
Trail Tales - Thru-Hiking & Backpacking
What’s it like to hike and live in the backcountry for 5 months? Host and thru-hiker & YouTuber Kyle Hates Hiking (Kyle O’Grady), who has completed every last step of the Appalachian Trail, interviews other thru-hikers, peak-baggers, and backpackers who are almost as crazy as him. Is life while thru-hiking really as glamorous as the social media stars make it out to be? Is pooping in the woods really that big of a deal? Find out these answers and more on Trail Tales.
Latest episodes

Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 13min
20 Tips NOBODY tells you before your first Thru Hike...
Thru hiker Hunter Musgrove joins the show, and we go back and forth on our top thru hiking tips for first timers. From very specific hitch hiking tips, to general attitude/vibe tips, we cover it all, and sneak in plenty of stories along the way.
Hunter's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterstrip/
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
A NEAR DEATH Experience on the Appalachian Trail (learn from it) | Beer in Beautiful Places
Fresh off the Appalachian Trail, Maddie from Beer in Beautiful Places joins the show to talk about her hike on the AT, and some of the highs and lows she experienced along the way. One of the highs was floating the Shenandoah River, and one of the lows was a near death experience she had while crossing a dangerous river on the Appalachian Trail in Maine. I highly recommend you check out her channel for a refreshing perspective on thru hiking!
Beer in Beautiful Places on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeerinBeautifulPlaces
Beer in Beautiful Places on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beer_in_beautiful_places/
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Unsettling TRUTH about Appalachian Trail Vloggers (they’re lying) | Jessika Poppe
Appalachian Trail thru hiker and former vlogger, Jessika Poppe, talks about her experience vlogging on the AT and why she quit. She also dives into meeting her boyfriend on trail and the challenges of hiking as a couple. They discuss gear considerations, preference for cold backpacking food, and their thoughts on being called influencers. They touch on controversial trails, challenging hiking conditions, and the transition back to the real world after the trail.

Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 15min
The 7 WORST Controversies DIVIDING the Hiking Community... Where do you stand? (with Baker Bokorney)
Join Baker Bokorney and Baker in discussing the biggest controversies in the hiking community, such as the availability of SOS buttons, thru hiking with kids, and access to mountains. They also explore controversies surrounding trash and graffiti in hiking areas, challenges of sharing trails with mountain bikers and pack animals, advancements in gear and technology, and their experience applying for a job at a hiking hut. Don't miss out on their entertaining and thought-provoking conversation!

Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 6min
The Unspoken BEEF between Hikers and Ultrarunners… | Kristian Morgan (Appalachian Trail SOBO FKT)
Kristian Morgan has gone for the Appalachian Trail Fastest Known Time/Speed Record FOUR times now. In 2022 he got the second fastest time in the world, and in 2023 he set the FASTEST time for the Appalachian Trail Southbound. We talk about how he achieved this, and we also stray into the more controversial topic of hikers vs ultrarunners.
Kristian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristianultra/
Kristian's Website (Ultrarunning coaching): https://www.kristianultra.com/
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 12min
ROASTING a Naive Appalachian Trail 2024 Vlogger (will he make it?!)
Garage Grown Gear is your ONE-STOP-SHOP for all things Ultralight/Cottage gear: https://www.GarageGrownGear.com/
I Suck at Hiking (Michael McInally) joins the show to discuss his 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru Hike attempt. He will be vlogging on his YouTube channel, and in this episode I gave him the chance to pick my brain about the trail. I was brutally honest in all my answers. Will he make it all the way to end of the Appalachian Trail, especially with his dog?! We will all find out soon.
Michael's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ISuckatHiking/
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 15min
10 OVERRATED Spots on the Appalachian Trail that secretly suck (with Baker Bokorney)
Garage Grown Gear is your ONE-STOP-SHOP for all things Ultralight/Cottage gear: https://www.GarageGrownGear.com/
Two Appalachian Trail thru hikers go through the 10 most overrated parts of the Appalachian Trail. It's all for fun folks, and so of course Baker Bokorney joins the show to complain about our favorite trail. Is McAfee Knob worth the hype? Is the 100-mile Wilderness really all that remote? Is Mount Washington really that special? Tune in and find out.
Trail Tales episode 160 (Kyle Hates Hiking podcast) Listen to the show on:
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trail-tales-thru-hiking-backpacking/id1441376382
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5LsMWoNa5qPw1jQvqhwE5B?si=30d6a942dba9424f
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking
Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
My Gear spreadsheet: https://lighterpack.com/r/9qjh18
BIG FOUR 🤘 Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/x9oX1x
My FAVORITE Tent: https://zpacks.com/products/plexsolo-tent?aff=99
Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/35rlMIw
OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤
Pillow: https://amzn.to/3he3mgX
FOOD & WATER 🍴
Filter: https://amzn.to/3pfZ25j
Stove: https://amzn.to/3simgd1
Cook Pot: https://amzn.to/3LSjqmJ
Spork: https://amzn.to/3shROja
Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3sinBk3
CLOTHING 👔
Shorts: https://amzn.to/3sdiQrL
Socks: https://amzn.to/3M2nPUi
Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/3JPMBoy
Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3UrHG2Q
ELECTRONICS 🔌
Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3t4fDds
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/3M9yrke
Wall Plug: https://amzn.to/3pa3JNJ
MISCELLANEOUS 🤘
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3hqT39n
Ultralight Knife: https://amzn.to/3t0m3dL
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3CL0Ys6
Shoulder Pocket for Backpack: https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/kjAQm0
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the podcast and allows me to continue to make episodes like this. Thank you for the support!

Nov 23, 2023 • 1h 9min
Fast or FOOLISH?! The Dark Truth about breaking a Fastest Known Time | Will Peterson, VT Long Trail
Go to https://www.GarageGrownGear.com/ for up to 25% off with sitewide deals! Don't miss their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales!
Will Peterson set the unsupported Fastest Known Time for the Vermont Long Trail in 2023. It's an incredible feat of athleticism, grit, and determination... but was it even worth it? Is an effort like this even fun, or is it just nothing but pain? What happens when someone else comes along and breaks your record? We talk about all this, and much, much more.
Will's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_will.peterson/
Will's Podcast 'From the Backcountry':
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-backcountry/id1616882162
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0dkhShE2VGmusRdFz7MMfX?si=a9020fa4bc3249bc
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking Follow me on Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/ For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 2min
Outdoor Vitals EXPOSED: Why I DON’T use their gear + their Annoying YouTube Ads | Tayson Whittaker
Tayson Whittaker, founder of Outdoor Vitals joins the show. After getting to know Tayson at PCT Trail Days I've come to really respect him and his company. However, I have a big problem with Outdoor Vitals gear which I confront Tayson about. I also wanted to get to the bottom of those annoying Outdoor Vitals YouTube ads we've all been seeing for years now!
Outdoor Vitals on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutdoorVitals
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Spotify and Stitcher

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 8min
The INSANE Consequences for a Mistake in a National Park | Confronting Eric Hanson
Eric Hanson was nearly thrown in JAIL for committing a crime in Grand Canyon National Park. What was his crime, you ask? Camping out of bounds. Yes, you read that correctly; the federal government tried to make an example out of him and get him locked up, simply because he is a public figure on TV and on YouTube. In this episode he explains the FULL STORY of what happened.
Eric Hanson has his own YouTube channel and, until recently, was the host of the TV show Epic Trails and the YouTube channel BackpackingTV. Eric Hanson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eric_hanson
For sponsorships, business inquiries, or guest/episode ideas reach out to: trailtalespod@gmail.com
Subscribe on iTunes, and listen on Spotify and Stitcher