During the early part of the virus shut-down, when most parks and the nearby Appalachian Trail were shut down, I did a couple of full-pack hikes just on the roads in my area. I found these hikes curiously rewarding. I literally walked out my front door, hiked country roads for a few hours and came back after 12 or so miles. I gained a new appreciation for the area I live in, and it was a good way to get used to some new gear.
That's the video which gives you the most value and tipps for long distance hiking I absolutely loved it. It is also so inspiring that you live a sustainable life and integrate your love to nature by being a vegan and not harming other living beings for your adventure. All is possible and no one has to suffer or die for your fun. That is great. You seem so well balanced and i will definitly integrate your tipps into my training. Thank you lots!
You are always so eloquent and cheerful in sharing your thoughts and tips. I thoroughly enjoyed this video (as usual) and all the great advise because you really have done your research AND done the walk so everyone thinking of doing any kind long distance (or even short distance) hiking, trail running etc. should take note!! I have not done a thru hike, only very long day hikes and a couple of overnight backpacks but still, the advise is so valuable. One thing I need to get back to is my yoga and you have inspired me to really get to it again to help with my recovery. Thank you so much for another great video :)
Excellent video from someone who hiked over 2,000 miles so you should know. Thank you!!!! I delayed my hike of the AT until March 2021. Hope to see your comments in the future. John from MI
Great advice on walking and hiking for training. Time on your feet is really important. Most people aren’t used to being on their feet for so many miles/hours every day.
So nice to catch your positive, upbeat vibe - no matter what the subject! Such great advice though. I was so impressed by your trail grit while watching you traverse the PCT, and your beautiful spirit shining through every mile of the way.
Excellent advice and info. High school and college stadiums are great venues for elevation training if you live in flat, no elevation hiking locations. Every town has a school stadium.
An absolutely great video! Thanks for this Mary. Like your style. You covered the whole package-lots of videos out there just focus on one aspect or are gear heavy. Yes.. training...training...training..and being able to be alone for long periods with your thought. Long distance hiking is great but preparation makes all the difference. Kudos to you!
Wonderful advice, Mary. 👍. Thank you. 🙏. Yes, strengthening those ankles is a super idea. (Also, excellent sound even with the wind there. Well done. 👍)
Thank you so much for this. It's really great advice. Because you are telling us really basic advice, it's attainable for anyone. That's what I need, and maybe anyone who is thinking of doing a long hike needs.
Really helpful video thanks Mary. I’m training for the Pennine Way in September so I’ve recently added strength training and yoga to my general hiking training. Great tip regarding training in the trail shoes you plan to walk the trail in. Thanks for putting this helpful guide together
Mary, you covered a lot of ground there. I am currently preparing for a 450 mile thru hike. Your comments about additives for electrolyte replacement are spot on! But there are so many makers of these. All with varying amounts of potassium, sodium, and magnesium. How can one know which is right for them? By the way, I am not young. (74) So I'm watching my sodium intake.
Thanks for your comment Charles, there really are a lot out there! My favourite are the Nuun Sport ones as they seem the ones with the least amount of chemicals and additives as possible. They are not as cheap as other brands, but I find they suit me well.
You are quite the spoke person for the PCT.... Hi Mary still enjoy your videos ... How are you dealing with the virus.. its really awful here in the states. I think its still safe to hike the PCT
Thank you so much Mike. It's been nice this month as we are able to go out more, the only place I am interested is out hiking and in nature so I am lucky. I know a lot of others are missing more social venues still though but I believe next month there will be more easing of the lockdown. I can't wait to be able to stay away from home so I can do some of the trails soon. Hope you and your family are all keeping well!
Absolutely! I managed to maintain it 100% whilst on trail and being from the UK I wasn't able to make my own meals and send as resupplies either. I have done videos on this which go into more detail if you want to take a look - RESUPPLY GUIDE | PCT - ruclips.net/video/IjjKpoXyjAU/видео.html VEGAN FOOD, RESUPPLY & HEALTH ON TRAIL | PCT Q&A PART 3 - ruclips.net/video/2Q4MG-vKLHk/видео.html It is tricky in places and you might be left with some very limited options so I'd highly recommend sending yourself resupplies along the way, but it can be done. Good-to-go was one of my favourites - the Mexican Quinoa Bowl I'd highly recommend, Backpackers Pantry had a few - the Cuban Coconut Rice & Black Beans was really good and the Pad Thai, Patagonia Provisions were nice and hearty. Thats all I can remember at the moment I'm afraid! Hope it helped 💚
Hi Mary, do you how much your pack weighed without food and water? I realize weight may change depending on the section of the PCT (bear canister & ice axe for example).
How to you deal with hornets or flying insects attacking or chasing you on the trail? Insect sprays on the body do not deter wasps or hornets, so not sure what to do? Also, what do you do for ticks?
"Hiker feet" is a term I have not heard yet. Everyone talks about getting their "hiker legs", but if the feet can't go, the legs aren't going anywhere. Did you find that your small feet hindered you or helped you or neither on your long distance hike?
The main thing is to test out stuff before you go take a few hikes for a few days but if you have never hiked before or backpacked you are in for alot of adversity due simply to stupidity
Yes absolutely! It is so important to do test everything out. Plus its a great excuse to go off on extra adventures - not that you need an excuse right?!
During the early part of the virus shut-down, when most parks and the nearby Appalachian Trail were shut down, I did a couple of full-pack hikes just on the roads in my area. I found these hikes curiously rewarding. I literally walked out my front door, hiked country roads for a few hours and came back after 12 or so miles. I gained a new appreciation for the area I live in, and it was a good way to get used to some new gear.
That's the video which gives you the most value and tipps for long distance hiking I absolutely loved it. It is also so inspiring that you live a sustainable life and integrate your love to nature by being a vegan and not harming other living beings for your adventure. All is possible and no one has to suffer or die for your fun. That is great. You seem so well balanced and i will definitly integrate your tipps into my training. Thank you lots!
Thank you so much for all your kind words, it’s so lovely to know the video was useful too! ☺️
Good evening dear friend
GREATTING FROM MACAU
Thank you for Great information 💖💖
I could listen to you talk about anything, for hours on end
Spot on, all very sound advice. Love the psychology advice in particular
You are always so eloquent and cheerful in sharing your thoughts and tips. I thoroughly enjoyed this video (as usual) and all the great advise because you really have done your research AND done the walk so everyone thinking of doing any kind long distance (or even short distance) hiking, trail running etc. should take note!! I have not done a thru hike, only very long day hikes and a couple of overnight backpacks but still, the advise is so valuable. One thing I need to get back to is my yoga and you have inspired me to really get to it again to help with my recovery. Thank you so much for another great video :)
That is so very lovely of you to say so, thank you very much! I'm so pleased to hear you are getting back into your yoga, I hope it helps you 😊
Excellent video from someone who hiked over 2,000 miles so you should know. Thank you!!!! I delayed my hike of the AT until March 2021. Hope to see your comments in the future. John from MI
Thank you John!
cant wait for mine. its tonight at midnight
"You can't train your feet in a gym" -- that's so right! There is no substitute for putting in the miles.
Great advice on walking and hiking for training. Time on your feet is really important. Most people aren’t used to being on their feet for so many miles/hours every day.
Thank you!
This should be required viewing for through hikers. Well thought out. Wonderful. No wonder you finished the trial.
That is lovey of you to say, thank you!
So nice to catch your positive, upbeat vibe - no matter what the subject! Such great advice though. I was so impressed by your trail grit while watching you traverse the PCT, and your beautiful spirit shining through every mile of the way.
Thank you so much Steve! So kind of you to say so.
Excellent advice and info. High school and college stadiums are great venues for elevation training if you live in flat, no elevation hiking locations. Every town has a school stadium.
Thanks so much!
Top notch video Mary. All excellent advice. I have passed your pre-bedtime stretching routine on to hikers on trail now . Thanks Tink'
Wonderful! Thank you so much Keith.
Mary your detailed information is so important and so right on.
You’re the best. 🙏🏻🤗
Thank you so much Anita, I really appreciate your kind words!
An absolutely great video! Thanks for this Mary. Like your style. You covered the whole package-lots of videos out there just focus on one aspect or are gear heavy. Yes.. training...training...training..and being able to be alone for long periods with your thought. Long distance hiking is great but preparation makes all the difference. Kudos to you!
Thanks so much Nathan!
Great video. Excellent information. I could listen to you read the phone book as well with that lilt in your voice.
Glad you enjoyed it! I nearly got the trail name 'Audiobook' because of my accent🤣
Great advice, Mary. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences so thoughtfully.
Thank you Jan!
Another great film Mary, you’re an inspiration. I love that you prove the doubters wrong, go on lass 💪🏻💪🏻😘
Yay! Thanks so much Stitchy Bee😁
Very helpful! Thank you from a fellow vegan. 😊
So glad it was helpful 💚
Wonderful advice, Mary. 👍. Thank you. 🙏. Yes, strengthening those ankles is a super idea. (Also, excellent sound even with the wind there. Well done. 👍)
Wonderful! Thanks so much Karen. I certainly put that microphone to the test with all that wind so I'm pleased you noticed😉
Nice video !! 😊
Thank you so much for this. It's really great advice. Because you are telling us really basic advice, it's attainable for anyone. That's what I need, and maybe anyone who is thinking of doing a long hike needs.
You're so welcome I am glad it was helpful Randall.
right on mary !!!!!
Great video Mary and such good advice. x
Thanks so much Mum ☺️
Good summary, Mary. Thanks for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Straight to the point. Me like 👍
Thank you! 👍
Awesome information. You are doing so good informing others of how to be a successful thru-hike. Thank you.
I appreciate that Betty, thank you so much!
The right back pack is the key and you should take a few short trips first to get a idea about camping
Thank you Mary. As usual so informative and inspirational. Blessings
Thank you so much Vickie!
Great advise Mary, thank you
Thank you Melanie!
Great advice on preparation, especially on diet, vitamin supplements and electrolytes.
Thank you so much Paddy!
Really helpful video thanks Mary. I’m training for the Pennine Way in September so I’ve recently added strength training and yoga to my general hiking training. Great tip regarding training in the trail shoes you plan to walk the trail in. Thanks for putting this helpful guide together
I’m so glad you found it helpful Anthony, thanks so much for your comments and have an amazing hike in September!
Thank you. Really helpful.
You're welcome Tony!
Another wonderful video sweetheart that will be of great help too 😘
Thank you so much darling 😘
Mary, you covered a lot of ground there. I am currently preparing for a 450 mile thru hike. Your comments about additives for electrolyte replacement are spot on! But there are so many makers of these. All with varying amounts of potassium, sodium, and magnesium. How can one know which is right for them? By the way, I am not young. (74) So I'm watching my sodium intake.
Thanks for your comment Charles, there really are a lot out there! My favourite are the Nuun Sport ones as they seem the ones with the least amount of chemicals and additives as possible. They are not as cheap as other brands, but I find they suit me well.
You are quite the spoke person for the PCT.... Hi Mary still enjoy your videos ... How are you dealing with the virus.. its really awful here in the states. I think its still safe to hike the PCT
Thank you so much Mike. It's been nice this month as we are able to go out more, the only place I am interested is out hiking and in nature so I am lucky. I know a lot of others are missing more social venues still though but I believe next month there will be more easing of the lockdown. I can't wait to be able to stay away from home so I can do some of the trails soon. Hope you and your family are all keeping well!
Great video. I think you only forgot to cut some part in the beginning as you are telling the same twice 😉 (about training in advance or not)
Thank you so much Sandra, I've managed to edit it out so I'm glad you told me. I only filmed this yesterday as I'd been a bit busy!
I am also a vegan. I was wondering if i would be able to sustain this on the PCT. What was your experience on the trail with being vegan?
so many premade trail meals are meat and dairy based. Do you know of any good vegan brands of premade trail foods?
Absolutely! I managed to maintain it 100% whilst on trail and being from the UK I wasn't able to make my own meals and send as resupplies either. I have done videos on this which go into more detail if you want to take a look -
RESUPPLY GUIDE | PCT - ruclips.net/video/IjjKpoXyjAU/видео.html
VEGAN FOOD, RESUPPLY & HEALTH ON TRAIL | PCT Q&A PART 3 - ruclips.net/video/2Q4MG-vKLHk/видео.html
It is tricky in places and you might be left with some very limited options so I'd highly recommend sending yourself resupplies along the way, but it can be done.
Good-to-go was one of my favourites - the Mexican Quinoa Bowl I'd highly recommend, Backpackers Pantry had a few - the Cuban Coconut Rice & Black Beans was really good and the Pad Thai, Patagonia Provisions were nice and hearty. Thats all I can remember at the moment I'm afraid! Hope it helped 💚
Hi Mary, do you how much your pack weighed without food and water? I realize weight may change depending on the section of the PCT (bear canister & ice axe for example).
When I started out my base weight was just slightly under 20lbs, but it did increase during and after the Sierras!
The number one thing is have extra matches and earn clothes you can survive without food but if you get lost and cold you are in bad shape
How to you deal with hornets or flying insects attacking or chasing you on the trail? Insect sprays on the body do not deter wasps or hornets, so not sure what to do? Also, what do you do for ticks?
I used a head net on the trail and always wore long sleeves/trousers which helped a lot.
And it is better to be over prepared physically and camping wise and maps and stuff there is alot to it
Absolutely right Randolph!
"Hiker feet" is a term I have not heard yet. Everyone talks about getting their "hiker legs", but if the feet can't go, the legs aren't going anywhere. Did you find that your small feet hindered you or helped you or neither on your long distance hike?
I think I just made it up🤣 The only hindrance were that I couldn't get my size trail runners in the stores!
The main thing is to test out stuff before you go take a few hikes for a few days but if you have never hiked before or backpacked you are in for alot of adversity due simply to stupidity
Yes absolutely! It is so important to do test everything out. Plus its a great excuse to go off on extra adventures - not that you need an excuse right?!
💖
Really useful, thank you.
Glad it was helpful Bay!