Experienced THRU-HIKERS' TOP TIPS for first-timers

[@mari.johnson]

Hope these tips are helpful! Thanks again to everyone in this video - and make sure to go give them a follow! If you have any good tips, please share them below!

[@Ama40401]

Mari Johnson hey Mari! I have a question! I love hiking but my hiking buddy is moving away and it’s just not really her thing anymore.. any good advice or resources for finding other hikers?!

[@billymeek4863]

Great video

[@sarahjaninajekel4551]

probably the BEST motivation video of the pct I ever saw!!! Thank you for it :)

[@kenbothman746]

What a wonderful gift to the community to pull this all together. Thanks to you and to the gang that chipped in. It genuinely warms my heart

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks for this lovely comment! ❤️

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Can't believe no one said this. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and go slow at first. Someone mentioned it in passing, but it is incredibly important in the beginning. Thru-hiked the AT in 2017 and saw more people get off the trail by hurting themselves by trying to go too fast too early. Another suggestion I would make is don't hike with other people at first. That was another thing I saw take people off the trail. One person was always faster and the slower person would try to keep up and stress their bodies. Saw all kinds of injuries from that. It's a huge long trail, you'll meet tons of people, and being alone in the beginning will help you hike at your own pace. I always heard "Don't quit on a bad day." it's not a bad saying. My personal saying was Don't quit. It took the idea of getting off the trail out of my mind. On my entire Thru-hike I never once thought about getting off the trail. (Though to be honest, all my friends had at least a day or two where they considered it. So maybe I'm just weird.) Oh, and eat your best meal first every time you have dinner. That way every day as you make dinner you can look at your food and choose the best thing. :) Best of luck to everyone, and hopefully I'll see you cats on trail. (March 13th start date) Hikers Hike, -Too Clean

[@jag1870]

Couldn't agree more.

[@tspacefullstop4161]

Learn to rest, not quit. 💯🙋💖

[@jackiehale3730]

Great tip!

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Embrace the suck seems to be the best advice out there

[@michaelb1761]

Great advice. Basically don't focus on the schedule you made before getting on th trail, the obstacles, the gear, etc. Be prepared with adequate gear and skills, but focus on the trail and all the beauty around you. While I've never done a long thru hike, that is a lesson that I learned just on 200 mile hikes. Don't focus on the miles and the miles will come. Focus on the relaxation, the sites, and yourself.

[@mari.johnson]

I can’t wait to have all of my gear so that I can stop thinking about it!

[@nobodyhikes]

Excellent compilation of advice from a great group, thank you!

[@tootsla1252]

Good field of PCT finishers. Jennifer Mabus is my favorite of all. I couldn't wait to see her updates.

[@JenniferMabus]

Tootsla 125 Thank you so much!! 💜💜

[@deaniew2210]

Yeah she’s awesome 👏

[@sydneybaldwin3514]

I’ve literally just watched Jennifer’s videos and was thinking how awesome it’s going to be to watch your time of the trail Mari. It’s so exciting I’m living vicariously through you.

[@JenniferMabus]

Riley Stewart 💜💜💜

[@mari.johnson]

Yay! Seriously can't wait to get out there and start sharing it with you!

[@CarlosAlvarez-dv7um]

Great video! One more advice: “Embrace the suck” Darwin On-The-Trail.

[@Reese842]

PCT next year, AT in 6 weeks

[@Deadshotsabot]

Serafin Hikes did you finish the AT?!

[@shellyskye527]

You certainly picked some great people to highlight. Thanks for taking the time.

[@mari.johnson]

So great to have them all here!

[@Josephhikes]

Wow Mari !! You got connections that’s an all Star advice line up ! 🙂👍👍👍👍

[@mari.johnson]

I feel honored that they all wanted to be a part of this video! 🙌

[@BackpackingWithWoodglue]

What a great video Mari. Thanks for putting all these people (and their advice) all in one place! Looking forward to this PCT season!

[@mari.johnson]

Happy to do it! Cheers to you!

[@memathews]

What a great way to collab on the subject and spread the message with some great thru-hikers from 2018. I hope to see you during PCT Days (I'll probably be in the USFS booth) and will be following your journey.

[@mari.johnson]

Awesome, I’ll look out for you!

[@fousna]

Hi Mari! This is such an amazing video!!!! That's exactly what I wanted and needed to hear/watch! My PCT thru-hike will start in 53 days from Campo. I was super obsessive about everything, insecure about my gear, about my resupply strategy until I watched this video. That got me back to ground. So thank you again and I hope I'll meet you on trail!

[@mari.johnson]

So happy to hear that this video gave you some good advice! Maybe I'll see you out there! Good luck with the rest of preparations!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Really enjoyable and valuable input from some great folks. Thanks for putting this together!

[@mari.johnson]

Cheers Karen!

[@seniorhiker5589]

Mari, outstanding job pulling all these experiences and advice together and sharing. Wish you the very best on your upcoming through hike. Looking forward to following your adventures and challenges.

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks!!

[@ralfhedin]

Wow! I'm a KZbin-addict and I have to say this was one of the best videos I have seen. The tips work as well for how to live your life!

[@mari.johnson]

That’s high praise! Cheers!

[@karin7872]

I absolutly loved Jennifers videos last year. This year I was looking for a new hiker to follow on the same journey and really liked your channel Mari. I can't wait to see you start the pct!! 😊

[@christinewinterton7111]

Like the way you put this together, great advice from the experts. Thanks

[@mari.johnson]

So happy to hear you liked it!! ❤️

[@surfk9836]

7:30 Jay is right. But you might need microspikes and ice axe before San Jacinto and maybe past Wrightwood, if you are leaving early. Its been wet and cold here in So. Cal.

[@tiffanymorris2260]

Thank You it’s help me l like your hiking videos Happy Friday everyone

[@MattEliMN]

This was so wonderful! I really appreciate the tips. Thank you!

[@YakoBako]

I too enjoy the things that are out of my control. Great video can’t wait for CDT 2020!

[@alankoemel3168]

You need to include Jessica Mills (Dixie) and Julia Sheehan (Rocket).

[@tylerseims]

Great video guys! Y’all got me stoked!

[@alanstordal5621]

Wisdom and experience are priceless. One step at a time.just KEEP MoViNg.....

[@bkbland1626]

I'm down. AT in March. We'll see how it goes, as usual. Thanks y'all.

[@BigDukeX]

WOW... Mari !!! You guys are gonna have a lot of people - pushing and pulling - you through to the finish.

[@mari.johnson]

The more the merrier! 🙌

[@thriftyendurance]

Mari, what an excellent cast of thru-hiker alumni you put together! 👍🏻 I just started my channel this year to follow the class of 2019 for PCT, AT and CDT. Jay is one of my favourites and just like you, very responsive! I totally agree that you cannot control things that is "out of your control." I am a seasoned section hiker which helps me mentally prepare for a future thru-hike. One thing I do know about the "head game" is to always be "Present." Being in the "moment" might sound very cliche, but it will help you stay focused. I always say, do MOST of the hard work before you get on the trail, i.e. your finances, your gear, your resupply strategy, etc, then when you get on trail, just enjoy the amazing journey. 🌺

[@mari.johnson]

Jay has some solid advice! And I like what you said too. I really can't wait to be done with all of the "hard work" and just get out there!

[@rosimo22]

Mari, this was such an inspiring video. I'm excited for your adventure. I'm seriously considering it myself.

[@mari.johnson]

Be warned, once you start thinking about doing it, it's hard to stop! 😜

[@bahamajim1998]

Do it!

[@lizstrailsandtravels4624]

I loved this video! So helpful- although it’s a much shorter hike for me (263 miles) being first, I appreciate the tips.

[@philipricotta537]

Thanks Mari great video a lot of the people i have followed over the past year. Like you I attempting the PCT( starting march 19). Unlike you I am 66 years old. As Jay would say "we'll see". Hope to see you on the trail.

[@mari.johnson]

How exciting! One month to go!

[@nevadagrace3514]

Philip wish you the best! Will you be reporting on your progress?

[@philipricotta537]

thanks I may post some videos but nothing like a consistant vlog . Certainly wont be the high quality type of vides like Mari and Starburst

[@nadinenarita132]

Great video! Wow, that must have taken a lot of coordination to have all those experts on! Very encouraging.

[@mari.johnson]

Yeah a lot of good tips and some nice experts to take the time to do it!

[@rollin_rome3962]

This is so awesome! Thank you for putting this together. I wish you and Nick safe travels! Also, I hiked a 5.3 mile hike this weekend. Big Sur didn’t happen because of the rain but working up to it.

[@mari.johnson]

That's a good hike! Cheers

[@hardknock1753]

Great video! Thanks for doing this! Happy Trails

[@mari.johnson]

Cheers David!

[@deaniew2210]

Awesome thank you Mari. 🙏 and thanks to all the contributors. Great vid.

[@rs889]

Another awesome vid Mari 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@andy9711]

Thank you

[@johneason6540]

CHEERS! To the PCT class of 2019. Your experiences will inspire others.

[@johnanderson8096]

VERY WELL DONE!!!! THANK YOU....

[@JH-hw3ci]

Wow. Its amazing who we call experts now

[@solomonstello]

Most of this advice translates to life altogether.

[@trailtimewithblaze4874]

I got a lot from this video! Thank you for putting this together. Neemer really got me with his advice ⛰ AT in March and I can’t wait 😊

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh so soon! Enjoy it!

[@trailtimewithblaze4874]

Thanks, you also on the PCT ⛰

[@thuthiehiker]

Great video.

[@c.cannon1102]

This was a great idea for a video!

[@garydehart4256]

Great video - loved it! Starting the AT in 32 days (YIKES!)

[@mari.johnson]

eek! So exciting!

[@Nebulung]

Jay's dropping some quality stoicism.

[@Reese842]

Take care of your feet! Tend to any hotspots immediately. Hiking is difficult enough, don't be the person that has to waddle down the trail because you didn't prevent chafing around the inner legs and butt ... it's the worse, I'm an expert waddler!

[@chriszeman7708]

Awesome San Pedro on the wall.

[@kan-zee]

Outstanding Collab, with amazing hikers. !! 😍👍💓

[@steveg3981]

Some good advice. Thanks

[@mari.johnson]

Cheers!

[@trailsnail2892]

Thanks that was fun.

[@sarahemerson7671]

Silly question, how do you take care of long hair in the trail

[@mari.johnson]

Not a silly question! I would brush mine every night and morning and put it in braids during the day. I think braids worked best to keep it untangled and in order when I couldn't wash it for a while. Then I'd wash it in town

[@kikionthetrailoflove7036]

Tip to vloggers chronicling their hike, don't ramble incessantly into the camera, so many vloggers make it all about themselves and ignore the trail. Kate Cloud was my favourite because she did a fabulous job showcasing the beauty of the PCT. Absolutely loved her videos, all 159 of them lol... ❤

[@thatsrich944]

Much of this advice is useful for all kinds of long-term travel, and life as well! I'm starting to get excited for you. But right now my mind is all gooey! I am four days away from my flight and I am SO nervous! I sell the car tomorrow. Finally made a tiny update video on my yt channel. Cheers!

[@mari.johnson]

eek so exciting!!

[@roebucksadventure]

A couple of years ago, I learned how to ride a motorcycle and purchased a Harley-Davidson. Last year I did a couple of short motorcycle trips and added motorcycle camping as part of the adventure. This year I’m going to take a trip to Sturgis S.D. from New Orleans. I’m currently working on adding hiking to my motorcycle trips. Next years plan is to ride my Harley-Davidson to Colorado and hike the 4 loop pass.

[@peterjohnson6273]

What a great idea, Mari. :>)

[@MarksWanderlust]

Woow great advice. love it

[@jordanrenee9455]

Omg I’ve watched all these people for inspiration!! I wonder what your trail name will be!!!!

[@mari.johnson]

I've been wondering that too! So curious what it will be!

[@jordanrenee9455]

It will be something to do with joy or positivity I reckon as you are always so upbeat :)

[@lebowski5192]

Great vid! CT in July!

[@catherinemadamba4399]

this is amazing! you are amazing!

[@ChuckNoctis]

Some of my advice: Try out your shoes and insoles first on longer hikes on vet conditions. Make a small note with distances between your resupply points/stores, it will make you buy less food and also carry less of weight. I would usually buy about 0.5-0.7 days less food each resupply since you overbuy 95% of the times anyway. Paprika pesto will save your life. Homemade dehydrated meals are so good. Dehydrated minced meat/cheese/tomato sauce with some taco species would boost morale a TON on trail.

[@mari.johnson]

I'm very intrigued by the sound of paprika pesto - never heard of it!

[@ChuckNoctis]

Well, its red paprika, red chili and sun dried tomatoes. I used it in almost all my pasta dishes and never got tired of the taste.

[@sarahestrada8530]

Nice video, super cool

[@chriskelly6559]

It's not how many miles that ultimately count, it's how many days you get to spend in the woods with some amazing people and visions.

[@Swimdeep]

Don’t know if it was mentioned but I can’t believe you don’t have Dixie (Homemade Wanderlust) on your list. Nevertheless, I’ve signed up for your trek through the 2650 mile journey. Good luck, #HYOH

[@mari.johnson]

I reached out to her a few times but unfortunately she never responded! All good though. Thanks!

[@tomnoyb8301]

Tips start at 2:49.

[@AlwaysAnAdventureLuna]

Just subbed. I am looking forward to following your adventure.

[@mari.johnson]

Hi and welcome!! 😊

[@billymeek4863]

Great video

[@michelleheidler983]

This isn't even trail advice, this is life advice!

[@helpfulcommenter]

I love how most of the people are talking about philosophical and mental tips and then the last guy: "socks"

[@pvtperkins1455]

less than 2 months till I begin my first AT thru-hike *long exhale* I got this

[@deann7909]

What a great video!

[@mari.johnson]

Happy you liked it!

[@southernfriedkiwi9407]

Hi Mari! My husband and I are visiting Chch next week for the first time. Is there a good 1-2 hr walk to do that is close to the city? Thanks!

[@mari.johnson]

Hi! Very cool! The Bridle Path (go all the way to Lyttelton or the gondola if you want) or Rapaki are both easy to access from the city! Have fun!

[@southernfriedkiwi9407]

@@mari.johnson thank you! We're looking forward to it.

[@tiffanymorris2260]

Go outdoors hiking in Tulsa Oklahoma

[@israelsarabia2700]

Just do It! There’s no (instructions manual) for adventure!

[@Raventooth]

B E• I N• T H E• M O M E N T

[@rileycoles737]

All the big hikers!

[@SandCrabNews]

MOTIVATION!

[@rudranilghosh2187]

Nice

[@ElDiabloLocoPoco]

I suggest an alternate title....."Top Tips for living life". Great vid.

[@mari.johnson]

🙌 true!

[@Swimdeep]

You’re commitment is obvious. Of course you tried to contact Dixie; I shouda thunk it. Get hiking!! I’m trying so hard to be class of 2020. I have a little surgery to get first. Looking for subs so I can get a Community Page. You game? Thanks 🙏

[@amenramuxikllc5658]

A.T. 4TH MAY.

[@robertbroatch4263]

Know your limits, condition before hand and don't obsess about time and place too much

[@flutistnotflautist4740]

Wait. I'm 320 lbs. I thought my dream of being a hiker someday was completely undoable at my weight. I have never been so happy to be wrong.

[@mari.johnson]

You should check out Second Chance Hiker! He's already started the PCT!

[@bkbland1626]

A lot of these guys just make things more complex than they need to be. It's just walking. It's not like it's hard. Just hang in there. That's all you need. And DON'T pull a Starburst. Take care of your feet. Hers were scary. Yowza.

[@tiffanymorris2260]

I can wait for Christmas 🎄 Day Christmas Eve New Year Eve i like Christmas song 🎧 Christmas dinner Christmas movie I like open up presents 🎁 for Christmas 🎄

[@MH-dv2cz]

There is a murderer on the trail

[@mattheishman170]

Experienced thru hikers. Sorry to me all these people are beginners to me..But they are all youtubers with patreon accounts linked so people can sent money to them... funny

[@melborndontis2947]

you gotta ask yourself...... why do they call him pooparazzi?

[@without-excuse]

I was starting to expect a George Clooney or Barack Obama inspirational cameo in there too

[@mari.johnson]

haha if only!