20 Thru Hiking Tips in 6 Minutes for Your FIRST Thru Hike

In this video, I share 20 thru-hiking tips for new hikers planning to do their first thru-hike. I not only share some tips on how to make your gear lighter but also how to stay safe and enjoy your thru-hike. Use these thru-hiking hacks and become a smarter hiker!
Part 2 (another 25 tips): • 25 Thru-Hiking Tips fo...
▼ THRU-HIKING POSTERS
Shop hiking trail posters here (designed by me and my gf) ➜ trailgoals.com/ (10% discount code: oscarhikes)
Instagram ➜ / trail.goals
▼ MY FULL GEAR LIST (affiliate links)
Silverlight socks ➜ (Silverlight: (15% discount code: hikemuch15)
Osprey Talon 44 backpack (new model) ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3pZUZHK)
Black Diamond Distance FLZ trekking poles ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3xkFazq)
Water filter ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3riXlDf)
Cicerone guidebook ➜ 54(www.cicerone.co.uk/the-gr11-t...)
Set of 3 dry sacks ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3bTlwBB)
Tent ➜ (Rei.com: www.rei.com/product/168564/re...)
Camping pillow ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2MzzUWT)
Decathlon Microfiber towel ➜ (Decathlon: www.decathlon.com/products/ul...)
Sleeping pad ➜ (Rei.com: www.rei.com/product/157892/re...)
Cooking pot ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2NRcywv)
Spork ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3b2moVk)
Silicone camping cup ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37YIOoq)
Cooking stove ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37W4SzS)
Power bank ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3gmqRER)
Headlamp ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37X41iH)
Camera ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3r8OALH)
Lense ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/301mCWh)
ND filter ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3q5GrX1)
Camera mounted microphone ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3r7Yyge)
GoPro Hero 7 ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3dXVpvO)
Peak designs capture clip ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3dVRQq7)
Fanny pack for my camera gear ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37UJfA4)
Sunglasses ➜ (vallon.store/collections/shop...)
Sea to Summit trowel ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3iHAMGB)
Gear Air repair kit ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3pXnnfq)
Swiss Army Knife ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2MAHrVr)
Decathlon Down Jacket Trek 100 ➜ (Decathlon: www.decathlon.com/products/me...)
Marmot PreCip rain jacket ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3gqiBE3)
North Face beanie ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3zqR7pd)
Decathlon Evadict Mt2 ➜ (Decathlon: www.decathlon.com/products/me...)
▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 - Sports cap
00:21 - Drying socks
00:38 - Summiting
00:53 - Flowrate
01:22 - Calories
01:45 - Dehydrated meals
02:17 - Ziplocs
02:26 - Fruits and veggies
02:35 - Headphones
02:48 - Water storage
03:08 - Fixing gear
03:23 - Sleeping pad
03:39 - Trekking poles
04:03 - Hat
04:14 - Gloves
04:22 - Journal
04:35 - Dry sacks
04:45 - Surgeon's knot
05:02 - Lacing technique 1: Narrow toes
05:24 - Lacing technique 2: Slipping ankle
05:54 - Final Words
▼ FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
/ oscarbrumelis
/ oscarhikes
▼ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
In some of our videos and articles, we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking our affiliate links, we might get a small commission from the total purchase, at no additional cost for you. We participate in the Amazon Associates affiliate program and other affiliate programs.
▼ ATTRIBUTION
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 009 by Sascha Ende
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/8224-cinema...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Chord Guitar 001 by Sascha Ende
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/556-chord-g...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/7669-cinema...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Chord Guitar 002 by Sascha Ende
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/557-chord-g...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license

[@OscarHikes]

Since you all asked for it, here's part 2, where I show another 25 thru-hiking tips! 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIbZhYqYoZWDfpY

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

Always good. No product placement or self-promotion, just practical tips.

[@sunnithrasher-lewis5768]

Of course you should make a part 2, and 3, and 4… Your message is clear, no nonsense, I learned new things, you are experienced and knowledgeable, and I didn’t have to spend 20 minutes listening to a bunch of information that didn’t need to be said. In short, I was in-and-out quickly, learned something, well spoken, and I’m back on the trail again. You are the type of content creator I hope to find, when searching for an informative video. 😊

[@funnybeingme]

I've done all my thru-hikes with an inflatable pad. A good nights rest is important and most people cannot get a comfortable sleep in those closed cell foam pads, esp for side sleepers.

[@burgermind802]

💯

[@aaronfalzerano9432]

I started my thru hike with a closed cell pad, but as it got colder I bought an inflatable and used both! (also I trimmed my closed cell to only fit my torso for weight purposes)

[@Notagain640]

Closed cell foam matt = zero sleep, sore back and stiff shoulders. Fine if you're in your teens, but now I'm over 50, no chance.

[@ancymonek1984]

@@aaronfalzerano9432 I quite often use both as I get cold easily :) But my inflatable mattress occupies very little space and is very light

[@brianburkart]

Thank you for information over a life story. No fuss, straight forward. Hopefully I find more like this.

[@fieldshore4422]

Good to see you again. I liked your tip about summiting in the afternoon (*morning) to avoid inclement weather. I'll also add, if there's deep snow on the ground and sunny weather, the heat from the sun can start to melt the upper crust of the snow and cause you to posthole (your legs are sinking deep into the snow) in the afternoon, risking injury or disaster. Always try to summit snowy passes and cross snow fields in the morning to minimize this risk. Hope to see more content in the future, Oscar.

[@Swimdeep]

I’ve been backpacking for nearly 50 years and I do some variation of all your first 20 tips. Looking forward to the next twenty. 🌿

[@dread2884]

My kind of video, short precise information without all the waffle. Brilliant. I'm sure that I can find a 20 minute tutorial on cleaning a water filter but who has the time for that. Subscribed.

[@hannah9419]

Love the quickfire format! Straight to the point, perfect!

[@dad102]

Dude, this is so good. No fluff at all.

[@tinaluong8897]

Yes please, part 1 was nice and succinct and I definitely picked up some new tips, thank you!

[@erickirlwood8123]

Just found Oscar Hikes and these 20 tips are the best especially the sock dry technique and the shoelace tie tips. Will definitely tune into what ever Oscar wants to share. Please do move videos .

[@gud2go50]

Yes, please! I enjoyed this video. It should be mandatory for all hikers to watch.😊

[@username6265]

Yes!! Definily another video! These where great tips, thank you!

[@roffipetrossian7291]

make part 2! i've been hiking all my life, and thru hiking for the last 10 years, and you're tips are fantastic! KEEP IT UP. Also, consider making a video on "travel and thru hiking", how to pack and prepare for long stays in foreign countries

[@danielconn6697]

I was happy at the way you delivered you tips very quickly and concise.

[@21Diddley]

Yes please for another 30 of these tips. This is the best Tip Video I've seen.

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

Yes, please make a part 2! This was so much fun to watch 😀

[@JagdeepSandhuSJC]

I will certainly watch part Deux!

[@randallcotten5069]

Brilliant!! No wasted talk and tons of useful advice. Thank you!

[@nicolejalles7357]

Yes, yes, all the tips you can give us are gold!

[@davidtavares4509]

Yes!!! Great video! Thanks for the tips! 20 more please!

[@r-pupz7032]

Please make a part 2, ice watched a lot of videos and still picked up several new tips there! I'm preparing for a 700 mile thru-hike in Wales and need all the help I can get 😅 The lacing tips were especially helpful, as was the vinegar soak for your filter!

[@marthareis5873]

Very informative, thank you! I appreciate the advice on tying shoelaces.

[@frederic7260]

Thanks for the video. Yes, I would like to see a part 2 .

[@nathanj9354]

Thank you , great video. Keep showing us good products that work. 🔥💯

[@alexmuehr]

Totally agree with the mat. Cell foam never dies. All my inflatables broke. The last one had problems with the valve. And you can´t fix a leak in the valve. I use an Exped Z-Mat or Therm-A-Rest (or try out the Savotta) combined with the German BW mat. So you have combined R-value and more comfort. For sure nothing compared to an inflatable. But on the other hand it´s a no-brainer, ready to use in seconds, and never fails.

[@natealbatros3848]

this was extremly helpful, i would love to see the other tips and give some more time to each tips if possible. :)

[@RadAlzyoud]

Yes please. More tips. Those were useful. Thx 🙏

[@ronmccarville256]

Loved this video and would very much enjoy seeing more!

[@willek1335]

I appreciate that you focus on the content, instead of faffing about. Subscribed!

[@michalurbanful]

I mostly moved to the inflatable sleeping pad because of the comfort. I put it inside of my sleeping bag. I've got the Klymit V Static Insuladed "winter pad" and even though that's an overkill in the summer it's bloody comfortable. I like the simplicity of the folding mat though.

[@maguslascivious4980]

and this is KEY. A GOOD nights sleep makes your next day MUCH better..

[@d.2110]

Flextail now sells the tiniest lightest pump 'zero' that can inflate and deflate your airbed in less than two minutes. I love not having to do anything for that too haha

[@michalurbanful]

@@d.2110 I hear ya! But the Klymit needs like 10 , maybe 15 inhales to get hard (lol). I prefer having less stuff. :)

[@deuteronomy3162]

Ur actually the best. Fast and informative!

[@ERIEREDHEAD1]

Part 2 please!!! terrific tips1! LOVE the shoe lacing techniques for loose ankle and need loose toe box!

[@anncarey2998]

Yes, do a part 2. Great tips!

[@AdventurewithCaboose]

Tons of great info here. Well done!!

[@macc081]

@oscarhikes I wish I watched the video before buying my equipment. Really helpful. Btw where did you shoot the video, and which trail are you referring to at 4:20?

[@Mr.Thursday]

Great and compact video! Would like to know some more tips on reducing the backpack weight and also some clothing advice. Thanks!

[@Felipe.Portugal]

Those shoe tying tips are amazing, thank you for sharing!!😁

[@BCJerbs]

Part two indeed! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts

[@joekekoa9851]

The tying of laces is very helpful. Thank you!

[@paoloa.l.8493]

Thanks for this usefull video very clear and complete

[@hardwoodswisconsin4871]

This video is incredibly useful, I subscribed to your channel because of this video. Thank you

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

Yes, part 2 please!

[@papadawg3172]

great tips. Done at a great pace. I'd love to see your other tips

[@johnmerlino7133]

Yes!! part 2 please.

[@nazaninnaderi3783]

A very good video. Please do a second part, would appreciate it 😊

[@alexcraze4231]

Please make a part 2! Great tips!

[@mixantrop9998]

No excess words, just useful tips. That's a good concept, I'd like to see more)

[@tomcranks]

Straight to the point, much appreciated.

[@peterjohnson6273]

Yes, make another video. Thanks for this one.

[@heather333]

Thank you, excellent tips.

[@adrienmoritz1036]

Against shepherd dogs : don't threaten them with your poles, avoid the flock, walk slowly place your poles between you and the dog, talk to them in a very quiet way, don't run

[@safasilvana9313]

Well said☺️ maybe to add: Don't look them in the eyes. It's offensive for animals

[@ensignj3242]

Yes make another video. Your tips are really good.

[@KevinRStrauss]

Great job with your first list. I know it takes a lot of work to create. I know I'd enjoy a Part 2!

[@kolsen6330]

After years of back country camping, and trying lots of fancy sleeping pads, I went back to the old fashioned plastic inflatable one. Nice and thick providing good insulation and padding for hips. You can put it directly on snow and stay warm. In summer, it also makes a fun raft for floating around a lake. They are also very cheap compared to the fancy ones.

[@Wassenhoven420]

I like those too in the cold, but good luck backpacking with one haha

[@shayzoo2]

This was great. Thank you. I’d love more tips.

[@bushmanheart]

Yup please make more. Great advice

[@Mark_Hemmings]

Excellent tips, thank you!

[@PhatChin]

I thought this was a great video! Very useful tips for someone who is getting started.

[@huntsail3727]

Would love to see more, great job!

[@lukasmakarios4998]

Good ideas for lacing your shoes. I'll have to try that.

[@marktapp5408]

Yes. Continue

[@maksymsanin5219]

This is a very cool video for me as a beginner hiker, thank you!

[@jerrybailey6584]

This was very good, please do another.

[@mikewhite4925]

Thankyou, great tips.

[@ShelbyWalkerAdams]

Oscar, this was amazing. I've been binge watching hiking channels on KZbin for almost two years. Dixie, Dan Becker, Kyle hates hiking to name a few. And This is the first time in over 6 months that I've actually heard NEW info that I had never heard before. That is quite a feat. Thank you for providing me with a useful way to restore the flow to my Sawyer! And for teaching me how to dry my socks overnight! I LITERALLY was thinking about that today as I walked my dog in the pouring rain this morning. I was like, "if we were backpacking I would have wet socks tomorrow morning. I need to figure out a way to dry them overnight." God was listening. LOLOLOL!

[@silvermediastudio]

How did you find all the worst hiking channels before this one

[@donnathomson_au]

Great tips. Would love to hear more!

[@rezinatebasshead]

i like the lacing techniques at the end. Will definitely try those out

[@ChiangThomas]

Very great tips. I learn a lot. Thank you

[@miketroutman7365]

That was helpful. Thank you

[@rodrigosilveira4360]

Yes please. Part II

[@thek3743]

Very good practical tips!

[@Cowgirl77Hikes]

I enjoyed the tips. Never heard most of these. Would enjoy a sequel. :)

[@dchinell]

Part 2 would be great! Please do it.

[@lazesobie]

Very helpful, thanks! And... ... keep going!

[@Koolik-art]

great video! and yeah, id def like to hear your other tips :)

[@kennedymcleod1479]

Yes. More tips. Thx

[@mbarkevich]

The lacing of the shoes got a thumbs up. Thanks bro.

[@alvarovillaverdecastrillo9769]

Masterclass!

[@Jc21112]

I'd listen to a part two of your tips :)

[@northislandguy]

What a great video 🤙🏽 you could do 100 tips and still be fun to watch

[@someoneinmyhead]

Amazing tent colors!

[@thegroove2000]

Solid tips thanks.

[@scott55151]

For ankle slip, there is that last set of holes where you’re actually supposed to make the loop. I could never sacrifice my light inflatable sleeping pad with only a closed foam system. I use both actually. Not much weight for sleep. Sleep is king.

[@Jakelol1980]

I agree sleep is the most importent ting after food and water becuase without good sleep you wont enjoy the next days hiking.

[@robs4516]

Definitely share more tips.

[@brycegaudette5916]

Personally never had problems with the inflatable pads. The air inside offers great insulation combined with my bag and I can deflate and roll it up very tightly since I can push out air as I’m rolling it. Sometimes even tighter then a foam pad.

[@sdfsdf421df]

namely - most of minimalists goes like: you don't need X. But truth (for me) is, that sleeping on foam matt (thicker that one on video) leaves you (far) less rested. Even if you sleep on 2 foam ones it's still much worse. And on my last hike I made fatal error; I gave my pillow to kid and instead of buying extra one I slept on sweater. I could have at least cram it into dry sack, but no, I did it old school to avoid noise. What a miserable experience that was. When it comes to comfort and being rested best you can, even if inflatable pad + pillow is heavier(it's probably not or not that much), it pays for it.

[@Nighthawkeye1]

Excellent!

[@terencejamesmusic4126]

Excellent.Thank you.

[@kuhmpashun]

Awesome tips.

[@harduphiker]

Another set of good tips - I take noodles, pasta and those little dehydrated risotto packs, works really well, you can get small pots of sauce which are great (but more weight), but olive oil is amazing as you can use it for cooking, butter subsitute and seasoning, and I always take salt and pepper. I need to take nuts. I found that kabanos - Polish travel sausage - or saucisson sec, variations on what some people call 'summer sausage' last ages even in heat and taste good...I guess peperoni would be the same, and I take home-made jerky too as you can cook with it. Dry chorizo is also good, the stuff that's stored outside the fridge, whereas the sliced/refirgerated chorizo just dumps the oil, and goes weird. Also oddly, best cheese is Leerdammer light, it seems to not go off for many days. But I agree, I avoid a lot of those chocolate bars, because I don't think junk food helps in the end. It's like the wrong sort of protein and calories, will make you more tired/sugar highs and lows, and probably less efficient. I take loads of zip locks, and clips. You always need to seal or clip something, food, electronics, i use them and trash bags instead of expensive dry bags.

[@kaleemjan4899]

Great TIPS man....thx

[@windlion2022]

Excellent and straightforward! Would appreciate your thoughts on tents and tarps.

[@mako5708]

Numbers 19 and 20 about these lacing techniques - this is new for me. Gonna try :) thx

[@marvinbillings2239]

Yes, please do more tips.

[@0j0nn]

Yes please more!

[@Suz_place]

This list different than other lists. Very useful. Interested in your additional recommendations.

[@jaimebarbara6936]

Thanks, and yes please, do the number 2

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video!

[@robingood62]

Helpful tips! Like to see some more. 👍

[@Bjohaz]

Yes please!