.

[@aikirunner]

I saw a guy on Springer that was starting his thru hiker November 21.

[@rembrandtshadows]

maybe he liked skiing, snowshoes, and sharing coffee with yetis

[@incontinentiabuttocks5271]

Hike your own hike. At the end of the day it's all about what you personally want I love the cold and hate hot weather so I walk in the snow and love it.

[@tristantries9211]

@@incontinentiabuttocks5271 I hate hot weather too! My friend will not even consider starting with me until March though lol

[@incontinentiabuttocks5271]

Tristan Tries Oh booooo haha

[@robertfrost5161]

Thanks for sharing. Good to see you again. Hope you sre well.

[@chamilton9182]

Yes!!!! Fear is a LIAR!!! Great advice. Thanks for sharing!

[@danielkutcher5704]

I hear a song...😊

[@GuillermoGigante]

Excellent helpful advice, your voice of experience, being realistic, practical in attitude and expectation. Most through hikers would benefit and learn from your words about your time on and off the trail.

[@kicktree]

Nice podcast and 100% on target... Thank you.

[@jamesmichael3998]

Thank you for the motivating words of wisdom Cheers from Jacksonville Florida

[@thatsBeaStuff]

Me too!

[@obscuredbythecloud1175]

It sounds like most of these tips could be summed up by saying quit being so swayed by peer pressure.

[@rebekahm.3351]

The AT is a mind game. It's okay to get frustrated, everyone does. It's part of the challenge to overcome your own mind. Just take your time and enjoy as much as you can.

[@NatsuMatto]

Always good to see Julia back.

[@NM-ib7ql]

Finally, the first video that someone addressed gram counting obsession with thru hikers. Difference between 10 and 15 kg on your back is noticeable. Difference between 10 and 10.2-10.5 is barely noticeable.

[@christopherhaak9824]

That is about 0.5 l of water, so for sure nothing to worry about.

[@bensb96]

Thank you! Planning to flip flop this summer and so excited!

[@charliekendall4288]

I live in Monson, Maine. In '18 my son got cocky going SOBO. He and friend did 75 miles in 3 days. Their toes looked like Vienna Sausages. Friend went off to Ranger school a week later, Zack (2 Socks) continued South. Started early June finished in October. Neither listened to the bodies until they had no choice and adjusted accordingly.

[@Sage-qd6tf]

I’m expecting to spend half my time on the trail soggy, muddy, stinky and cold BUT I know there’s gonna be fun times and that I’ll probably for the most part like living in the woods. 2023, can’t wait!

[@willswalkingwest7267]

Thank you for this very sober analysis. It should have 10x the views. Great job.

[@gingrai00]

Great video! Thank you!

[@phrayzar]

I really enjoyed your videos on the trail. Great energy and humour. Hope we can see more of you.

[@shaunbarnett2972]

It's funny how we doubt ourselves about such different things. Since high school I always kept myself fit and strong engaging in jogging, cycling, gym, swimming etc and there have been times when I would have considered myself about as fit as a person can be, and so embarking on a long hike, I wouldn't have even a hint of doubt that I could complete it. It wouldn't even cross my mind, I would just fully expect to finish without too many issues. But having social anxiety and interpersonal issues as long as I can remember, what I would fully doubt would be my ability to make friends along the way, and be able to relax in the evening with other campers around all the time. My worry would be avoiding confrontations with people, and trying not to make enemies lol. But the physical or technical side of the challenge.? yeah not a single concern in that regard lol.

[@jenjust42day1]

Just be yourself! I have a ton of anxiety too! I won’t be staying inside of Shelters because of that but I will just pray and ask God to help me with things and I know He will, He always has

[@ATATKDMama]

This comment is so relatable!!!

[@toogoodhikes6190]

This is so helpful for any thru hiker. I can’t thank you enough. Happy hiking 😁

[@btetschner]

Very interesting, seems like good tips (I have never hiked the trail so I haven't tried them out yet). This is definitely the least positive account of the Appalachian Trail I have seen, maybe it is not as much fun as what others have made it out to be. Thank you for the video.

[@vanmiles6979]

I met the guy with the hatchet and the dog. I have a photo of the dog. I started a few days after you. Don’t think we ever crossed paths.

[@jls935]

That spaniel mix was so precious!

[@alpeggio]

nothing wrong at all bringing a hatchet and heavy pack if you can handle it. It's ridiculous the amount of pride some hikers have in packing light.

[@vanmiles6979]

@@alpeggio I have to ask, have you hiked the AT?

[@johnsandell4501]

Thanks for your honesty!

[@CB-ei6ez]

Very good points rocket.... When I started the a t in 2019 going north from Springer so many of us going through the Smokies we're doing 20 miles and by the time we got this Hot springs a lot of them had major leg injuries ... As my dance teacher always taught me listen to your body it knows what it needs.... Great points rocket...Elevation AT Class of 2019

[@terryweaver9770]

There she is!! I follow U on U’r other uTube channel as well. Great video. Great advice. Love it!!

[@rolfdenver]

Awesome advice. Thank you! Especially the reminder that we CAN mail things home, and we CAN use the first several days/weeks getting dialed in on what we need/want to take with us.

[@rickgault5349]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. The mental game is the hardest for me.

[@erichighsmith7299]

Not the AT, but we started our thru-hikes the same day. I started March 10th on the PCT.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Great advice! I started in March twice. First time temperatures never got below 35 during the day and 20 during the night in Georgia. Second time, nighttime temperatures got down into the teens, and the coldest day never got above freezing. I didn't have any intention of thruhiking either time, I was just seeing other hikers on their way after driving them to the Trail from New England. I have done several solo section hikes of over 100 miles. It's much the same as doing a thruhike except for: 1) You never build up the strength and stamina of a thruhiker. 2) You don't have the joy of experiencing injuries caused by hiking big miles for weeks, 3) You get to pick your season. My preferred one is fall, when the biting insects ar scarce, but before day after day of freezing weather with the snow and ice making it not only not fun, but potentially hazardous. Winter weekend hikes are, however, great training for a March - April start at Springer.

[@IndUSARider]

Nice motivational speech.

[@OldPackMule]

Excellent & practical advice.

[@noncedoferio]

Good advice! I will start next April 2023! I am being critical on gear and being careful with weight, but I will have a base weight of 30 pounds! I am okay with that! I have an Osprey Pack with Anti Gravity! I am averaging 18 mins a mile right now comfortably! 😊A quality pack makes all the difference!

[@atwindbreaker6096]

Throw your expectations out the window. The AT will show you who is boss. You will NOT get 18 min a mile. This will be one of the hardest things you will do ever.

[@christiankoval7936]

I couldnt agree more with your video. I have experienced most of these.

[@Weldingartifact]

Lol, my pack is nearly 70lbs.when leaving resupply and i still book 14-18 mile days. When people tell me to pack differently i remind them to worry about their own pack. When i started i only made single digit days but that changed quickly....

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

Great video! To sum it up, dont be stupid and hike your own hike and LIVE IN THE MOMENT

[@timandrew1091]

Very nice... just 400 miles to go in July

[@OzMonkey68]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Loved your tips! I'm still in two minds about doing it but you have encouraged me to do it!

[@annebarch7751]

I'm doing it in 2023, researching all I can. I seen a guy say if you can walk and quit your shitty job you can do it. I can do both. That made up my mind.

[@noreenvance5554]

Listing out the mistakes for those of us who need the visual: 1. Starting too early 2. Significantly under packing 3. Overpacking 4. Knowing when to take a break 5. Being competitive about mileage 6. Romanticizing the trail 7. Doubting yourself I made mistakes 2 & 3 at the same time, which is funny but true. My son and I did over 300 miles last year (Tooth & Kidney where are trail names) and we had fun handing out candy as we hiked along. Happy Exploring ~ "Kidney"

[@GuillermoGigante]

Thank you for typing out the list, makes it easier to learn from Rocket's great experience.

[@peterjohnson6273]

Very well said.

[@paulrevere2379]

#1 most common mistake is not Hiking your own Hike, due to focusing on a tourist schedule. Those two things are effectively mutually exclusive.

[@sleepyheadoutdoors9346]

From one who has comleted the trail....Romantizing the Trail is the best advice one can give...the trail will excced expectations infrequently....disappoint frequently...it is there...that is all...it is you that makes the experience. Finishing the trail is glorifing but the task while doing it is not...it is not all fun and games....it's downright tough at many times...but so worth it in the end! SleepyHead 2016

[@billthompson4197]

Great video Rocket! I wish I would have seen this before I started my hike, it could have saved me some grief. I committed most of the mistakes, but still had a great hike. I actually started too late (April 20, because I was clueless) and due to multiple weddings and also knee problems, I had to finish the following spring. I know the feeling about doubt, that's why I chose my trail name: "No Doubt!". Besides not wanting a trail name chosen for me for doing something stupid, lol. I chose it because I refused to believe I couldn't do it. Some people asked about a band, and I said I have no clue who you are talking about. I also chose it because of the song No Doubt by the band Petra which was my theme song (and album) hiking.

[@davidpfaff9879]

No one I've seen here on KZbin on hiking the AT is the bugs, esp mosquitoes! A mention of which bug spray works best for this region would be good!

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

Permethrine impregnated outer clothing layers, DEET and catnip oil, take care of it!

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Netting

[@janedeskis6516]

This is a great video for all us future hikers. I did a shake down hike that I had to cut short for wanting to many miles from the get go. I’m too competitive and thought those doing the trail in 100 days was worth staying up with them. I’m back out this month for12 more days and a past thru hiker is setting my miles. 6 for the first day. No more shooting for 20. Thanks for the video.

[@JOe-un7mg]

if you finish under 5 months your not doing it right! have fun enjoy the trail and the people that come with it.

[@robertfrost5161]

I have pondered starting somewhere in Va. Maybe in northern Shenandoah National Park and hike to Springer. Start early weather should be better in southern mountains. That way I could start close to home.

[@JOe-un7mg]

hike your own hike. number 7 all the way!

[@garyp.7501]

Thanks! What great advice! And yes we are all proud of anyone who does this, including you!

[@jonathanbarnes3061]

A bucket list item that needs conquest, this breaks it down realistically. Exceptionally useful breakdown million dollar coach for us peons merci.

[@tenza7545]

I was slowly getting my pack ready for the AT. I was aiming for under 20 pounds base weight and clothing. I’m not sure how I ended up at 13 pounds for all the stuff I have in it. but not complaining about that. It’s only a matter of getting money together now. Could take awhile.

[@paulwright2335]

Watch your whole hike enjoyed an your Courage And since of humor Best of wishes whatever you do in life

[@johnalden5821]

Wow -- great advice, all of it. I can definitely corroborate that March in the southern Appalachians can be brutally cold, rainy and snowy. The Smokies have a displaced climate because of the elevation. In reality, it is like walking through New England or upstate New York.

[@bruceringrose7539]

Sorry John, having hiked and climbed for years in NH, ME and upstate NY, I can say with some authority that hiking in the Smokies, regardless of season is not like hiking in NE, particularly NH. Read “Not Without Peril” by Nick Howe. Having said that, I agree with you, great advice from Rocket!

[@justrusty]

8. Confusing planning with preparing. I hiked with an inexperienced hiker who had his daily mileage planned out on a spreadsheet, down to what time he would be at which peak and time for each road he would cross. The schedule literally was invalid less than one half day into the hike. He had planned it out in great detail, but was not physically prepared because he had no way to understand what it took. He was actually in good "shape" (cardiovascularly) but like any physical endeavor, it takes training to get ready. Some of that is "on the job training" (while on the trail) but just like you wouldn't go out and buy a musical instrument you'd never played before and expect to join an orchestra the next day, you need a little practice under your belt.

[@shadowbanned4days]

It's a long walk compared to out here in the west. Seems like a long party with icream,beer and 400' elevation.lol

[@andrealmoseley6575]

Great words!!!

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

Some wise words that apply to many trails around the world

[@timshelton5120]

Great video! You wouldn't of listened to yourself a year ago.. Some of us just have to learn the hard way..

[@bearanoia673]

Such a cute video. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

[@serafinahikes3467]

This is helpful Rocket, thanks for the video!

[@robertfrost5161]

Does that mean I can't keep up with the Hawk on the first day. Lol . Thanks for the tips. Have a great day.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Great tips! Thanks.

[@jetgirlhikes9155]

Thank you for all the things you said here. Great video!

[@samrichardson2641]

I could see the hatchet coming in handy 😂

[@ApacheNL1]

I was so stressed from normal life, that once on the trail I just pushed myself forward with a pole to go as fast as possible. I ended up severely overstressing my left ankle because of the constant pressure. Had pain for days. There is no point to rush it. Just adopt a normal, natural rhythm and disconnect from the high speed society we are constantly in.

[@stevebrown1461]

Great segment

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Didn't expect to see Julie on this channel, a nice surprise 😊 , great tips as ever 👍🏽🙏🏽

[@RogerMain]

Super presentation Good Girl Yourself. Instructive, well organized 👏, humorous, entertaining bla bla bla Thank you so much 💓

[@bonefishboards]

I make all those same mistakes on day hikes.

[@chriskelly6559]

No lie, the A.T. is a hard, mean butt kicker a lot of the time. And worse other times. It does have moments of real bliss, but........Truth be told, your odds of completion are not good. All that being said, even if you only make it to Harper's, you'll always remember it as one of the best things you've ever done. Good luck newbies!

[@aikirunner]

Julia does a great job with her videos.

[@jmtheboat]

Very helpful. Thanks so much.

[@wesleykremer3916]

Wonderful words of wisdom!

[@rolflundin6204]

My rule when it comes to packning is; Expect the worst but hope for the best. Be prepared for any that can happen.

[@movingamerica5534]

This is all great advice. Very wise.

[@marshalljimduncan]

Does it still count if you leave the trail for weddings and such for weeks and then return to complete?

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Just in her mind 😂

[@sergii_real_estate]

I'm active Real Estate investor and Home Improvement guy who recently was diagnosed with CIRS/mold intoxication. I'm looking for extreme unwinding myself through nature and exercise. I plan to run AT and complete it under 60 days without withdrawals to the cities for shelter and food. I plan on starting from Maine in October, what you think are my chances?

[@rockjohnson2879]

Wow ! Your so pragmatic . Love honesty. You have a dynamic personality strong and confident. There no greater beauty.

[@averyragan9512]

Can anyone who`s experienced in Thru-Hiking give me some advice. My girlfriend wants to do the Thru-Hike in a few years. Pretty much the same as everyone else and I know that we can do it. But I think we would both enjoy it much more if we cut it up into sections and do it over the course of a few years. Can anyone give an opinion on which would give you the best experience.

[@KamikazeJustChillin]

My buddy and I started on January 6th, 2013 and made it all of the way. Pack accordingly and HYOH....

[@KamikazeJustChillin]

After food and water, 65 pounds in the winter. Again, HYOH

[@buzzonedown]

You mean i dont have to keep up with darwin on day one? Lol. Rock solid advice all around!

[@antoniabaker7770]

He flys. I swear he is a vampire and just glides.

[@brianthomason5022]

Where do you find a tramily? I don't wanna do it alone

[@bquint6843]

Thanks for the video lots of good advice. My wife and i plan on possibly attempting the AT when we retire (hopefully next year) We have done some hiking and a little bit of backing backing but mostly day hikes. We have hiked the NH 48's. I was wondering if you could go over your items in your back pack that got you to the base weight you mentioned in this vid of 20lbs. If we could start around that base weight I would be extremely happy. Not sure if you've already done a vid about this, i looked but did not see anything. I would also be willing to cover this off youtube if that is a better option. Thanks again..

[@PacemakerandButtons]

Enjoyed your advice

[@wheniwasyourage4418]

I knew a guy who was telling me about his experience from the 90s in a top 12 drum and bugle corps, now you talk about grit and determination, they walked as much or more than these hikers a lot of it in the heat carrying and playing instruments then performed constantly while exhausted carrying the instruments, while wearing hot uniforms and hot hats called shakos, they did this for 3 months with no day's off, they ran all the time for endurance and a typical day for them was 14 hours, they didn't slow down and take breaks when they felt like it, the conditions they worked under were unbelievably demanding, maybe 4 out of 10 thru hikers could do it doubt it though, certainly not a slackpacker or a platinum blazer no way in hell.

[@ld71sc2]

Lol the happy knees 😂.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. These are maybe not everyone's top 7 thoughts but certainly some to put on a list .. I think the acronym ,HYOH , was created from a thru hiker tired of hearing about the differences of others gear load... pack what you want ,, adjust as you go ,at least on a supported hike like the A.T. ... Q ;; Where did you get that pic of me ??..lol..... I don't do thru hikes or any hikes that are supported ,, so you have to takes whatever you might need or want ... for a 1-2 week high country trip ,, my pack is almost always ~70 lbs. ,, 55 lbs. Base + food & water ...(no axe ,no cast iron cookware) , most items can be used for more than one task .... has been similar for almost 30 years when on trail .. expect the best but prepare for the worst ... having grown through the "Be Prepared" era ,, I see the ultralight systems as Ultra-Un-Prepared ... ...But again the through hike trails are ,, heavily crowded ,, go near or through a town every few days with an easy out if desired ... but as mentioned not everyone has the same reason or need to be out there.... and/or for how long ... As mentioned early on ,, It's a self fulfilling adventure ... There are many beautiful sights and realities to acquire in nature ... but there are no trophies ....

[@gruv2nz]

Good info, thanks.

[@morganboutwell8231]

Listening to the trek!

[@benreilly595]

I was camping and these 2 hikers came by our camp. A girl with hair ass armpits and a guy named sowey. They also had a dog.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

All good...no...great points Rocket but SLOW down. You talk a mile minute...LOL. I enjoy your enthusiasm. John from MI P.S. I'll be on trail in late March 2021.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

@N Webb LOL

[@hankhager8561]

I love your videos

[@jesshughes776]

OK, SO I SEE I'M GOING TO DROP MY PHONE INTO A WATERFALL. THANX FOR POINTING THAT OUT. NOBODY ELSE EVER MENTIONED IT. WHICH IS THE BEST WATERFALL FOR THIS. DO YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION?

[@lorismith8479]

I would "Bounce Box" gear I do not want to carry incase I need it at a different location with different weather

[@rembrandtshadows]

I have friends who hiked the AT and thats exactly what happened . . . September and October in NH, VT, and ME.

[@Liberalistic69]

Hoping to do the AT in two years time. Giving myself 1 month, what sections would you recommend. Travelling from Ireland. 😀

[@bulldogm41]

F

[@benpattison4976]

Search for sections near the great Smoky mountains in Tennessee/North Carolina, near Roanoke, or somewhere around Shenandoah National Park

[@Art-rp1wu]

Its been two years! Did you go? 😂

[@sallyskirt]

I love your trail name rocket, sometimes you just have to rock it out