Love this vid (I'm a Trail Tales fan and have followed you for a while without seeing this old gem)! I feel like a lot of the times, the community is preaching "quit = weak, thru = strong". And of course that can be the case sometimes, but I'm guessing most times the decision to quit was completely called for and accurate to stay safe. Whether someone is under prepared, under equipped, didn't do enough research or had outer factors limit their capabilities - quitting is probably the safe choice, instead of having to call SAR.. Just attempted - and quit - my first thru this summer two weeks (and 124 miles) in. The trail is essentially 260 miles through Europe's last wilderness, extremely remote. You spend 80% of the time above treeline and there are no town stops to resupply - you pretty much rely on a system of mountain huts (without electricity or running water) to buy food and get indoor nights to rest and dry gear. Those mountain huts were closed due to a gastric influenza outbreak which had me stranded too many days in bad weather with my wet dog and a broken pack liner. Need I say pretty much everything was wet? The next 56 miles would be another stretch of complete wilderness without those huts before the first (and only) town stop of the trail. Realised that continuing into that wilderness section with wet gear (and more weather coming in for 10 days straight), would put me and the dog in a potentially dangerous situation, having to call for rescue if e.g. the quilt can't retain warmth due to moisture, while high up in the alpines. It was the right call for sure, however bitter it might feel. Lesson learned - next time I'm adding a little more pack weight to beef up the waterproof systems for my dog (e.g. rain overalls, bigger travel towel and a heat sack to dry her up in the tent and use as a shield between her wet fluff and the rest of the gear), also for me, my pack and to wipe down the tent etc. Call it going stupid light maybe, or being under prepared, but continuing at that point would've been daft either way. The trail will still be there and I have gained some valuable experience for the next attempt!
No such thing as hiker failure after you set foot on the trail , any trail. You just turned a thru hike into a section hike. A smart person can recognize , ( know or realize ) their limitations and know when to take a break. It's a failure if everything is packed and you never go or leave the house.
@@KyleHatesHiking Just to back Chuck up with a bit of math and to justify way too much google'ing, Aristotle proved that the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts", but he also formalized proof by contradiction. Ergo, the sum of its parts is equal to the whole, vis-à-vis theorem 2.1 of the Transitive Property axiom. P.S. I smashed like for the mom's, always overly worrying about their kiddos.
Can totally relate. I’m from the UK, first big hike for me and a bunch of guys was the Hadrian’s Wall trail. Got within 17 miles of the finish, feet wrecked and soaked to the bone and bailed because I didn’t hike my own hike and shredded my feet trying to keep up with the faster walkers. Thanks for taking the time to make us all feel better, dude! Great video!
Really respect the honesty with this and your other vids. Very refreshing. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we gain knowledge by learning from our own and others mistakes. And also, I may have accidentally gently tapped the like button, but then CRUSHED subscribe.
I've just realised that most of my long distance trails have been 'failed'. But they didn't feel failed at the time because, I want to go out walking for a holiday, and as long as you've walked some, you've had a walking holiday. No matter when you finish. I like to push myself, but especially in a group of inexperienced or unfit walkers, no point in doing it if it isn't fun. Some of those 'failed' walks are the best holidays of my life!
You are welcome! Glad I can help you gather material for your podcast and videos. You were correct, at the time I did not know upstate meant ever where above the city. Makes for a great story.
I quit a SOBO hike on the Long trail two years after completing the AT... bad gear choice (tarp in bug season), a sleepless night and pushing myself way too early ended the trip after four days. I could overcome the challenges but quite frankly my hearth was not in it anymore... too much solo hiking in the past few years. I plan to finish the last section this year but this time with a friend :)
I'm not here for the equipment reviews or advice on how to or not to hike. Long thru hiking is not my jam, but I respect people who do it. No, I'm here for the stories! I love the stories of your adventures. I love hearing about trail shelter experiences. And I liked the vids you did on missing hikers. You're a good story teller. And 16 year old Kyle rocked that Bieber hairstyle!
Great stories! Those at home should also be careful about what impact the messages they send to hikers. What is concern or might seem innocent news, has a different impact for those out in the wild.
Bro! I'm so stoked to find out you're a Vermonter Just stumbled on your vids yesterday and noticed the green plate in the back and was wondering about it. Keep making vids and keep on hiking!
Just started video. Haven't even watched it through yet. But, I must give respect to any MAN (I'm 50 years old, the word MAN is a title that is earned, and does not belong on 99.9999% of males in our society) that can speak honestly and openly about their "failures". I am old enough to be your father, or grandfather in Alabama 😜, but i pray you understand when i say- "good job, much respect, my Brother."
We only learn by failing, it offers the best insight into who we are, what kit we carried and why and how can we lower the weight on our backs to make the hike a bit easier.
I hit the subscribe. I would try to hit that trail in the Adirondacks in early September. Cool and beautiful. However you did say you don't like hiking in cooler weather!!! Thanks for sharing the failed attempts!
Hey we chalk it up to experience! My first long Backpacking trip was a section hike on the AT in PA. I carried 45lbs over 23 miles in 2 days over what is known as rocksylvania and my whole body was in such pain and exhaustion I almost collapsed at camp. Made it out slowly and was so glad it was over. It taught me to look at my gear and lighten my sleep system and cut out anything I don't need.
Hahaha...me and my buddy went out in the Adirondacks during the prison escape as well. We stayed one night at the Moose Pond lean to (last lean to on the NPT before Placid). We initially were the only ones at the lean to. We heard and saw two men coming through the woods and got sketched out AF for a second. Just ended up being a couple old hiker dudes.
@@KyleHatesHiking I have been watching videos about hiking and gear reviews and just clicked on one of your videos, the one about expensive shit you really don't need to buy-lol
No wonder Kyle hates hiking! The first part of the video I was pounding down the chocolate, then I had to hit the pause button and get a beer. The timing was perfect because it was just when you popped another beer.
Hey so that dress sock idea isn't really a bad one. Not much support but they dry pretty quick and lighter than most socks. John Z opened my eyes to that one. :) Great videos btw!
finally subbed, modesty gets me~ (I may dress up in clemson orange and try to scare you! ) Good for you checking in with your Mom! I seem to have ruined my sons for hiking by dragging them all over the woods anywhere we went. Ahhh, youth is ignorant and so was I. ( got lost in the Smokeys in Ky, hiked about 25 miles by accident, so at that point the husband was done. One son still loves to camp and do short hikes, my other son hates the woods. LOL I haven't had the chance to hike for many, many, years now. It takes money too. But I haven't given up hope of someday doing a decent hike.
Just started watching your video's. This is the second time I've heard you mention, "know why you're hiking", but I've not heard you mention why YOU were hiking...and I'm curious.
Kyle Hates Hiking been listening to Trail Tales for about 4 months and am caught up on all the episodes. Like to listen to while backpacking, and filming content for my Channel. I know that you had mentioned you had started a TH-cam Channel, but didn’t realize it was you until I started watching an episode. It took like 3 seconds of hearing you to figure it out. Looked in the video description and there it was. Cool channel. I’m not a thru-hiker but I log 300-500 miles a year being a weekend warrior. If you want check out some of stuff and let me know what you think 🤔.
LoLz I peed myself! Because I'm old, not that you're funny. JK, because you're funny. I headed out for a weekend jaunt once with over 50 lbs. of packing my fears - I was terrified apparently! No fun had. Every hike is a learning experience -
I remember hearing about that prison break. You could've finished they never got that far if I remember right. Although I would've most likely have bailed out to.
i quit my first thru hike of the shenandoah after back-to-back 15 mile days when the longest i had hiked previously was 5 miles but my brother-in-law at the time who mountain biked in Colorado and who's trail name was Diesel and said "you'll be fine" then on day three "you ain't gonna make it" so THANKS MIKE oops, forgot punctuation..,. :!
I'd simply die if my son went on long hikes!!! He loves hiking, but his fiance and him do day hikes. Van life type travel. Go for 4 months at a time. I go insane with worry!!! I know there is no reception in the Rockies and I can't wait to see his texts. Your poor momma! It's OK when I'm not in touch, but not my adult kids!!! Uuuggghhh!!! Worrying constantly!!!
Buy him a Garmin InReach so he can text you via satellite in places without cell service. I bet he'd agree to carry one if it gives you peace of mind (and if you don't blow it up with "mom panic" several times a day lol) :)
gear doesnt matter, aim for 15lbs and use things youve used in the past thats all, also use smaller equivalent for as much items as u can and cut off tags and all and excess straps
I will say that you cannot hike with a partner that is not a perfect match for you. You are going to hate each other. I hiked with my fucking wife, an experienced city walker, on a funky Georgia trail, and by the end she was threatening to divorce me (which she eventually did, but that's another story.)
Never worry about escaped prisoners while hiking. Pennsylvania had three escaped prisoners. All of those prisoners gave themselves up because the woods were too rough. They only made it a couple miles before surrendering. Hahaha 😂
Interesting information included in your video. I've watched four today and appreciate your experience. Perhaps consider the HUNDREDS of times each video you employ the obnoxious, reflexive verbal tick "like" over and over and over.
Love this vid (I'm a Trail Tales fan and have followed you for a while without seeing this old gem)! I feel like a lot of the times, the community is preaching "quit = weak, thru = strong". And of course that can be the case sometimes, but I'm guessing most times the decision to quit was completely called for and accurate to stay safe. Whether someone is under prepared, under equipped, didn't do enough research or had outer factors limit their capabilities - quitting is probably the safe choice, instead of having to call SAR..
Just attempted - and quit - my first thru this summer two weeks (and 124 miles) in. The trail is essentially 260 miles through Europe's last wilderness, extremely remote. You spend 80% of the time above treeline and there are no town stops to resupply - you pretty much rely on a system of mountain huts (without electricity or running water) to buy food and get indoor nights to rest and dry gear. Those mountain huts were closed due to a gastric influenza outbreak which had me stranded too many days in bad weather with my wet dog and a broken pack liner. Need I say pretty much everything was wet? The next 56 miles would be another stretch of complete wilderness without those huts before the first (and only) town stop of the trail.
Realised that continuing into that wilderness section with wet gear (and more weather coming in for 10 days straight), would put me and the dog in a potentially dangerous situation, having to call for rescue if e.g. the quilt can't retain warmth due to moisture, while high up in the alpines. It was the right call for sure, however bitter it might feel. Lesson learned - next time I'm adding a little more pack weight to beef up the waterproof systems for my dog (e.g. rain overalls, bigger travel towel and a heat sack to dry her up in the tent and use as a shield between her wet fluff and the rest of the gear), also for me, my pack and to wipe down the tent etc. Call it going stupid light maybe, or being under prepared, but continuing at that point would've been daft either way. The trail will still be there and I have gained some valuable experience for the next attempt!
No such thing as hiker failure after you set foot on the trail , any trail. You just turned a thru hike into a section hike. A smart person can recognize , ( know or realize ) their limitations and know when to take a break. It's a failure if everything is packed and you never go or leave the house.
Words of wisdom from Chuck, I like it.
@@KyleHatesHiking Just to back Chuck up with a bit of math and to justify way too much google'ing, Aristotle proved that the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts", but he also formalized proof by contradiction. Ergo, the sum of its parts is equal to the whole, vis-à-vis theorem 2.1 of the Transitive Property axiom. P.S. I smashed like for the mom's, always overly worrying about their kiddos.
Can totally relate. I’m from the UK, first big hike for me and a bunch of guys was the Hadrian’s Wall trail. Got within 17 miles of the finish, feet wrecked and soaked to the bone and bailed because I didn’t hike my own hike and shredded my feet trying to keep up with the faster walkers. Thanks for taking the time to make us all feel better, dude! Great video!
Really respect the honesty with this and your other vids. Very refreshing. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we gain knowledge by learning from our own and others mistakes.
And also, I may have accidentally gently tapped the like button, but then CRUSHED subscribe.
I've just realised that most of my long distance trails have been 'failed'. But they didn't feel failed at the time because, I want to go out walking for a holiday, and as long as you've walked some, you've had a walking holiday. No matter when you finish. I like to push myself, but especially in a group of inexperienced or unfit walkers, no point in doing it if it isn't fun.
Some of those 'failed' walks are the best holidays of my life!
You are welcome! Glad I can help you gather material for your podcast and videos. You were correct, at the time I did not know upstate meant ever where above the city. Makes for a great story.
The bugs are the worst. Did a 6 nighter without bug spray. I been freezing,wind rain. Bring it on keep them skeeters away.
I quit a SOBO hike on the Long trail two years after completing the AT... bad gear choice (tarp in bug season), a sleepless night and pushing myself way too early ended the trip after four days. I could overcome the challenges but quite frankly my hearth was not in it anymore... too much solo hiking in the past few years. I plan to finish the last section this year but this time with a friend :)
I'm not here for the equipment reviews or advice on how to or not to hike. Long thru hiking is not my jam, but I respect people who do it. No, I'm here for the stories! I love the stories of your adventures. I love hearing about trail shelter experiences. And I liked the vids you did on missing hikers. You're a good story teller. And 16 year old Kyle rocked that Bieber hairstyle!
Great stories! Those at home should also be careful about what impact the messages they send to hikers. What is concern or might seem innocent news, has a different impact for those out in the wild.
Bro! I'm so stoked to find out you're a Vermonter Just stumbled on your vids yesterday and noticed the green plate in the back and was wondering about it. Keep making vids and keep on hiking!
802 4 lyfe
Did my first thru hike coast to coast in Scotland last year with a 23kg backpack, didn't quit but I learnt my lesson about packing light for sure.
Thanks for sharing these stories!
Thanks for watching!
Gotta give you props for not giving up on backpacking for ever!Look at you now!
Some awesome stories, bro! It must have taken a long time to add all those graphics. Great edit man! Enjoyed the video 😍🙌
Thanks man. I know my way around Photoshop pretty decently
Those are some wild stories!! I hoping to go the Adirondack this summer or Fall.
Either one of those seasons would be better then when I went haha.
Kyle-you bloomed nicely since you were 16!
And you have an awesome dad.
Just started video. Haven't even watched it through yet. But, I must give respect to any MAN (I'm 50 years old, the word MAN is a title that is earned, and does not belong on 99.9999% of males in our society) that can speak honestly and openly about their "failures". I am old enough to be your father, or grandfather in Alabama 😜, but i pray you understand when i say- "good job, much respect, my Brother."
We only learn by failing, it offers the best insight into who we are, what kit we carried and why and how can we lower the weight on our backs to make the hike a bit easier.
Its not how many times you fall, its how you pick yourself back up!
I hit the subscribe. I would try to hit that trail in the Adirondacks in early September. Cool and beautiful. However you did say you don't like hiking in cooler weather!!! Thanks for sharing the failed attempts!
I can do September no problem. I just don't like full on winter as much.
Gadzooks! You and I were on the NPT at about the same time. I remember that I was on trail when the Dannemora news broke.
Hey Kyle
Hey we chalk it up to experience! My first long Backpacking trip was a section hike on the AT in PA. I carried 45lbs over 23 miles in 2 days over what is known as rocksylvania and my whole body was in such pain and exhaustion I almost collapsed at camp. Made it out slowly and was so glad it was over. It taught me to look at my gear and lighten my sleep system and cut out anything I don't need.
Hahaha...me and my buddy went out in the Adirondacks during the prison escape as well. We stayed one night at the Moose Pond lean to (last lean to on the NPT before Placid). We initially were the only ones at the lean to. We heard and saw two men coming through the woods and got sketched out AF for a second. Just ended up being a couple old hiker dudes.
Wasn't me, I was solo, and I didn't stay at Moose Pond. (Wanika Falls campsite on the one side, and Ouluska on the other.)
Actually very smart and responsible decisions to quit both times 👍
I quit Mark Twain national forest six miles into it because of a river crossing.
Live and learn.Good stories again.
I just started watching your videos, you seriously have me laughing so much!
Thank you! Glad you enjoy them. How did you find my channel, if I may ask?
@@KyleHatesHiking I have been watching videos about hiking and gear reviews and just clicked on one of your videos, the one about expensive shit you really don't need to buy-lol
No wonder Kyle hates hiking! The first part of the video I was pounding down the chocolate, then I had to hit the pause button and get a beer. The timing was perfect because it was just when you popped another beer.
Damn, I remember that escape story... we were traveling to Oswego NY and I thought do I need to worry about these dudes...
Hey so that dress sock idea isn't really a bad one. Not much support but they dry pretty quick and lighter than most socks. John Z opened my eyes to that one. :) Great videos btw!
Smashed the like button for mom! One should always check in with the parents/parent/whoever just to say hey, everythings good.
Interesting choice of headgear. You could have cut the pommel and trim from your Santa hat and saved weight.
I can imagine the weather being crappy on the Vermont Long Trail
finally subbed, modesty gets me~ (I may dress up in clemson orange and try to scare you! ) Good for you checking in with your Mom!
I seem to have ruined my sons for hiking by dragging them all over the woods anywhere we went. Ahhh, youth is ignorant and so was I. ( got lost in the Smokeys in Ky, hiked about 25 miles by accident, so at that point the husband was done. One son still loves to camp and do short hikes, my other son hates the woods. LOL
I haven't had the chance to hike for many, many, years now. It takes money too. But I haven't given up hope of someday doing a decent hike.
Funny, I was hiking the Long Trail when those prisoners broke out. I had a couple of my kids with me. Glad they stayed in NY.
Just started watching your video's. This is the second time I've heard you mention, "know why you're hiking", but I've not heard you mention why YOU were hiking...and I'm curious.
Hiked the NPT in september, 1 or 2 days I saw no one. Felt strange.
Its super remote out there for sure.
Great that parent would help. Good on you Dad.
Great stories, don't blame ya.
it happens ya know
Recognized your voice from Trail Tales instantly.
Thank you for listening! That's pretty cool that you recognized my voice.
Kyle Hates Hiking been listening to Trail Tales for about 4 months and am caught up on all the episodes. Like to listen to while backpacking, and filming content for my Channel. I know that you had mentioned you had started a TH-cam Channel, but didn’t realize it was you until I started watching an episode. It took like 3 seconds of hearing you to figure it out. Looked in the video description and there it was. Cool channel. I’m not a thru-hiker but I log 300-500 miles a year being a weekend warrior. If you want check out some of stuff and let me know what you think 🤔.
I’ll dedicate my Northville run in September to you brosif ..... it’ll be like you’re there and did it yourself 😉
Lol new subscriber here, i remember that prison escape incident
thanks for subbing! it was a crazy incident haha
An entire roll of duct tape 🤣🤣🤣
LoLz I peed myself! Because I'm old, not that you're funny. JK, because you're funny. I headed out for a weekend jaunt once with over 50 lbs. of packing my fears - I was terrified apparently! No fun had. Every hike is a learning experience -
So true - I learn something new every time I go backpacking!
Props to your dad mang.
I remember hearing about that prison break. You could've finished they never got that far if I remember right. Although I would've most likely have bailed out to.
i quit my first thru hike of the shenandoah after back-to-back 15 mile days when the longest i had hiked previously was 5 miles but my brother-in-law at the time who mountain biked in Colorado and who's trail name was Diesel and said "you'll be fine" then on day three "you ain't gonna make it" so THANKS MIKE
oops, forgot punctuation..,. :!
Well? Did they capture those escaped convicts? 😳 Cliffhanger! Sorry, I don’t want to google this. 😂
Lmao they ended up killing one and they caught the other. I think they were on the run for a couple weeks. Google escape at dannamora
16 year old kyle reminds me a little bit of Stuart from mad tv!
if youth knew and if old age could! 😂😂😂 Pickleball
I am thoroughly confused by this comment
@@KyleHatesHiking well duh, "if youth knew."
I think your parents need to make an appearance on here or the pod.
Speaking of feet issues, what is your favorite hiking shoe these days ??
I've been rocking the Altra Lone Peaks, once I got the correct sizing I haven't looked back
I am going to have to try them, hearing good reviews all around.
Ok, the like is just for the random dude with the car, not the video.
I subbed for the video :P
long trail.. I will never be able to do it solid.. sectioned parts of it..
Dads are Great!
Chance favors the prepared mind & hiker. Every thru hiker is nothing more than 3 day hikers. Resupply in town, take a break or go back on trail.
Your dad is the dad I would like to be -- hoorah! BTW, I have carried heavier packs than that, but only because I love books so much.
Very interesting! I used to work in a prison.
That sucks! I have a friend who just started as a correctional officer and it sounds terrible.
I'd simply die if my son went on long hikes!!! He loves hiking, but his fiance and him do day hikes. Van life type travel. Go for 4 months at a time. I go insane with worry!!! I know there is no reception in the Rockies and I can't wait to see his texts. Your poor momma! It's OK when I'm not in touch, but not my adult kids!!! Uuuggghhh!!! Worrying constantly!!!
Buy him a Garmin InReach so he can text you via satellite in places without cell service. I bet he'd agree to carry one if it gives you peace of mind (and if you don't blow it up with "mom panic" several times a day lol) :)
Yah I remember this prison escape, from Syracuse NY
It was some crazy stuff
Don't put yourself down 😮
🐱 hahaha 🤣 enjoy your content.
But you didn't even replace the camera batteries to start. You wouldn't do that now.
gear doesnt matter, aim for 15lbs and use things youve used in the past thats all, also use smaller equivalent for as much items as u can and cut off tags and all and excess straps
Might be high but did something just move in your closet?
Safety first, never let summit fever get the best of you.
Duck tape and dress socks! Great stories and an even greater Dad!
My dad is the best!
I think they made a TV show about that prison escape: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_at_Dannemora
Yeah I watched it a few months back. Pretty crazy because they actually filmed a lot of it in the prison and surrounding towns.
I’m confused by the flag on your wall?!
It’s a Vermont thing.
Only 100 books out there to learn about the trail which will tell almost everything except why you should do it. That comes from inside you.
Not a failure if you learned from it, just call them attempts!
Your friend was NOT much of a friend.
Since you slack I had to go back and watch old vids I aint seent before.
I will say that you cannot hike with a partner that is not a perfect match for you. You are going to hate each other. I hiked with my fucking wife, an experienced city walker, on a funky Georgia trail, and by the end she was threatening to divorce me (which she eventually did, but that's another story.)
your dad is the greatest
Agreed!
There is no shame in baling from a backpacking trip or through hike. It is way better yo play it safe.
WE KNOW, VERMONT VERMONT YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE PALM AND CRESCENT FLAG
I thought he was in SC myself.
You better check in with your mom! 😂
FAILURE ROCKS! 😂
come on now bro. don't be ashamed of lovin yah mommy
I'm not, my mom is awesome!
Never worry about escaped prisoners while hiking. Pennsylvania had three escaped prisoners. All of those prisoners gave themselves up because the woods were too rough. They only made it a couple miles before surrendering. Hahaha 😂
No shame dude. You did an AT thru hike u have nothing to prove
Interesting information included in your video. I've watched four today and appreciate your experience. Perhaps consider the HUNDREDS of times each video you employ the obnoxious, reflexive verbal tick "like" over and over and over.
Jim you’re so perfect, like really perfect!
You look like a hiking version of mr beast
Get to the point and quit rambling on.
Lol... I'm gonna use that part of the video to show parents... Look! His parents love and support him! 😆😆