Could we all just stop comparing ourselves and making assumptions about each other? We are all trying to accomplish our goal. You never know about that other person. Better to ask yourself, am I being trail courteous? Am I being helpful or just kind if I can? Get out of the way of faster hikers. I ride my horse on a trail that an endurance rider uses to practice. She yells coming through and I move over for her. No biggie. Smile, wave, and carry on. Like your videos.
Good video. I would add that there is a level of "perspective" to what is hard for some and easy for others. A thruhike may be hard, and a section hike "less" hard mentally, but for some, even a one or two night out alone in the woods would be terrifying. So that person overcoming that fear and doing one night in the woods is just as much a "hero" as someone doing a 2000 mile thru hike.
Rev, GREAT analysis of these two types of hikes! We'll done. Towards the end of your video you mentioned the "emphasis" of the two. Thru-hiking is about the miles needed to complete, while Section-hiking is the camping. I find that to be Soooooo true! I tried a Thru-hike on the PCT this past spring, an although a sickness forced me off the trail, I discovered that I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would because of the constant need to do X-number of miles. So I'm now a section hiker and find that i enjoy all the elements of backpacking but on a smaller scale of 3-6 days or so. But in the end, we're ALL out there enjoying the wonders of nature and that's what matters most. 👍
That is so true Dan. Both Thruhikers and Section hikers are hikers enjoying the great outdoors. The purpose of my video was to recognize the difference between the two while embracing the similarities.
I have some good pals who did the AT in sections over about 20 years' time, as they were all working at the time. About a year ago my hubby and I met a woman in Walmart who was shopping for her daughter who was a through-hiker up on the AT. She was following her daughter and would pick her up at preplanned trail heads, get a motel room for a good hearty meal, laundry, resupply for the next day and a good night's sleep. Her daughter could travel lightly while getting her mileage. Mom was enjoying the adventure (she was a new widow and welcomed having an important part of her daughter's goal). There are many ways we attack the the trail and always come away from it learning a lot about ourselves. God bless!
Excellent video and content. I'm 68 years old and my wife and I just completed a 432 mile section hike through the state of Oregon on the PCT. It was actually our first hike of this length. Our one and only hike before that was 42 miles last fall. It was a task of preparation and planning. Plus learning about hiking and equipment. All in all a very good experience. We met wonderfull thru hikers who we thought treated up just as any other hiker. You meet the nicest people on trail.
Wow, that's almost what I walk in 6 months and people think I walk a lot. I'm sure family and friends were concerned, worried, then truly impressed. I'm sure there's great memories, stories of both beauty and hardship. I'm working on getting back to the woods and getting back to 180 pounds. I'm working on it every day. Right now the longest was just over five miles with a 20 pound pack walking a big dog. You and the Rev give me hope. Thank you.
I think that great urban philosopher Rodney King asked the most important question for living in this world: “Can’t we all just get along?”. Share the trail; enjoy meeting new people; and respect them as fellow humans in the world.
@@TheHikingRev I appreciate your work so much, Rev. As a returning hiker, now retired and age 60, your many videos have inspired me to push my day hiking goals farther to consider backpacking once again. Peace and blessings!
LASHer here. 275 AT miles last year, 210 this year, and several 100+ milers in previous years. Heading out to finish the final 42 miles this week. Tinker, Appalachian Trail, 1980 something to 2022. Heading north from Amicalola last year, many people assumed that I was a fellow thruhiker unless they were informed otherwise. It was nice to be included and accepted by hopeful thruhikers. Short term section hikers are sometimes shunned, but mostly not. Anyone with feet on a trail is a hiker, and, unless they are a genuinely bad person, they are brothers and sisters, as far as I am concerned, and I get to share my weight saving methods to those who are hopeful of completing a long distance section hike or an entire long trail in their future plans. Thanks, Rev, for your wisdom and tips.👍✌🙏☝️
You’re welcome Daniel. The Hiking Community, as a whole, is a very supportive group of people. But there are jerks in every group. Just stay away from them.
Excellent video Rev. I thoroughly enjoyed “your” definitions of both types of hikes. I’ve been hiking since 1996 & my hikes have been 5/6 days because of work. So I look at my hikes as vacations & depending where I’m hiking, and who I’m hiking with, I’ll choose miles over camping sometimes, or camping over miles if I have first-timers with me. Either way, I think it’s great to see anyone out on the trail with with a full backpack. “Hike your hike”, right. I wish you many more miles of good health.
Rev! Great to see you! You're looking fantastic. Due to my being overseas, my contact with American hiking culture is through hiking vlogs, and I've noticed the mind-set you mention. Occasionally you'll run across thru-hikers in the vlogs who ... um ... shall we say ... exude attitude. Thanks for this video. As always very informative and enjoyable. P.S. -- Fantastic thumbnail cover photo for this video!
Good unbiased video. In 1970, I started solo hiking the Southern California trails every weekend or vacation week my employer would allow me to take, ending up section hiking most of the PCT from Warner Springs north to Truckee. Thanks to Eric Ryback's books, I was preparing for the PCT thru hike that never happened (thank you Uncle Sam). I am now retired and have been blessed with wonderful grand kids, and a wife who I am blessed to have, but she can no longer hike. She supports my return to hiking, but it looks like my PCT thru hike will not happen because of the long time commitment required. I will be very happy to simply continue my former section hikes in part because of your videos. Thank you for helping me make this decision.
Glory be! I am so glad I watched your video! I've been wanting to hike the JMT literally, for years but just could never muster up the will. You see, even though I hate to admit it, I'm a "city slicker". Don't like to be uncomfortable, like good-tasting hot food, a warm, comfy bed, etc., etc. No apologies there, just fact. After watching your video, it dawned on me that I could make "mini-trips" along the JMT for only a couple of days! (Think I'd still need a permit and don't know how hard it would be to get one) Anyway, yes, I love the scenery but hate the commitment of a long, hard hike so a section hike is made for me. Again, thank you for your videos and God bless. Maybe I'll see you on the trail someday-----along a section, that is.
I'm from Germany and just getting started with Hiking, for me you are an very inspiring person. Looking back every Video of you is somuch fun an made me calm down, so i can be realy lucky to have had someone like you how explain an Talk in such a "with knowledge of an old wise man's voice" that i hopely can Atventure someday such great places like PCT to feel that amazing way you do spreddig your passion to "us younger People".
Really enjoying seeing you back and uploading new content again Rev! Thanks for encouraging us all to get out more, regardless of how long a trail we’re on.
I mostly section hike as I live in a terminus town of a long distance walking track (Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia). Section hiking means I just get into a rhythm and the hikes finish. But, it also has allowed me to test my setup over and over and make/test changes.
According to your definition I'm a section hiker, though many of our trails in small old Europe would be concidered section hikes in the US. But non of your descriptions of section hikers apply to me. I'm always going alone, and ultra light. After 5 to 7 hours I put up my tent in splendid isolation. I guess I'm a mixed hiker.
Hey Rev! I recently found your channel because of a plug that Dixie of Homemade Wanderlust gave your “Tips for older Hikers” vid. I just finished watching your entire PCT thru hike and I’ll admit I had to dry my eyes more than once in the last few minutes. I especially appreciate your Christian perspective; it’s not often that you hear “Gods creation” when folks talk about the beauty of nature/wilderness. You are so much more inspiring than you know.
Thank you, Troy. You made my day. That was very kind of Dixie to recommend my channel. I’m glad you enjoyed the videos on my PCT Thruhike. To this day, even though it’s been two years ago, I still can’t watch the last video without weeping.
Great topic Rev. I know allot of people as soon as I got on the AT were asking me if I was a thru hiker. None the less I was invited to eat with thru hikers. I am a section hiker training for a thru hike. I really enjoyed the company of other hikers.
Having hiked since I was a scout and done distance peaks and day hiking, I think it depends on what floats your boat and also your personal circumstances and finances. To each their own. Leave it better than you found it is all we need to remember and be kind to one another whether you’re out for a day, a week, a month, or a record. You, Rick and Andrea Marmalade and Hammer have inspired me to saddle up and hit the trails again. Thanks for what you do and for sharing.
I also disagree that section and thru hikes have specific emphases. It's really personal preferences on whether miles or camping has the priority. For me it's the hike(I guess mileage not camping) that has the focus even with shorter hikes. Bottom line I do agree that thru vs section doesn't matter. Remember the PCT is just a section hike of the Triple Crown .
I enjoy your videos very much, I think of you as the voice of experience. We have something in common: air lift rescue, and cardiac event. Mine was on August 16, 2021, so you had a little head start. I am doing great after 6 bypass surgery, and have recently done my first day hike, and yes very proud of it, although short and sweet , it was a great victory day towards getting back to more normal activities. I would be willing to bet that you would agree with me, that miracles are no small part of everyday........I say this based on so many that I have witnessed. Please know that I pray for your continued recovery and improvement from your condition and delighted to hear your newest video today. Keep on keeping on Rev! May God bless you and your family! Ken in NH!🦶🫀🙏🦶👍
Thanks Rev, true, many of us can not afford the time off work to commit to a thru hike until we can. I plan on 2024 and I’ll be 61. Not quite retired, but can make it work. The rest has been, yes, weekend warrior and section hiking when I have chosen my entire allotted vaca to be in the back country. I didn’t start backpacking until my 50’s, but always comfortable outdoors. Ive developed a deep admiration for thru hikers and hope that they don’t elevate themselves to feel superior to those of us who do have commitments. As I say that, when section hiking, I can feel some of the superiority complex creeping in when I see day hikers when I am section hiking and have to “check myself” over the irony. I live near Yosemite and though I backpack there a bit, I can mostly never get a permit, so I go into the National Forest areas. I completed the Timberline Trail in Oregon in August, not many miles per se , but it was a challenge with some of the water crossings and el gain. I hope to complete the John Muir next year, then on to the PCT. Enjoyed your journey and am enjoying your videos. You give me hope that yes, in my sixties, I can do this!
I've never thru hiked anywhere, but I am completely turned off by any activity where the emphasis is on distance. I've ridden Harley's all over the country. One of the guys I used to ride with put his total focus on how many miles he could do in one day. We'd start out in groups together and inevitably he and a couple of other riders would split off and ride ahead putting more miles in a day. And inevitably, at the end of the trip while looking through pictures and videos, etc. he would say "I didn't see that" or "I missed that, where was it?" I'd rather take my time and see more on the way.
I would call it the difference between backpacking vs. long distance hiking. We wanted to thru-hike, but now we are LASHers. We plan to spend 3 months on the PCT in 2023 hiking North from the Oregon border up to Canada. Great video!
Hi Rev! Another great video and one that hit close to home for us. After leaving the PCT at a White Pass in 2020 (forest fires) we returned this summer to do a long section hike from White Pass to Stevens Pass. While it was amazing to be back on the trail it was, as you pointed out in your video, a much different experience both physically and mentally, than our 2020 thru-hike attempt. It was great meeting you (twice) on the trail, and we're happy to see you're still out there crushing the miles! Roadkill and Goldilocks
Sorry Rev for being negative in advance but I ask must ask why? Why does it matter? Both a thru hiker and section hiker are looking to go from point A to point B it’s truly just a matter of preference which one chooses. Why is everything on the platter a contest? You hike 100 miles in 3 days, another person takes 10 days? What really does it matter? There are advantages and disadvantages in everything in our lives? Does it matter, I don’t think so, I’m not supporting either thought, if one accomplishes a set goal why on earth is that different than some one who does it faster, longer, shorter? I think if one accomplishes a set personal goal it’s not any less important than another person’s set goal. Geez I digress!!!! What happened to HYOH? My goodness the last thing we need these days is I’m better than you ideologically and physically. I’d guess that wasn’t your point but the tone maybe off, and all this stated what makes me the all knowing?? 😊. Gosh I’m getting old I sound like my parents.
Hey Rick…apparently I came across as thinking one way was better than the other. Truly that was not my intention. In fact, in my video at 1:16 I clearly make the statement, “So which one is better? Well, the short answer is, neither one of them is better.”
What’s great about being out there vs. “in here” is that everyone on trail…thru, section, day…is kind and courteous and for the most part engaging and helpful. Oh, if only the entire world were the same.
Hi Rev. when I was in my 20’s I hiked when I could. Life began to engulf as it does.🤪 At 28, I was hit with Ankylosing Spondylitis and RA. If the Lord permits I’m training now to section hike on the AT , in my home state of VA,early next Spring. I will still have to pay close attention to the topography of the hike in correlation to my disability. Where would I find the best info, so that I could plan for a safe, beautiful hike thru the blessings that I believe, God has given us.? Thank you for sharing all that you do. I’m 61 and I don’t want to miss out anymore.❤️
Hey TresAnnRN! I realize that one day I will not be able to do what I’m doing now so I’m going to do it while I can. I use the app “FarOut” for the trails that I do. it gives the mileage and elevation.😁
I live less than 30 minutes from the AT. Sometimes I have dreams of thruhiking the AT. BUT life gets in the way. I can't take that much time away from work. The longest time I have spent on trail at one time is 12 days. There is so much hiking available to me in this area (east Tennessee) that I doubt I will even try section hiking the AT now. I do want to do all of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can earn a badge for that.
Hello Rev! While faith is not an emphasis in your videos, please keep supporting your hiking buddies on their “through hike” of life. I enjoy your videos🥾🥾
Love the content. I'm wondering if a person hikes all of the North Country Trail in Minnesota at once (850 miles) would be a Section Hiker, while a person who hikes just the Superior Trail (300 miles, all on the North Country Trail) would be a Thru-Hiker. Is that right?
Good video but I disagree with your comparison of what a through hiker and section hiker. Also I believe that the terms of your PCT permit define what a through hike is. In my opinion your comparisons were of a through hike or LASH to weekend backpacking.
Thanks for the great video and sharing your thoughts on this topic. You are an amazing hiker who continues to contribute great content to the hiking community! I do have a question for you though-kind of an obvious one that I hoped you'd address in your video. According to your vlog you completed the PCT over the course of 5 1/2 months during 2 consecutive hiking seasons, correct? That is an amazing accomplishment no matter what age a hiker is! I am more of a LASHER- long ass section hiker and hope to complete the PCT over the course of 4 or 5 years. So my question is this, and I think it relates strongly to this video. When does a "thru-hike" become a LASH? You call your 2 year hike a "thru-hike" but is it also a thru-hike if it takes 3, 4, or 5 years? When would you start to call it a section hike? I know there are different opinions for this, and I don't mean to imply any disrespect for your hike or you. But I am wondering what your thoughts are on this. Thanks!
You’re right Scott…there are different opinions on this and just like bellybuttons, everybody’s got one! 😂. As I stated in my video, there is no “official” Hiker Dictionary and don’t let anyone tell you there is! Some people state they did a “Thruhike” yet they skipped HUNDREDS of miles of the trail because of a “fire closure.” And on the other hand, some people do not believe you did a “Thruhike” because you didn’t finish within a calendar year even though you had a continuous footpath from the beginning of the trail to the end of it. Again…don’t let “self-righteous” individuals force their definition of a “Thruhike” on you or the Hiking Community. I earned a bachelors degree from the University of South Alabama in 1976. I completed all the academic requirements for a bachelor of science degree in Business and Management. It happened to take me 4 1/2 years to completed my degree rather than the customary 4 years. I didn’t do a LASH of college. I went “thru” college in 4 1/2 years rather than 4. I think the most important thing about a Thruhike is to complete every mile of the trail from the beginning terminus to the ending terminus. Otherwise, you didn’t do a Thruhike. IMHO!
This…is wisdom. People are ridiculous. As a person who cannot physically perform on longer trails, I’m disgusted to know anyone would argue over a long hike having their health in tact. Just be glad you can. So immature and self centered.
I think that the trail can condition the hiker who is not in the best of shape, and usually does. We see this every year, for example, with AT thru-hikers getting in fewer than twelve miles, on average, when they start off and then after a few hundred miles they’re up to eighteen-plus mile days. I also don’t think every ounce counts. Nobody seems to go after the vlogger who carries a full frame camera, tripod, 26k mAh battery, etc. but somehow carrying a frying pan or non-DCF single-wall tent is a sin. My experience with thru-hikers on the AT is that not everyone has a DCF tent, titanium cookware, or even cold-soaks. The mental challenge is real though. Out west the conditions are dry so it can be a bit easier but out east, on the AT, I don’t think anything is harder than hiking day after day in rainy conditions, where highs are in the 40s and lows near or below freezing, day after day.
I have so much admiration for Thru Hikers compared to Section Hikers. It takes so much more planning, time, stamina and persistence to cover the distance of hikes like the PCT. But as a day hiker only, I have admiration for Section Hikers too - anyone who carry a backpack and camp for multiple nights. Excellent video.
Thru hikers and section hikers are the same once we're 15 miles from the nearest TH. I do think day hikers should be banned anywhere past 10 miles from a TH. Just kidding!
Could we all just stop comparing ourselves and making assumptions about each other? We are all trying to accomplish our goal. You never know about that other person. Better to ask yourself, am I being trail courteous? Am I being helpful or just kind if I can? Get out of the way of faster hikers.
I ride my horse on a trail that an endurance rider uses to practice. She yells coming through and I move over for her. No biggie. Smile, wave, and carry on.
Like your videos.
Thanks. Thus the purpose of my video…neither way is better, just different.
Good video. I would add that there is a level of "perspective" to what is hard for some and easy for others. A thruhike may be hard, and a section hike "less" hard mentally, but for some, even a one or two night out alone in the woods would be terrifying. So that person overcoming that fear and doing one night in the woods is just as much a "hero" as someone doing a 2000 mile thru hike.
So true Jill. So true.
Rev, GREAT analysis of these two types of hikes! We'll done. Towards the end of your video you mentioned the "emphasis" of the two. Thru-hiking is about the miles needed to complete, while Section-hiking is the camping. I find that to be Soooooo true! I tried a Thru-hike on the PCT this past spring, an although a sickness forced me off the trail, I discovered that I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would because of the constant need to do X-number of miles. So I'm now a section hiker and find that i enjoy all the elements of backpacking but on a smaller scale of 3-6 days or so. But in the end, we're ALL out there enjoying the wonders of nature and that's what matters most. 👍
That is so true Dan. Both Thruhikers and Section hikers are hikers enjoying the great outdoors. The purpose of my video was to recognize the difference between the two while embracing the similarities.
You nailed it Rev!! We'll done!
Every pastime has its snobs. The old adage, Hike your own hike. I hike because it soothes my soul and puts my senses in order.
Amen to that Bill.
I have some good pals who did the AT in sections over about 20 years' time, as they were all working at the time. About a year ago my hubby and I met a woman in Walmart who was shopping for her daughter who was a through-hiker up on the AT. She was following her daughter and would pick her up at preplanned trail heads, get a motel room for a good hearty meal, laundry, resupply for the next day and a good night's sleep. Her daughter could travel lightly while getting her mileage. Mom was enjoying the adventure (she was a new widow and welcomed having an important part of her daughter's goal). There are many ways we attack the the trail and always come away from it learning a lot about ourselves. God bless!
I met a guy on the PCT who told me that he had Thruhiked the AT on the “10 Year Installment Plan.” 👍
Alone in the wilderness and sharing with the world. What times we live in. Great to see you on the march again.
Thanks. I’m trying.
Excellent video and content. I'm 68 years old and my wife and I just completed a 432 mile section hike through the state of Oregon on the PCT. It was actually our first hike of this length. Our one and only hike before that was 42 miles last fall. It was a task of preparation and planning. Plus learning about hiking and equipment. All in all a very good experience. We met wonderfull thru hikers who we thought treated up just as any other hiker. You meet the nicest people on trail.
That’s the truth! As a whole, the Hiker Community is a very supportive group of people. Wow…432 miles! That’s longer than some “Long Distance” trails.
Wow, that's almost what I walk in 6 months and people think I walk a lot. I'm sure family and friends were concerned, worried, then truly impressed. I'm sure there's great memories, stories of both beauty and hardship.
I'm working on getting back to the woods and getting back to 180 pounds. I'm working on it every day. Right now the longest was just over five miles with a 20 pound pack walking a big dog. You and the Rev give me hope. Thank you.
I think that great urban philosopher Rodney King asked the most important question for living in this world: “Can’t we all just get along?”. Share the trail; enjoy meeting new people; and respect them as fellow humans in the world.
Amen! The purpose of my video was to recognize the differences between the two types of hikes but embrace the similarities. We’re all hikers!
@@TheHikingRev I appreciate your work so much, Rev. As a returning hiker, now retired and age 60, your many videos have inspired me to push my day hiking goals farther to consider backpacking once again. Peace and blessings!
Blessed are the peacemakers ... 👍
Thanks Douglas.
...for they shall be called the children of God.
Amen!
LASHer here. 275 AT miles last year, 210 this year, and several 100+ milers in previous years.
Heading out to finish the final 42 miles this week. Tinker, Appalachian Trail, 1980 something to 2022.
Heading north from Amicalola last year, many people assumed that I was a fellow thruhiker unless they were informed otherwise. It was nice to be included and accepted by hopeful thruhikers. Short term section hikers are sometimes shunned, but mostly not. Anyone with feet on a trail is a hiker, and, unless they are a genuinely bad person, they are brothers and sisters, as far as I am concerned, and I get to share my weight saving methods to those who are hopeful of completing a long distance section hike or an entire long trail in their future plans.
Thanks, Rev, for your wisdom and tips.👍✌🙏☝️
You’re welcome Daniel. The Hiking Community, as a whole, is a very supportive group of people. But there are jerks in every group. Just stay away from them.
Great video Rev. Have you ever considered hiking an overnight trip with some of us newer hikers? You're such a positive influence and resource.
Thanks. I’ll give it some thought.
Excellent video Rev. I thoroughly enjoyed “your” definitions of both types of hikes. I’ve been hiking since 1996 & my hikes have been 5/6 days because of work. So I look at my hikes as vacations & depending where I’m hiking, and who I’m hiking with, I’ll choose miles over camping sometimes, or camping over miles if I have first-timers with me. Either way, I think it’s great to see anyone out on the trail with with a full backpack. “Hike your hike”, right. I wish you many more miles of good health.
Thank you so much Lennen. Both Thruhiking and Section Hiking are both hikes and backpacking trips.
All hikers should get along. The trails are for all.
Agreed! 👍
Rev! Great to see you! You're looking fantastic. Due to my being overseas, my contact with American hiking culture is through hiking vlogs, and I've noticed the mind-set you mention. Occasionally you'll run across thru-hikers in the vlogs who ... um ... shall we say ... exude attitude. Thanks for this video. As always very informative and enjoyable.
P.S. -- Fantastic thumbnail cover photo for this video!
Thanks Richard. I hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful.
When I was young, the word "attitude" was absolutely neutral. You could have a good one or a bad one.
Always a good morning when you put out a new vid Rev.
Thanks Bill. Hope you enjoyed it.
Good unbiased video. In 1970, I started solo hiking the Southern California trails every weekend or vacation week my employer would allow me to take, ending up section hiking most of the PCT from Warner Springs north to Truckee. Thanks to Eric Ryback's books, I was preparing for the PCT thru hike that never happened (thank you Uncle Sam). I am now retired and have been blessed with wonderful grand kids, and a wife who I am blessed to have, but she can no longer hike. She supports my return to hiking, but it looks like my PCT thru hike will not happen because of the long time commitment required. I will be very happy to simply continue my former section hikes in part because of your videos. Thank you for helping me make this decision.
Wow…thank you Mark!
I sure admire the positive cut of your jib.
Thanks for all the inspiration you share.👍
You’re quite welcome.
Glory be! I am so glad I watched your video! I've been wanting to hike the JMT literally, for years but just could never muster up the will. You see, even though I hate to admit it, I'm a "city slicker". Don't like to be uncomfortable, like good-tasting hot food, a warm, comfy bed, etc., etc. No apologies there, just fact. After watching your video, it dawned on me that I could make "mini-trips" along the JMT for only a couple of days! (Think I'd still need a permit and don't know how hard it would be to get one) Anyway, yes, I love the scenery but hate the commitment of a long, hard hike so a section hike is made for me. Again, thank you for your videos and God bless. Maybe I'll see you on the trail someday-----along a section, that is.
Sounds good Jerry.
I'm from Germany and just getting started with Hiking, for me you are an very inspiring person. Looking back every Video of you is somuch fun an made me calm down, so i can be realy lucky to have had someone like you how explain an Talk in such a "with knowledge of an old wise man's voice" that i hopely can Atventure someday such great places like PCT to feel that amazing way you do spreddig your passion to "us younger People".
Old people have just been hiking the “Trail of Life” a little bit longer than younger people. 👨🏻🦳 BTW…I met so many Germans on the PCT. Great hikers!
Really enjoying seeing you back and uploading new content again Rev! Thanks for encouraging us all to get out more, regardless of how long a trail we’re on.
Thanks. So true Katherine. I’m glad I could help.
I mostly section hike as I live in a terminus town of a long distance walking track (Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia). Section hiking means I just get into a rhythm and the hikes finish. But, it also has allowed me to test my setup over and over and make/test changes.
Neither one is better. They both have their place. 😁❤️👍
Great video Rev! Andrea and I feel blessed to have accompanied you on a few section hikes!
Thanks guys. It was such a joy for me to be able to hike with you as well. I hope to do it again soon.
So happy to see you back and always learn from your videos Thank you 😊
You’re welcome Yolanda.
According to your definition I'm a section hiker, though many of our trails in small old Europe would be concidered section hikes in the US.
But non of your descriptions of section hikers apply to me. I'm always going alone, and ultra light. After 5 to 7 hours I put up my tent in splendid isolation. I guess I'm a mixed hiker.
That’s good! New definition…Mixed Hiker. 😂 Some section hikes are longer than some long distance trails and vice versa.
Some sensible comments on the great debate, thank you...
You’re welcome Stephen.
Hey Rev! I recently found your channel because of a plug that Dixie of Homemade Wanderlust gave your “Tips for older Hikers” vid. I just finished watching your entire PCT thru hike and I’ll admit I had to dry my eyes more than once in the last few minutes. I especially appreciate your Christian perspective; it’s not often that you hear “Gods creation” when folks talk about the beauty of nature/wilderness. You are so much more inspiring than you know.
Thank you, Troy. You made my day. That was very kind of Dixie to recommend my channel. I’m glad you enjoyed the videos on my PCT Thruhike. To this day, even though it’s been two years ago, I still can’t watch the last video without weeping.
Great topic Rev. I know allot of people as soon as I got on the AT were asking me if I was a thru hiker. None the less I was invited to eat with thru hikers. I am a section hiker training for a thru hike. I really enjoyed the company of other hikers.
Thanks. All a Thruhike is is several Section hike put together.
Having hiked since I was a scout and done distance peaks and day hiking, I think it depends on what floats your boat and also your personal circumstances and finances. To each their own. Leave it better than you found it is all we need to remember and be kind to one another whether you’re out for a day, a week, a month, or a record. You, Rick and Andrea Marmalade and Hammer have inspired me to saddle up and hit the trails again. Thanks for what you do and for sharing.
You’re quite welcome.
Please do keep in mind that some section hikes can be quite long and that some thru hikes can be short.
I also disagree that section and thru hikes have specific emphases. It's really personal preferences on whether miles or camping has the priority. For me it's the hike(I guess mileage not camping) that has the focus even with shorter hikes. Bottom line I do agree that thru vs section doesn't matter. Remember the PCT is just a section hike of the Triple Crown .
Great point! If you think about it…all a Thruhike is is several Section hikes put together.
I enjoy your videos very much, I think of you as the voice of experience. We have something in common: air lift rescue, and cardiac event. Mine was on August 16, 2021, so you had a little head start. I am doing great after 6 bypass surgery, and have recently done my first day hike, and yes very proud of it, although short and sweet , it was a great victory day towards getting back to more normal activities. I would be willing to bet that you would agree with me, that miracles are no small part of everyday........I say this based on so many that I have witnessed. Please know that I pray for your continued recovery and improvement from your condition and delighted to hear your newest video today. Keep on keeping on Rev! May God bless you and your family! Ken in NH!🦶🫀🙏🦶👍
Thank you so much Ken. You are very kind. Wow…6 bypasses! Definitely a miracle!
A few days would be more than enough of a challenge for most people!
So true. 😁
Thanks Rev, true, many of us can not afford the time off work to commit to a thru hike until we can. I plan on 2024 and I’ll be 61. Not quite retired, but can make it work. The rest has been, yes, weekend warrior and section hiking when I have chosen my entire allotted vaca to be in the back country. I didn’t start backpacking until my 50’s, but always comfortable outdoors. Ive developed a deep admiration for thru hikers and hope that they don’t elevate themselves to feel superior to those of us who do have commitments. As I say that, when section hiking, I can feel some of the superiority complex creeping in when I see day hikers when I am section hiking and have to “check myself” over the irony. I live near Yosemite and though I backpack there a bit, I can mostly never get a permit, so I go into the National Forest areas. I completed the Timberline Trail in Oregon in August, not many miles per se , but it was a challenge with some of the water crossings and el gain. I hope to complete the John Muir next year, then on to the PCT. Enjoyed your journey and am enjoying your videos. You give me hope that yes, in my sixties, I can do this!
You can do it Kristy. 🏃♀️
You’re right…a feeling of superiority has no place in the Hiker community.
Hey Thanks again Rev
You’re are very welcome Bill.
I've never thru hiked anywhere, but I am completely turned off by any activity where the emphasis is on distance. I've ridden Harley's all over the country. One of the guys I used to ride with put his total focus on how many miles he could do in one day. We'd start out in groups together and inevitably he and a couple of other riders would split off and ride ahead putting more miles in a day. And inevitably, at the end of the trip while looking through pictures and videos, etc. he would say "I didn't see that" or "I missed that, where was it?" I'd rather take my time and see more on the way.
It’s not how fast you hike but how long you hike. The longer you hike, the more you can see. 😁
I would call it the difference between backpacking vs. long distance hiking. We wanted to thru-hike, but now we are LASHers. We plan to spend 3 months on the PCT in 2023 hiking North from the Oregon border up to Canada. Great video!
Thanks guys. Good luck on your hike.
I think it needs to be said that section hikers usually do not get their “trail legs” like thru hikers so it is not as easy for them.
That is very true Don. I don’t know how I missed that.
Hi Rev! Another great video and one that hit close to home for us. After leaving the PCT at a White Pass in 2020 (forest fires) we returned this summer to do a long section hike from White Pass to Stevens Pass. While it was amazing to be back on the trail it was, as you pointed out in your video, a much different experience both physically and mentally, than our 2020 thru-hike attempt.
It was great meeting you (twice) on the trail, and we're happy to see you're still out there crushing the miles!
Roadkill and Goldilocks
Guys…meeting you on trail and getting to hike with you was one of the highlights of my journey.
Thanks!
You’re welcome Dennis.
Sorry Rev for being negative in advance but I ask must ask why? Why does it matter? Both a thru hiker and section hiker are looking to go from point A to point B it’s truly just a matter of preference which one chooses. Why is everything on the platter a contest? You hike 100 miles in 3 days, another person takes 10 days? What really does it matter? There are advantages and disadvantages in everything in our lives? Does it matter, I don’t think so, I’m not supporting either thought, if one accomplishes a set goal why on earth is that different than some one who does it faster, longer, shorter? I think if one accomplishes a set personal goal it’s not any less important than another person’s set goal. Geez I digress!!!! What happened to HYOH? My goodness the last thing we need these days is I’m better than you ideologically and physically. I’d guess that wasn’t your point but the tone maybe off, and all this stated what makes me the all knowing?? 😊. Gosh I’m getting old I sound like my parents.
Hey Rick…apparently I came across as thinking one way was better than the other. Truly that was not my intention. In fact, in my video at 1:16 I clearly make the statement, “So which one is better? Well, the short answer is, neither one of them is better.”
What’s great about being out there vs. “in here” is that everyone on trail…thru, section, day…is kind and courteous and for the most part engaging and helpful. Oh, if only the entire world were the same.
Fantastic topic and beautifully illustrated! Great channel bud! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Thank you very much.
Hi Rev. when I was in my 20’s I hiked when I could. Life began to engulf as it does.🤪 At 28, I was hit with Ankylosing Spondylitis and RA. If the Lord permits I’m training now to section hike on the AT , in my home state of VA,early next Spring. I will still have to pay close attention to the topography of the hike in correlation to my disability. Where would I find the best info, so that I could plan for a safe, beautiful hike thru the blessings that I believe, God has given us.? Thank you for sharing all that you do. I’m 61 and I don’t want to miss out anymore.❤️
Hey TresAnnRN! I realize that one day I will not be able to do what I’m doing now so I’m going to do it while I can.
I use the app “FarOut” for the trails that I do. it gives the mileage and elevation.😁
@@TheHikingRev Thank you so much.
Thanks for the video rev. You always provide great information
You’re welcome Ian.
I live less than 30 minutes from the AT. Sometimes I have dreams of thruhiking the AT. BUT life gets in the way. I can't take that much time away from work. The longest time I have spent on trail at one time is 12 days. There is so much hiking available to me in this area (east Tennessee) that I doubt I will even try section hiking the AT now. I do want to do all of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can earn a badge for that.
If all you can do is Section hike now…go for it!
Hello Rev! While faith is not an emphasis in your videos, please keep supporting your hiking buddies on their “through hike” of life. I enjoy your videos🥾🥾
Thanks Mike.
Love the content. I'm wondering if a person hikes all of the North Country Trail in Minnesota at once (850 miles) would be a Section Hiker, while a person who hikes just the Superior Trail (300 miles, all on the North Country Trail) would be a Thru-Hiker. Is that right?
That was my thoughts also. 😁👍❤️
Through-hiking seems more like a job than a vacation, but I haven't done it so I don't know that for sure.
They say the worst day on Trail is better than the best day at work.
“Hike your own hike,” just as long as you keep your hiking shoes moving.
One foot in front of the other.
@@TheHikingRev ❤️
Good video but I disagree with your comparison of what a through hiker and section hiker. Also I believe that the terms of your PCT permit define what a through hike is. In my opinion your comparisons were of a through hike or LASH to weekend backpacking.
Thanks Dennis.
Great video. I love your videos. I agree that you have to train for a thru hike. I am speinding a year to get in shape for the AT.
Thanks Jim. Best of luck on your AT hike. Best way to lower your baseweight…lose weight! 😁❤️👍
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Thanks for the great video and sharing your thoughts on this topic. You are an amazing hiker who continues to contribute great content to the hiking community! I do have a question for you though-kind of an obvious one that I hoped you'd address in your video. According to your vlog you completed the PCT over the course of 5 1/2 months during 2 consecutive hiking seasons, correct? That is an amazing accomplishment no matter what age a hiker is! I am more of a LASHER- long ass section hiker and hope to complete the PCT over the course of 4 or 5 years. So my question is this, and I think it relates strongly to this video. When does a "thru-hike" become a LASH? You call your 2 year hike a "thru-hike" but is it also a thru-hike if it takes 3, 4, or 5 years? When would you start to call it a section hike? I know there are different opinions for this, and I don't mean to imply any disrespect for your hike or you. But I am wondering what your thoughts are on this. Thanks!
You’re right Scott…there are different opinions on this and just like bellybuttons, everybody’s got one! 😂. As I stated in my video, there is no “official” Hiker Dictionary and don’t let anyone tell you there is! Some people state they did a “Thruhike” yet they skipped HUNDREDS of miles of the trail because of a “fire closure.” And on the other hand, some people do not believe you did a “Thruhike” because you didn’t finish within a calendar year even though you had a continuous footpath from the beginning of the trail to the end of it.
Again…don’t let “self-righteous” individuals force their definition of a “Thruhike” on you or the Hiking Community. I earned a bachelors degree from the University of South Alabama in 1976. I completed all the academic requirements for a bachelor of science degree in Business and Management. It happened to take me 4 1/2 years to completed my degree rather than the customary 4 years. I didn’t do a LASH of college. I went “thru” college in 4 1/2 years rather than 4. I think the most important thing about a Thruhike is to complete every mile of the trail from the beginning terminus to the ending terminus. Otherwise, you didn’t do a Thruhike.
IMHO!
This…is wisdom. People are ridiculous. As a person who cannot physically perform on longer trails, I’m disgusted to know anyone would argue over a long hike having their health in tact. Just be glad you can. So immature and self centered.
So true, Dana. So true! 😁👍❤️
I think that the trail can condition the hiker who is not in the best of shape, and usually does. We see this every year, for example, with AT thru-hikers getting in fewer than twelve miles, on average, when they start off and then after a few hundred miles they’re up to eighteen-plus mile days.
I also don’t think every ounce counts. Nobody seems to go after the vlogger who carries a full frame camera, tripod, 26k mAh battery, etc. but somehow carrying a frying pan or non-DCF single-wall tent is a sin. My experience with thru-hikers on the AT is that not everyone has a DCF tent, titanium cookware, or even cold-soaks.
The mental challenge is real though. Out west the conditions are dry so it can be a bit easier but out east, on the AT, I don’t think anything is harder than hiking day after day in rainy conditions, where highs are in the 40s and lows near or below freezing, day after day.
So true Andrew!
So true hiker 😏 I am 70 years old and I do a section hike in the Netherlands of 500 km. And I love to do it section by section ..or two
Regards Max
Thanks Max. Some Section hikes are longer than “Long distance” trails.
Money is the only thing holding me back from doing a Thru -hike
Money and time are the biggest Hendrix is to doing a through hike.
Money and time are the biggest hindrances to doing a thruhike. 😁
I have so much admiration for Thru Hikers compared to Section Hikers. It takes so much more planning, time, stamina and persistence to cover the distance of hikes like the PCT. But as a day hiker only, I have admiration for Section Hikers too - anyone who carry a backpack and camp for multiple nights. Excellent video.
Thanks Rebecca. I have great admiration for anyone who gets off the couch and explores the great outdoors…backpack or no backpack.
@@TheHikingRev for sure!!
Beautiful video and I really enjoyed watching it. New subscriber here from #RTBL
Thank you very much, RTBL.
Your thumbnail seems to indicate an inner conflict. Trail pounder?
😂 Two old dudes have a staring contest. 😂
War awoowe ❤️
Thanks Adam.
Thru hikers are arrogant and think they are better than everyone else on a trail.
I’m not sure if this was meant to be in jest or not Stephen.
Thru hikers and section hikers are the same once we're 15 miles from the nearest TH. I do think day hikers should be banned anywhere past 10 miles from a TH. Just kidding!
😂😂😂