Honestly I just finished my thru hike 12 days ago and I'd say any 100 miles in Maine were the most beautiful especially in fall but every part of that trail is beautiful in its own way every state feels different especially when you watch the seasons change as you hike
I have hiked Grayson Highlands for 25 years, because I can't stand the long green tunnel. Navigating off trail there, and choosing my own campsites away from the shelters are the only reason I still hike and camp. Have to go out west for anything comparable.
If you would have kept going on through Va. you would have some crazy elevations and if you go all the way to Maine then you would say AT was a hard trail to do.
100x more respect to you for coming to the east coast, I never really connected with your west coast hikes. This video is awesome, I live in Rocksylvania (Pennsylvania) on the AT.
To help reduce the strain on my knees, I had to adopt the "old man walk." When traversing inclines and declines, take smaller steps and be mindful of how you are centering the weight of your pack (with trekking poles of course). Don't take large, hurried steps uphill and definitely not downhill. I'll have to chip away the AT in section due to my work, but it is my major bucket list item. Y'all be safe, and God bless.
We live 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail in PA. It's our favorite to section hike especially with friends or family. The Quarry Gap Shelter is gorgeous and one of our favorites to stay at. Loved hearing your observations on the differences of west coast vs east coast hiking. We've done a lot of east coast hiking and are looking forward to making out west at some point!
Really enjoyed this. I'm thinking the AT will be my first thru hike. I'll section it immediately following Trail Days. Will vlog it like you did and shout out your video
Nice that you made it over this way to learn what Eastern backpackers experience. It's a different kind of grind. As a TN resident, it made me laugh to see y'all keep noticing how big the creepy crawlies are over here near the beginning and how much you didn't want them to be near you. Thanks for the chuckle.
Coming from Florida where hiking is such a small community, camping around the shelters on the AT were the icing on the cake for me. It's so cool to be hiking all day solo and then you make new friends at camp every night
I love the Mt Rogers , Grayson Highlands area . I live 10 minutes from McAfee Knob, that is my most favorite place to go ! Glad you enjoyed your trip ! Thanks for sharing.
Cool video. I can definitely relate to the knee pain on the down hills. I'm scheduled for double knee replacements in the next month and can't wait to get back on the trail. The training will be important!
If you guy's like east coast hiking y'all should check out some Kentucky trails. The Red River Gorge is amazing and any section of the Sheltowee Trace is beautiful. There's decent elevation gains and losses, overlooks, waterfalls, old growth forest, and arches. Oh yeah..,some very unique sandstone geographical rock formations that attract some of the worlds best climbers. Plus if you ever want the grand tour hit up Backpacking with Jason and Jeremiah Stringer. Plus I have some plans myself to test out some of you guy's gear on our trail systems.
So great to see your hike. I live in Abingdon at the northern end of the Creeper Trail, so this is my area of the AT. the two sections where the AT and the VCT are the same have this oddity. When you were going NOBO on the AT, you are going SOBO on the VCT. Although, most of us think of the Virginia Creeper more in terms of uphill (south) and downhill (north). As far as setting up a tent late at night where other people are, that is so common on the AT. You would have been welcome. I was at trail days and would have loved to say hi. I just got back from Europe where I put the ventus hoodie and satu pants to work. And they were perfect.
Good to see you on the AT 👍👍 I met Gandalf the Gray on my thru hike don't know if he is the same Gandalf you mentioned. The AT is rough on the knees and ankles I had several minor injuries before a bad ankle sprain took me off the trail in Vermont 1,650 milers into my thru hike. Hope to see you back on the AT some day.
I heard about this "Gandalf" guy while I was on the AT, earlier this year, too! That was funny to hear. Your videos are very well made. Thanks for sharing!
Great vid, I liked the format. Questions: What type of poles did you use? Explain use of folded green may on top of packs? Why no pack cover in pouring rain? Where can I get the water holder on your left front strap? Keep up the great work!
The fabric of our backpacks is water resistant plus we use either pack liners or dry bags inside. The mats on top are just 1/8th inch close cell foam pads that work great as sit pads, help prevent our inflatable sleeping pads from sliding in our tents, and are great for laying or stretching on! They only weigh about 2 oz or less, so definitely worth bringing for some extra comfort. We use Komperdell trekking poles.
The AT, if you haven't figured it out. Is a Hikers Highway. So yeah, around shelters you will have groups. If you want wilderness hiking the CDT or the PCT is the way to go.
I really enjoyed this video because it hit home. I live in Maryland and am section hiking the AT. The next section next year hopefully will be Pearisburg, VA to Damascus.
I enjoyed hearing about your adventure!! I always wanted to walk the AT but health is a problem! I got a kick out of the part about the eyes 👀 and trying to find a campsite. Poor guys!! I bet it Sasquatch.
Nice video guys. It’s a bit different wanting to camp away from others when your hiking 100 miles as opposed to hiking 2,200 miles. Looking at the OV Down Quilt for 2023 Coast 2 Coast. Cheers!
You would be surprised at some deer along hiking trails. I walked by one so close I could have reached out and touched it. Guess they get so used to seeing people they are not afraid of us.
Guys, y'all should've done the NC highlands and Tennessee. Not that the part you did wasn't amazing, it's one of my favorite sections to hike and we do it every other year but south bound into trail days. Just something about those NC highlands and Tn section that blows you away with the views. As a matter of fact, if you guys did this section this past May during trail days, I'm sure we passed y'all coming down into trail days as this was our year to hike south bound. Next year will be north bound out of Tennessee into Damascus
I’d be less freaked up about with people quietly setting up their tent at 11 pm then hearing people hiking through the camp. Because people setting up a tent makes sense, maybe slightly annoying but not threatening, walking through a campsite that long after hiker bedtime could be trouble. A woman’s perspective.
The gummy worm vs gel thing was funny, but 35:40 seemed pretty judgmental. Or it's a miscalculation of the AT culture. There are a lot of people starting out with minimal backpacking experience who slowly get their trail legs. For those taking shorter trips like myself, I do think that it greatly helps to prep. Like I work my way up to a 25-30lb pack climbing the hills of San Francisco and the Presidio. Altitude acclimation is hard to mimic, but all those leftover medical masks help with that.
Oh come on, relying on your cell phones, you guys should know better. Why not keep a compass handy to see what direction your going? And Dude, that beard must have itched like mad on hot humid days. I had a beard once but shaved it off in the summer. Plus as a biker it was a pain to wear a helmet and attach the chin strap.
Hey, this is Turtle. Thanks for putting me in your documentary! It was fun to watch and remember, and it got some laughs out of my family and friends.
Turtle!!! So glad you were able to see the doc! It was awesome to share miles with you and get to know you out there! - Tayson
Great video,but the most I liked how you guys kept your friendship together in difficult times! Keep it together, and safe travels!
Always!
"You're climbing, but you're not going straight up and down"...true, but only because you were in Virginia on the A.T., not New England. 🤣🤣
The 75 mile stretch of the AT thru the Smokies is the best in my opinion.
If you guys plan that trip it won’t disappoint.
Honestly I just finished my thru hike 12 days ago and I'd say any 100 miles in Maine were the most beautiful especially in fall but every part of that trail is beautiful in its own way every state feels different especially when you watch the seasons change as you hike
Congratulaions on your thru hike
I would have died laughing if it was two small reflectors stuck to a tree. Actually that might be a fun little trick for the trail.
Now you know why we stop early and find a good camp! Great job guys
Got my Vario today! Its effing awesome!!! I dont understand how it feels so puffy but it isnt. I can't wait to take in on the trails!
I have hiked Grayson Highlands for 25 years, because I can't stand the long green tunnel. Navigating off trail there, and choosing my own campsites away from the shelters are the only reason I still hike and camp. Have to go out west for anything comparable.
One of the best videos you guys have done!!
Thank you!
If you would have kept going on through Va. you would have some crazy elevations and if you go all the way to Maine then you would say AT was a hard trail to do.
100x more respect to you for coming to the east coast, I never really connected with your west coast hikes. This video is awesome, I live in Rocksylvania (Pennsylvania) on the AT.
Where in PA? One of our team members moved to PA.
To help reduce the strain on my knees, I had to adopt the "old man walk." When traversing inclines and declines, take smaller steps and be mindful of how you are centering the weight of your pack (with trekking poles of course). Don't take large, hurried steps uphill and definitely not downhill. I'll have to chip away the AT in section due to my work, but it is my major bucket list item. Y'all be safe, and God bless.
Me and my wife are threw hiking the AT in Feb. Of 2023.. whoop whoop...
We live 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail in PA. It's our favorite to section hike especially with friends or family. The Quarry Gap Shelter is gorgeous and one of our favorites to stay at. Loved hearing your observations on the differences of west coast vs east coast hiking. We've done a lot of east coast hiking and are looking forward to making out west at some point!
I can't wait !!!
I read that book “my side of the mountain” when I was a kid! My first kindling of self reliance and camping/outdoors interest.
Really interesting. I appreciate that you even came back east to hike and you're welcome to return any time!
Loved this video esp Grayson highlands. I’ve done this same section only took me longer than 4 days. What a sweet spot for church….best part♥️🥾🥾✝️
Glad you enjoyed it
Btw…I’m pretty sure that was a possum😀 harmless, cute and beneficial critters. You guys are great. Hike on!
Keep on keeping on!
Agreed. Even though it’s 62 miles. It’s still the best section. Come by Marion Outdoors next time!
Oh I see, you went past Marion!
Really enjoyed this. I'm thinking the AT will be my first thru hike. I'll section it immediately following Trail Days. Will vlog it like you did and shout out your video
Nice that you made it over this way to learn what Eastern backpackers experience. It's a different kind of grind. As a TN resident, it made me laugh to see y'all keep noticing how big the creepy crawlies are over here near the beginning and how much you didn't want them to be near you. Thanks for the chuckle.
Coming from Florida where hiking is such a small community, camping around the shelters on the AT were the icing on the cake for me. It's so cool to be hiking all day solo and then you make new friends at camp every night
So true!
Welcome to the Beast Coast!
We will need to get back!
I love the Mt Rogers , Grayson Highlands area . I live 10 minutes from McAfee Knob, that is my most favorite place to go ! Glad you enjoyed your trip ! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Other than the pace, this looked like a great trip thorough the woods - Definitely different than hiking in the west!
It really is!
Loved this
Thanks
What a wonderful experience. The ups and downs definitely leave their mark.
Nate
I Like To Go On That Mountain Trail And The Rocky Mountain Trail. That's Nice. I Love To Hike In Both Places.
This is an awesome video!
Glad you think so!
Cool video. I can definitely relate to the knee pain on the down hills. I'm scheduled for double knee replacements in the next month and can't wait to get back on the trail. The training will be important!
Good Luck!
Howdy WPO..!
If you guy's like east coast hiking y'all should check out some Kentucky trails. The Red River Gorge is amazing and any section of the Sheltowee Trace is beautiful. There's decent elevation gains and losses, overlooks, waterfalls, old growth forest, and arches. Oh yeah..,some very unique sandstone geographical rock formations that attract some of the worlds best climbers. Plus if you ever want the grand tour hit up Backpacking with Jason and Jeremiah Stringer. Plus I have some plans myself to test out some of you guy's gear on our trail systems.
Thanks
So great to see your hike. I live in Abingdon at the northern end of the Creeper Trail, so this is my area of the AT. the two sections where the AT and the VCT are the same have this oddity. When you were going NOBO on the AT, you are going SOBO on the VCT. Although, most of us think of the Virginia Creeper more in terms of uphill (south) and downhill (north). As far as setting up a tent late at night where other people are, that is so common on the AT. You would have been welcome.
I was at trail days and would have loved to say hi. I just got back from Europe where I put the ventus hoodie and satu pants to work. And they were perfect.
Good to see you on the AT 👍👍 I met Gandalf the Gray on my thru hike don't know if he is the same Gandalf you mentioned. The AT is rough on the knees and ankles I had several minor injuries before a bad ankle sprain took me off the trail in Vermont 1,650 milers into my thru hike. Hope to see you back on the AT some day.
Nice cameo with Dutch
Amazing hike!!!
Thanks for watching!
I heard about this "Gandalf" guy while I was on the AT, earlier this year, too! That was funny to hear. Your videos are very well made. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like them!
It's called "silk blazing"! I had to do this all the time on my thru hike as I was usually the first on trail in the morning 😅
Great job, guys!
Thanks
If I found myself doing the AT (even a section of it) as a BUSINESS trip... I'd be LAUGHING😃 and absolutely loving life❤️💛💚!
Maybe someday!
A flame so close to leaves? @8:34 Shelters are about 8 miles apart. What time of year did you hike. Summer?
Trail Days at Damascus, VA is always middle of May.
Great vid, I liked the format.
Questions: What type of poles did you use? Explain use of folded green may on top of packs? Why no pack cover in pouring rain? Where can I get the water holder on your left front strap?
Keep up the great work!
The fabric of our backpacks is water resistant plus we use either pack liners or dry bags inside. The mats on top are just 1/8th inch close cell foam pads that work great as sit pads, help prevent our inflatable sleeping pads from sliding in our tents, and are great for laying or stretching on! They only weigh about 2 oz or less, so definitely worth bringing for some extra comfort.
We use Komperdell trekking poles.
Next time out east for a hundred miler, you should just do the 100+ mile section of the AT through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Good idea
Way to go Tyson!
My hats off to you guys love the video
Thanks!
Man I love my cascade mountain trekking poles , they’ve got me thru some sketchy areas! Mine are white as well!
The AT, if you haven't figured it out. Is a Hikers Highway. So yeah, around shelters you will have groups. If you want wilderness hiking the CDT or the PCT is the way to go.
I really enjoyed this video because it hit home. I live in Maryland and am section hiking the AT. The next section next year hopefully will be Pearisburg, VA to Damascus.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Enjoyed the video. I really like the Virginia Triple Crown section as well. BTW, what cameras/devices do you guys use for filming?
We've got an iPhone, Google Pixel phone, & a GoPro camera for this trip.
You should check out the Allegheny forest 100 mile challenge hike,on the North Country trail.
will do
I enjoyed hearing about your adventure!! I always wanted to walk the AT but health is a problem! I got a kick out of the part about the eyes 👀 and trying to find a campsite. Poor guys!! I bet it Sasquatch.
Nice video 👍
Thanks 👍
Nice video guys. It’s a bit different wanting to camp away from others when your hiking 100 miles as opposed to hiking 2,200 miles. Looking at the OV Down Quilt for 2023 Coast 2 Coast. Cheers!
Very true!
The White Mountains in NH are waiting...
It's on the list.
MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. What a great book. By Jean Craighead George.
I'll be there
looking frd to watching this
You should
How long is the doc?
About an hour
Come back and hit up PA!
premium content! 👍
Enjoy!
Did you say "our 1984 Lindamood School" ??? LOL
Do y'all carry every OV option for gear? What's in your pack?
What waterproof jackets are use wearing in this video?
You would be surprised at some deer along hiking trails. I walked by one so close I could have reached out and touched it. Guess they get so used to seeing people they are not afraid of us.
Hey guys! Or Wizard!!! What are the hiking shorts you are wearing?
Our Satu and a Prototype short.
Did hiking some east coast inspire any gear changes you would have made? Or considerations for future designs?
agree with trying to get away
Guys, y'all should've done the NC highlands and Tennessee. Not that the part you did wasn't amazing, it's one of my favorite sections to hike and we do it every other year but south bound into trail days. Just something about those NC highlands and Tn section that blows you away with the views. As a matter of fact, if you guys did this section this past May during trail days, I'm sure we passed y'all coming down into trail days as this was our year to hike south bound. Next year will be north bound out of Tennessee into Damascus
That was a raccoon. Bears don't freeze like that. Coons do. Silly westerners!
OV are southwesterners like Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, etc.
Random Question... Why are you wearing an OR (Outdoor Research) Hat at the end of this video? When this is the Outdoor Vitals Channel?
We don't discriminate. OR makes some great stuff.
What time of year did you guys do this trip ❤️
Mid May
I’d be less freaked up about with people quietly setting up their tent at 11 pm then hearing people hiking through the camp. Because people setting up a tent makes sense, maybe slightly annoying but not threatening, walking through a campsite that long after hiker bedtime could be trouble. A woman’s perspective.
What's the best rain gear you've found?
Our Tushar jacket!
Thanks, it it available in stock now?
May advocate for slow backpacking? Why is everything a challenge?
Day 4. Mistakes were made.
45:30 could this animal have been an owl?
The gummy worm vs gel thing was funny, but 35:40 seemed pretty judgmental. Or it's a miscalculation of the AT culture. There are a lot of people starting out with minimal backpacking experience who slowly get their trail legs.
For those taking shorter trips like myself, I do think that it greatly helps to prep. Like I work my way up to a 25-30lb pack climbing the hills of San Francisco and the Presidio. Altitude acclimation is hard to mimic, but all those leftover medical masks help with that.
That was a Sasquatch!! not a bear!!
NO Jacket Kids> Your gonna get wet no matter what! Might as well embrace rain aka Sweat!
Does anybody in the comments know if it’s a deer or a bear?
What is with the giant beard? OMG, the Feral Hipster affectation is not a good look for ANYONE.
It’s not called the Appa-lay…..it is correctly pronounced Appa-latch.
Thanks for the comment.
🍌
Oh come on, relying on your cell phones, you guys should know better. Why not keep a compass handy to see what direction your going? And Dude, that beard must have itched like mad on hot humid days. I had a beard once but shaved it off in the summer. Plus as a biker it was a pain to wear a helmet and attach the chin strap.
anyone else sensing the sexual tension here?
The first thing you need to be able to do is pronounce the name correctly….
Awesome video!
Glad you enjoyed it