What No One Admits About Quitting the AT - Why I Quit the Appalachian Trail

[@davidsixtwo]

This is the #1 reason to quit. If you really don't like doing it, why are you doing it? 100% agree.

[@TheJhtlag]

I've asked a lot of through-hikers that "...then why are you doing it"? And they screw up their faces "But, but..." and then try to explain something that they can't articulate. To be fair, I sorta understand, finish what you started stuff or just the desire to "be something." just how you see yourself: are you a desk job guy or are you ...this guy?

[@MrsJoyism]

I love this, and I have a lot of comments! 1) I think you’re right about quitting because you don’t want to be there anymore, but I also think that as a multiple time thruhiker, your perspective is different. First time thruhikers often have something to prove to themselves, and I think that’s okay. Sometimes you need to be able to show yourself that you can do hard things, epic things. Once you know you can, it’s easier to let go of an endeavor like a thruhike once you realize it’s not serving you anymore. 2) Do you think the late-trail depression you get is influenced by the nutrition and physical strain? 3) Thailand looks amazing. 4) Kudos on the meditation habit! It’s beneficial, but I struggle to meditate for 20 minutes. An hour a day is superb. 5) Thanks for destigmatizing depression. A lot of people watch you and I think even this one video could have a big impact. 6) It’s wonderful to see you happy.

[@joefau1]

I didn't get hooked on your videos because I am into thru hiking, im hooked on your videos because your such an interesting guy living a lifestyle that's alternative to 9-5 with 2 kids and a minivan.

[@ANo-qo4wk]

As someone who also has depression. Dang…to hear you talk about it on video was powerful. Im a 41 year old weekend warrior in the backpacking department and I look up to you as a solid guy. Now even more so.

[@patvogt1106]

Thank you for being so open about mental health struggles as a young guy. Honesty helps break the stigma. Looking forward to seeing the conclusion of the AT series and whatever comes next.

[@seasoldier3902]

I attempted the AT in 2020. The trail closed because of the pandemic, so I returned to the UK. I wanted to return and did so in 2023. I soon discovered that I did not have the stamina let alone the fitness to complete this adventure; so I returned home. Do I feel disappointed? Somewhat. However, I reflected on my efforts. I had nothing to prove. I was 71 on my second attempt. I did enjoy my experience and settled for hiking in the UK to satisfy my wanderlust! I met some lovely people and have memories that can be shared if anyone will listen! One door closed and another one opened. As you have stated how many people have attempted the AT let alone walked along it? Well done mate!

[@MyCatIsSmarter]

It has to be more difficult to travel so far to hike the AT. I used to live in Harper's Ferry about at the mid point of the AT

[@marcusvaldes]

I've heard that the UK has some amazing trails/foot paths.

[@Oldsparkey]

The biggest restraint a person has is themselves. At lease that is the way I look at life especially now , I'm retired. If it is not fun or something I really want to do , then I don't do it. I appreciate your honesty and have to agree with you. When a person takes forever to explain something then it is not totally true. Found that out after 27 years in Law Enforcement.

[@edgeveg]

You know yourself very well, we love your content but want you take care of yourself first. You chose to change things up, glad to see you making the most of life instead of going through the motions,

[@Casual_BackPacking]

This is the wisest man on youtube in relation to thru hiking

[@colbypark1311]

Glad you’re doing well Jack! Missing the videos but understand things can get hectic. Appreciate all you’re doing!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Being transparent is the best way to be honest with yourself and others. Great video and discussion on this particular subject. 🤙🏽

[@danielstoddart]

Great video (BTW, I guessed why you quit when I saw you weren't doing videos anymore). I think the two biggest reasons people quit the AT is because they don't feel like being out there anymore, and that they had false expectations of what a through hike really is like. I think there are some videos out there that have increased the misperceptions. Some people might get the impression that it's all about food or all about hanging out with your friends or all about sleeping in a tent every night or all about looking at beautiful vistas. But it's really just about hiking every day.

[@marcusvaldes]

I mean, he completed it NOBO

[@patticarey9016]

Thru hiking the AT unfortunately has become a pseudo cult goal due to all the social media, and it's taken on a life of its own for many people. Your video is a breath of fresh air and desperately needed as too many people in this pseudo cult have tied completion of a thru hike to their personal worth. Thank you for this video! 👍🏻

[@hkdansk]

So well said! Thanks for putting this out in the world and being so transparent. All the best to you and your health journey.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Triple crowner - (not that you were trying or ever cared), but you have already proven you are a 100% a beast. Helping the folks in those towns was awesome Jack. You have a good dang heart and are a tough soul. Also…I wonder - do you notice you feel good pushing/driving towards a mountainous goal, but then down and out when that goal has been accomplished? I have been this way my whole life. It is so weird, almost like I rise and love a challenge, but then feel sad once it is complete. If I am not just going after something hard core - I don’t do well. It’s a weird conundrum for me, bc sometimes I just feel worn slap out. That was a much longer comment than I meant for - thanks therapist Jack 😅!

[@richardross7219]

Good to see you. There are many reasons for doing or not doing something. 50+ years ago, in the Army, a MSG told me that as long as you wake up alive the next day, you didn't screw up too bad. One night as we were digging in, he came by and laughed at us saying "you realize that you're digging your own graves". I'm glad that you're recovering. After my wife died, I found that following thru hikers relieved my depression. Happy Holidays. Good Luck, Rick

[@atsubill2]

i just ran across your pic in the ATC hiker photo archive! Speaking of, it's cool looking thru all pics, esp the Polaroids beginning from 1979

[@RoscioPonce]

Love your content! keep sharing all your adventures with is

[@jamesbailey9838]

💯 Thank you for your Relief help.

[@Muffin1280]

Dude, thank you for sharing this. It helps.

[@Attya-y2y]

It's crazy to me that nowadays, a lot of people have turned hiking into either a job (but not paid) or a competition. For many, it's about doing difficult hikes so you can either feel proud of yourself, or display your accomplishments on social media, oftentimes both. I wonder how many of those people would still do those hikes if social media didn't exist and noone would ever hear or know about the hikes they did. The only that would be left are people who actually walk for themselves and not for what people will think about them. But among those there would still be some that actually set themselves challenges and beat themselves up in case of lack of success. Feeling guilty about not finishing a hike is just next level, in my opinion. It's like bringing a productivist mindset in an activity that doesn't actually produce anything. An activity that's supposed to bring you peace of mind and health shouln't be the cause of stress, injuries, and depression (in my opinion, of course).

[@marcusvaldes]

Exactly spot on. I remember a hiking shop in Gatlinburg, TN back in the 90s. Anyone in there that was a hiker was basically doing it for the love of hiking and there weren't any cameras!!

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍 i love the honesty. Stay safe on your journeys.

[@johnmca5643]

I visited Chang Mai Thailand 37 years ago. I hear its night and day different. I remember getting off the bus and being met by a dozen women advertising a place to stay. They had a photo album of the place and room. It was a much smaller city back in those days.

[@dorlajacobson3077]

Love the honesty and how you respect yourself enough to make a 'best' decision.

[@sheilastevens7956]

Thanks for being real.

[@John-ub9dl]

Thanks for the videos!

[@konfaxo]

good to see you man! happy training ! thx for the video

[@roadrunnerhikes]

Started writing messages to you yesterday . Glad your Alive. Happy Hiking,Roadrunner

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Thanks for being such a Nobel guy and for your help cleaning up.

[@grahames9228]

Glad you are back on track (mentally and physically). Looking forward to future videos.

[@greg.jacobs]

Great conversation, thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@Woodthrush]

Living your best life IS the ultimate! Good for you! Peace and Blessings 🌈🕊🙏

[@nicktheavatar_]

Man you are so human, Quadzilla. You have such life-changing philosophies that can impact and touch so many people. So happy to see you thriving financially and doing more meditation and training mauy thai, honestly a dream of mine, what youre doing, Thank you for talking about your mental health struggles I can relate with them a lot. I'm broke af and 26 years old and I live an adventurous life (working at a ski resort right now!) and just cause we have all these incredible experiences doesnt mean its not hard. But your videos always gives me hope and show me that I can accomplish my dreams and live a dream life with financial freedom. Thank you.

[@pringerx]

Love seeing your updates and growth, keep it up!

[@mogain9258]

Well said Quadzilla!

[@JohnBishard]

Glad you are doing well and you are enjoying life.

[@tinwenwalks]

Just awesome. Thanks for sharing some hard-earned insight with us. 🙏

[@sjmccu]

Thank You! great post and congrats on living your best life.

[@paperandpavement]

Awesome take my brother. I bet it felt like a weight lifted from your shoulders when you made that decision. The Ego is a helluva force.

[@douglasjones3930]

Glad you are doing well. Looking forward to the videos. Thanks for sharing them!

[@romererunamerika9437]

80% mental 20% physical And if you are not enjoying it then why are you doing it? Glad you're enjoying yourself in Thailand. Take care brother.!

[@1024Pete]

Thanks for sharing your life’s philosophy. Much appreciated and helpful. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

[@h-lorolltide92]

Glad to hear you're doing well and enjoying life. All the best!

[@driftwood4458]

Thanks for sharing. We appreciate your honesty.

[@davidallison1582]

I have really enjoyed your videos , they rock. I'm 57 I would have had no clue at 37 to do what you are doing now.

[@kellybridges4795]

Welcome back! All the best!

[@jroseme]

Great video. Lots of young people will benefit from the message! I quit my thru hike in ‘09 at the 2/3ds mark. I was soul searching post military, kept spending too much time sleeping in and enjoying my lengthy morning coffees and kept losing my friend groups lol. I remember the day I quit very vividly. The mosquitos that day were just aggravating me to no end, and I was resorting to jogging to stop getting swarmed, but those bastards kept catching me. There was a left turn off the trail that went into town and I just noped out. I think I got what I needed but would love to do it all the way some day with close friends or family.

[@rondawil2845]

Do you feel like the onset of Fall causes symptoms of depression more? Also I love the outdoors and after being there in the solitude alone for more than a few days.. I will start to feel emotional... I think it's wonderful that you can be completely honest about your hike, and mental health..I'm happy you are doing well.. blessings

[@jbro4779]

Well said!

[@rachelmertz9947]

Glad your are living and loving life, Jack!

[@ejgottl]

Thanks for talking about quitting. wise words. take care of yourself.

[@1519Spring]

Excited for you and glad to see you happy!

[@RC-qf3mp]

Great video. I ‘quit’ thru hikes for the same reason i quit eating a giant hot fudge sundae. I’m full. I’ve had enough. Done. The body knows when it’s done and it’s absurd for the mind to ignore that. It’s one thing to tough out difficult situations and overcome challenges. It’s another to just hurt your mind, body and/or soul. Besides, there’s no such thing as a ‘thru’ hike b/c you can always go farther, and so you aren’t ‘done’ when you end, you just ‘quit’. And you can always go shorter, in which case you can’t criticize somebody as ‘not’ being a ‘thru’ hiker if they get off. It’s stupid labels that attempt to internalize external standards of validation, which is anathema to the whole point of going into nature and out of civilization.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you for sharing and continuing to be so inspirational. 💙🙏🏼 Love & light to you.

[@marlo7218]

Thanks for this- the talk was very meaningful and helpful! Glad you are in a good space now.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Good to see you, Jack! Thanks for the update, I was wondering where you'd got to 😊

[@LucasBaxter-bf4uy]

You could do another update video on how you make money and manage finances. That last one was good!

[@db.mc2]

Hi Jack 👋🏻 So good to hear from you my friend, and to know you're doing well 👍🏻 Thank you for your honesty, and reasoning for this video. Wish I could have met up with you on your north bound, but never knew where you were at. Stay safe and take care. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. God Bless ✝️ Appreciate you always my friend 🙏🏻 Thank you for all your volunteering to help the people in need. 🙂

[@chrisheyer1]

Same with a job your in. If you are not happy there anymore and you wish to find another one. Do it! Its ok. We are here only for a short time. God bless.

[@JasonHikes1]

Makes perfect sense!

[@Peter-hn1hj]

yo, we're rooting for you. thanks for showing us how to live a fulfilling life.

[@davef5916]

dont quit on a bad day is sage advice - same goes for a job, relationship, or any kind of pursuit

[@Rkolb2798]

You will know when you’re feeling great because you will start planning your next hike

[@cynthiaberry2019]

Wow! Thanks for giving people the freedom to do what is right for them!!!

[@marcusvaldes]

This video should actually be titled "Why I quit hiking the AT--after hiking the AT" LOL

[@mulchies]

Great to see you! Happy holidays!❤

[@joankline343]

I was wondering what happened to you. I figured you were still working on the trails. Good luck with the new adventure! 😉 I'm looking forward to following you.

[@mattjosh69]

It’s funny to me you mentioned Thailand, I’ve been going to Thailand for 3 months at a time training in Muay Boran Krabi Krabong an Muay Thai and loved every minute of it. I was 41 the first time I went been 5 more times since. But been looking at doing the AT just for a change I’m not getting any younger, so planning to do it in 2026 all going well. And hopefully the full trail will be hiker able by then.

[@JRoss707]

I have enjoyed your content over the years, Quadzilla, as well as listening to you on podcasts. This is what, your third hike of the AT? You definitely don’t owe anyone an explanation. I do believe an endeavor that requires such a long time and physical sacrifice does need some sort of end game to keep your motivation up, for example, the goal of completing your first thru-hike, a triple crown, FKT, etc..

[@TheJhtlag]

Yeah, the whole conversation around "quitting" and/or purist who tell you who's a through-hiker and who is not is a little insane. There are even hikers who complete the trail and kind of humorously but maybe not say "Don't do it" It can take its toll too. I mean, I get it can be a right of passage but if you're not enjoying yourself why do it? You're not going to impress too many people, it's only for yourself.

[@Killuminatiforlyfe]

Doing it on the 1000 bucks is torture. I did it for 2000 and it sucked

[@EarthSurfer]

I quit the CDT with 600 miles remaining when my connection/ community off the trail became more important than my life on the trail. It might have been due to the relative solitude of the CDT (2007 had everyone spread out piecing together the trail due to late snow and early wildfires.) I have never regretted the decision. This also signaled the end of my big trail decade. I did a number of 2-4 week trails, but never again found the burning in my soul to wander out for 4-6 months.

[@raremagpie]

I quit a 400km hike last year after about 300km. I know it's not quite the same scale as the AT, but I had definitely pushed myself beyond my expectations. My shoes completely fell apart, and I just felt like it was finished. Letting go is sometimes the hardest part.

[@patrastall2083]

Good decision....you have nothing to prove. Calendar Year Triple showed what you can do...Follow your bliss.

[@gingrai00]

This is good advice but it’s also important to consider that an AT thru hike is also some very solid type 2 fun and you can’t have type 2 fun if you stop… I swore I would never hike again let alone thru hike again but I hiked more the year after the AT than I had any year prior and my wife and I are going to do the PCT next year. It’s hard to say you quit after you finished the whole thing just because you didn’t yo yo😂👊

[@rickgault5349]

I had to drop out in 2022. It was a NOBO that ended in Roanoke, Va. I still feel bad about it. The physicians I saw back home said I made the right decision. Turns out I had a Baker’s cyst behind my knee. My lower leg swelled up like a melon. My ankle became a kankle. Despite what the physicians said, I feel like I failed. As they say, the trail isn’t going anywhere, however, the trek doesn’t just affect me. Looks like I will have to do it in sections.

[@LindaRamus]

Yep. Why I left CDT New Mexico this year. Just didn’t want to do it anymore. Just not then. Going back next year cause even after 50 years, still love it.

[@rogerc7972]

I can be completely immersed in the trail vibe within a couple days. 3 or 4 days is "enough" for me. I never want to finish a trail!

[@marcusvaldes]

Interesting person. Subscribed.

[@mentalmadness9783]

I would have needed this video 10 years ago, before bike packing got really big I decided I wanted to do it, I was just out for a week and then decided to turn around, it was NOT my thing, at all. Dodging traffic, the loneliness, never being able to relax when vehicles passed me. Before that I had been backpacking New Zealand and Japan for 4 months and I was already feeling that I was done with solo travelling. The original plan was the bike packing, but I went early with the backpacking, I needed to get off the rat race for a while and quick so I did. I got all I wanted from NZ/JP but I felt obliged to at the least try my original plan, but it really sucked. On my way home I got hit by a car and the rest is a long story... I'm fine, I think now almost 10 years later, but I had serious problems with panic attacks after the crash, as soon as I heard the sound of a vehicle behind me I would get tensed up. I stopped riding bikes on roads completely and now I'm only mountain biking. Long story short, I quit the bike packing because it sucked and I felt shame and regret a long time after but it was unnecessary.

[@Bluemerlehikes]

You should try some smaller trails for abit we have some nice ones in the uk😉 im doing the coast to coast in April only 190 miles

[@drytool]

I will read your book!

[@KaraKirtley]

Awesome, thanks for always being honest. I didn't know you were a Thai Fighter!? (boxer?!) Thailand is awesome.

[@wio2189]

Not true, it matters. Achievement matters. Keeping going and overcoming hardship matters. Pushing yourself matters. Maybe your success has made you overcome this (or the shrooms, lol) but for most people it should matter.

[@frankynodots]

Fuk yeah bro. I am 5 seconds behind you.

[@lizadams6177]

What’s with the hikers that seem lost off the trail? They seem to have trouble finding new goals.

[@bobkilgore]

The game is called Takraw.

[@MattFinch-f2w]

Perfect 👍

[@ppalom2245]

Thanks for the insights. The depression you feel could be your poor diet. Living on Ramen the whole trail? Yikes. There are healthier ways to hike. And could also explain you gaining weight and loosing your fitness. Good luck on your journey.

[@Touchin-Grass]

Didn't you already to a calendar triple crown ? XD We forgive you my man lol!

[@christopherch7307]

The tree behind you ... what is it called?.... my wife says it looks fake.😂 I know it's real though. 👍🐿👍

[@fire7side]

I kind of wanted to hike the AC until I found out there were sections I couldn't bring my dog. Then I just didn't want to do it anymore. I do some weekend trips. Do other things like riding motorcycle. Mostly just day hiking. I heard there are some trails you are expected to pack out your poop. No thanks. The government and people in power can totally ruin everything.

[@puddking]

Hey weren't you the fit gamer? I remember watching you years back.

[@puddking]

Healthy Gamer

[@NickWangOG]

@@puddking Yes, he was

[@marci8435]

nais Quads bro

[@mikkol79]

1:20 - takra..?

[@MSD-bp6mx]

Wait. Thailand, Chiang Mai or AT? What kinda dilemma is that😂

[@AR-md2tz]

Hey, can I ask how/where you found a room for 300 USD a month?

[@mtadams2009]

My friend who is retired goes to Thailand every year from November to the end of April and he rents a very nice apartment for 700 dollars a month. He says he could easily get a much cheaper place but he likes the location. He also says he never cooks and eats out every meal because the food is very inexpensive and much better than his general US diet.

[@marcusvaldes]

No one quits the AT, they are just "off trail"

[@iamjoshkoop]

This take is poor for those who can only get one opportunity. You have been blessed being able to quit and not care. Also I assume using low quality gear didnt help you and since you've done it you have less care to finish nor pressure to finish.

[@mars_hikes967]

Now I am personally disappointed! You quit after doing just one little tiny trail in a season? That you hiked at least 3 times and didn't wanted to do a fourth time? I expect at least a solid border to border CYTC next year, you can maybe hike with Peg Leg or have an epic race against her (good for catchy YT videos), she says it's just 8400 miles, you can do this before breakfast! But be careful, according to herself and a statement she did on thetrek (public) she is a psycho.