10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the JMT
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- Hi all! This video highlights 10 of the things I wish I'd known about the JMT before I hiked it. In the 6 months prior to my hike I read a lot of blogs, watched a lot of videos and went through endless gear lists, but this covers some of the smaller (but in some ways most important!) details that aren't as commonly covered :)
Thanks so much for sharing this invaluable information Jessica. These ten things I am now more aware of will help enormously. I really appreciate you putting the time into helping fellow hikers!
Very good video. I never got to thru hike a trail but I have faced grief and depression. My wife died 4 years ago, just 2 weeks before what would have been our 39th anniversary. She died from a tick bite. If you go east of the Mississippi be very careful about ticks. Treat all of your clothes and gear with Permethrin. Walmart carries it in their sporting goods area.
Distractions(mostly my son) helped me to get through the 3 years it takes for grief to normalize into the back of our minds.
Lisa P Hikes did the AT this year. She had several injuries that required weeks of recovery but she persevered and completed her thru hike. She then had to rush to the Grand Canyon where she works with the mules. She said that she hasn't had any post trail depression. I figure it has to do with being very busy with something that she loves. Good Luck, Rick
This is really good- thank you for taking the time.
This video was so helpful! Thank you for sharing! Appreciate your honesty!
Very helpful! The best post hike video I’ve seen and I’ve seen a ton! Thank you!
Great video. This applies to section or weekend hikers as well. Excellent Sierra advice!
Glad I stumbled upon this, thanks. Your last point about the loss of a goal really hit home, and was beautifully put.
Your top ten spot on! You brought some considerations that many don’t think about. I do a lot of solo hiking, backpacking, camping. But if you’re in a group sharing gear, it’s best to stay within a half mile of each other.
[Elevation] - I remember hiking Mount Fuji (12,393 ft) in Japan with a group of seven, and my 10-year-old daughter got altitude sickness. We ended up staying at the top for 40 minutes, 30 minutes longer than planned, for her to finish throwing up and bring able to hike down. Because of the delay, we ended up hiking in darkness before reaching the trail head. Good thing I had a mini mag flashlight and two chem lights for us to navigate safely.
[Group Hiking] - I started a hiking group for guys in San Diego, and most of us are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old. When planning the hikes, I have to consider who is going on the hike that week, so I carefully plan distance and elevation so that we can all have fun and make it back safely. I generally have the slowest person in lead to set the pace. I carry my Garmin Mini on every hike.
My backpacking experiences go back to the late 60s, Long before RUclips or backpacking being popular. It’s so great seeing so many young and old people enjoying the sport of backpacking and sharing their experiences on RUclips.
Keep hiking and stay safe.
You are a good speaker and presenter. I watched your full video of the JMT today.
Plain baby aspirin works for AMS, I use altra Olympus 4.0 trail runners. Im a solo hiker, so the enjoyment with other hikers is ar camp.
Thanks 😊 🙏
Thank you for this. One thing I would like to add is that descending is much more difficult than ascending. Also, when you are descending, you know you will have to ascend again.
Love this list! thanks. Even as a trail runner devotee, I had a bad long term experience with Altras. But I had my best experiences with Montrail and now Topo. I guess I am just not build for zero drop. mm for tent we used a Lunar Duo for 10 years (hiking poles, roomy 2 person 2.5lb) but now we have a ZPacks Triplex (1.4lb tent, big tent, Dyneema!). The Duplex is too small for 2 ppl imho, commonly used for solo hikers. Now, coming from BC, all the trails we've done in the Southwest including Yosemite seem super groomed, not steep and gnarly and draining like scrambly XtreemBC lol. Hoping I can get to the JMT some day soon. Regret that I didn't do it younger as I am getting closer to 60 now and have heart issues.
Your 10 things are all spot on. I haven't done the JMT (yet), but I've backpacked the Sierra a lot -- you got it right and people don't typically share the things you've said.
Thanks for the vid interesting.
I hiked solo, nobo in September 2019, less crowds, but heavy thunderstorms. My biggest regret, I was so set to complete it. I realized that I didn't enjoy it enough. I will do it again and take my time.
Hello 👋 Jessica, warm greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this informative video. This was vital information. You are correct, the California sun can be vicious. All the best to you for your good health and safety. 🤗
I deal with post trail depression even before the end of the hike. I make notes of what works what doesn't. I note what needs to be repair/cleaned, resupplied or replaced. Essentially in the loop planning the next trip. I keep everything organized in one place ready to go for the next trip.
Great advice. Thank you!
Going to section hike the AT starting this summer. Appreciate all your points, thank you❣
Great info! Many of these I hadn't considered when my son and I did the trail last year. A lot of the pre-hike videos I watched definitely glamorized a single-track rock-free path. Saw a little bit of that, but definitely more rocks and sandy dirt than we expected. Footwear concerns for sure - I love my Hoka Speedgoats, but on day 3 I was concerned they weren't going to make it. They ended up being fine, but the terrain ate the soles up aggressively. If you do the trail with soft soled trail runners make sure they are at the front end of their life. Mine had maybe 50 miles on them and I replaced them immediately when we got home. The altitude is no joke - I didn't feel right until day 3, but even after that 10 steps into an uphill I was winded. Sun exposure definitely a factor. The hiking partners and sites filling early kind of went hand in hand for us. Was difficult to get a teenager going in the morning so we were always late to camp. Wasn't a huge issue for me, but we did run into several other campers who had taken over more than their share of the camping area and/or didn't want you near them. Lastly, we did not have the post-trail depression, but I also came to the conclusion that I would probably not make a good through hiker. We did have an aggressive schedule due to other commitments so that might have been a factor in that.
Thank you for sharing your experiences ~ great info! 👍👍
Great info! Also, my cat barfed right before I watched this video. 😂
Oh boy !!!! Number 8! Test your gear! Most critical advice! Great video!
All great points - well thought out and presented. 2 of my own from my first attempt (that overlap yours): 1) if you think you might need it - leave it at home; and 2) In the mornings get up and get on the trail ASAP-don't linger in camp. You must put the miles behind you and JMT miles are tougher than you think. Also, as you stated: Trail Runner shoes are not for everyone.
Hey Jessica, Great points and, you’re right, they’re often not discussed. If the sun/radiant heat, altitude or your feet don’t get you on the JMT you have a great chance of success and even enjoying it! I have 2 others: smoke- I bailed one year at Reds Meadow/Mammoth because the smoke was so bad and mosquitos: they can drive you crazy in some sections some years.
I love trail runners, foot beds are key though. Re: busy camping, i’d hang/swim at the popular places and then dry camp up the trail. No people, no bears, no skeeters. I love dispersed camping as it provides so many choices and allows you to make distance decisions based on the day, unlike here at home in BC where you have to pre-book a site on some popular trails, forcing you to hike shorter/longer than you might want to that day.
Not being able to hike in the Sierras during COVID kept me at home (in BC and the Canadian Rockies) and I remember wondering why on earth I love hiking in the Sierras as it can be so harsh, compared to here. Even though i do prefer the hiking style here in BC i admit to still being drawn back to the JMT, the points you made are things i’ve adjusted around in order to make the JMT a little body friendlier for me
Good list. The busy campsites I found tended to be those somewhat close to trailheads so many of them weren't JMT thruhikers but "weekend warriors". I'm thinking of doing it again in the next year or two and will be bringing my hammock instead and I won't have to deal with that issue.
Footwear is a personal thing. I'm 66, and always use trail runners in the Sierra. So comfortable I don't carry camp shoes. Going SOBO solo this summer.
As someone who grew up just outside Yosemite, and lived in Idaho for 20 years, I can wholeheartedly agree that Sierra miles are harder than most other trail miles. I never hiked the JMT, but hope to in 23 or 24. Thanks for your insights!
Good tips. Sun tips and getting going early to get a campsite is great
Solid wisdom,thanks.
Great tips and presentation. Thank you!
I just won the lotter for a May 29 start from Lyell Canyon. 😁
Arriving a few days early, hoping to get a walkup permit to hike from YV to Lyell.
Wishing you a safe holiday season and happy New Year from Central CT! 🎄🎇
Wooo congrats on the sobo permit and fingers crossed you'll be able to start from YV! It'll be interesting to see how the snow shapes up this year. Your trip will definitely look a lot different than mine 😂 Happy trails and happy new year!
@@jessicaorlicky8597 Thanks. I applied again and got picked for a June 6 start from Lyell. I then cancelled my earlier reservation. I will keep trying for later dates, guessing it will be impossible to get one after July 1.
Great points to bring up. Many people have blinders on going into the sierras. Due to the perception they get from videos/IG etc. It’s often left out that even experienced hikers can get off course or irritated and have interpersonal tension.
Hiking it solo in peak season is never really “solo” you will have plenty of nice people around to chat with if needed. I would suggest to most that solo is a great way to go.
I do want to add though, with respect that you do NOT need to stay in the busy/established camp sites. If you follow LNT you 100% can camp where you would like. There are only a couple of places that are designated no camp. If you’re going to do the trail again I suggest getting a bit more adventurous with your site selection. Many of the best sites are found a short distance from the crowded spots.
Great points about hiking solo and LNT. I completely agree about site selection. Due to our group dynamics and unfamiliarity with the area we intentionally chose the busier areas to stop and camp (and we met fantastic people this way!), but we passed an infinite number of jawdroppingly gorgeous sites, including some at higher elevation. Next time I plan to leave a little more wiggle room with timing to take advantage of being able to stop whenever a site seems too good to pass up!
Excellent... Thank You!!!!!!!
Awesome video- solid info
Great information, thank you!
Thank you, very useful!
Thank you for the awesome advice 🤙
100% agree on wear boots if that’s what your used too. I go to Yosemite 2-3 times a year, I could not get up to Nevada falls with trail runners but no prob in my boots.
Good advice. Thanks for it.
Great post - thanks!
Awesome explanation of PTD. It’s a rear thing
Great list. I would also add: mosquitos a problem until mid August; leave every day as early as possible and do all the elevation gains in the morning; each person should have an Inreach.
Great recommendations!! Especially the first one. Mosquitos would have been a solid #1 on my list except that I planned my hike around bug season, knowing it had been a fairly dry winter. It's my only deal breaker for a hike - they love me 😭 Saw maybe two mosquitoes the entire time (tho I was prepared with permethrin and deet) but I know they can be savage early/mid summer. I wouldn't have lasted a day and am super envious of those able to hike through them!
Really helpful info Thanks.
You are spot on with your 10 items. I haven't seen anyone put into words how the Sierras can challenge you in so many ways. Great job!
Thanks so much! The Sierras were a totally different beast than anywhere else I've hiked. Definitely challenging but that's what makes it worth it, right?! :D
It definitely calls you back.
@@bobmurphy1361 Its like getting tattoo's.
@@nedanother9382 do tell
@@bobmurphy1361 like altitude sickness and edema.
About post trail depression, it helps to have something you can practice to center yourself. I prefer yoga but others prefer belly dancing. Both strengthen your core muscles and dancing allows you to express yourself.
Great video thank you!
I’d agree with you, you look at a topo map and you’re fooled into thinking you have these long stretches of canyons (Lyell abd la Conte for example) where it will be somewhat flat but it’s far from true. It’s all switchbacks and boulders and sand, i too was talked into going with Altras (hikers), they were extremely light but I’d never do it again, I’ll go back to my Merrell Moab Mids. My appetite was extremely small had to force myself to eat, and I’m a big guy. I can’t emphasize enough, have a long sleeve sun shirt to wear . Be prepared to use it often. There’s no part of this trail that is easy. The altitude will often make you feel like you’re constantly out of breath. But once you accept this and get your mind right, it’s not too terrible. Hiking in a group is a real challenge, that’s why I’d have a hard time having partners. I’m the Dan type with a smaller stride but I can do a lot of miles, getting up before the dawn and hiking until dusk. Be prepared to be able to separate when one is hiking faster than the other, with a game plan to reach a certain destination by the end of the night.
Hey Girl!! Thanks for sharing your tips. I applied for my permit and hoping to get it. I didn't get permit last year. :(
Your tips are really great!!
Lol that was probably me you saw on the trail with hat, glasses and buff on my face. I hiked the Rae Lakes loop in August and the sun was brutal on Glen pass.
Ah the Rae Lakes area was so gorgeous! If that was you, my peeling lips were envious haha! I saw some folks out there in tank tops and running shorts and their poor skin looked like it was practically on fire. The sun is unrelenting, especially on the passes!
All good points mostly on the money. Mesh trail runners with 4-8mm of drop and a rock plate are great for this trail. Mids will not adequately protect from sprains, and boots in general will be too warm and sweaty for three-season conditions. Mix in the ubiquitous sandy dust and you will be in blister hell. To that end, cheap stretchy gaiters are highly recommended. The reason your knees ached is likely the hundreds of high steps you have to take up and down passes. As with ankles and shoes, training is the only thing that truly works… and trekking poles. I hiked the JMT three times and every other thru hike I’ve been on since feels as if I am cheating on the High Sierra. Will you hike the JMT again? I sure will!
excellent video
I like to go as fast as I can. Good advice here.
My wife and I did the JMT southbound in 19 days back in 2018. We came back and did it again this year but went northbound and we took 31 days. Hands down we both like the northbound way a whole lot better than southbound. Fist time I lost 22lbs in that 19 days due to lack of appetite(we came from sea level) this time I only lost 13 lbs in the 31 days and had zero altitude issues. The first time I packed what I thought I should pack for food. Protein and meal bars (cant even give that crap away on trail) this time I took the advise of a PCT’r I met at VVR on my first trip. She said pack your childhood favorites. So i lived off of oreo’s, poptarts, cocoa rice crispy cereal with ensure mixed into it, we made our own freeze dried meal mixtures. It was WAY better this time around. So if I had to add anything to the list is food- pack what you love to eat as a kid and you wont go wrong! O shout out to “big mac” if she reads this she knows who she is…..she turned me onto this. Tortilla with peanut butter, oreos, and crasens. 🤤 dont knock it! You will be amazed at what food combos you will put together while on trail. O yeah and VARIETY on the food!! Trust me mix up those candy bars (had one or two every day)
This is such great advice!! I spent a few years trying to force myself to eat what I 'should' - thus every pack of Oatmeal went uneaten and I lost lots of weight 😂 These days I more often than not eat poptarts for breakfast, and extra ones ALWAYS help me make friends! The JMT was the first time I started experimenting with different tortilla combos, with great success! Not sure my tortilla game is strong enough to try your peanut butter/oreo/crasen mix but I don't doubt that this hits the spot on trail! Congrats on your hike(s) - 31 days sounds like a dream :)
@@jessicaorlicky8597 trail pizza
Tortilla
Sharp cheddar or medium cheddar individually wrapped 1oz packages
Pepperonis
Taco bell fire or medium or mild sauce packets
I put 2 1oz sharp cheddar chesses on the tortilla 16 pepperonis and 2 packets of fire sauce……..
@@jessicaorlicky8597 the cheese stays good unrefrigerated due to it being a hard cheese, the pep’s stay good after opened for like 3 days. Those are the only things you have to worry about👍….trail pizzas!
#10, such a great point. I did the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2020 and was hit with post trail depression harder than I expected since I was only out there for 20 days. But, like you said, it wasn't just the 20 days on trail, but all the months leading up to that, and all the sudden, it was over. Done. What next?
if you want to adapt to higher altitudes, there are atmospheric tents you can sleep in. The traditional way is to simply stay at altitude and let your body adapt. When I was in Albequerque alt ~6000 ft, it was not bad but taking the tram to Sandia alt ~10k left me dizzy and weak. Same thing when adapting to heat or cold. Just a few ideas.
Thanks for sharing
I've done parts of the JMT and many other trails in the Sierra. I learned to HATE the down hills because you just had to regain that lost altitude, plus some more. 😅
As an ultra runner who lives in trail runners, should I bring one or two pairs (drying, back up, comfort, etc)?
Nice tips about the JMT! My son did it last summer. I wish he had seen this before he went. Great video. New follower here. My videos are more weekend warrior stuff. Crow✌️
OH, liked and subscribed! I am subscriber 63! W00t!
Great video. Thanks for the info.😎👍
I'm doing the JMT in the Summer and videos like this provide lots of good info! Particularly the part on footwear...and will now be wearing boots after watching this. Wasn't sure before but think its the best option. Do you have any advice please for tent pegs for the hard and rocky ground? My tent is non-free standing and wondering if its just a case of using nearby rocks instead of pegs.
Hey! Glad you found this helpful :D We actually didn't find staking pegs to be a problem anywhere on the trail. Maybe because we camped mostly below treeline rather than at higher, rockier elevations. I think the only place staking was an issue was at Thousand Island Lake, but that was mostly due to the torrential winds we had there. There are almost always rocks around the sites though if you need to reinforce your pegs. Best of luck and happy trails this summer!
@@jessicaorlicky8597 👍👍😀
“Yo this trail is sandy” lol cute shit 😂
How did you acclimate to elevation, coming from sea level?
On footwear: I think one thing that people don't take into account is proprioception. People focus on strength, flexibility, etc, but not necessarily training proprioception. If you're used to hiking in boots, hiking over varied terrain in trail runners is a whole different experience in terms of foot placement and proprioception - which is what it sounds like you struggled with.
100%, this makes sense! With boots it wasn't even something I thought about, even in rugged terrain. In trail runners it was immediately apparent that my body was NOT used to the movements required.
Man I really want to do that trail! I'm going to apply next year
You won't regret it!!
Love your candor. If Rocket Man was so far ahead of you, how did you know he went the wrong way?
My apologies if this is answered already down below, but what dates did you go? ...trying to project sun exposure and temps
Hey Jeff! I was there Aug 2-18 (if I recall correctly). Sun didn't usually start becoming a problem until around 9/10 am, which is typically when we'd be doing the last push up to a pass. Very, very toasty and exposed up there on the ascents and descents!
@@jessicaorlicky8597 Got it, thanks for responding. Still applying for a permit so likely won't even go this year unless i win the next 2 weeks... but ideally want to go in late Aug/Sept anyways for that very reason. Where in Canada are you from? Have you hiked Banff? Had a 5 nighter booked in 2020 but had to cancel w/ the border closure/covid. Banff still on the bucket list
Aspirin alleviates symptoms of altitude sickness; Mary Jane alleviates symptoms of altitude sickness.
I'm thinking of doing the JMT, starting at Trail Pass, MM745 of the PCT. I did the PCT this year up to Trail Pass. I think your points are very true and hit the mark very well. Some people that had done the AT came and they called those ups and downs, "PUDS." Pointless ups and downs. The Pacific Crest Trail, JMT is mainly PCT is hitting high points, thus "Crest." I got so mentally tired of it. Gear, I've mentioned what you did, several times. You're right. HYOH, yes, it's true. You may want to hike with someone else but if you naturally don't hike the same pace, don't force it. It will hurt both parties. Nice video.
try the Florida Trail. The pointless ups and downs are the holes you step into or the cypress knees you trip over. 🤣🤣
Re: the sun: Once you experience an umbrella on trail you can't go back. I know exactly where you were in that clip and it must have been brutal. Sun umbrella to the rescue.
Ahhhh I have an umbrella :D Typically I only use it in Utah/Arizona but it actually would have been perfect for this trail had I been able to rig up a way to make it hands-free haha! I would defffffinitely bring it next time and forgo one of my poles!
I just bought Jessica Mills her third umbrella as a xmas present. Yeah . . . .
@@jessicaorlicky8597 there is a way for hands free umbrellas. Some packs have straps and cords. Mmmm honestly I can't make a good suggestion without visualizing the pack. Hair bands and duct tape come to mind.
Hike solo, period.
I have a number of family members and even friends I’d love to do the trail with. But realistically, I am hard pressed to find a good match, so I don’t see it happening.
i prefer going alone, i am doing the jmt this year, going in groups is too much of a hassle for me
In hindsight, I don't blame you 😂
Um, I admire your tenacity to find your friend, but its kinda crazy to run down a mountain with loose rock like that. You really put yourself at risk of significant injury, knee pain and all.
If you hike with others who pace differently, why not use the technology available - each could have those cheap hiking walkie-talkies.
Well this looks familiar….
Yup, it should! Credit where credit is due - in my rampant consumption of videos before my own hike, I watched your video and it was one of the 2 most helpful that I watched. I wanted more. I wish everyone did this style of video about every trail they hiked because I think what you can share prior to a trail will be vastly different to what you can share once you've completed it. It was a lot of fun seeing some of the same things listed, albeit some for different reasons (we wanted to get over passes early for the sun, not to avoid rain). And the point about it not getting easier? This wasn't meant to copy your point, but more people need to realize the reality of this hike. We had people ON TRAIL tell us it would get easier, which really just led to a lot of frustrations and unmatched expectations along the way, both in our group and others we hiked with. I immensely appreciate the time and effort you took with your list (I love watching your videos) and was hoping that by posting my own, there'd be an even bigger pool of data for people to draw from when planning their own hikes.
OMG , the JMT is not a beginner hiking trail. There are lots of rocks on the trail and people got altitude sickness, well its a high mountain rugged trail not a woods walk.
Of course, boots are harder on knees than trail runners are; they say that a pound of weight on your feet is like 5 pounds on your back. I'm 66 and switched to trail runners a couple of years ago, and all my backpacking is in the Sierra. My feet feel great, no knee pain (thank you, trekking poles) and I don't need to carry camp shoes because trail runners are so comfortable. I just keep them loosely laced at camp and it's like wearing slippers. It is good to try to land your feet on flat spots, and it's not that hard. Because Sierra miles are hard, it argues for starting early and going slow and steady and hiking a long day. The sun is up for 14 hours. How did you know your friend had gone the wrong way if you weren't near him? There are so many places to camp between the suspension bridge and Rae Lakes. That spot was packed when I went through there, so we kept walking.
I'm 67 years old. Hiked Sierras in boots for over 50 years and developed knee pain at 60. Couldn't hike at all for about 6 months and decided to try Altras. Three weeks later the knee pain was gone and I have been hiking 40-60 miles per week since, including some week-long treks in the Sierras and Big Sur which is mostly straight up and down steep trails similiar to hiking the AT. The downside to trailrunners is that you need to replace them before they break down or you will have foot problems.
mmmmmm Im gonna go ahead and say your knee pain was probably due to your pack weight. Im still trying to figure that part out....the boots trail runners. Switched a cpl seasons ago to trail runners and Im still not convinced that a boot is not better for an off trail adventure on the Sierra High route. Boots are heavier but they do a lot of protecting ur feet from that rocky terrain.
Cheers
My pack weight was actually really dialed in and felt pretty luxurious! 14 lb base weight, and even with food and water never reached 30 lbs. I typically hike a lot heavier than that (35+) but with a more substantial pack. I'll be sticking to boots from now on, haha, at least for gnarly terrain! :)
@@jessicaorlicky8597 if you really want to know if its trail runners or boots, have an orthopedist exam you in both and then suggest 'weight bearing xrays' to see what those tricky knees are doing.