This is so good for future hikers. It's understandable that a lot of families/significant others/friends would fear their loved one thru hiking. Hopefully anyone who is encountering that can show them this video.
This adds so much extra context to your AT thru-hike. I always get asked by women who are interested in hiking the AT if it's safe. I always say "It's probably safer than your normal life."
Another great thing to do is give trail magic! I was worried about my husband leaving in Feb for his 2023 hike so we went out and gave trail magic when the Feb starters came through our area. Getting to talk to a lot of hikers really put my mind at ease.
Members of my family told me that "I needed to get my head screwed on tight again", or that I was "jeopardizing my future". Thankfully, I took their words as loving but uneducated and I went for the time of my life! Hope I can do it again before I am no longer able. And ignore the so called "advice", lol. This is VERY thoughtful of you, doing this video now, for hikers and families that will be there soon!
my family tells me im jeopardizing my future i just tell them what future...wait till im old and broke so i can sit and kick myself for not doing more things and wasting my life away but i guess this is kinda situational :)))
I’m about to hit the AT next spring after retirement in January. I had this conversation with my 90+ year old mom and I was nervous about her reaction as she has said she wishes I didn’t backpack. But she was accepting of the idea. The conversation with the spouse was a bit harder as they needed convincing the home front would still be taken care of in my absence. I may still share this with my mom to allay any remaining fears she has. Thanks Taylor for making this!
Hey Taylor just watched your video 📸.I really appreciate you 😍. Thank you for staying ❣️ friends after the AT.While you hiked I always loved around 8.00AM when you would post😎 your next video 📷. You will always be special to me. U R ❤️ doing a great work 😉 Ken NC.
The Mom in me can really appreciate this very informative and practical video. So great to see your Mom in this video, I remember seeing her in your videos of your hike. I never told you this when I picked you and Cody up in Virginia, but the Mom in me wanted to contact your Mom to tell her that you were doing very well and in very good hands. I thought that would be very intrusive so I did not mention it.
What a great topic for a video, Taylor. I just do little hikes around the Lakes Region and not planning a through hike. But I bet this video will help a lot of folks set their loved ones' minds at ease. Happy hiking! 🥾
Excellent post and very practical information for all prospective thru-hikers. Your mom's contributions alone were worth it for anxious relatives and friends. I followed my grandson's 'solo' thru-hike in 2017 hiking as 'Alex 2.0'. His experience echoed yours. The trail camaraderie seemed similar to a gender-integrated college dorm - all protective of each other toward a common goal. I bought the ATC trail map that is 48" x 10" and had it laminated at a Staples Office supply store. I hung it on a wall, 2-hole punched, and hung by 2 cup hooks. I made sticky note arrows to mark locations from his daily Garmin In-Reach automatic email notifications. I then gave it to him after summiting as a memento of his trek. I enjoy following other thru-hikers, such as you, each season. Mac Cheney
Hi Taylor! I'm so glad that I stumbled upon on your channel on TV- late night! I started with your full AT documentary, liked it, subscribed to your channel and have since been glued watching you until the wee hours of the nights with ranging emotions as I section hiked all the Smoky Mtns NOBO from Fontana Dam to Davenport this past Spring and from Dickey Gap SOBO to Damascus in July (HOT)! I've also watched other random videos of yours. Currently, watching your Live video of post AT. I wanted to write you, so now I'm on my laptop! haha. My goal is to complete the AT doing section hikes (no timeframe as of now), and you're so encouraging and inspiring. Keep up the great work with your bubbly self, and it makes me want to go back to see all of your daily videos while on the AT. I skipped to the Smokies haha. I live in Nashville, TN so let me know if you ever make it back! :)
Thank you for your content! 💙 I love that book....if only I could get my family to read it too :). Heading out in a a few months for my first thru hike!!
Interesting video and topic. I hiked the AT "ages" ago, I had used the Internet for some years, but my parents didn't and my cell phone didn't work in the US (except in a few cities) so I didn't bring it. Also no InReach or similar and no GPS (suited for this type of use). So, even if it was just over 20 years ago the expectations and options for staying in touch was much more limited and for me as a foreigner there were also a time difference which made phone calls more difficult. My parents basically didn't know what I was doing. That was partly because I didn't know myself that I'd thruhike before I left for the trail. I didn't know if I'd like that AT or not so had a return flight after 2 months. In case I really liked the AT I could extend the trip and had a 6 month visa and the return flight could be changed. Turned out I like the AT a lot and did the whole thing. Updates to family and some friends were a few phone calls (when in town long enough) and some post cards. Maybe not ideal, but what I managed at the time. Fellow hikers form the US mostly kept more in touch (I assume) with little or no time difference to worry about when calling and much cheaper calls. Still, nobody had an easy way to contact people without getting to a public phone.
Love this subject. I never expected this subject but it was informative. Even though I will not hike the AT, you have made me enjoy your journey. Thanks for posting these videos. Another unprepared hiker just died in NH and it needs to better be addressed by the hiking community. As an old hunter I always plan for the worst when alone. Is it a weight mentality issue?
I'm a hunter and hiker myself who always prepares for the worst when I go into the woods. I don't think it's a weight issue, it's an education issue. I constantly see unprepared hikers with literally no gear. I saw a guy hiking Mt. Pierce with no backpack and nothing but a 16 oz. water bottle. When I hiked Monroe and Washington a woman who had no gear on the Ammonousuc Ravine trail asked me if the water in the Ammonousuc river was safe to drink. I told her no hoping she'd turn back. It's staggering how many clueless people decide to go hiking in the White Mountains with no survival skills or gear.
@@davem4193 How about the people hiking down Cannon because the tram people tell them it is easy. In sandals, no water, no compass, no map, no lights. I remember one woman who had her purse with her.
@@kristajones3592 that's absolutely crazy that the tram workers would encourage unprepared, out of shape people with no gear to hike down. It's so easy to get injured on the way down. The last time I hiked Cannon I ran into a bunch of obese people coming off the tram, they seemed genuinely amazed that I hiked up the mountain. Those are the last people we should be encouraging to hike down with no gear.
In mine pack is a 3 pairs of compression socks. 3 plan socks. 3 pairs of underwear. 🍳 and small soup bowl. A sleeping bag and a pad blow up it has it own pump it turn in to a plow after it done pump. And a trap for the tent and a tent single. Small first aid kit small for a day. And it weights 23 pounds. So far. I still need a couple pairs of fleece clothes and and a rain coat. But the rain I got is heavy enough for the winter like min. 30. Good for 40. I'm still getting stuff. I got coming see what I like . All I need where when to send it how long will they keep it
Hi, Taylor. For your QnA video: (1) Is there a part of the AT that you feel is the most potentially "dangerous" or troublesome where, if your family wanted to join you to hike/overnight, that would be the area to arrange it with them?? and (2) Was there ever any jealousy concerns from your bf/now husband that you were hiking with two men that you met on trail? Thank you, Taylor.
Oh I didn't know you had a t maps at your gift shop those are cool I may just have to order one just because that would look awesome hanging on my wall do you have a ordering website to send it to me to Cincinnati Ohio
im considering this and personally i feel far more concerned about other people then hiking experience or isolation but to be fair i guess that concern is just as concerning in a city :P my current worries is packing correctly and like showering situation there is alot of things and habits i can abandon but i feel once i start if i start the biggest thing ill miss is hot showers on demand. when it gets closer to decision making time im sure ill watch several videos to try to get a feel for it
How to explain to mine mom . I'm going when some one else done told her and she doesn't want to go. And I haven't train past few weeks. Like in the gym try get do leg . What does it cost on food? And where if I send staff like clothes and Dry food. Right know without the food. And water backpack weight 23 pounds. I still need 2 more pants and I got the small stove like you got coming. I'm planning to hike the at around the 2 week of March. I know the pack is heavy right know.
Taylor, a couple of questions. You make your living doing this, but how do other hikers take 5 months off from work(or school)? Are all AT hikers in their 20s, or did you ever see older hikers?
Taylor, Thankyou!!! My mom needs this! just sent her the book! Met your mom a couple times and told her how inspiring you were to me and now Im heading out March 2023 with my husband and 24 year old daughter! thankyou, Tell mom i said Hi(Mariette) You inspired me to youtube also and That is Way out of my comfort zone, if you need a good laugh check us out, it would mean the world to me! Misty Trails
Do you think Chet would be as encouraging now (to do a thruhike) when you are married? Maybe he is very easy going, but I think most husbands and wives would not be too happy
This is a fair question! My husband of 4 years supports me, and he is very easy going /loves the outdoors ... even wants to travel with our RV to help me on the trail and follow along. He can't hike with me due to his knees, etc. His dad did some of the AT!
Wait until you become a parent! It's a whole different ball game. Plus, there are real nut-jobs running around out there, gone are the day's where could leave your back door open. My daughter is 35, I have three grandkids, I let them know regularly on my hair loss. Keep warm up there. Best regards Simon x A happy new year to you and yours.
I'd recommend everyone at least take pepper spray, or a pistol if you roll that way. It's easy to ignore some of the shit that happens on the trail, but there's always a chance. Especially a female going solo.
This is so good for future hikers. It's understandable that a lot of families/significant others/friends would fear their loved one thru hiking. Hopefully anyone who is encountering that can show them this video.
Thanks!! I definitely hope it can help some people!
This adds so much extra context to your AT thru-hike. I always get asked by women who are interested in hiking the AT if it's safe. I always say "It's probably safer than your normal life."
Taylor you hit it out of the park with this one! Great info for many hikers and non hikers too…❤️👍🎉🎉🎉
Thanks so much!
I am so impressed with your family, including your now husband, for being so supportive of your AT journey. Having support like that is huge.
Great content! The interview with your mom was a good idea. She sounds like a great, supportive mom!
She's an AT super fan now!
Another great thing to do is give trail magic! I was worried about my husband leaving in Feb for his 2023 hike so we went out and gave trail magic when the Feb starters came through our area. Getting to talk to a lot of hikers really put my mind at ease.
Yes! She loved giving that hiker trail magic in Lincoln
I followed your journey last year! I learned so much. I can't wait to start in March.
My father is 93 years old and I'm sure he would be worried about me hiking the AT. I'm 67 and he still thinks I'm a kid.
My mom always said no matter how old you get you will always worry about your kids… it doesn’t matter how old you are…😊
You are HIS kid lol...
Yep, same here from my mom.
Members of my family told me that "I needed to get my head screwed on tight again", or that I was "jeopardizing my future". Thankfully, I took their words as loving but uneducated and I went for the time of my life! Hope I can do it again before I am no longer able. And ignore the so called "advice", lol. This is VERY thoughtful of you, doing this video now, for hikers and families that will be there soon!
my family tells me im jeopardizing my future i just tell them what future...wait till im old and broke so i can sit and kick myself for not doing more things and wasting my life away but i guess this is kinda situational :)))
I’m about to hit the AT next spring after retirement in January. I had this conversation with my 90+ year old mom and I was nervous about her reaction as she has said she wishes I didn’t backpack. But she was accepting of the idea. The conversation with the spouse was a bit harder as they needed convincing the home front would still be taken care of in my absence. I may still share this with my mom to allay any remaining fears she has. Thanks Taylor for making this!
Very helpful. Thank you! I sent this to both of my parents
Thanks!
Awesome, hope it makes them feel good!
Hey Taylor just watched your video 📸.I really appreciate you 😍. Thank you for staying ❣️ friends after the AT.While you hiked I always loved around 8.00AM when you would post😎 your next video 📷. You will always be special to me. U R ❤️ doing a great work 😉 Ken NC.
The Mom in me can really appreciate this very informative and practical video. So great to see your Mom in this video, I remember seeing her in your videos of your hike. I never told you this when I picked you and Cody up in Virginia, but the Mom in me wanted to contact your Mom to tell her that you were doing very well and in very good hands. I thought that would be very intrusive so I did not mention it.
Aw thanks! I'm sure she would've appreciated that. I did show her this comment and it made her happy. Hope everything's well, happy new year!
@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Thank you, wishing you well in 2023 and seeing more of your adventures!
Absolutely stunning presentation my friend, this was so enjoyable, informative and actually helpful. Love it🔥
What a great topic for a video, Taylor. I just do little hikes around the Lakes Region and not planning a through hike. But I bet this video will help a lot of folks set their loved ones' minds at ease. Happy hiking! 🥾
Excellent post and very practical information for all prospective thru-hikers. Your mom's contributions alone were worth it for anxious relatives and friends. I followed my grandson's 'solo' thru-hike in 2017 hiking as 'Alex 2.0'. His experience echoed yours. The trail camaraderie seemed similar to a gender-integrated college dorm - all protective of each other toward a common goal. I bought the ATC trail map that is 48" x 10" and had it laminated at a Staples Office supply store. I hung it on a wall, 2-hole punched, and hung by 2 cup hooks. I made sticky note arrows to mark locations from his daily Garmin In-Reach automatic email notifications. I then gave it to him after summiting as a memento of his trek. I enjoy following other thru-hikers, such as you, each season. Mac Cheney
Good advice, Taylor! I'm gonna need some of those trail strip map posters to calm the nerves !!! Ha😅 ...Thanks!!
Excellent idea for this type of video and great video. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Hi Taylor! I'm so glad that I stumbled upon on your channel on TV- late night! I started with your full AT documentary, liked it, subscribed to your channel and have since been glued watching you until the wee hours of the nights with ranging emotions as I section hiked all the Smoky Mtns NOBO from Fontana Dam to Davenport this past Spring and from Dickey Gap SOBO to Damascus in July (HOT)! I've also watched other random videos of yours. Currently, watching your Live video of post AT.
I wanted to write you, so now I'm on my laptop! haha. My goal is to complete the AT doing section hikes (no timeframe as of now), and you're so encouraging and inspiring. Keep up the great work with your bubbly self, and it makes me want to go back to see all of your daily videos while on the AT. I skipped to the Smokies haha. I live in Nashville, TN so let me know if you ever make it back! :)
I love this dude! So informative!
Thanks!!
I was missing you today when I was going through all that old footage and photos from the trail!
Hi Cody! Glad you commented, :) just subscribed to your channel!
Awesome information, nicely put together Taylor!! Thank you!!
thats a fantastic way to do it so that your family is at ease while you are on long trips, really great information, and a wonderful trip
thanks!!
Thank you for your content! 💙 I love that book....if only I could get my family to read it too :). Heading out in a a few months for my first thru hike!!
Good advice. Have a Happy New Year and happy trails.
Happy new year!
Love your videos, you are always so informative
Thanks!
I 'elfin LOVE you Mom...and all your family who support you! #climb
Great advice. Thanks!
This is going to be my first time hiking solo on the Appalachian. I'm nervous as hell but prepared & equipped.
Interesting video and topic. I hiked the AT "ages" ago, I had used the Internet for some years, but my parents didn't and my cell phone didn't work in the US (except in a few cities) so I didn't bring it. Also no InReach or similar and no GPS (suited for this type of use). So, even if it was just over 20 years ago the expectations and options for staying in touch was much more limited and for me as a foreigner there were also a time difference which made phone calls more difficult.
My parents basically didn't know what I was doing. That was partly because I didn't know myself that I'd thruhike before I left for the trail. I didn't know if I'd like that AT or not so had a return flight after 2 months. In case I really liked the AT I could extend the trip and had a 6 month visa and the return flight could be changed. Turned out I like the AT a lot and did the whole thing. Updates to family and some friends were a few phone calls (when in town long enough) and some post cards.
Maybe not ideal, but what I managed at the time. Fellow hikers form the US mostly kept more in touch (I assume) with little or no time difference to worry about when calling and much cheaper calls. Still, nobody had an easy way to contact people without getting to a public phone.
Love this subject. I never expected this subject but it was informative. Even though I will not hike the AT, you have made me enjoy your journey. Thanks for posting these videos.
Another unprepared hiker just died in NH and it needs to better be addressed by the hiking community. As an old hunter I always plan for the worst when alone. Is it a weight mentality issue?
I'm a hunter and hiker myself who always prepares for the worst when I go into the woods. I don't think it's a weight issue, it's an education issue. I constantly see unprepared hikers with literally no gear. I saw a guy hiking Mt. Pierce with no backpack and nothing but a 16 oz. water bottle. When I hiked Monroe and Washington a woman who had no gear on the Ammonousuc Ravine trail asked me if the water in the Ammonousuc river was safe to drink. I told her no hoping she'd turn back. It's staggering how many clueless people decide to go hiking in the White Mountains with no survival skills or gear.
@@davem4193 How about the people hiking down Cannon because the tram people tell them it is easy. In sandals, no water, no compass, no map, no lights. I remember one woman who had her purse with her.
@@kristajones3592 that's absolutely crazy that the tram workers would encourage unprepared, out of shape people with no gear to hike down. It's so easy to get injured on the way down. The last time I hiked Cannon I ran into a bunch of obese people coming off the tram, they seemed genuinely amazed that I hiked up the mountain. Those are the last people we should be encouraging to hike down with no gear.
Good video……great info for the folks back home.
Great video Taylor. Boy, I wish it were me planning my attempt…… one day. Great advice and happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Thanks!
You absolutely had the best vlog of any AT hiker in 2022. Any recommendations of people to follow in 2023?
I'm going to follow Laura Evelyn Ashley and Gabi Cerra
In mine pack is a 3 pairs of compression socks. 3 plan socks. 3 pairs of underwear. 🍳 and small soup bowl. A sleeping bag and a pad blow up it has it own pump it turn in to a plow after it done pump. And a trap for the tent and a tent single. Small first aid kit small for a day. And it weights 23 pounds. So far. I still need a couple pairs of fleece clothes and and a rain coat. But the rain I got is heavy enough for the winter like min. 30. Good for 40. I'm still getting stuff. I got coming see what I like . All I need where when to send it how long will they keep it
Hi, Taylor. For your QnA video: (1) Is there a part of the AT that you feel is the most potentially "dangerous" or troublesome where, if your family wanted to join you to hike/overnight, that would be the area to arrange it with them?? and (2) Was there ever any jealousy concerns from your bf/now husband that you were hiking with two men that you met on trail? Thank you, Taylor.
Good questions! I'll save them
I just watched your AT video great job do you plan on hiking the pct
Awe. That’s so sweet.
Great video. Fantastic advice.
Thanks!
I was about to comment about Chaunce's book, but you just started talking about it :)
such a great book!
Oh I didn't know you had a t maps at your gift shop those are cool I may just have to order one just because that would look awesome hanging on my wall do you have a ordering website to send it to me to Cincinnati Ohio
Aren't they cool!? Yeah, i put the link to my online shop in the description of the video. I ship!
Alright awesome
Very informative Taylor. Another resource is utuber Ramdino. He covers the AT thru hiker season. Ur Mom's accent😊
One of the things you have not talked about is safety and how you planned and prepared for your safety.
i told my kids im gonna go and they said so ok have fun
im considering this and personally i feel far more concerned about other people then hiking experience or isolation but to be fair i guess that concern is just as concerning in a city :P my current worries is packing correctly and like showering situation there is alot of things and habits i can abandon but i feel once i start if i start the biggest thing ill miss is hot showers on demand. when it gets closer to decision making time im sure ill watch several videos to try to get a feel for it
How to explain to mine mom . I'm going when some one else done told her and she doesn't want to go. And I haven't train past few weeks. Like in the gym try get do leg . What does it cost on food? And where if I send staff like clothes and Dry food. Right know without the food. And water backpack weight 23 pounds. I still need 2 more pants and I got the small stove like you got coming. I'm planning to hike the at around the 2 week of March. I know the pack is heavy right know.
And how much did it cost you travel like around 1,000 a month. And I'm not in shape. I'm about 300 pounds and 5'7:
as always, awesome advise!
I'm guessing that there are quite a few parents that have to tell their children that they are hiking the AT. Then the children have to worry.
That's true too!
Taylor, a couple of questions. You make your living doing this, but how do other hikers take 5 months off from work(or school)? Are all AT hikers in their 20s, or did you ever see older hikers?
Very good ideas! Now the one thing I am most worried about....my job 😬. I assume you were transitioning jobs at the time?
No, I was able to keep my same job while I was on the trail
@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker that's awesome!
The only antidote to your 1st thru hike is to follow up with a 2nd …. very soon.… :-)
Do you hve plan to hike trhough PCT or CDT ( Continental Divide Trail)?
No. Not anytime soon
Taylor, Thankyou!!! My mom needs this! just sent her the book! Met your mom a couple times and told her how inspiring you were to me and now Im heading out March 2023 with my husband and 24 year old daughter! thankyou, Tell mom i said Hi(Mariette) You inspired me to youtube also and That is Way out of my comfort zone, if you need a good laugh check us out, it would mean the world to me! Misty Trails
Great video Taylor … important information for family members
i love the picture of you mom kissing you lol
You can't do the operation troll so well there's always someone with you
Do you think Chet would be as encouraging now (to do a thruhike) when you are married? Maybe he is very easy going, but I think most husbands and wives would not be too happy
Yeah, I brought up thru-hiking again now that we're married and he's still on board!
This is a fair question! My husband of 4 years supports me, and he is very easy going /loves the outdoors ... even wants to travel with our RV to help me on the trail and follow along. He can't hike with me due to his knees, etc. His dad did some of the AT!
nice!!!
Chet & Chaunce were big influencers
Don’t mess with Mom! 😂
🦋
You can't do the AT solo their is always going to be somebody with you
Wait until you become a parent! It's a whole different ball game. Plus, there are real nut-jobs running around out there, gone are the day's where could leave your back door open. My daughter is 35, I have three grandkids, I let them know regularly on my hair loss. Keep warm up there. Best regards Simon x A happy new year to you and yours.
its a stupid thing to do lucky you didnt get eaten by a bear on the way it happens maybe next time ha?
there is nothing special, here....women, of all stripes, hike that trail...
Yeah, and do you know how many people vanish every year on the trail?
They should be scared. You're not very smart LoL 🤣🤣. Hopefully you don't end up another missing 411 case. SMH
I'd recommend everyone at least take pepper spray, or a pistol if you roll that way. It's easy to ignore some of the shit that happens on the trail, but there's always a chance. Especially a female going solo.
Good video. Fantastic advice!