what you don't see...

[@meln5499]

Love the transparency and honesty! It is so important to convey that everyone has their own skill level, planning, and fitness level. The fantasy life of social media can be toxic, intimidating and only giving your the highlight snap shot in time is not the entire story. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keeping it real.

[@amanda.outside]

Absolutely! I find that social media really can make hiking look so carefree and effortless, which is definitely not the case for me. Glad you liked the video and thank you for commenting!

[@boblem5994]

As I continue to age the hardest thing for me was increasing limits on the activities I used to do as a younger man. Now with the added issues of health related problems I find my scope of possibilities are currently even shorter. After listening to your "reality" video I know now my hiking days are over. However, I gain a lot of solice in the fact your videos touch on so many aspects about the great outdoors. I could establish a campsite and be at a lake surrounded by mountains without busting a sweat except for setting up and taking down the gear. Read a book, sketch or paint on canvas, shoot photos, anything to embrace being outside. Presently, even with my medical issues I can pursue that camp trip of the near future. Because your videos are so diverse and helpful I have you and your videos to ease the way. Thank you Amanda for being such a great educator.

[@rebeccaj5577]

Love that you are so real and share the pain and grind behind the beautiful summit photos! I always have loved the quote “be where your feet are” I try to always remember this when I wish I was at the top already.

[@amanda.outside]

I love that quote! It's so easy to focus on the summit and just getting to the top, but I always try to remind myself to be present, slow down, and notice the details of nature around me. I enjoy my hikes a lot more when I do! Thanks for sharing!

[@WHOAyouguys]

Thank you for posting this. My husband and I are from North Carolina so we're used to mountains half the height of the ones out west. We hiked Timpanogos and didn't summit. Not because of the physical difficulties, but because the elevation was throwing off my breathing a lot so I had what I believe was a panic attack. Another factor into that was the heights and some narrow parts of the path that I wasn't really expecting. We ended up going right below the saddle and stopped because fear kinda overwhelmed me. Ever since then I wish I would've just went to at least the saddle, but I'm so grateful we got to experience everything leading up to that part, totalling 13 miles. Even though we didn't complete the hike, that's the longest hike I've ever done and I was still proud of how far I got. (Also, the meadows and mountain goats were amazing. Never seen either before.) This video is reassuring, now I feel a little better haha.

[@amanda.outside]

You definitely should be proud of how far you got. Mt. Timpanogos is a challenging hike. My boyfriend did not make it to the summit on that hike. He is a very experienced hiker and has summited mountains higher than Timpanogos, but for whatever reason, on that day, he just wasn't feeling well and he knew that it was best to stop pushing forward. As I said in the video, it's so important to listen to your body and not be attached to the outcome of getting to the top when you know that it just doesn't feel right to keep pushing forward. Also, for me, the wildflowers in the meadow and the mountain goats were my favorite part of that hike, so you really didn't miss much by not getting to the saddle 😊

[@WHOAyouguys]

@@amanda.outside I definitely feel a lot better now. And like you said, there are tons of people that just zoom by on the trail, so that was discouraging me a little toward then end, but it was still a beautiful/rewarding day overall. Thanks so much for the transparency, it really helps me not feel so discouraged. 😊 Looking forward to seeing future videos. ♡

[@monolineart4936]

Hi Amanda, I totally agree! There’s so much more to a hike than getting to the top. For me it can be about getting through the emotional challenges of wanting to give up. I was wondering if you ever get anxiety about hiking alone? I love hiking but because I have no one to hike with, sometimes I’ll plan a whole hike and then get anxious and not go. I just imagine something bad will happen and I’ll be alone. I feel like I’m really missing out on a lot of experiences because of my anxiety (mainly caused by society telling us we should never do anything alone). Can you relate? Do you have any strategies to overcome the fear? I love watching your videos and your hikes always look beautiful :)

[@emilyvian8853]

I relate to this so much! I feel very similarly. I would love if she did a video on this because she seems fearless!

[@mandyinseattle]

Thank you, so helpful! Next video will be How to read a topo map, yes? :) When I lived in Seattle and hiked with The Mountaineers it was the best experience ever and I miss them and hiking in the NW. Hiking with a group is fun and safe. Hiking in so cal is very different bc I almost fainted twice from heat, and I haven't done a good hike in almost 2 years (partly due to covid). This video is inspiring to try it again when it's not super hot. I'll join a Meetup group soon and will hit the trail again.

[@amanda.outside]

Meetup groups are a great way to find new hiking buddies! Glad this inspired you to get out there! Thanks for watching.

[@RobinT-treehugger]

AMEN.....The summit is not the only place on the mountain. Amen. Wish my hubby understood that sometimes.

[@awkward-stranger]

Amanda, thank you so much for this video. As a "senior" hiker. These things you taught today are very important for us ancients! Bless you!

[@amanda.outside]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@hjr2693]

Great insight. I love hiking so much and people think I just run up the mountain too. Evertime I hike it is hard, and that is the beauty and the work and the reward of it. It always kicks my butt, and I push through and am so rewarded, but it is rarely easy.

[@proudlyindian001]

Amaaandaaa aaaa haaaa 😍😙😙😙😘

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I love this topic! It’s SO important, and we don’t see it enough. People can get so caught up in a summit or end goal and lose sight of safety and getting home intact (with health and sanity in check). Thank you for this, Amanda!

[@lifestidepools]

Great video! The only thing I'd add is to carefully look at the distance, does it factor round trip or just to the summit? I always have to remind my husband ( and myself) to read the map CAREFULLY, the trail may be marked as easy but there and back may equal quite a trip!

[@amanda.outside]

Definitely! You don't the hike to be twice as long as you thought it would be. Thank you for watching!

[@thurs391]

Goog job

[@jamespayette7574]

Hey Amanda….another video chock full of valuable information. I look so forward to your videos.

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you James! 😊

[@atlanticacres1816]

Thank you for exposing this. Social media tends to show the "best" for enjoyment or the "worst" for bait. Thank you for being honest about your skill level and philosophy. Bravo!

[@amanda.outside]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

Reality! YES!!! Thank you for your honesty & integrity. ❤👍 Same thing with vanlifers. Yes, I will post that amazing sunset over the mountains(got one just the other day, it was beautiful!) - but no, I didn't take a pic or video of myself in the Cracker Barrel parking lot in West Memphis at 90+ degrees and 90% humidity(this was in August 2021), parked within a literal stone's throw from I-40, one of the nation's busiest coast-to-coast highways. It was sooooo loud & sooooo hot & sweaty, I got almost zero sleep that night and still had almost 1,500 miles to go. But I DID honestly talk about it on my Facebook page. It's NOT easy & beautiful ALL the time, in fact MOST of the time... but those 'money shots', to borrow a vulgar term, makes it all worth it. And I am 54 years old & permanently disabled. Reality! What a concept! 😁👍 Love what you do! You are a great role model. ☺

[@donaldguertin3968]

I started hiking with the Boy Scouts back in the very early 60's. Following the Boy Scout Motto of Being Prepared, our Scout Master had us do a lot of what you brought out in this very good educational video: Prepare. Get the maps, including the TOPO ones. Plan the hike accordingly. Bring all the maps with you. Don't forget to tell someone where you are going and expected time back. I leave a copy o the maps with the trails marked with the person I let know where I will be. Any changes made on the trail I call or text to whom I left my info with. Happy trails!

[@jodyanglebrandt531]

Definitely agree. I did a hike recently Hope Point in Alaska.. and it was extremely difficult for me the last mile or so. I forced myself to finish because I didn’t think I would ever do it again. Made it up, but hiking down I was so exhausted, my legs felt like jelly. My legs were so tired that I was having hard time with keeping from twisting my ankles, and not really being as careful as I usually would be. I probably was not prepared for that one, and should have turned around.

[@adventurepantsmcgee]

Haha, I prefer weights to cardio, as well. 💚 While I cannot push myself to run regularly (the easiest of the cardio option IMHO), I enjoy tennis and rowing which I consider cardio. The one time that I trained for a half marathon, I made sure that I was also listening to an audiobook to make sure that I wasn't completely bored out of my mind. 😂

[@schadowolf]

Thanks for keeping it real! Excellent video and you speak the truth!

[@GenevieveFB]

I have found that doing HIIT and Tabata with weights, also pilates and yoga, to be extremely helpful. Walking up steep hills and climbing over rocks and sometimes fallen trees is a lot easier. ... I agree! the summit is only half the climb. While we do not having any mountains where I live, I still have to make the return trip back to the car. I never look at it as going back but hiking from a different perspective.

[@ParadoxAssassin]

Super humbling. Can always count on learning a few things from your videos.

[@ThisIsUnused]

So, the hike you did (the Insta post) was around 16 miles out and back? Impressive for a single day and especially with that elevation. I tend to use AllTrails for my hikes and I've come to realize that it isn't very accurate on mileage and difficulty rating but I can generally trust it to keep me on trail

[@daynachanley1115]

Great video! Sooo true..all of it. It would be really cool to have a short “struggle” clip in each video, to offset the success of the summit. Ps..i secretly want to trip those hikers that zip by on the steep sections , barely breathing as I try desperately to reinflate my lungs😜. Love what you do!

[@mastandstars5869]

It would be so cool to see you at home opening these apps, maps and other planning tools and filming in real time you talking out with your hiking companion how that might look, how many actual stops, and ideas for if it’ll be a stop & snack or if it’s a stop for lunch, what the rest of the day might entail after a hike of whatever level, etc. I’d definitely love to see more visual in your videos. Gear laid out, packing etc in real time or even filmed post hike or trip. Thanks for your lovely videos.

[@queenelliee]

Would have loved this video 2 weeks ago before going on my first time every hike😭😭 I watched all your hiking videos and was very prepared gear wise but was definitely not prepared for how hard it was. I did my research but no one talked about how you may feel mentally

[@waltermann4272]

Thank you Amanda! I love all the information & your genuine honesty! Your videos are truly inspiring! I've been considering taking my first hike for two years now, but my biggest fear is running into someone will ill intentions, and so far I've not heard any solo hikers mention this. Do you ever have this fear? Is it a legitimate concern or are these scenarios so rare it shouldn't be a concern really?

[@mhyntea]

One of my favorite videos from you! Thank you for showing the realities and truth about hiking. 🙏

[@bonitavasquez1202]

Thank you for sharing you do a great job of keeping it real I appreciate that Great thank you ! Im having problems finding information on some of the trails that I would like to hike definitely just day hiking trails no more than 5 miles long how do you get the satellite or topical graphics on trails ? Im not very internet savvy !!

[@lyndawilson1874]

Excellent video! Thank you for letting us in on all the details of your hard work. You really do make it look easy! 😀💪👍🏼

[@evelynbrown5432]

Great video!!! It makes me feel less embarrassed about getting out of breath on a hike. I recently did a 10 mile hike and at the end my ankles were very sore even to the touch. Do you have any suggestions on what I can change to prevent that next time?

[@timsamoa5944]

CrossFit is a great way to give yourself a repetitive strain injury and as you lose your age and get older, you won’t be able to hike long distances . Look after your body

[@marybronzich9733]

Such important information! Thank you for sharing.

[@watercolorandsunshine]

This is important as a lot of instagram and youtube videos are edited to the best parts. Its hard to tell if you're a newbie if you can do things others can. Preparation is everything!

[@theresabassemier9901]

I love your videos, they offer a great deal of useful information. Thanks for sharing!

[@EmptyEnigma]

Thank you for your honesty. This is really important information!

[@johnmeyers541]

Thank you for telling it like it is. Very valuable.

[@clrobinson1776]

Great video! Sometimes I watch videos & think how do they do that? Love the quote! Works for the rest of life too.

[@sunnizebra]

Love the quote you shared. 🙂 thanks for doing this video!

[@cheriwaller7598]

This was such a great video and so true!!!!!!

[@queenanne94101]

THANK YOU for this!! 🙏

[@nat.in.nature]

SO much planning…and driving!

[@wecanseeu2]

Great info!! Thank you!

[@proudlyindian001]

Aaaallll mineee 😍😙😙😙

[@sunshines9186]

Yasss great video

[@emilyvian8853]

This is so important. We often compare ourselves to others and sometimes will put ourselves in dangerous positions because we believe that if we didn't finish the hike or make it to the top then the hike isn't valid. It's important to be able to call it a day if something is too hard for you! Also yes, take breaks, take your time getting to the top, it's all about the journey. I have friends that zip to the top and I'm like ok did you even enjoy the hike or did you just hike just to say you completed this hike

[@amanda.outside]

The way I hike has changed a lot in the last couple years. I challenge myself to notice details along the way, practice identifying plants, and really just enjoy the moment instead of focusing so much on reaching the summit or end destination. Another quote that I love and think about when I'm hiking goes something like "how far you go matters less than what you notice". Thanks for watching!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello Amanda, thanks for sharing this with us. We usually just see the positive clips of an adventure and not the full adventure. Must keep that in mind when we plan our adventure. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@busyboy3497]

How long did it take you to get to the peak? Just curious

[@amanda.outside]

Honestly, I don't totally remember. The hike was about 8 miles and I think it took us around 7 hours roundtrip.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

Great video, Amanda, thank you for making it. Backcountry Exposure recently vlogged a day when he gave up less than mid-hike, & it was so raw + honest, & I respected it so much. Otherwise, this doesn't get talked about anywhere near enough, & _it's important_ . So thank you. You're a real one. ❤

[@richardreed6249]

I know the feeling. Many times I am my greatest critic. I have come to the realization that I am old, fat, and slow. I am ok with that, and make sure everyone that I hike with understands that.

[@stephenjones6902]

Thanks Amanda,I guess its mostly common sense but great information and food for thought.

[@emiliejacques9446]

You are someone that I look up to and admire, and it is reassuring to hear that everyone faces physical challenges in hiking.

[@helenvwalker7919]

Such sensible advice. Some hike leaders think they can encourage people to get way out of their comfort zone on a walk. Instead they need to learn to be aware of the limits of the whole group and sometimes that means that everyone needs to go back down together.

[@noraward4741]

Loved this Amanda! Especially the trail “rating” - I usually look for “moderate” trails. I hope to hike the AT someday. A few months ago I did a teeny tiny section of it! I mean, like 5 miles. It was rated “moderate” and I was literally crawling on my hands and knees for a big portion of that 5 miles. I finished the loop, but still came out so discouraged. I felt like a total failure. This lesson from you was just what I needed to kick me in the pants. Thank you!

[@byronpyles996]

I loved this video, thank you for covering this. This type of content saves lives. It's also great to hear an experienced hiker talk about managing fatigue. Love the quote !

[@chriscon8463]

Great video, Amanda! Thank you for making it. Self-awareness, knowing one’s limits, & assessing risk is something I find more important the older I get!

[@DerekTrowbridge]

So true and so great of you to share this for everyone :)

[@Luna-ze3fz]

a lot of love for you Amanda💟❤️

[@deborahschaub2925]

Everything everyone else said. I know I’ll have to take it easy when I DO get back to hiking and backpacking as I’m MUCH more advanced in my age. Currently 62. Still young, yes YET, I know i can do this again. I miss it ! I’m so THANKFUL & GRATEFUL to you for your vlogs. Keep safe and enjoy where your feet are. Deb

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you Deb! I'm really glad you enjoy the videos.

[@tracyrupp764]

I am making a huge, life-changing move to a different state and a different job, for lots of reasons, but also to be closer to beautiful hiking and Nature, (Hocking Hills in Ohio). It's a ton of work, but it really helps me to know that what you make seem so effortless is hard work for you, too. I'm going to make a plaque with the quote you shared, about the summit not being the only place on the mountain, and put it where I can see it every day, because it really struck a deep chord with me. Thanks so much for all you do!!!

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome Tracy! It really is such a simple but powerful quote. I think about it all the time, especially when I'm hiking.

[@rosiereads7934]

This is a great topic, thank you for introducing it. My thoughts: I liked how you said in your mind you referenced running the court when you're on the trail or planning a hike. I do the same in my mind with my in-town lake that I walk/run . . . however . . . (experienced hikers will know this but newer hikers might not yet realize that . . . ) a 5-mile hike in general would take me about 2.9 hours to hike whereas if I'm just walking my lake at home (5 miles), it only takes me 1.4 hours, so keeping that in your mind as you're planning for and enduring a hike is a game changer for being able to mentally tackle the task. This also indicates the next thing, which is plan for hours of daylight--estimating how long a hike will take and then planning how you're going to make it back to your car on time--I like to shoot for 2 hours before sunset, which leaves me a margin--that way when things don't go well, there is still wiggle room to adjust the plan and make it back before dark. Also crucial on this point is before you leave your car at the trailhead, estimate a hard "turn around" time--the absolute no-arguments time that you will commit to turning around if you haven't yet made your goal. So if you're leaving at noon and you need to be back at your car by 6:00, then your turnaround time would be 3:00 or so (although if you're going uphill, you know your return will be faster downhill, so you could make your turnaround time like 4:00 in that case). This also means researching when sunrise/sunset is on that particular day in that particular location, remembering that, depending on what the topography is, your "sunset" may be earlier than the weather report says because of the sun going behind the mountain or ridge. Two more things: researching road conditions, particularly snow/ice, and researching the condition/presence of of snow on the trail and being prepared for either of those things or possibly delaying the hike plan for another time. And also researching current trail conditions, such as trail washouts, ropes/cables down, bridges out, fire damage, trails temporarily closed/diverted, level of rivers/springs that need to be crossed, and even the current "bugs" forecast. On this I find invaluable to read current trip reports on various websites of folks who have just hiked the same trail within the past week or couple of weeks. I ALSO go back a year in the past to read year-old trip reports for the date that I want to hike to get more of an idea what date-specific challenges I might be facing.

[@amanda.outside]

Hi Sara! These are all really great tips! I love how much research and planning you do before hikes. It's so important to be prepared. Thank you for sharing!

[@samz8857]

Thank you for sharing! I'm a novice hiker and I live in a state with "hills" rather than mountains - this summer I went hiking in New Hampshire and OH BOY I had no idea what real mountains were like beforehand! It was SO hard and I felt pretty dumb for thinking it wouldn't be. In the end we did have fun and it will always be a memorable experience but I love hearing about you training for challenging hikes because it makes me feel like I could accomplish a mountain again IF I take the time to prepare.

[@amanda.outside]

Preparation is everything - both physically and mentally. I went to college in New Hampshire. It's so beautiful over there, especially this time of year. Glad you had a fun hike! 😁

[@sophia-O]

I love this video. I just summited Mt. Angeles a few weeks ago. All of my photos were breathtaking but nobody besides the people who were on the trail👣 with me understood what we REALLY accomplished. It's rough but it is worth it and nobody ever prepares better then you Amanda! Another amazing video 😊

[@amanda.outside]

Yay!! I'm so glad you felt prepared and had an awesome hike! 🤗

[@gottorox]

Thank you so much for being real! I feel like so often in the outdoors community we only are presented with the summit pic or the perfect "van life" set up and don't see the realities behind it. You are always full of thoughtful and well presented information, I always look forward to watching your videos. Keep up the awesome work :)

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you Chelsea! I really appreciate your comment.