The Mental Aspect of Backpacking
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- čas přidán 14. 04. 2021
- Mental toughness on the Trail is as important as physical toughness. Many times hikers quit their hike, not because of physical conditions, but because of a lack of mental strength.
In this video, I talk about what I’ve learned about the mental aspect of Backpacking.
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A critical video with much wisdom. I had 20 kms to do one day and was bonking in the first 2kms! Either I quit or I had to find a solution. The more discouraged I became the more incremental my goals became.....top of that hill.....too far....the next 300 metres....too far....that tree just ahead....perfect....that rock just ahead....perfect. Before I knew it I was able to lengthen my goals little by little until final I reached camp at 20 kms with the knowledge that I had overcome this challenge. It has stayed with me ever since. Again Rev thanks so much for all of your videos....Jeff
You’re welcome Jeff. It’s a great philosophy that helped me out tremendously. 👍😁❤️
When I’m going relentlessly uphill I count every 50-100 steps. That’s my goal. Just get to the next 50-100 steps. Great video!
Great idea!
Thank you so much. I’m 57 and plan to hike it when I am 60 or 61 depending on conditions. I am afraid of a high snow year. I look for older hikers blogging because it gives me hope. I’m slowly overcoming some fears. Backpacking alone I’ve done several times, but I’m still, yes, scared of the dark when there is literally no other human around and I hear things outside my tent. Your experience and words of wisdom are very appreciated.
Kristy...you are always meeting people on the Trail either hiking with them or camping at night with them so you’re hardly ever “alone” (unless you want to be). I too HATE the snow/ice! It’s something you just have to deal with. There are some unique challenges that “older” hikers face but what we lack in physicality we make up in wisdom.
@@TheHikingRev 😊
I start the AT in less than 10 weeks, this has helped a lot, many thanks.
‘Flags’ AT class of 2022
Thanks Flags! I’m happy that it helped. Good luck on your AT Thruhike. BTW…I hiked with several Brits on my PCT Thruhike. Wonderful chaps! You’re going to have to do the PCT next.
Your videos are always top quality but this one is better than anything I've seen by you or any other CZcamsr-hiker. Tnx a million!
Thanks Ralf. You’re very kind. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope it was helpful.
Thank you for sharing. My daughter is hiking the PCT right now and she’s pretty discouraged, homesick and wanting to quit. I sent her your video and I hope it will encourage her and I think it will. Thank you.
Oh...I hope so too! If not, perhaps she can come home and refocus and recoup for a while and then get back on Trail. (If she doesn’t live too far from the Trail).
Now I see why you’re called The Rev! This is a beautiful sermon. Can’t thank you enough for addressing this aspect of backpacking and for covering such a thoughtful range of issues. Developing mental and emotional strength is such a vital aspect of being out on the trail. Much more important, I’d argue, than what gear you bring. Becoming a big fan of your channel.
Thank you very much. I’ve often said that the mental and emotional part of the trail is harder than the physical.😁
This is a "must watch" video for anyone thinking of doing a long thru-hike. Fantastic.
Thanks Paul. If I can help just one person become successful with their hike I’ll be happy.
I have been blessed to see bears, 1 mountain lion and the Mexican Grey Wolf twice in the Gila. Beautiful and definitely not scary we both went our separate ways.
Wow…Shelby. You are very fortunate!
Setting short-term goals - I do that with strength training, cardio, training hikes - but didn't do that on the thru-hike I tried 2 years ago, and ultimately that did me in. I'll remember that for this summer! Lots of other great advice here that I want to Sharpie onto my pack to remind me (don't want to put on a piece of paper, because base weight haha).
That’s good! Looking at the PCT as a one-day-at-a-time endeavor was definitely the key to achieving my goal of finishing. I became overwhelmed and discouraged when I looked at it as a whole. I’m glad these thoughts helped.
That was very good Rev - Completing the PCT at 67 is Awesome... I especially liked "Take it one day at a time - This is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice and be glad it!" I will fight off thoughts of discouragement. I am going to work on my why - I am going to complete the JMT this year at 65 and I plan to do some great trout fishing - I took it on as a personal challenge watching a free Tony Robbins 5 day zoom...I posted it on facebook and I am going to complete the JMT and take alot of pictures and video!! Thanks Randy
Wow...that’s great! After I listen to Tony Robbins I feel motivated to run through a brick wall! The “Why” for me on the PCT was just a personal challenge. If I’m able to put one foot in front of the other, I’m going to do it until I can’t. So I kept putting one foot in front of the other until I got to Canada!
This is the best information for going through any trial or triumph.
Thanks Kathleen. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope it was a help to you.
Yes, I’ve saved it with my treasures. I want to hike, I’m 69, and may or may not build up to what I want! But most of all I want to walk the Pilgrim’s Progress road and be in heaven! This is a good reminder when the road may seem hard.
Thanks, Rev...Christians are fond of quoting Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ" without realizing Paul was discussing contentment. Paul said he had Learned to live in prosperity and poverty...both having abundance and suffering need. Sounds somewhat like a successful long distance hiker to me. Learning to survive the mental ups and downs is crucial for a successful hike. Keep up the great work.
Thanks. There are a lot of biblical principles that apply to backpacking thruhiking and wilderness wanderings in general.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt April 23, 1910,
Thanks Richard for a great quote from one of the greatest presidents of our country.
Super great job on this one Rev, very well laid out and said... people can learn a lot from your experience!
Thanks Mike! This video was hard to put together, but I feel it was much needed. Thanks for your suggestions and pushing me to make this one.
@@TheHikingRev my pleasure, you always put together great videos. I like when you show some clips of you hiking in between your points you’re making. I forget to do that and just blab on lol
Wise words. When something I'm doing feels hard, I think about the most difficult time in my life and think to myself, "If you survived that you there is no reason you can't do this." or " If you survived 8 years of that, you can do 5 months of this." Our perspective plays a huge role in our success or failure. If I constantly am focused on how difficult something is, it's hard to appreciate the reasons why I wanted to do it, to begin with. I also the method of breaking hikes into small manageable sections. If it's a steep climb, I don't focus on how far I have to go, and sometimes I won't look up to prevent discouragement. I stay focused on what is right in front of me and give myself mini-milestones such as, I'm going to make it to that stump and take a rest. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
That is GREAT advice! I think you can apply those principles to EVERY aspect of life, not just hiking.
@@TheHikingRev Absolutely! At one point, I had to relearn how to live and this strategy is how I achieved that feat. I applied this method long before I started exploring outdoors but I have found it especially useful for hiking challenges.
I find myself counting steps when the going gets tough. I also count when the dentist is drilling and delight in thinking about biting the dentist if he doesn't quit before my imagined number!
Good advice about short term goals. That's pretty much how I am finding a way to get through this stage of my life. I am 80 but I am very fit other than the inevitable worn out bits and pieces. I've been a hiker all my life (well, almost!) and that has certainly kept me in both physical and psychological good health. I am now my wife's full time carer and intend to look after her at home for as long as it takes. So it's one day at a time. I am fortunate that I live close to a nature reserve where I can walk to daily where possible. This I try to do on a daily basis, my wife's condition permitted, I am able to spend an hour and a half just walking, looking around and thinking. This looks after my soul as well as giving the bodily bits and pieces at least some sort of workout. House work takes care of some of the workout. I have even come to enjoy it and have become almost a perfectionist. All this keeps me going, especially the soulful part.
When I was a working man, I found that if I was having a bad day at work I would tell myself that at least I would going back to the bosom of my family in the evening. Short term goal.
I love your episodes on YT. I live in the UK where we have a vast network of public footpaths and bridleways. 140,O00 miles or thereabouts. We are truly blessed in that respect.
Thank you so much. You are truly blessed.
I have always believed that the mental or state of mind challenges of being in the woods is much more of a threat then the physical challenges.....it is important to keep your state of mind in balance in a panic your state of mind can lead to danger. I have been in a few dangerous situations in the woods and I always remembered to keep my wits about me and not panic whether it was getting lost, bear encounter, or coming across some dangerous people. Great video very well done...thank you!
You’re welcome Mike. It’s great when we can keep our wits about us and not panic.
Sir, I am 60 years old and have the backpacking bug! My wife and I are starting small. We are hiking a smalls section of the AT in October. (Clingman to Smokemont)
Your videos are very inspiring. Your explanation of the three parts of "who we are" resonates with me perfectly.
Thank you for sharing! I hope o e day to make your acquaintance
Thanks Jeff. I’d love to meet you. 😁
-My worst day backpacking beat the heck out of my best day at work.
-Don't do boring hikes. If you're not excited about it why do it? I know plenty of "thru hikers" who are just checking boxes- in my experience a lot of the miles of some of the more popular ones like the AT, PCT, CDT are just plain boring. If you're gonna backpack for weeks there are places all over the world (Alaska, British Columbia, Nepal) that will keep you excited.
Again…great advice Rob.
I just quit my thru hike of the Colorado Trail and I wish I had watched a video like this before hand! The most realistic explanation of what thru hiking is actually like. Maybe I will get back on the trial in the future...but for now I need time to reflect and rest.
You’re on the right track. Successful Thruhikes are more mental than physical. 😁
Thanks. You continue to inspire.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad it was helpful.
I love your hiking videos! Such great footage of your hikes and you are an amazing speaker. Please keep sharing!
Thank you very much Hope. You’re very kind. I’m glad you enjoy the videos. I hope they’re helpful.
Thank you Rev!
You’re welcome Sue.
I love these!!
Thank you Sarah. 😁❤️👍
Always great advice !
Thank you Doreen. I hope it was helpful.
Thanks for the great insights. This is a great help as I prepare to hike the Colorado Trail this summer. I will keep your words in mind as I head down the trail one step at a time.
Thanks Jason. I’m starting the Colorado Trail this summer as well. I hope to see you on the Trail.
love this one Rev Thanks
Thanks James.
Very well said.
Thank you very much.
Love your videos Rev~ so much wisdom so well stated. Thank you
Thanks Ron.
So blessed to have come across your channel! This video really expresses reality! Keep it up and thanks for your counsel, guidance and insights!
You’re welcome Timothy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Great advice and wisdom. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Wade.
Thanks brother. As always, you share some real wisdom.
You’re welcome Joseph. I hope it helped.
Excellent video provided value for me. You are wise man. I think this topic is underrated and unadressed in CZcams's hiking channels.
I agree Mahmoud. 👍
I just discovered this channel. I am your age 67. I have wanted to backpack for many years. My first goal is to thru hike the AT. It will be 5 more years before I can due to work. I am hoping to be in good enough shape at that time. These videos give me hope that I can still do it.
Good luck on your AT hike. You can do it!
Good advice, thanks!
You’re welcome Brad.
I really enjoy your videos, so glad I found them!
Thanks Big Sister. I’m so glad you enjoy them. 😁
Outstanding Rev! Your videos are simply getting better!! Appreciate your hard work!! 👍🏽🙌🏽👣😎🤟🏽
Thanks Manny. I just hope they can help aspiring backpackers.
Well done, Rev!
Thanks Tom.
You are the man. Thanks for the info
Thanks Asherof. I hope you enjoyed it and got to learn something.😁👍❤️
Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Andy!
This advice helped me a lot!
Thank you Sanette. I’m so glad it did.
Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed it.
Lovely Video! Thank you for uploading. Can't wait to see more 😍
I hope you enjoy them and learn something from my “Things I’ve Learned” series. Thanks.
Beautiful stuff right there brother.
Thank you Brandon. I hope you enjoyed it.
This is one of my favorite videos that you’ve done.
Thanks Larry. I learned so much from our hike together in Washington. Just thought I’d pass it along to future aspiring PCT hikers.
Great video! Thanks!
You’re welcome Juan.
thank you!
You’re welcome.
Great advice❣️
Thanks Diana. I’m enjoying following your journey.
Thank you! Your video is so encouraging 🙂 I really enjoyed listening to what you had to say.
Thank you Glenn. I hope it helped.
There are hiking videos and then there is THIS video. Very inspiring and a great video to watch before you decide to come into this “sport” or whatever it’s called.
Thanks Omar. You are very kind!
Truly a subject that is neglected but needs to be addressed. Even in this year (2021) I’m seeing many hikers quitting their Hikes because of a weakness in the Mental side of Backpacking.
Amazing video! Thank you sir
Thank you Edgar. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope it was helpful.
Nice. That was very genuine. Thank you.
You’re quite welcome David. 😁
I love your videos thank you for shining your light 💞🤗🕊
You’re most welcome.
Thank you, Rev. Good video. I appreciate your wisdom. You are always an encouragement to myself and to others. God bless you, my friend.
Thank you. You’re very kind.😁❤️👍
Rev, I’ll be 66 yo, next month. I’ll hike the PCT starting next spring. I too love God; although I’m not too big on religion. I am inspired by your videos and appreciate your wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Texas
Thanks so much Jeff. Good luck on your PCT Hike.
Great stuff but I wish you had dealt with the issue of being lonely. I am a woman and did the AT in my middle fifties. I got up and left first in the morning. I got passed every day by the hikers I has been with at the shelter the night before. Then I would rarely see anyone until I pulled in last at a shelter. And if there was room, I was lucky. Because I started on April 1 in Georgia, there were no signs of spring yet. The landscape in the mountains is awesome but locally there was nothing to see but trail duff. One day I saw one wildflower poking its head up and discovered the hikers that night had all seen that one flower. Highlight of the day. However, there is a power u get when u can realize that u r coping. U r carrying everything u need on your own back. And u r doing it one step at a time.
I am reliving my hiking career thru your videos.
In one u mentioned not using a map but some kind of ???? Via internet. Please tell me what everyone is using now. I used a tiny wood burning stove because I didn’t want to deal with having enough fuel. So having to keep a charge on some device seems a pain.
I use the FarOut app on my phone for navigation. The subject of “being lonely out hiking” sounds like a good subject for a video. Thanks.
@@TheHikingRev Thanks so much. I have watched a bunch of your videos and you are spot on! I got sick about a week into my trip and had to get into town. I discovered on the drive into town that I was very interested in seeing how the local population lived. While recovering I decided to re-write my itinerary, slow down and Hike My Own Hike. Changed my tent part way through and even got new boots. Stood in a stream and then hiked. My boots dried and I never had a blister afterward.
Thanks Rev. As always you leave us with little nuggets of wisdom. I remember when I used to try to hike like others and was miserable. I really prefer solo hiking and find sauntering at my own pace and daily mileage goals makes me more successful and self fulfilled.
Keep up the good work and travel safe.
Thanks Scott...one of best sayings in the hiker community “Hike Your Own Hike.”
Good video. I will watch it again as there is a lot of insight presented. It is thought provoking at a level for living life as well as hiking.
Thank you.
Right on Brother!
Thanks!
Great video. I start a pct thru hike in three days and have been thinking so much about what will be my biggest challenges. I am almost certain the mental ones will be the hardest. When you talk about fears, mine is to fail and not finish.....but it does not keep me from trying
Thanks Michael. At least you tried. You’ll alway get further than the person who doesn’t even try.
Awesome video!
Thanks Nancy. Glad you enjoyed it.
I like your positive message. My recent heart attack has me thinking more about the meaning of life and why I'm here and the type of person I want to be in my final years. Happy hiking Rev.
Thanks. I know that one day I won’t be able to do what I’m able to do now. So do it while you can!
Awesome.
Thanks Douglas.
Thanks Rev, I'm not a thru-hiker but that was a good life lesson. Rest up from the heart attack, I just found your channel and would sure like to see you back out on the trails.
I am going to be doing the Pinhoti Trail (Alabama/Georgia) in April.
Straight talk ...just as i like it. Another good video Rev, thanks
You’re welcome Sherri.
First time watching your videos, Loved your words of wisdom concerning the mental aspects of hiking (and life). Thank-you for sharing :)
You’re welcome Ron and Jody. Check out my PCT playlist in CZcams when you get a chance. I hope you enjoy them.
@@TheHikingRev This is the Jody of Ron and Jody :) I've now subscribed! I def plan on watching your other videos. I'm planning a thru hike of Washington this summer (hiked Oregon solo in 2019), so this video is a great reminder of the mental challenges of not just 5-6months on the trail but even just being gone for around 30 days or so! I need to find my WHY for this upcoming hike, I know that is a BIG mental point.
@@jodyhill6696 Jody, I just joined a Facebook Group “PCT: Washington.” Great group! Northern Washington was one of my favorite sections on the PCT. Very remote and rugged but beautiful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
@@TheHikingRev Oh, that is too funny, I just joined like a week ago. Can't wait to "check" Washington out! Thank-you, I will def ask if needed!
You are re-kindling my interest in getting back out there and do some long distance hiking. I got off of the AT twice, once in 2015 and the other in 2016, because of back and neck issues and was only doing 7.5 miles per day with the Smoky's in front of me, where I had to make it from shelter to shelter but the shelters were more like 12 miles apart (no random camping allowed.) . I bailed, because I had a ride offer if I wanted it. I was 66 years old back then (2016). So now I am 74, but miss it all the time, being out there. If you haven't done a video on "training ahead of time" and the motivation needed to just do that, please consider that topic. I have trouble being motivated to get on a treadmill, because it is boring. I live in Florida where it is FLAT, so hiking doesn't prepare me for the mountains like in the AT.
Hey Mike. There’s nothing wrong with starting the AT where you left off the previous year. You don’t have to complete a Thruhike in a calendar year. Just continuous footsteps.
“Thru- hiking -
The a c t of hiking an established end-to-end long distance trail with continuous footsteps.”
I’ll do a video on “Pre-hike Training.” Thanks.😁👍❤️
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" Matthew 6:34. As you say, sometimes it's an accomplishment just to get through the day.
👍
Thank you.
You’re welcome Jerry.
Good morning Rev! Thank you for such an important video. The mental challenge has been a worry for me. I realized in a section hike that being alone can be wonderful being in God's creation and grateful for the wonders encountered that are the gifts of walking in beauty all around. But loneliness can be so awful sometimes. Missing family especially. I have been ashamed of this loneliness, which amplifies the sadness. Thank you for pointing out that part of the solo hiker experience. Knowing the WHY i am out there and preparing for the disappointments i look to solve. It is not all rainbows and unicorns. But there will be rainbows. So there must be rain. Some places there are wild ponies. We are blessed to have the opportunity to walk and experience it all. Thank you for an excellent walking lecture.
You’re welcome.Robert you are so right. Loneliness is definitely hard on your psyche.
Hi Rev, I noticed your videos a couple weeks ago & have enjoyed following along with your hiking the PCT, which is very inspiring. Plus the helpful videos like this one & agree that the mental side is a very tough part of endurance sports. I'm a long time hiker/biker retired guy of 64, bought ultralight gear a few years ago with plans to do the 5 section hikes of the PCT one at a time. But leg problems continue to plague me with my plans, although I do see the light at the end of the tunnel, so maybe next year I'll get to Campo in the spring. Thanks for all your advise on all the aspects of thru hiking at our age it's truly benefits in all kind of ways.
Good luck on your PCT Hike.
Love you're style Big Brother. Short term goals only lead to more short term goals. Which in reality is a long term goal. I called it psyching yourself out to get to where you are going. Your are alright by me Big Brother.
Thank you Albert. 😁
My PCT journey starts next Tuesday, this was just what I needed. I agree with the mental component, but had yet to break down the elements like you've done here. One thing in terms of the 'goal' I'm planning to try, is simply think of the trail as 100% or 100 iterations of 1%. My 1-3 day goal is just to knock off 1%. Mentally it doesn't feel so daunting counting down from 100 and is not that big of a number. At least this is what I'm thinking right now for a strategy to keep walking every day and not give up. Another value bomb I got from your video here is needing to articulate the 'why' better for myself, I'm carrying a small note pad and will make this the first entry before I start. Read it when I need it. Thanks Rev!
Wow...that sounds great! YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT! I have been watching videos of hikers from this year’s PCT Class taking off from the Southern Terminus who have ALREADY QUIT! The main problem I’m seeing is their lack of mental preparation and mental fortitude (plus, many are extremely out of shape). Chris, if you just keep your present mindset, you’ll make it! Let me know if I can help you in any way. Godspeed, young man!
Chris, how did your PCT hike go?
Hi Rev, Wonderful video. Sounded a bit like a believer trying to explain secular thinking at the beginning... :) Anyway, in one of your videos you emphasized getting out and "training" with the pack on to simulate the hiking experience. Great advice as I put 30lbs in my pack yesterday, did a short hike, and proceeded to understand that I need a lot more training to be ready for my hiking season. Thanks! Ps.118:24
Thanks Kevin. Gotta start somewhere! Keep training and your body will thank you later.
Hey Rev. I am hiking the HST this August. I know it is only a tiny fraction of the PCT, but I don't have a reason why. What you said make a tremendous amount of sense and I have a few months to come up with a reason. By far your best video. Thanks. YIC Chris.
Hey Chris. My reason for hiking the PCT was “Because I can.” 😁
As I contemplate my 1200 mile "section" hike in 2022 of the PCT as a solo hiker, I can honestly say, "Amen". The "why" question for me was different in the two section hikes completed thus far (Canada- Willamette Pass in 2021 and NKM - Willamette Pass in 2022); but were an important part of getting me to finish as the initial adrenaline in the first few weeks wore off, the days got shorter, and tramilys broke down and flipped North to WA leaving me even more alone with just my thoughts.
So true Tom. Find out what motivates you and go for it.
Great reminders
Thanks. I hope they were helpful.
@@TheHikingRev I learned by hiking AT that I don’t enjoy being on trail more than a couple months. I will section hike PCT as that’s my comfort level. I am 68 so good hearing from other older hikers.
@@windeaglemartin1800 Section hiking the PCT is a great way to do it. I wish I would have done a “shorter” long-distance trail before doing the PCT. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.
1. Focus on short range goals. Don’t focus on the enormity of the trail remaining. Take one day at a time.
2. Don’t manufacture FEARS. Courage is experiencing fear and overcoming it.
3. Don’t romanticize the trail. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. It’s hard. It’s tough.
4. The fatigue caused by the trail is real, lack of sleep, the consistent hiking, being extremely tired means…REST.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s not how fast you hike, it’s how long you hike.
6. Get to the point that you don’t think about people back home.
7. Answer the question, “Why are you hiking this trail?”
That sounds like great advice, Papajeff. 😁😁
Rev, this is my 3d watch of this video. I’m asking for my Advocate to stay with me. He knows me better than I know myself. If he is with me, who can be against me, ROM 8:31. Sir, you are an inspiration, your wisdom, knowledge and understanding, shared for free, gives me hope. I am retired in East Tennessee. My AT beginning will be in 5 days. The anxiety that I’ve felt, during the last two years of training, gear, and moving from Kentucky to Tennessee, is finally coming to a head. I’ll be thinking of you and your guidance. God be with you.
👍this helps with life in general not just thru hikes
🥾🥾🥾
So true David. 😁❤️👍
In 2017,2018 I made three attempts to hike the pct solo, south bound, I worked two jobs nearly seven days a week to save up money for the trip, I did lots of research for maybe two and a half years to prepare and was fit and healthy and excited about it.... But on the 1st attempt only hiked for I think three days, harts pass then camped many hours after that, next day went to N border and headed back, then camped at maybe woody pass(?) Then next day hiked to mountain after forest fire area few hours past harts pass, then next day at the end of that day was in steheiken, and quit. 2nd attempt next year started at steheiken, on first night was visited by a bear (I think) the next day got lost in a ice field when hiker tracks disappeared in the textures of the ice field, next day met a hiker in trouble and hiked with her until she pressed SOS button on her satellite phone and evaced by helicopter, then hiked solo again and maybe covered all the miles from ?? To Stevens pass then quit telling people "I never want to see a tree again in my life" next week I bussed from Seattle to Cascade locks and hiked from the bridge of the gods to timberline lodge and ate everything in sight and tried to buy rob zombie concert tickets in the lobby on wifi, but couldn't. Then bused to Portland and quit the pct a third time. The three times I quit were because I wasnt mentally strong enough for some reason... I have no idea why, but I kept thinking "GET OUT OF THE DANGEROUS WILDERNESS" but when I was with that girl, I felt more confident, alone I crumbled......
I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to quit. It’s perfectly natural. As I mention in my video, I think we glamorize the Trail too much and don’t show the “hardness” of it.
Just an idea…perhaps next time you could switch it up and hike NOBO starting from Campo. The Northern Cascades is one of the toughest sections on the whole trail. Beautiful, but rugged and tough, especially to start. Just an idea.
Just another idea…you might want to get a partner to hike with you. Make sure that they’re not going to hinder you or hold you back. I am more of a loner. I do better by myself but some people have to have others hiking with them. Again…just another idea.
Really enjoying this content, found by reccommendation by Dixie at Homemade Wanderlust, another great channel!
Thank you Sean. I hope it was very helpful.😁👍❤️
A man's resolve is paramount.
So true Pete so true.
I've been watching your videos since you had only a handful of subscribers. I have no idea how I missed this video but I think it is your best one. Maybe you should consider creating another channel for religious topics for hikers. Thank you for doing your videos. This is the day that the Lord has made.
Thanks CJ. You’re very kind. Many people don’t realize the mental and emotional strength it takes to do a Thruhike or any hike for that matter. I’m glad you enjoyed it and was helped by it.
You keep talking about God Rev. that’s what this world needs. Keep up the videos. ❤
Thanks Jennifer. 😁
I’m 53 and my husband is 65. We love to do day hikes. Hiking is great but not a fan of camping. :)
just amazing! you are in remarkable shape!! may i ask what your age is?
I’m 68. I’ll be 69 in May.
the reason Why Soul Psyche strengthening healing growth now just got to remember that whilst putting the steps down in the future thanks
You can do it Steve. 👍
Matthew 6:24 : Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough cares of its own....
Also - Psalm 121 1-3 I lift up my eyes to the mountains -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip -
he who watches over you will not slumber;
The scripture is brilliant when dealing with long distance backpacking
Very true, Dave.
Great topic for a challenge like the pct. The $5000 gear on one's back can give a false sense of security it is ultimately the body/mind that will and have to carry us through. Watch the movie: "As far as my feet will carry me." Would have loved trekking with you. PTL
Thanks Ulrich. You’re right...it’s the space between ear and ear that’s important, not the gear. I’ll check that video out.
I like hiking alone but get depressed camping alone.
Yes. It can be scary.
I’m curious if you have any residual mental benefits like awareness, toughness, calmness...whatever as a result of completing your PCT goal? I see a lot of thru hikers having difficulty going back to daily life after a long thru hike.
After spending 5 1/2 months in “hiker/survival” mode, it was hard to convert back to what we hikers referred to as “the real world.” I developed more of a minimalist mindset. I discovered I didn’t need as much “stuff” as I used to think I needed. I definitely developed a calmness about me. Don’t worry...be happy! The-trail-will-provide attitude. For the first week or so, I found myself wanting to sleep on the floor next to my bed on a sleeping pad and a quilt. Plus, I developed the mindset of “if I can hike 2,653.1 miles from Mexico to Canada in 163 days at 67 years of age, I CAN DO ANYTHING!”
Great job 👍. I know it won't be all rainbows and unicorns. But did you see any unicorns 😂? I'll be looking for them when I hike it 🙂
When I was in Oregon near those Pot Fields that were on fire I thought I saw some Unicorns. 🤪
Wonderful advice. Thank you! I need some advice. I am 66, on a budget, and I have been doing day hiking for about 3 months while I am getting fit to do some section hiking. Can you recommed a good, light weight, waterproof, 1 or 2 man, budget freindly tent? I'm sure as a fellow pastor my concerns. Thanks again.
Yes, Phil. I feel your pain. 😁. The Big Agnes tents are good. Check out the BA Fly Creek and the BA Tiger Wall. They’re not cheap but anything “budget friendly” is going to be heavy.
Thank you.
I bought a Swedish tent. The best ever made. They are pricey, but they are worth it. They are designed so well. Hilleberg.
Thanks Rev! I remember asking you when we gave you a lift to Troutdale what was hard about doing the PCT. You said the mental part. I am glad you covered it. Lots of good tips here. I know there are wonderful people on the trail be it other hikers, trail angels, or just people who offer to help. that said, did you ever encounter folks you had concerns about (eg hitchiking or otherwise) and how did you manage that situation? Am also curious as to what your "why" was in doing the PCT - why did you do it? perhaps you covered that elsewhere. thanks!
I remember that day well. You folks were so kind to give me a ride.
There was one “situation” where I got a ride into town that caused me some concern. (I’m not going to give a lot of details in case the person is subscribed to my channel). I was given a ride into town by a person with a serious, legitimate mental condition. I did not become aware of the situation until we were a couple of miles down the road of a 20 mile trip. Everything seemed fine and normal while walking to their car and getting in but after a few minutes of conversation it was apparent that something was not right. I could not comprehend how this person still had a license to drive a vehicle. I couldn’t jump out of the car while we were going 70 mph so I PRAYED REAL HARD! We finally made it to town and they dropped me off at the motel. They were very kind and non-threatening and I offered to pay for gas which they refused but I was shocked and confused how this person still had a license to drive.
The reason “why” I did the PCT was to challenge myself and prove to myself that I could do something this monumental.
@@TheHikingRev thanks Rev for keeping it real with this video. And appreciate your reply!
Rev, I fell asleep on this one, just like church sermons.
😂 Sorry!! “The Preacher said to the little boy, “Son, wake your dad up. He can’t sleep during my sermon.” The little boy replied, “You wake him up. You put him to sleep.”
If it wasn't tough, it wouldn't be fun.
That is the truth! 👍
NICE BELLO PARABIENES MAMA MIA MUY BIEN COMPADRE Y VIVA PANCHO VILLA
👍
What do you think about the Senate voting to keep Daylight Savings Time permanent?
IMHO… I like the idea. More daylight in the afternoon.
Just say “people.” Why is that so difficult?
🤷
I ENJOY watching the Hiking Rev stuff .. but this one started out RoUgH
..
Nonesense .. more of the same .. simple categorizing without basis .. almost there .. ugh .. thoughts .. hmm .. 100% disagree .. more inductive conclusions from faulty premises .. wait .. FINALLY --> Jump to Min.5
..
MUCH better
.. Dealing with thoughts of PERSONAL Discouragement
.. Focusing on Short-Range goals (
I am SO glad you kept watching, PAGAN. I realized the first part was too philosophical/preachy but I felt like I had to cover it in order to lay the foundation for the mental side of Backpacking. I realize not everyone shares my view of life, and the last thing I want to do is FORCE it on anyone. I’d rather chose to focus on what unites us (hiking, backpacking, outdoors, nature) than what divides us. So...I hope we can agree that the Mental/Emotional side of Backpacking is just as vital as the Physical side and that the thoughts in my video (after 5 minutes) are helpful in achieving our goal of completing and enjoying the Trail as it was meant to be enjoyed.
I enjoy watching your channel .. preach if you want .. I'll keep watching .. i may have to cough through some of it .. but that's my own personal problem .. not yours .. the Intro-Perspective-Direction of the viewer I mean