Tips for Hitchhiking While Backpacking on Trail

[@thomasvanetten1984]

I have a similar story relative to thru hiking and getting a ride. Last year, on the AT I was in Vermont and needed a ride to town and at age 66 (yes, same age) I had never hitchhiked. Less than five minutes after reaching the road and basically just standing there a kind person stopped and gave me a ride. On the way out of town it took a bit longer but again someone stopped without me having to put my thumb out (it was a psychological thing, not wanting to do that thing I was taught not to do). I guess one is never too old to have these kinds of experiences. After that I was twice asked if I needed a ride (only took it once) without sticking my thumb out. Vermont was a very trail friendly state imho. Great tips btw!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re right. 😁

[@georgemorrison1888]

..... (big thumbs hit the send button before I was ready) for the most part those I meet on the trail or hitch hiking are such a pleasure to spend a little bit of time with.

[@TheHikingRev]

😂

[@chrisr2925]

Hey Rev, you should start a series with this video titled "everything you wanted to ask about backpacking but were afraid to ask."

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. That’s a great idea. 😁

[@behindenemylines9033]

Morning Rev, great topic. Happy to say at 60 yrs old I've never hitchhiked but I do see the necessity when thru-hiking. Take care and good day sir.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. Yes, you almost got to when doing a Thruhike. 😁

[@gerrylake]

Placing your pack in front of you is a golden tip. Nice one, Rev.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Gerry. 😁

[@Arizona-Sonoran-Desert-Guy]

Great topic and tips. Dixie made a video on hitchhiking and related a terrifying experience that happened to her in New Mexico (if I recall correctly). With quick thinking and deception, she got herself and her hiking partner out of the very real predicament. You did not say what you did or said to get out of your predicament with the guy who hears voices. Please, do tell. I, too, would like to see videos on "everything you wanted to ask about backpacking but were afraid to ask."

[@TheHikingRev]

I didn’t panic and survived. He dropped me off at the motel and drove off. You just got to be careful about accepting rides. 😁

[@SylviaRR]

HA! I've never hitchhiked until a few weeks ago. HIking in the Daniel Boone National Forest and came out of the trail in a different parking lot! My phone died, and asked a couple with teenagers to help me find my car. They drove me about 20 minutes back to where I started, No idea how I got off trail and ended up at another spot! LOL!!!! Such kind people.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yep. Been there, done that. 😂

[@melshea2276]

That’s funny!, I just commented that, minutes before your car ride story!😊

[@TheHikingRev]

Yep. Definitely a weird experience. 😁

[@markfletcher8084]

I’ve hitchhiked twice in my life, both times from high school to home. One time my uncle picked me up, the other time a neighbor picked me up.

[@TheHikingRev]

Hey Mark. I wish I couldn’t gotten my uncle or a neighbor to pick me up and bring me into Summerville when I was doing the Pinhoti Trail. 😁

[@youareIndenial981]

Thanks Rev.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome. 😁

[@evergreentimber]

Excellent advice! I’ve never hitchhiked or picked up a hitchhiker but I’m thinking I might step out of my comfort zone and give it a try!

[@TheHikingRev]

Good idea. Just don’t get in a car where the driver hears voices. 😂

[@peterjohnson6273]

Always good, Rev. Thanks.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Peter. 😁

[@YoungerOlderElder]

TU --- appreciate your perspective! "Know where you are!" ))smiles PS - KNow where you are!

[@TheHikingRev]

Yeah. It’s easy to forget where you are…especially at my age. 😂

[@miketroutman7365]

Good wisdom and commentary.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Mike. 😁

[@goodwaterhikes]

Nicely done👍

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@judithpearson3968]

Great video, Rev. Blessings to you and your family.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thank you very much Judith. 😁

[@TenaciouslyTina]

I always like your tips. Thank you!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Tina. I’m glad you enjoy them. 😁

[@user-gg6jw2up6w]

Great tips! Love your advice as always is best based on experience 😊

[@TheHikingRev]

Yes. You’re so right. 😁

[@ruthgoebel723]

Good advice!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Ruth. Glad it was helpful. 😁

[@43963]

Hi Rev! If I ever see you hiking down the road in Europe, I wil certainly give you a ride 😊👍. Cheers, Henk

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Henk. I may need a ride when I get to Ireland. 😁

[@timoshi119]

Awesome video once again rev,be safe out there sir

[@TheHikingRev]

I will. Thank you Tim. 😁

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks again my brother love it big guy

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re quite welcome Bill. 😁

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Great info video on HH! TY!

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome Sherrie. 😁

[@yolandarocha4900]

Hi Rev first time in my life at 62 I hitchhiked March 3 had just came into barrel springs from scissors crossing soak and wet and frozen 🥶 with strong winds and our ride fell through so decided to hitchhike It was such a weird feeling doing something that I grew up being told to never do , lol it added to my adventure of doing section A and one more check to things I was told never to do great tips I will definitely use next time 😊Thank goodness I did not get a driver who heard voices 😮that’s scary

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂 I think that’s why I waited so long to get my first hitchhiking ride. My mom and dad told me not to hitchhike when I was growing up.

[@peterteeter]

Love your videos sir! As long as you keep makin 'em I'll keep watchin 'em!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Peter. As long as you keep watching, I’ll keep making them. 😁

[@pvesely299]

Thanks for the hitchhiking tips. You are very wise and forthcoming.

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks. 😁

[@meljane8339]

Scissors Crossing is a ways away from Julian ! Luckily, the between places are frequented by regional locals on day trips. (That being a regular weekend venture).

[@TheHikingRev]

A lot of people who drive by there are familiar with the PCT which helps. 😁

[@meljane8339]

@TheHikingRev most people in the city (where I currently reside, not live) did not know of the PCT until the movie, Wild. But, here, that was a horrible effect as worse than coachella-going woodstock-wanna be-hipsters kinda dug their heels into places pretty harshly. ... I'm pretty heavy-footed myself, but made shifts from town to country or vice-versa that much more implausible, and other effects. ... for instance, there have been, reported anyway, that been several groups of backpackers caught in various fires, for instance, campfire permitting revocations, etc. 'Agreed about the sense of entitlement factors.

[@shanksmare]

Bride for the ride is the best win/win you can get, well the best related to hitchhiking.

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s the truth! 😁

[@skippyonatrail1170]

I like your style, sir. Thank you for so much information.

[@TheHikingRev]

You’re welcome. 😁

[@jimwilson5041]

Great advice as always Rev!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Jim. 😁

[@Karen-dq8nw]

I've done a lot of hitching, starting in college, to get to and from home, better than the Greyhound. And now as a hiker, multiple times also. Had a few sketchier rides, but none truly scary. Def better with a friend. A group of us managed to get several rides last summer in Montana by asking people in parking lots. That's a great way to go, because you both can check each other out for a few minutes first before driving away! Women can be safer by taking a photo of the license plate and texting it to someone, keeping wallet and pepper spray on your person not in your pack, and definitely saying no with any discomfort. I like the "oh I forgot something but thanks for stopping anyway!" I also endorse the be courteous no matter what. There's a guy in my neighborhood who - when you don't pick him up - will scream curses and do the middle finger after you - you get to see it in the rear view mirror. Guess who never gets a ride...plus it's crazy. Like the Rev says - none of us are entitled. So don't act like it!

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks Karen. Those are great ideas and insight. 😁

[@OHSOKIMBERLY]

hitchhiking is a fear I will need to overcome...thanks for the tips 56 and never hitchhiked before lol.

[@TheHikingRev]

I was afraid too at 66 years of age. But I had to get over it real quick if I wanted to go into town and resupply.😁

[@olegoathiking1962]

Yes indeed! We'll see you on the trail! Oh, and who wouldn't stop for that face! 😁

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂😂

[@keiblercookiemonster3188]

LiteAF offers a pack towel that has “hiker to town” and “hiker to trail” on the other side.

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds good!😁

[@georgemorrison1888]

Excellent advice Rev. Do you find that most people who pick you up are familiar with the trail and know what thru hiking is? I live near several crossings of the Colorado Trail and always look forward to picking up hitch hikers coming off the trail to resupply and talking with them about their hike and equipment they use etc. Most are gracious, never been offered gas money and on rare occasion get the person who doesn't even say thank you, but for the most part those I me

[@TheHikingRev]

Thanks George. Most are familiar with the trail. Some are not, just curious. 😁

[@melshea2276]

I always carry a sign,that says “ I’m not a psychopath, I just need a ride!😮

[@TheHikingRev]

That’s good! 😁

[@morrisjensen1959]

I have a Union Jack that I clip to my pack, and hold a sign saying 'Thank You'.

[@TheHikingRev]

That sounds like a great idea. 😁

[@meljane8339]

It would help younger folks, and future generations, if you older folks had commentary of personal experience and knowledge about the gas shortages in the 1970's and how to cope with the daily life logistics ! And how to stay safe and sane amongst that ...

[@TheHikingRev]

Sounds like a great KZbin video. 😁

[@meljane8339]

@@TheHikingRev sounds like a good bunch of videos !

[@jandurham6231]

So how did the ride with the guy who heard voices go? Obviously you came out ok.

[@TheHikingRev]

Yep. I lived to tell the tale. He got me to my motel. I thanked him and went on my way.😁

[@tomnoyb8301]

Missed the #1 tip for getting a ride - have a girl along to put out her thumb. 2) Remember stopping at the Sierra Cottonwood Pass/Portal stream to take a bath, so as to be more presentable for catching a ride down to Lone Pine. If it's been a few days, it might be nice to freshen-up before seeking a ride.

[@TheHikingRev]

I didn’t want to mention the “hike with a female” tip for fear of being accused of being “sexist.” 😳

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@TheHikingRev - Wouldn't it be the driver who was being sexist?

[@TheHikingRev]

@@tomnoyb8301 True. And it is a proven fact. Females get picked up quicker than males. I can’t understand for the life of me why someone would rather pick up a young attractive female rather than an old, shriveled up, ugly codger like me. 🤔

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@TheHikingRev - Don't discount your value in the equation. Whether the driver is simply being sexist or perhaps has some other reason for bias toward picking up only women, a trusted male hitchhiking companion provides a measure of insurance and security that'd otherwise be lacking.

[@mike-uq6xm]

remember voices carry

[@TheHikingRev]

Luckily they carried me to my motel. 😂

[@brumleytown1882]

When you ask a stranger for something, give them an easy way to refuse. "Are you able to help me today?" instead of "Will you give me a ride?"

[@TheHikingRev]

Great tips. Thanks. 😁

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

Hitchhiking has never worked for me, but hijacking did...

[@TheHikingRev]

😂😂😂 I’ll try that next time. 😂

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

@@TheHikingRev Don't try that with planes or police cars...

[@monikalenz2559]

Driving over Walker Pass on weekends got me started giving PCT hikers rides. Once upon a time there was a young woman with her thumb out and, being an old lady, I didn't want her falling prey to some lunatic so I stopped to give her a lift. Just as I came to a stop two male hikers jumped out from behind some scrub and I knew they'd used their fellow female hiker as bait. I didn't give any of them a ride because #1 they'd scared me and #2 this was deceptive behavior on the men's part and degrading on the female's part to allow herself to be used that way. Now I do feel it's smart for females to hike with other hikers for safety but hikers need to be honest up front and not try to deceive (or frighten) potential ride givers. That was only my second time stopping for hikers and after that I decided to educate future hikers as to how not to frighten little old ladies 😅

[@HikingGnocchi]

i cant stand the voices story 😂😂 wouldnt have known what i'd do haha

[@TheHikingRev]

Yeah. Kinda caught me off guard. 😁

[@wildmeadows8495]

Plz finish voices story. We know you’re okay, but we were left hanging. 😉

[@TheHikingRev]

He dropped me off at the motel and drove off. 🫣

[@wildmeadows8495]

@@TheHikingRevTerrifying. Glad you are safe.

[@TheHikingRev]

@@wildmeadows8495 Me too! 😳

[@adamosman7284]

Pass my greetings to our best friend Marmelade!!!

[@TheHikingRev]

I will. 😁