What I wish I knew: AT Thru Hike (Feb start)

[@RolandKrastins]

Thank you for sharing and making this very good video on things you need to know to do AT !!!😊

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

This was seriously one of the most useful, concise and informative Thru hiking videos that I've ever seen (and I've seen a TON lol). I'm leaving on my first (attempt) Thru of the A.T. in late March so this was very timely and super helpful to me. Thank you very much for putting this together and CONGRATULATIONS on your successful Thru Hike!

[@aliwhite6541]

WOW thank you, I'm so glad you found it helpful! Much love and best of luck to you on your journey, from one piece of hiker trash to another :)

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

@@Major-Steve Thanks so much and I hope to meet you out there. Good luck on your Thru!

[@TheHikingLion]

Good luck friend

[@jessicathompson236]

Alot of nut/seed butters, trail mixes, dehydrated veggies, fruit, mushrooms, beans and rice. You can actually get alot of protein as a vegan.

[@truewendlgo]

After watching hundreds of thru hiking videos, this is by far one of the most helpful! Starting mid March and just went and added more wipes to my pack for the whole “crap your pants” experience no one talks about.😂

[@assurancewireless8515]

Great video.Thank you Ali.

[@isabellakathleen3533]

Your description of how your body was unable to dig deep after hiking so many miles was descriptive and insightful. As well as the analogy of being re-molded into a new form by the impact of hiking. Thank you for sharing.

[@ervinslens]

Really some brilliant tips, appreciate effort you put to explain everything .🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@stellablue7609]

Such a great Video ! Thanks...

[@jeff6909]

Great video! I'm planning an AT thru-hike in Feb '24. I would like to see a little more detail on each segment. I do appreciate your comments on pooping yourself. Even tho' I grew up in sports where you learn to poop in front of/beside people, I'm wondering how often you had to dig cat holes as opposed to using a privy. Good stuff on "nothing is 'waterproof'."

[@KevinRStrauss]

Absolutely love this recap and especially the rarely talked about topics. Great job and congrats on your accomplishment!

[@flightvisiondronesllc3144]

Well done!

[@jeffesta5815]

Great information! Thanks for putting this up. Doing research for a 2023 AT thru hike. Currently at a million and one videos watched.

[@lauradixon978]

Your video was amazingly informational

[@ciscokid1999]

Jeff that’s my plan as well….looking at very early feb 2023

[@bremdaparedes9835]

As for the menstrual cup, I used it and personally I had to carry a bidet with me just so that I can make sure everything is clean and wash out the cup when I needed to empty the cup. I found it more hygienic only because I'm a heavy bleeder so the larger cup held probably up to four tampons which was really nice since I can go for 4 to 5 days

[@wildflowersadventures]

Super helpful! Thank you so much! My daughter and I will set out in mid March to attempt our thru hike. We very much appreciate this video. 💙 -Mama Bear & Baby Bear

[@papajeff5486]

Easily the brevity and articulate bullets, that are so straightforward, is refreshingly smart. Thanks for sharing. Kentucky

[@pvlifestylefitness]

Fabulous video my friend👌new friend here👍Thank you for sharing😊

[@rogerprado8995]

I like the way you handle the subjects. Quick, consise and clever . My short attention span can keep up! Thanks

[@llboucard4416]

Thank You for this. Am honest perspective is always needed.

[@graybags.outdoors9953]

great video, and by far and away the best - and most straight talking - summary of advice I've seen (and I've watched hundreds of thru hiking videos now). Not sure I am looking forward to crapping my pants but it's good to be forewarned!

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Great job with the video. I start March 14th!

[@KatieHikes]

Well done! Congratulations 🎉

[@jenniekrigbaum6316]

I'm a solo woman heading NOBO in early March and this was insanely helpful thank you!!

[@ToadFart]

How did your hike go?

[@tabithaherron9540]

Awesome video! Thank you so much for being real and informative. You also made me laugh out loud when you said people I need you to open your 3rd eye about this 😂 I need a t-shirt that says that. Best quote ever 😀

[@jackratcliffe2916]

Really enjoyed your input and what you shared ! At 75 years old and have hiked sections of the AP Trail in Southwest Virginia for many years and will continue till I can't. Thank you ..

[@commanderknowledge8360]

Very enjoyable - Thanks!

[@AnxiousGary]

Thank you! There were several things that I had never heard mentioned!

[@youflatscreentube]

Agreed. Proof that a video with a few thousand views can be far better, more informative and enjoyable than many of those with more. Great job! Some real solid info here. PS: it good to see when successful thru-hikers selected similar gear.

[@jadedannar5877]

💚 very helpful.

[@don.hinton]

Really enjoyed this, thanks...

[@ciscokid1999]

Awesome thank yo so much for this video…..it was very helpful to me….I plan to do the at in early fro of 2023……hope to see you do the pct it cdt :)

[@chrislowe5611]

What an excellent video, the best gear and post trail video I have seen. Wonderful presentation, informative, thorough, genuine, honest, and from the heart. All the best in your future.

[@ronandy8681]

One of the best vids on a.t. Trek

[@Mutiny960]

MY GOD THIS WAS ACTUALLY HELPFUL!! Seen so many video that were just disguised "Sponsored Gear" advertisements. After probably 1000 watched video I never even HEARD of Hiker Hobble. Thanks for this! I am leaving in April and have been training since December. I'll be up to 15 miles/day 3 days/week starting next week. Haven't pooped my pants yet, but I am looking forward to it. That means I am a REAL HIKER :)

[@aliwhite6541]

HAHA is it weird that I actually felt that way about it too?? It's almost a rite of passage. Sounds like you'll be in great shape to start, good on you and best of luck!

[@CarlZ993]

I agree w/ you assessment on 'waterproof' rain gear. It may keep you less wet at best. The need to traction devices, i.e. MicroSpikes, can vary from year to year based on the weather. Some years, they aren't needed at all. Others, you really needed them (or wished you had them). I saw some people end up in the hospital in Gatlinburg in 2013 from falls on ice in the Smoky's. Nice video. Take care. Zman NoBo 2013.

[@pascalchavanon1930]

Great job,Thank you 👍🇫🇷

[@somedavehikes]

Thanks! Love the straight-shot on your experience, I will take some of these thoughts along with me!

[@justjonoutdoors]

Really cool video. I almost blew right by this one - glad I stopped in and listened.

[@tonyjester7906]

Your in my neck of the woods . Acadia collage. The old BEAVER COLLAGE LOL

[@jhonyermo]

Good idea,. Ramen broth in your Idahoan tatos And your Instagram page is out of this world. Real deal, earthy art

[@ShowmeMOrocks]

Lots of great info. Thank you.

[@xochilguevara3429]

So helpful; thanx!!

[@brentlarson4324]

These super helpful videos keep popping up on my feed just as I need to hear them. I start my hike this year in early March. Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts in such an “unfiltered” manner! Best of success to you in your future. 😊

[@RiseSteadyNC]

This is a great video, thank you for taking the time to make it I would love to see more from you

[@randynoons4436]

Great AT video….

[@m.hernandez1404]

Nice, honest, review.

[@cwesi1]

Great video with terrific insight and I'm sure many future thru hikers will appreciate the valuable information. Thank you for sharing.

[@TeddyBearFarmer]

Good Video thank you 😁

[@bartholomewsinger]

love this!

[@LeSamSamm]

This video is so well done, I can’t believe it! Thanks for putting this together, it makes me so much more stoked for the trail :)) I’ll be starting April 3rd. tysm!!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Ali, thank you for sharing your experiences on the AT. You did a great job. Do you have additional hiking plans for the near future. All the best things to you for your good health and safety. 🤗

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great video. New follower here. I hope to hike the AT someday myself. Nice tips. Crow

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Great job on the summary and lessons learned!

[@choosemyadventure]

Awesome video- thank you!

[@betsybarbera9806]

Very helpful thanks so much!

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Congrats on your accomplishment! Truly one of the best informative videos I have watched on AT thru hike. You nailed it on this video: clear, concise and extremely useful, well done!

[@09gpeters]

Great job, thanks for sharing!

[@dougw63]

well said hat back! it was a pleasure meeting you! virginia flat??? right? hostels and loaner clothes...love it! rocksylvania...rattlesnakes...i hope youre doing well and i will see you in damascus...stay cool...you are elite! definitely class on the trail! sailor jack

[@VictoriaGomez-rf2qw]

This was an excellent video! Thank you so much!

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Last summer I saw a bear bag hung on a 5 foot shrub. It was hilarious.

[@doconawalk9367]

Great video/synopsis of your journey. I like what you said about success being as much about good fortune and logistics as it is about preparation and grit. I’m hoping for a lot of all of the above as I start my own AT through hike in early April. I’m so grateful to you and other KZbinrs who have so generously shared your experience to help us aspiring through hikers!

[@aliwhite6541]

You're too kind! I wish you the best of luck on your hike.

[@normarinker3245]

Great video!

[@patriciamoscato6586]

Amazing!

[@Edward2092009]

GREAT video

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

Nicely done! Good info and presentation was enjoyable to watch

[@joewells7360]

Great job 👏

[@marian6454]

Nice video, HB! Hope all is well, can’t believe it’s been almost a year since we started such an epic adventure :)

[@aliwhite6541]

Love u

[@Get_Some_Nature]

It's July 2023 I was successfully last year!!! Class of 2022! March 10 to September 27. I wish I had seen this last year. Great video. I didn't poop my pants, did pee on myself a few times. 😂

[@journeytothedestination]

This is so helpful! I am starting my thru-hike in a couple of weeks. I have been worried about starting in February, bringing the right foods, staying warm, and making new friends. I can't wait to get out there because the nerves are killing me!

[@aliwhite6541]

I know the feeling! I felt totally comfortable out there within a week or two -- you got it :) best of luck!

[@mChrest05]

This is a very accurate description of what to expect on a thru hike! Great job 👍 I finished my thru in February of 23. Could you say a little more about what protein you ate. I had trouble resupplying from small groceries and gas stations 😢. Did you mail yourself resupply packages?

[@aliwhite6541]

Congrats on your thru!! I had a very hard time eating enough protein, and basically gave up trying. Poor nutrition started catching up with me towards the end. Despite this, if I hiked again I still wouldn't do resupply packages... doing a TON of prep when plans might change, trying to predict what I'll want to eat months in the future (while undergoing a radical mental and physical transformation) and tying myself to post office locations and time windows squashes the spirit of change and spontaneity, which was a HUGE part of the hike for me!

[@flagsontheat5269]

Really excellent video, loads of good information and insights. I start my AT thru-hike in 64 days and this helped a lot. I agree on the ‘waterproof’ comments, that’s why I’m taking an umbrella. Many Thanks Flags

[@aliwhite6541]

Best of luck to you on your journey, all love from me!!

[@rivetingadventures5450]

Awesome video and insight with a wealth of information. Really enjoyed watching it. I am starting NOBO from Springer Mt on Feb 26....Lazarus

[@aliwhite6541]

How exciting! Best of luck to you this year!

[@johnlouk6539]

That is wonderful that you mention waterproof. So, many things are noted as waterproof. If it is waterproof, it is not breathable. If it is marked breathable, it is not waterproof. It is interesting that we do not have to have truth in advertising (aka marketing). Thank you for pointing out some of these wonderful notes. The one thing I was curious about is; were you aware of the registration at Baxter State Park and that you have to note the ascent and descent routes that you are taking to summit Katahdin? I have not done any part or thru-hiked the AT or any other major route. I just happened to hear about it on one VLOG about the AT. Good luck in your future endeavors.

[@aliwhite6541]

I didn't know about the Baxter rules until like a week before Katahdin. There was a ridgerunner stopping people on trail asking if they knew about the rules for summiting, and the ATC headquarters in Monson gave out handouts. Even with an "early" finish (July 26) we encountered some drama with Baxter's hiker-only campground as they only allow 12 hikers per day and 13 of us showed up at the entrance at the registration time. Luckily we could overflow to the unreserved ADA spot at the normal campground, but it was an ordeal! As for the routes, thru-hikers always follow the AT ascent but Baxter asks which descent you think you might take (1 of ~3) so they know where to start looking for you if necessary.

[@mikeadams9036]

Very helpful. You forgot to give your experiences with mice in the shelters and any snake close calls. Again, great video.

[@aliwhite6541]

Ah good suggestion. Some friends of mine got terrorized by a rat/possum creature at night at Laurel Fork shelter in Tennessee after I moved on for the night, but that's the extent of my shelter mouse experience! I think I saw 3 rattlesnakes in total but black snakes are common. Some black snakes will rattle their tails as an imitation to scare you, which surprised me!

[@bretthornton7496]

Thank you for sharing

[@matthewfurst1577]

Thanks girl nice and informative.

[@AliciaintheMountains]

Thanks for this video!

[@danielkutcher5704]

Shelters weren't closed, but they DID take the doors off of the privies down South. Not convenient. 😒 The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic knife scissors are remarkably good at trimming finger and toe nails.

[@atray3288]

4:37 had my crying “Ayeee personally got kidnapped zero times”. Omg dude so so so so funny

[@atray3288]

10:17 was even better!!! Omg lol

[@iblamesummers]

God Bless You. Roll Tide.🐘

[@jcontheat5970]

Yo Hatback! Cool video. Hope you’re doing great! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@aliwhite6541]

Currently living in Peru hoping to hit the Andes as soon as the rainy season is over!!

[@jcontheat5970]

@@aliwhite6541 That's awesome! Good for you for following through on your dreams/plans. Hope you post some awesome hiking videos and pics. Glad to hear all is well. I'm heading down to Springer area this coming weekend to do trail magic and wish the Class of 2022 well. It's my one-year start date anniversary this weekend.

[@aliwhite6541]

I'm so glad to hear from you Goldie. I will certainly be celebrating my start date Feb 20 from afar. Thanks for bringing the magic back around on behalf of all our class!! Much love.

[@spartyhikerfromme5492]

Great job and very informative. The other side of the waterproof lie is breathability. Manufacturers claim that perspiration droplets are smaller than rain droplet and can escape through the microscopic holes but rain can't penetrate. Anyone who has hiked for several hours in raingear knows this is not true. Peace, love and kindness.

[@skydvr69]

Congrats on completing the thru hike - very informative video! I'm curious though - *why* do so many hikers *hit themselves? What causes that? And does it continue to happen, or is it more of a "learning curve" thing where once it happens, you recognize the signs?

[@aliwhite6541]

I think for me it was a combo of awful diet and my body being under unusual stress (10-12 hours of exercise per day). I got to know the pattern…. but sometimes those 10 seconds of advance warning were just not enough!!

[@JeremyMcGehee]

Protein every time you're at a store,, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, eat it right way. Buy 2, eat 2nd yogurt that night. Add berries and honey if you have space. Then lots of nuts all day every day, any type

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Congratulations on completing your adventure ... I like these video's from the pre-start and the post completion ,, I think it's more mental at these parts and curious of the outcomes ... Have backpacked many miles over many years but never a long thru hike such as this .. and have no desire to do so .... But does make me wonder the "why" for doing one or more ... Without an activity to create a purpose ,,ie - fishing lake or specific destination like a known waterfall or historical site ... other than just a long hike ... of course a personal commitment .. test of inner fortitude .... ..1) -- When you toyed with the idea of hiking the AT .. did you have a purpose or expectation of taking on this challenge .. ? ..2)-- Other than just being a goal to finish ,, did you fulfil that purpose ? ..3)-- Phrases created on trail can describe many things ,, hiker hobble ,, hiker hunger ,,HYOH ,, You do You ,,etc. ... any other that were said to be comical or get used to prevent aggravation and not burst out in profanity ?? or Laughter ?? .. Thank you for this summary video ,, it certainly will help others as to what is really needed and expected ... ..

[@aliwhite6541]

Good questions, I think it is important to have an idea of your goals before you hike so you can make decisions along the way. As a young person trying to explore careers, on top of simply being curious about the extremeness and enjoying challenges with marathon-style goal setting, I wanted to meet new people, learn, and gain direction for my next life moves. I also enjoy nature, deep reflection, and the physical act of hiking, and I wanted to dial in my backpacking skills for future travel. Setting my main goal not to "walk every step of the AT" but instead to learn and expand my comfort zone took a lot of pressure off and allowed me to enjoy the experience, which led to a finish as a wonderful cherry on top of the main accomplishment. The trail really has its own language! Other phrases we used all the time: "The trail provides" -- things usually work out, you will get what you need; "safety meeting" -- it's time to smoke; all the different colors of "blazing" (white blazing = following the white painted trail markers, blue blazing = taking a side trail marked by the color blue, extends to yellow blazing = taking a car, pink blazing = following a girl you're interested in, aquablazing = doing a section by canoe, platinum blazing = sleeping in RV's, you get the idea). It's fun to join the culture and learn all the jargon :)

[@rustiesharpe3193]

Did you wear the Alta running shoes even during the early cold months when there was snow on the ground ?

[@aliwhite6541]

Yes! Most thru hikers wear trail runners through all seasons and weather conditions.

[@tonyjester7906]

Love the thrown into a furnace analogy. Hiker hobble went away when u took 2 to three days off and ate like a fiend to actually build muscle instead of breaking it dow. If more did this early on they would make it before.drop off

[@josephdragan7734]

Well done. As a former hiker of the AT it was wonderful reminiscing about my own adventure. To this day I still appreciate what a sublime luxury a hot shower can be. I may have missed it but what was your final base weight? Thx again many excellent insights. And Yes, waterproof is a cruel lie :) (except for $18. Frog Togs)

[@aliwhite6541]

For base weight I'm not exactly sure, but I was 25 lbs at Amicalola falls and topped out at 30 for heavy carries, so I'm thinking I was in the 16-18 lb range. It was pretty comfortable! (I also found Frogg Toggs rain pants to fail after several uses!! It's all a scam)

[@hippiechildsurvival]

💞

[@esthergiles2896]

Hi Ali! I noticed you hiked with an REI Trail 4o! That's what I'm planning to head out with. Any thoughts or suggestions on the bag? I know it's a smaller bag, I'm opting to hammock to save some space. Did you have any issues being able to pack out the things you wanted? I'd love your advice! Thanks :D

[@aliwhite6541]

The Trail 40 was waaay smaller than most packs I saw, but I loved the restriction because it kept me honest!! I did keep my tent and rain jacket strapped to the top, my cook kit/ponchos permanently in the mesh pocket, and my camp shoes dangling, so not everything fit in the bag, but no issues otherwise. Oh, except for that little plastic hook inside meant for hydration straws, it tore holes in too many compactor bags before I sliced it out. I don't find hammocks comfortable so I knew I'd be a tent gal but had no problems with my tent in the stuff sack strapped on top and my tentpoles/stakes in one of the side mesh pockets. I also knew some hammockers who began to resent not being able to stay in shelters without carrying extra sleeping gear, so that's something to consider if you're only hammocking to save space. I wish you the best of luck with your pack on your hike, much love!!

[@esthergiles2896]

@@aliwhite6541 thank you so much Ali! I’m heading out in 5 days, and sweating it. Everything fits…but it’s tight with 5 days of food (overkill but I wanted to see how it would be worst case. I’m going to do some readjusting but glad to hear you were happy with the pack! Makes me feel way better

[@jasonaustin1038]

Hey Ali! It's Wind-up, nice to see you made it! I believe we grilled sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches for you near Max Patch last year. Congrats!

[@aliwhite6541]

YES I remember well, one of my favorite trail magic days!! Thanks again :)

[@KC3YCU]

I think it's pretty well accepted at this point that you're not a real thru hiker until you've 1) soiled your pants 2) taken a potentially hike-ending wipeout

[@calebmacdonald6189]

Good info but my god the upspeak

[@wanderingwalrus4304]

I’ll be starting NOBO late February, so this was very informative. Thanks! How long did it take you to finish?

[@aliwhite6541]

I hiked Feb 20-July 26, pretty much dead average. I found the pace to be super manageable, while still challenging.

[@Galactic1400]

Ok I need more explanation of the whole crap your pants thing. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this so can anyone tell me how they got to that point?? 😂😂 like what is the reason for not stopping and finding a spot to go when you first get the feeling that it’s time lmao

[@StatOnTheAT]

It isn’t always possible due to the terrain. Sometimes it is straight up on one side and straight down on the other side, or it is very thick and overgrown.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

Pithy and to the point, a rarity in KZbin videos! I especially appreciated the line "I felt my life force draining from my body".

[@papajeff5486]

Would better nutrition help us to get stronger, thrive, get better with greater endurance?

[@JadeAkelaONeal]

Heyyyyyyy thanks for warning me about the pants shitting. That is DEFINITELY important. This is my 900th video and the fact that nobody else said anything is bananas. Lol

[@denisestarr2314]

Beans are protein.

[@jim-uu2db]

Surprised you had problems finding info if you watched zillions of videos. Also, how many times did you slackpack and do you feel like the hostels were preying on hikers to bring in more money? Enjoyed your video and subscribed. Think that everyone hikes and has different needs/wants so you have to take the videos out there with that in mind.

[@patriciamoscato6586]

That backpack seems small

[@DonnellPrince]

USGI PONCHO IS YOU BET, OR GORTEX FOR THE RAIN. DD light weight tarp.