What a Thru Hike is Really Like

This is what a thru hike is really like, from the appalachian trail, to the pacific crest these are my experiences and those that I've seen others go through. Ya'll want to talk about everything that's good and wonderful... but anyone whos done it knows it's not always, and not usually like that.

Filmed on the AT, PCT, International appalachian trail, pinhoti trail, benton mackaye trail, florida trail, pacific northwest trail, uinta highline trail, ocean to lake trail, sheltowee trace trail, and i'm sure others I'm forgetting!

Sometimes there are hard times when you're wet, when the climb is brutal, when your funds are running dry. try and remember that you love doing this, that you chose to do this, the friends you make will be forever, and it will always be a memory you look fondly back upon.

Sure, the vast majority of people who attempt a thru hike quit. Don't let that be you. Prepare as hard as you can, hike with determination, make smart decision for your longevity. This beast of a long distance hike you're taking on, regardless of the trail, is going to throw curveballs at you.

Your ultralight gear and your trail runners are a good start but it's going to take a whole lot of will power. from people quitting within the first hours of their hike, to people quitting with less than 100 miles to go... i've seen it happen!

The bad times are bad, just get through them the best you can and you will be rewarded with the most amazing experience of your life, i can promise that.

Thanks to all the amazing trail angels that have helped me over the years, and all of the amazing gear companies that have made any of this possible. I don't currently have a sponsor but pa'lante packs, enlightened equipment, and zpacks are always at the top of my list when looking for something new. And a big thanks to all of you for watching, I make these videos out of love, and if it weren't for those watching it wouldn't nearly be as fun.

Goodluck on your travels, and always feel free to drop me a line. Hope to meet you all on the trails someday.

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:

If you would like to get access to content I create about this type of stuff I don't share anywhere else join me on my Patreon!

If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:

[chinadollcd]

I didn't ask to be brought to tears in a Taco Bell drive-thru, but here I am.

[KimberlyGreen]

The soul of a poet. This is why I watch this channel. Not the vistas, not the gear perspectives. Just for the glimpses into a human heart.

[justinwelch]

PART 6 Post Trail Depression
Either have a plan to keep yourself busy, or you might sell everything you own to do it again. Or you may spiral into a state where you dont know what you've just accomplished but you want to do it again more than anything else, even though you might not be able to. Know yourself, and have a recovery plan for when it's over.

[JupiterHikes]

Thanks for watching, I hope you've enjoyed! If you like this video or any others always feel free to share them. I know a lot of people are preparing for a thru hike this spring and wish you the best of luck

[AmandaBess]

WOW! No one could have said it better. This brought up a lot of emotions. Thank you Jupiter!!!

[nedanother]

absolutely brilliant. I appreciate the ridiculous time it must have taken to find all these great shots. Just beautifully done. Your transformation, the ladies, and the locations. What a life. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

[johnnybgoode]

This is the best hiking video I have seen yet! Beautifully filmed and explained. I am preparing for my first thru-hike, and if I wasn’t inspired enough already, I am now. Thank you.

[speygeek]

The motivational speech I'll listen to when in trouble.

[chuckleber]

I tell people that I have hiked thousands of miles on YouTube, thanks to a few channels. But now that I have my gear, reviews are less important to me. Of all of the videos on the subject that I have seen, this is my favorite.

[MRbubblegunner]

PCT 2019 class here. Loved your video Jupiter. I did most of the trail, but had to skip NorCal from Reno up to Washington border, a decision I had to make due to money and time.. anyways... the years passed and somehow the trail keeps calling my name. 2023 will be my second thru hike attempt. 4 year anniversary - once a hiker always a hiker ❤🙏

[Mateo-kokx]

These 13 minutes felt like forever.. Inspired me to buy my first backpack. Thank you, Jupiter.

[MrJedi]

If a 13-minute video on a skillset I haven't even attempted yet can make me cry, I already know that when (not if) I reach the end of the PCT, I'm going to be a giant puddle of mucus and tears. PCT Class of 2024 😂 Phenomenal video, Jupiter.

[jjbbjcmh]

I thru-hiked the Appalachian trail in 2019 and my knees still haven't recovered. I still think it was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.

[lisaallison]

This video is a work of art with beautifully evocative prose, imagery, and narration. Thank you, Jupiter.

[thomasspence]

This has to be one of my favorite videos I’ve ever seen. This is so well put together. Thank you for this!

[MarcusFritzinger]

Underline EVERY WORD! Poems out of my heart. Thanks

[kayasper]

This video is a piece of art, Jupiter! And so very true, I lived every word of it, although in my kayak. I love your channel.

[fredwells]

This video just made me realise that I've been dreaming of doing the AT for almost 4 years now.
I... need to do this. I can't put it off any longer. I know its something that I love and I know the odds are not in my favour, but I won't quit... I can't quit, I can't.

[opaontrail]

One of the best pieces of content I've seen in quite awhile! THANKS!

[jonallenoutside]

Awesome perspective! Starting the PCT in less than two months, so this is the kind of insight that really helps.