I've been backpacking since I was fifteen. Now I'm 75. I've hiked several hundred miles of the AT. Mostly, for the last decades, my backpacking has been in the West, or Canada. Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Utah, Washington. I understand that a lot of modern hikers choose the AT for the social aspect. Me, I'm looking for the wild, and solitude. My last trip across the Absarokas and the Thorofare I saw only two guys leading a pack string. The AT, these days, sounds like non-stop people from end to end. The idea of a "trail name" strikes me as bizarre. To each his own. You're right about the advances in gear since we were kids.
You sir, are my idol! I which I'd had the opportunity / guts to start when I was younger. I'm starting with the AT exactly because it is a little like "backpacking with training wheels on" - I tell people - because there is a lot of support for novices like myself. I can tell you need none of that, which is my goal also. I'm doing a flip-flop AT hike in part to stay out of that bubble - while still being around enough folks to learn from them. I do still have a lot to learn. My longer term goals are to complete the US triple crown, The Teton Loop, and Rim-to-Rim at the GC - along with several long international trails - but I think the AT is a good place to start. Would you agree?
@@Data_on_trail I think the AT is a great place to start. There's something about the Appalachians that is very appealing. Not as raw as western mountains. And a lot of history. And no grizzlies. I've done several long hikes in the Adirondacks, off the AT, which are fantastic. Good plan to do the flip flop. As you say, you get out of the rut of a certain group of people, and simplify the logistics and weather planning somewhat. The Teton Loop is certainly spectacular. I've done all of it, and done the Crest Trail section on skis. When my wife was running ultramarathons we'd run the section from Phillips Pass to Cascade Canyon. I live in Teton County. Rim to Rim is a slog. There are other hikes I'd do in the GC before doing it again. You should consider the Wind River Mountains. There are a number of traverses, and great trails, for the most part. Logistics of a long trip are somewhat problematic.
Thanks for all of that. It's great advice. I done the GC South Rim Kabob/Bright Angel. I've also done that Teton Day hike up the Surprise and Amphitheater Lake, but that was years ago - before 30 yrs being a working stiff. Now, my time is all mine - and I am really enjoying learning about and doing the back country backpacking trails. Thanks for adding to my education.
I'm 56. I'm in terrible physical shape from poor diet and lack of exercise. I have decided to begin day hiking this year to get in shape. I doubt that I will be able to do any part of the AT, but will start working sections of the NCT as it is fairly close to me. I look forward to any advice or words of encouragement you should want to provide!
Hey there! Sounds like you're on the right track. 4 years ago, I started by watching youtuber's day hiking videos and got a small pack. Day hiking in state parks is a really great way to get in shape, imo. As my health improved, the hikes got longer, the pack had a little more stuff in it, like lunches and books to read on breaks. Then car camping and longer hikes then eventually to the AT. It's especially good that you're near the NCT. That's a great trail and I hope to hike some of it of one day.
Im definitely doing it this year, but most of these are the same reasons i am doing it, with the exception of becoming a chick magnet 😅. I have no interest in forming any kind of relationship on trail other than as friendships at my age. I enjoy living alone WAY too much these days, but lucky for me I'm not a looker so that should deter any pink blazing on my account. Im hiking for my health, because i have been obsessed with the AT for over 50 years, and because i am hiking with my husband's ashes who died in 2020 of colon cancer. But still, as a female old fart i have to agree with all of your reasons for thru hiking. Keep making the awesome videos!
Good to hear that my video resonated with you. I did hope that many of the reasons I listed would make sense other folks in addition to my direct peers. Perhaps we'll cross paths on trail.
@Data_on_trail i think many of the reasons you stated are universal, especially among older hikers. We might cross paths, but im not starting until April 1st and starting at the southern end of the Shenandoahs and hiking NOBO. Depends on how fast either one of us is hiking.
@@jsweevil I'm starting NOBO at Rockfish in early March, hiking for a month, then getting off for a month, so perhaps we'll cross paths further up the trail. Regardless, good luck on your hike and Happy Trails!
Those a great reads. The book that tipped the balance for me was Grandma Gateway and not just because she did it at 67, with almost no gear, and before the AT was very well built - but also because she had led a tough life and I could relate to that as well. Actually, you've now inspired me to do a video on this - because I've read / am reading several. Thank you for that. Happy Trails!
I've been backpacking since I was fifteen.
Now I'm 75. I've hiked several hundred miles of the AT.
Mostly, for the last decades, my backpacking has been in the West, or Canada. Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Utah, Washington.
I understand that a lot of modern hikers choose the AT for the social aspect.
Me, I'm looking for the wild, and solitude.
My last trip across the Absarokas and the Thorofare I saw only two guys leading a pack string.
The AT, these days, sounds like non-stop people from end to end. The idea of a "trail name" strikes me as bizarre.
To each his own.
You're right about the advances in gear since we were kids.
You sir, are my idol! I which I'd had the opportunity / guts to start when I was younger. I'm starting with the AT exactly because it is a little like "backpacking with training wheels on" - I tell people - because there is a lot of support for novices like myself. I can tell you need none of that, which is my goal also.
I'm doing a flip-flop AT hike in part to stay out of that bubble - while still being around enough folks to learn from them. I do still have a lot to learn.
My longer term goals are to complete the US triple crown, The Teton Loop, and Rim-to-Rim at the GC - along with several long international trails - but I think the AT is a good place to start. Would you agree?
@@Data_on_trail I think the AT is a great place to start. There's something about the Appalachians that is very appealing. Not as raw as western mountains. And a lot of history. And no grizzlies. I've done several long hikes in the Adirondacks, off the AT, which are fantastic.
Good plan to do the flip flop. As you say, you get out of the rut of a certain group of people, and simplify the logistics and weather planning somewhat.
The Teton Loop is certainly spectacular. I've done all of it, and done the Crest Trail section on skis. When my wife was running ultramarathons we'd run the section from Phillips Pass to Cascade Canyon. I live in Teton County.
Rim to Rim is a slog. There are other hikes I'd do in the GC before doing it again.
You should consider the Wind River Mountains. There are a number of traverses, and great trails, for the most part. Logistics of a long trip are somewhat problematic.
Thanks for all of that. It's great advice. I done the GC South Rim Kabob/Bright Angel. I've also done that Teton Day hike up the Surprise and Amphitheater Lake, but that was years ago - before 30 yrs being a working stiff. Now, my time is all mine - and I am really enjoying learning about and doing the back country backpacking trails. Thanks for adding to my education.
Great video. I identify with this as a guy over 50. I hope to do it in 2030. New follower here. Crow
Nice to meet you Crow. Great to be planning ahead. Wish I had started planning sooner. My hiking journey began during covid, like many folks.
I'm 56. I'm in terrible physical shape from poor diet and lack of exercise. I have decided to begin day hiking this year to get in shape. I doubt that I will be able to do any part of the AT, but will start working sections of the NCT as it is fairly close to me. I look forward to any advice or words of encouragement you should want to provide!
Hey there! Sounds like you're on the right track. 4 years ago, I started by watching youtuber's day hiking videos and got a small pack. Day hiking in state parks is a really great way to get in shape, imo. As my health improved, the hikes got longer, the pack had a little more stuff in it, like lunches and books to read on breaks. Then car camping and longer hikes then eventually to the AT. It's especially good that you're near the NCT. That's a great trail and I hope to hike some of it of one day.
Im definitely doing it this year, but most of these are the same reasons i am doing it, with the exception of becoming a chick magnet 😅. I have no interest in forming any kind of relationship on trail other than as friendships at my age. I enjoy living alone WAY too much these days, but lucky for me I'm not a looker so that should deter any pink blazing on my account. Im hiking for my health, because i have been obsessed with the AT for over 50 years, and because i am hiking with my husband's ashes who died in 2020 of colon cancer. But still, as a female old fart i have to agree with all of your reasons for thru hiking. Keep making the awesome videos!
Good to hear that my video resonated with you. I did hope that many of the reasons I listed would make sense other folks in addition to my direct peers. Perhaps we'll cross paths on trail.
@Data_on_trail i think many of the reasons you stated are universal, especially among older hikers. We might cross paths, but im not starting until April 1st and starting at the southern end of the Shenandoahs and hiking NOBO. Depends on how fast either one of us is hiking.
@@jsweevil I'm starting NOBO at Rockfish in early March, hiking for a month, then getting off for a month, so perhaps we'll cross paths further up the trail. Regardless, good luck on your hike and Happy Trails!
When you get near Virginia, give a holler. I’ll come hike a section with you.
I will do that. I just came off an 8 mile shakedown hike yesterday, and all went well. I'll reach out in early March.
What hiking/backpacking books would you recommend? I’ve read Wild and A Walk in the Woods twice now and could use some good recommendations.
Those a great reads. The book that tipped the balance for me was Grandma Gateway and not just because she did it at 67, with almost no gear, and before the AT was very well built - but also because she had led a tough life and I could relate to that as well. Actually, you've now inspired me to do a video on this - because I've read / am reading several. Thank you for that. Happy Trails!
Nice pen
Thanks. Go Jags! (or Metros, in my case).
Reason number one to destroy your knees . Must be guys with desk jobs that hike steep stuff at 50 . Have the knees of a teen . lol
ROFL! If only we actually knew each other, you'd get how hilarious that is! Also - please rewatch Reason #6 ... ;-)