Which Trail Should You Hike? - How To Thru Hike ep1

[@JupiterHikes]

I'll post these videos as often as I can! It takes a bit of work so we'll see how quickly I can do them. Next up is how to prepare for your long distance hike, and then tips to lighten your backpack

[@bugsthatbite348]

showering and toilet often skipped or the guide is like one sentence. do you sponge yourself between visits to town? And how you get a shower in town, they are not exactly lined up in every town. I live in a town full time and have no idea where i can get a quick shower without paying for motel/hotel.

[@zachbackpacks]

@@bugsthatbite348 Many hikers don't take many showers.

[@yayhay1]

You should try the superior hiking trail while only being 300 miles it’s great

[@chadporter5907]

Sell your kids😂 Where do I sign up? JJ😆

[@johnmullholand2044]

Have you ever done the Ohio Buckeye Trail? Been planning on going out for some time. Things kept getting in the way. Hopefully, I'll get it done this year! Fixing to do it in 1700s long hunter gear and garb, as I'm a reenactor, and it seems like it'll be fun.

[@jsweevil]

I've spent most of my life wanting to do the AT. My brother and I got lost on it in the Shenandoahs back around 1972. We went camping and while my mother and sister were setting up the camp site, (we had a pop up trailer), my brother and I went exploring the campground. We got turned around and ended up on a trail and we decided we would go see what was at the end. Needless to say we were tracked down by a ranger after my mother didn't hear anything from us. I think my brother was about 12 and I was around 9 years old at the time. The ranger told us we had to go back and we told her we just wanted to go to the end. She pointed down the trail and said it didn't end until Georgia, then turned around the other way and said that way it ends in Maine. Been wanting to do it ever since. I'm 57 now.

[@michellegoodwin7760]

Do it!!!!!!

[@jsweevil]

@@michellegoodwin7760 wish I could, but taking care of family right now and no way to escape that responsibility.

[@kristymoore7052]

I live near Yosemite and have been all over these mtns. I am your age and at\around 60 I WILL be on the PCT. :)

[@joshwood3]

The second you have the chance, take it.

[@jsweevil]

@@joshwood3 Oh I will, kind of running out of time.

[@willswalkingwest7267]

I walked from Lake County, Florida to Santa Monica Beach. It took 18 months. I left with no idea what I was doing, hit brick walls and kept going. It was an experience of a lifetime, I'm planning on my second walk across the country, Florida to Seattle. I would recommend anyone going outside their comfort zones and experiencing life.

[@thestral1676]

Maybe do something like International Friendship Park in San Diego toVan Buren Maine

[@daniellej8800]

My dad always wanted to hike the AT; I was too young to ever talk with him about it so I've just heard it secondhand from my mom and my grandma, but I know that's the kind of guy my dad was. He was the one to take me and my siblings hiking, camping, boating, just going out in the woods. I am where I am because he taught me to love nature. I didn't appreciate it at the time he left, but I'm learning now what it would have meant to have a relationship where we could have adventures like this. Don't take any time for granted, especially with the people in your life. You're not always guaranteed a next moment.

[@rooknado]

Truer now more than ever, for myself.

[@earlwooten4497]

I don't hike, but I used to be a touring cyclist. The lessons you're teaching here apply exactly the same. My first attempt at touring was a 2,000 mile tour across the south. I lasted about half way before giving up. Six years later, after spending that time doing many one to ten day tours, I took on a 3,500 mile cross country tour and had a great time. My accumulated knowledge helped me through the inevitable rough spots and I had all my gear from my bike down to my pillow dialed in. Your advice to hikers is spot on, and applies equally to other endurance sports.

[@terranceandcopper]

I took yours and similar advice to heart, because it seemed sensible. i took 2 weeks off work and just completed a thru hike of the Ouachita Trail . It was awesome, so my PCT 2022 dream is still alive! Thanks for the tips.

[@philwestmoreland8127]

A lot of great logic on determining why, how, and where to do a long hike. I completed 245 miles which included the entire the John Muir Trail in 2019. Now I am planning for the entire PCT in 2021 going NOBO. This is where my heart has been since the early '70s, but I let life move me in other directions for many years, and so now it is time. I hope to be able to do other long trails, but I am following my heart first. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@LUCKY_LARRY]

Huh. Just read this and realized that I reached Manning Park on this day, 12 years ago. Hope you are in Washington, and staying dry.

[@anotheryoutuber_]

currently falling in love with two to three day hikes. so many more days out, since committing to doing less days in a row. even been picking the worst weather windows just for the fun of the struggle and the variety of new experiences. been learning so much more in the past two years then all of the bigger trip years combined. hike the hikes you love and share them with the people you love. thanks for your content.

[@justmichelle71]

I've sectioned hiked so many trails in my 49 years of living, I can't list them all. I have no shame for not completing because I can't afford to take off work that long and I still get to see some amazing things. I'm a full-time traveler, working seasonal workamping gigs to pay my bills while I get to play on some of the best trails around. My best advice is go light and keep it simple. I'm currently in Utah for the summer and there are so many wonderful little trails that will kick your butt like a big trail with amazing views of red rocks going for eternity. Come out and play, even if it's a park trail.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I’m in Houston Texas, been planning and upgrading all year for my first thru hike, the Lone Star Hiking Trail. I love camping and hiking but never done something that long. Can’t wait to do it, make sure my 41 year old body can handle it and then go for a bigger one! I’ve been obsessed with it, almost all I think about. Love the channel, thanks for all the info!

[@steventerrell2548]

This is not at all what I thought when I seen the intro, very in formative!!!! I'm 62 and I've been through HELL and back a few times. So I'm not scared or soft I lived in the Washington state mountains for over 2 years I loved it. But as This young man is speakING all the mountain stuff is right up in my grill and I realize how dangerous it was!!!!!! VERY GOOD STUFF😎😎😎🥴🥴🥴🌪️🌪️🌪️🌪️🌪️👑

[@kerrir1955]

Just did my first overnight on the Appalachian Trail this past weekend. Where I wound up sleeping on the ground because my pad failed. Definitely better to learn these lessons on a quick trip than on a long one first. Planning a whole section hike of the AT through Ct.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

Or to consider a non-inflatable sleeping pad!

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

@@GuadalupePicasso too heavy, though?

[@four-x-trading5606]

Get a cot or closed foam mattress or both at least they will never fail also a cot is great for warmer weather

[@Eric-rr3zd]

Had to cancel my AT hike this year because 2020 happened. The entire time I was planning it I knew what I really wanted was to hike the CDT but I was afraid I would be in over my head and quit. I think I will forget the AT and just go hard on the research and preparations and go for the CDT. I have never hiked out west in my life, and that is the dream that got me into hiking.

[@JupiterHikes]

There's a lot more information out there now than ever, will it be hard? Absolutely, but is it doable? Absolutely. And certainly a more wild experience than what the AT has become, though still an incredible time

[@domo3552]

Great positivity bro!

[@TheHikingChick1]

You gotta go for it!🤷‍♀️

[@RalphReagan]

I'm planning the CDT first having hiked most of the divide in Colorado but that was when I lived there.

[@sheedove23]

I LOVE this guy! Your soul just shines so brite through every thing that you do. I watch many backpacker channels and your smile makes you my favorite. It's your genuine joy and hapiness....that peace you carry within your self. . . Keep shining your light. 🥰

[@mjlcc55]

Unbelievable video. Best advice I have heard from a hiker yet. Thanks.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

Great info here. Hiking the AT was a dream of mine ever since before I even turned 10. Throughout my youth, I remember several day hikes on the AT in Georgia and North Carolina; and, then reigniting the flame in my lower 20s. I was 24 when I finally decided to commit to doing the AT. I spent the entire next year acquiring gear, and getting info from staff at REI who had previously completed the thruhike. While I did some small day hikes in my area, specifically to condition my body to putting in the miles. One thing that I never did was a “shakedown hike”, to test the mettle of everything from my legs and mental altitude to handle the solitude, but also to test out my gear. Beyond those reasons, I never once tested packing my backpack with my full gear list, including water for a day and food for several days. I was so confident in my research, that I never even thought to do even a test pack. On the eve before I left, I finally did this “test pack” (I put it in quotation marks, as it wasn’t a test; I was legit going to the trailhead in the morning), and, lo and behold, things barely fit! It was so tight, that I was confident that I needed a slightly larger pack! So, my friend who was driving me to the trailhead took me to REI, where I was able to swap out my pack for a larger one, paying the difference. Looking back now, 13 years later, I can only imagine what thoughts were going through the minds of the REI staff whom I had become acquainted to over the previous year, watching me erratically change my backpack ON THE VERY DAY THAT I WAS GOING TO THE TRAILHEAD!!!!! Long story short, I managed reasonably well. As is the custom, I trimmed my weight by a decent amount at Neels Gap, thanks to the helpful staff there. However, I did end up getting off in Damascus, VA, due to a stress-fracture due to an unhealed shin-splint. The whole philosophy of “listen to your body, it’s the only way that you can finish” that I was given by Roger “Many Sleeps”, the caretaker atop Springer Mtn, the southern terminus of the AT, was lost on me as I became overly focused on putting in big miles before I was physically acclimated for it. Again, that was 13 years ago. I now hike almost weekly, readily and regularly putting in nearly 20 mile days, in terrain with over 4,000’ in elevation gains in these day hikes. At 38, I feel far stronger and healthier than my 25 year old self from when I first started the AT. I have come to peace with the idea of finishing my hike as a section hiker. In fact, this summer, I plan on hiking the New Jersey and New York sections, roughly 150 miles; and, then the Pennsylvania section, all the way through the 40 miles in Maryland and 4 miles in Harpers Ferry, thus taking me to the northern Virginia border. My hope is that my boss will then see how serious I am about finishing this, so as to give me a full month of time off the following year, so as to hike the entire state of Virginia in one fell swoop. From there, I’d return to the New York/Connecticut border, with “only” the New England section remaining.

[@Hiker_Strider]

This seems like great advice. My first thruhike was ‘The Long Trail’ in Vermont. I did it in 15.5 days and loved every moment of it. I got the thruhiking big after that. Right now I’m section hiking the AT. My overall hiking goal is to hike the PCT in 2023 / 2024. I want to finish my section hike of the AT first though.

[@alinemadebywalking]

Thank you for these videos, Jupiter. So nice to hear someone talk so passionately about what they love:)

[@bryanfreitag9533]

He has a nice sober way of presenting different ideas.

[@jimizxztheorginal]

Shout out to the MST! I was never really interested in backpacking until I moved to NC and found out the trail is less than a mile from my house. Now it is all I think about.

[@yoso585]

Yes sir. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the hype. Can take all the fun out of hiking. Sorta that way with so many activities. I’m a bit older now and make it a practice of not trying to get too good at anything, or try to make “gains” just cause. My wife and I recently took up disc golf as another form of walking and being outside. I stressed to her that we should not ever keep score, try very hard to get better, or buy a sac full of disc. If you want to stop having fun, those can be some ways to speed it along. And of course, just last weekend, there was a guy all bent out of shape cause he couldn’t find one of his disc, and in his frustration left the course on the 10th hole, though he had a backpack with 20 or so in it.

[@DavidOKeefe]

Great advice. Life really gets in the way of big adventures. Do the trail you really want, after some trial runs with your gear and to be sure you like multi-day backpacking. A friend told me about trekking in Nepal during my first week of college. I was 18 years old. I just did it in March at 53 years old. My twin brother and I drove across the US at 23 years old, back country exploring the national parks. We decided not to detour to the Grand Canyon because we would surely go some other time. 30 years later, I've still never been there...

[@NightshadeTactical]

Love this vid! The longest trail I've done was 10 days and just around 80 miles taking it at my own pace.

[@johnnyonthetrail629]

I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I absolutely love them, but by far this is the most informative and I think one of the best. I can’t tell you how you hit the nail on the head with this video with the things you’ve been talking about. Thank you brother, you’re in inspiration to me and some of my big dreams on hiking some of these areas. Looking forward to the next video in this series.

[@Hungry_Tree_Ghost]

Love @16:27 . I'm deficient at planning trips. I've always researched, researched, and researched what I'm about to do, so most of the time I have a great time when I head out and figure things out along the way. What would ruin great trips? Not being in shape! Makes an immensely huge difference to me. 6'4" and naturally fluctuate between 215lbs-245lbs depending on muscle & fat %. I'd have a blast hiking, running half marathons or snowboarding when I've trained cardio and strength endurance. I'd wanna quit very early on when I hadn't trained much, because it would just be too physically demanding for me. The heart would yearn for what the body didn't lol.

[@Abraham19237]

I've been backpacking for almost a decade, 3-5 nights, every other week, all summer long. I'm a Colorado guy and this year I'm going to hike the Colorado Trail, in August - it's going to be my first thru hike but I think the right choice for me. I think it's going to be a challenge but also one I'm ready for. My job is giving me the time off!! :) I've learned so much from your videos, thank you! So much!! Weight has always been important but now more than ever and I'm making big changes. You have great advice on that but also great practical advice. It's a fun opportunity to evolve and I think I'll learn things that change how I hike from here on out :) Hiking in August will also give me plenty of time to test my gear. I also loved your tip about not packing your fears, so helpful! Thanks!!

[@JohnFisk-OHS-78]

First, thanks for the great video! Your suggestions are tremendously helpful. And at the risk of stating the entirely obvious - "shake down" trips with new gear - especially if you're experimenting with all kinds of shelters, sleep systems, cook systems, etc. - don't even need to be on the trail. Pitch your tent in the back yard (assuming you have one). Better yet, wait until it's absolutely pouring rain and _then_ go pitch your tent. Then, go sleep in it. Want to check out your entire gear load out? Find a campground nearby and camp for a few days - you can drive to the site, load up your pack, and then spend part or all of the day hiking through the camp ground. Most will have some type of trail system - just reassure the ranger that you're not planning to stealth camp. You can use the camp site to test out your gear. In the event of an epic failure, toss everything in the trunk of your car and head home. All the wiser. Keep it simple. As you sagely point out - Start small. Dial it in. Then go big. Plans are generally useless when it comes to backpacking, but preparations are invaluable. Again, many thanks!

[@greygardens81]

Can your next Tshirt design just say "Sell your kids - Jupiter 2020"

[@sheedove23]

I agree!!!!

[@5_C_G]

Me taking note: Yes sell the kids, quite my job

[@draxx_-none9890]

I started laughing when he said that.

[@johneric3886]

Absolutely that's a great suggestion, to hike a shorter trail first!!!! I feel the same way about bicycle traveling.

[@chaddventures]

I failed the AT twice but still wanna try again ha. I successfully walked the 560 miles of the Camino in Spain but I know its different than traditional hiking. It's given me confidence and some experience walking through some serious pain and succeeding in an adventure.

[@SkyMcKinley]

That settles it. Jupiter told me to hike the CDT.

[@danik118]

He told ME to hike the PCT 😂. The AT would be so much easier...and closer to home...but...I want to see something different. I agree with everything this man just said!

[@lumiwilde1022]

Am I a nut case or did anyone other extremists interest get peaked at seeing that American discovery trail on the map?! I didnt even know that existed !! OMGGGGG The LEGNTH of that trail is dreamy!! like you could literally just go and live on the trail hahaha! I dont have a spouse or kids or career so...hmmmm lol But yes havent decided on which AT CDT or PCT yet...hence why I stumbled upon this video lol

[@386Clarke]

Small towns are where it’s at. I love to spend time there enjoying the people and supporting the community. I like supporting local businesses too.

[@Shevock]

Good info. I've done day hikes since I was very young but never through hiked. Good info on some of the shorter through adventures.

[@bg26892]

My guess is completion rates are dropping because people with less experience (than in previous years) are attempting the big 3.

[@holben27]

Probably because of the internet. Before only experienced hikers would hear, read and talk about these super long trails. Now everyone wants to do them thanks to youtube and blog sites.

[@alexriddles492]

I suspect some of them prepare for the trail by watching KZbin videos and online shopping for the latest recommended gear while sitting in a comfortable chair.

[@dbstewart4496]

I don't know about that. These long distance trails are 80% mental strength. I don't think anything else matters nearly as much. MHO

[@thehikersparable9074]

I love it, been on the ADT for a month, spooked out by a man following me off trail in the woods last night then ran from me when I turned around and saw him. Need a partner bad. Nowhere is safe.

[@jameshenry1285]

Good advice. I'm planning on doing section D of the PCT (100 miles) on a 6 day trip. I've done 3 day trips, but I want to prepare for the "big show".

[@stuka555]

"sell your kids" "go to grizzly country" sounds great!

[@danik118]

I love this. I *know* the AT would be my obvious choice...but the PCT is actually the trail I WANT to hike. Literally just for a change of scenery. Such solid advice in this video!

[@jrsmit43]

Thanks Jupiter for your very positive and well thought out, realistic advice. I hiked the 45 mile Knobstone Trail in Indiana 3 months ago after very thorough planning. The experience of having done all that research to know what to expect where I should be looking for water and so forth was a huge skill building trip. Next step is a 90mi yo-yo on that same trail. Completing a Sheltowee Trace is hike in 21 days or less is a threshold goal to big hikes. After a hike like that I feel like I for one will know if I want to do more and have a pretty solid skill set to try to something like the AZT or PCT. Lived in TN & KY my whole life. Once I've pushed myself to about 3 weeks on trail continuous and no something I really want to do then the next step is to plan a big adventure and I want that to be somewhere entirely different & new. For me that wouldn't be Appalachia.

[@nodnarB14]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was planning on doing my 1st thru hike on the Knobstone later this year. Feeling slightly overwhelmed with many new considerations (as a mere day hiker) I was thinking of putting it off for a another year. But I'm now feeling inspired by this vid and your comment.

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

In the UK we're hopefully getting our first actually long official trail in the next few years. The coastal paths are going to be linked up so we'll have an official trail that's more than 2000 miles. Gives me time to practice along some of our 100-300 mile trails and I'm quite excited.

[@zoidsfan12]

Finding out about the AT really was a turning point in my life. Now it and other long distance hikes are the big goal for me. The main job I work is seasonal so it works out perfect. My plan has already been to probe out parts of the AT during one off season before thru hiking it the next. But seeing the myriad of trails in this video shows me I have way more options than I first thought. The AT is still the main goal, but to be able to do 300 mile trails as practice is gonna be quite helpful.

[@GreysonPlaisance]

You would dig the Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail in Arkansas/Oklahoma.

[@JD03ish]

I agree. Both are hidden gems and underutilized.

[@GreysonPlaisance]

Never thru hiked, or backpacked either of those. But I did live in Arkansas for a while and used to day hike those trails all the time. They're wonderful.

[@deannilvalli6579]

Sage advice that I think a lot of people had never considered, and certainly not something I had much here on youtube. People are so gung ho for the extremes, that they overlook the more realistic and practical choices.

[@csn583]

TRT last year was a great 1st thru. Overlapping with PCTers and chatting them up was a big bonus. To the day-hikers I was crazy but to the PCTers I was just a trail-baby! 😅 Planning Wonderland Trail and probably a couple other ~1wk trips this year including some off-trail stuff. 2024 I'm targeting a big off-trail adventure, probably Sierra High Route, for birthday #40!

[@munkiepoo]

I got lucky in hiking the Buckeye Trail for the first 20 years ago. I live about 2 hours from every trailhead, in Columbus. Ended up breaking it into approx. 100 mile sections and doing over time. Using that to build to longer trails and eventually AT and PCT. I'd have to say that giving myself a "2 Week Rule" has saved my butt more than once. Spending at least 2 weeks on a trail, in the worst weather of the year (safely), with as many miles as possible. Do it annually. Getting your mental game down is more important than anything. I've met a number of people having serious breakdowns on the trail. A blister or rain isn't the end of the fun, obsessing over it is.

[@elnino7486]

I hear yah and wouldn't say I disagree, but setting out on a long trail thru hike and only making it 500, 200, or 50 mile isn't the worst thing. I met a fella that has set out on the pct multiple times and is yet to make it out of the sierras but has made it further each time and I don't think he has any regeerts as each time he sets out, he always kicks it off at the southern terminus. maybe for some completing a trail isn't the goal and just seeing where you end up and when you get fed up is the journey you one needs

[@Melaninoutdoors]

I live in Maine and I plan to do the whole AT when my kids are older. I’m planning a section hike next year and plan to do many smaller hikes to prepare.

[@kurtkreuzberger9726]

Thank you! Excellent honest and realistic advice. You are a refreshing voice in the wilderness of opinions. Keep hiking

[@jeremywenrich]

Such good advice, Jupiter. I feel in love with hiking and backpacking in 2019. I won’t have enough saved up to take 4+ months off for a thru hike for at least a couple of years. We are fortunate to have incredible 40+ mile trails in the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. I can attest to how truly wonderful the Wonderland Trail is. I’m looking forward to experiencing more of them this summer.

[@joey792]

Tahoe Rim Trail is my neck of the woods, so glad you mentioned it... The Rim trail is an awesome experience to be had for sure. This video was an excellent presentation with perfect and sound advice, all of what you said was so true... keep up the good work!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Are permits hard to come by?

[@romydrenaline]

Seeing this video right now == super helpful, thx for sharing your suggestions :)

[@marchall4897]

Truly awesome stuff from someone who has put a lot of time and miles into his passion. Thank you for the thoughts and insight.

[@TheHikingChick1]

This is awesome advice! I'm even more excited now about my planned (covid willing) hike of the trans-Catalina trail this Fall as I dream of the PCT! Looking forward to your next video on planning!

[@stacywhite6717]

My friend did the big trail from GA to Maine and he likes it and he has done big ones too

[@delta7087]

Great video and very very true. Changed my mind and makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

[@Revelation_Overland]

Just started my hiking journey, bought a ton of gear and plan to do some Uber long through hikes. But this is great advice to start with shorter hikes and learn. Thanks. Subbed

[@rshoemaker61]

Jupiter this is great advice. Looking forward to the rest of this series. ATB

[@chrisf9156]

Came here after hearing you on Kyle's podcast and mentioning the Sheltowee Trace. Love your approach to all this.

[@jeffseng6385]

I really appreciate the wisdom you’re sharing here. Nature is awesome in so many ways, but it can be challenging to dangerous too. Developing skills and the kit that works best for you is a great idea.

[@jheberline]

Thank you for this video. It really speaks to me! I'm one of those that was planning a thru hike and then got caught up in life. I continue to section hike, but with my life as it is now, I have no choice but to wait until I'm an empty-nester to pursue my dream of a thru hike. My advice to everyone... Go. Do it while you can. I pray I'm still fit enough to do my thru hike when life gives me a chance. (With that said, I'm very happy to have a "Dad-Life". I'm blessed).

[@spliffpogdog]

Going to start on the 200+ miles in Wisconsin on the NCT. Will be my first multi day hike. Good start for me.

[@adventaursadventure7785]

I hiked the AZ Trail in Dec. of 2019. I've had very little hiking experience prior to that. Hiked a few short trails to get a feel for it. Camped out a few times and a year later, of I went on the big hike. Next long distance hike I want to do is the AT, but the CDT looks treacherous but so much more fun!

[@seamus-xi7hz]

My uncle used to tell me " to be sure that my reach didn't exceed my grasp ". Have applied that maxim through out my life, and it has " saved the bacon, more than once .... thanks for the advice.

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

Superior Hiking Trail is a great 300 miles trail...Great video...

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

Glad you finally took my advice😎😲😲😎…Thanks for SHT videos

[@kayasper6081]

You're a natural story teller, that a real talent.

[@randyclark5287]

Hi Jupiter, I am a 61 year old that has done a lot of hiking from Grand Canyon to a section hike of the AT. But going up to the Superior Hiking Trail end to end. You are right on with trying a shorter hike before a big one. But I may go on to the Long Trail or a trail down south. I live in Illinois. Good talk Bud. Take care Randy

[@Zoomdak]

Excellent video and information. Really is helping inform my decision of where to hike this summer.

[@tanaiyubi5573]

Thank You so much! This video was very helpful! I'll start with the smaller trails👍🙏.

[@ashleyirisx]

21 years old and have been in a crazy loophole for days about the PCT. i can’t stop looking into it. i’m now determined to do it one day in the future🤝

[@forklifthikes]

I did the exact opposite and am really happy I did. I loved having the PCT be my second backpacking experience (and first over 30 miles) because I didn’t know what I was going to go through so everything was new and exciting for me and that lasted quite a while through hard times on the trail. I wouldn’t have had it any other way :)

[@eric55406]

I've really enjoyed some hikes I did this year in the 30-60 mile range. Usually it's about a week or less for those distances for me and that's enough time to get out and enjoy nature and not have to quit my job or pets. But I haven't ruled it out as a "maybe someday" possibility. Tour du Mount Blanc and John Muir Trail are a couple on my list and John Muir would likely take me 3-4 weeks.

[@irismora5704]

Very smart idea. Didn't realize how right you are until you said it. Really good point. Totally going to do this instead.

[@sticksstrings9792]

Sound advice Jupiter. I've taken 5 years off hiking after getting married with another thru hiker. She has other goals now that makes it difficult. The thought of completing smaller trails for less commitment never really crossed my mind but you have sold me on it. Besides I have always felt I will leave the last big trail for when I'm old and need something to look forward too.

[@hikerccter9036]

I wish I had this knowledge 5 years ago! This is why I love your channel.

[@austinkennedy1815]

Awesome video! Thanks for some ideas about smaller thru-hikes across the country, there are so many different bits of wilderness out there to explore.

[@pablo19136]

Sound advice which makes a lot of sense. Thankyou.

[@HikingWithRiley]

At 2:29, right on Jupiter. I sold my kids to be able to hike the AT 5 years ago. Best decision I ever made!

[@MatthewGlenn26196]

Great advice, really don’t hear this enough !

[@jeniwinslow4191]

Colorado Trail is BEAUTIFUL!! :) Highly recommend!

[@april906outdoors3]

Great content - you offer excellent food for thought. While I have no desire to thru-hike, I set a goal to hike the entire Michigan portion of the North Country Trail by section hiking. I'm 50 and work fulk-time, so I do day hikes or weekend overnighters, which makes me perfectly happy. Kudos & hats off to those of you who thru-hike!

[@RoadToFreedom29]

Really good video buddy! I've only done one short trail so far in the UK and oh my it was amazing (Isle of skye trail) got quite a few more uk one lined up too.

[@orangew3988]

I'd love to walk in Skye! What others do you have planned? I walked the West Highland Way last year and was looking for a new adventure this year. Now for next year probably.

[@RoadToFreedom29]

@@orangew3988 I was soposed to do the WHW in May. Looking at the Yorkshire wolds way and the coast to coast now and hopfully WHW in autum.

[@RoadToFreedom29]

@@orangew3988 go check my videos out on the skye trail on my channel

[@travisrawlings3552]

The sheltowee is going to be our practice thru hike. Then a larger one out west!

[@rkoch2516]

Excellent information, thanks!

[@briancollins-friedrichs5641]

Awesome video, Jupiter. Really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Looking forward to the upcoming series.

[@MikeAcrossAmerica]

Currently walking through the backroads of Mississippi on my way to the Atlantic. I would add that that I personally have enjoyed the planning, and the logic exercise of mapping out my route, just as much fun as the actual trip.

[@trumpsextratesticle8590]

Did you make it to the Atlantic, Mike?

[@MikeHammari]

@@trumpsextratesticle8590 I did. Haven't finished posting videos but I finished the walk.

[@TruthHurts01]

Thank you fot sharing your thoughts and advise. As a beginner Its a confidence booster for me. Safe hiking, enjoy. ..God Bless Y'all

[@christinebicanic]

The North Country Trail is a undiscovered trail that is still a work in progress. Also the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin is great.

[@scott9752]

Another recommendation is the Ohio Buckeye Trail. It’s just over 1400 miles. There are sections close to towns and sections that are mostly flat for someone who is just starting out or just looking for a shakedown of equipment.

[@russellinthebush2897]

Sound advice on getting some "shorter" trails under your legs before attempting an uber long trail. I had several 100+ mile trips under my belt and still wasn't sure I'd enjoy being on trail for months so in 2017 I hiked the Colorado Trail. I figured if after a couple weeks on trail I wasn't having fun, then it would be pointless to attempt a thru-hike of the PCT. What I learned was that I thoroughly enjoyed trail life and my body managed the rigors of the trail well enough. In 2018, I hiked the PCT and had a great time. People say the mental challenge is the hardest part of a long hike. I'll counter that with it's only a mental challenge when you're not having fun. Thanks Jupiter!

[@natefrigoletto2982]

Sell your kids? Lmao

[@mogain9258]

Ha! If you do a shorter trail first, you can just leave the kids at home with a stocked fridge and pantry.

[@elwoodblues9613]

Women would rather sell their husbands.

[@thegrassrootscampaign5179]

Nate Frig I sell my kids every thru hike I do... remarkably easy to make more.

[@chrisf9156]

No one: ... Hundreds of parents during COVID: 'Wait, you can do that?!'

[@justnikki8225]

I’m ready to sell my kids and husband and hit a trail

[@101taiga]

Thanks for this. I’ve been fascinated by all you long distance hikers for several months, the gear, the experience itself, but was totally overwhelmed with the thought of doing this at my advanced age of 55 😆. I think one of these shorter trails might be just the thing for me and my doggo. I’m a travel nurse, so I’m lucky enough to be able to strategically plan my contracts across the country to get close to whichever trail I decide to do. You young long distance hiker are very admirable and inspiring. ✌🏼

[@turnerpower]

Great Video, I personally did the Orzak Highland Trail as my first long distance hike and I learned so much from that experience. That allowed me To complete longer trips since and I would like to hike one of the super long trail in the futur.

[@jkbrwn]

Dude your videos are so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@sherpajeff]

What a great video! Tons of balanced perspective and great advice! Thank you.

[@JensPociot]

Great Video my man! I'm hopefully doing the PCT in 2023, and are going for the Kungsleden hike in sweden this summer(270 miles) as a warm-up/testing the waters hike! I truly loved your video, keep up the great work!

[@viper071]

Great advice, really need to do a couple overnight to week long "practice" hikes in preparation for a 5-6 month thru-hike

[@NASkeywest]

Yea, some people just take off on a thru hike thinking it’s just gonna be a great 5 month vacation. Nope. Do multiple 3 day to 7 day camping trips, that gives you a rough idea of what it will be like.

[@cancunjoe5586]

Such a wonderful thoughtful video - thanks so much to you!

[@j.g7377]

You’re awesome! All very good realistic advice for the average person with a family. Thank you

[@robertoweilviso]

One of the best videos i have seen about hiking. It gives good information for decision making and planning . Thank you Jupiter

[@Napalmhamilton9]

great video and perfect timing for it. The popularity of thru-hikes is exploding, so it's good to let people know that there's so many other trails out there to warm them up before the monster trails.