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

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): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUvTWbl0PH4

▼ THRU-HIKING POSTERS
Shop hiking trail posters here (designed by me and my gf) ➜ https://trailgoals.com/ (10% discount code: oscarhikes)
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/trail.goals/

▼ MY FULL GEAR LIST (affiliate links)
Silverlight socks ➜ (Silverlight: https://alnk.to/4BECIUi (15% discount code: hikemuch15)
Osprey Talon 44 backpack (new model) ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pZUZHK)
Black Diamond Distance FLZ trekking poles ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xkFazq)
Water filter ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3riXlDf)
Cicerone guidebook ➜ 54(https://www.cicerone.co.uk/the-gr11-trail-sixth)
Set of 3 dry sacks ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bTlwBB)
Tent ➜ (Rei.com: https://www.rei.com/product/168564/rei-co-op-flash-air-1-tent)
Camping pillow ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MzzUWT)
Decathlon Microfiber towel ➜ (Decathlon: https://www.decathlon.com/products/ultra-compact-microfiber-towel-size-m-26-x-35-158324)
Sleeping pad ➜ (Rei.com: https://www.rei.com/product/157892/rei-co-op-flash-thermal-sleeping-pad)
Cooking pot ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NRcywv)
Spork ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3b2moVk)
Silicone camping cup ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/37YIOoq)
Cooking stove ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/37W4SzS)
Power bank ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gmqRER)
Headlamp ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/37X41iH)
Camera ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r8OALH)
Lense ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/301mCWh)
ND filter ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3q5GrX1)
Camera mounted microphone ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r7Yyge)
GoPro Hero 7 ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dXVpvO)
Peak designs capture clip ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dVRQq7)
Fanny pack for my camera gear ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/37UJfA4)
Sunglasses ➜ (https://vallon.store/collections/shop-all/products/waylons-mirror)
Sea to Summit trowel ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3iHAMGB)
Gear Air repair kit ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pXnnfq)
Swiss Army Knife ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MAHrVr)
Decathlon Down Jacket Trek 100 ➜ (Decathlon: https://www.decathlon.com/products/mens-mountain-backpacking-down-jacket-trek500)
Marmot PreCip rain jacket ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gqiBE3)
North Face beanie ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zqR7pd)
Decathlon Evadict Mt2 ➜ (Decathlon: https://www.decathlon.com/products/mens-trail-running-shoes-mt2-300547)

▼ 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

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@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: https://filmmusic.io/song/8224-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-009
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Chord Guitar 001 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/556-chord-guitar-001
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7669-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-008
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Chord Guitar 002 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/557-chord-guitar-002
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

50 Comments

  1. @jan4946 on January 22, 2025 at 9:50 pm

    A notebook is also good for leaving notes for other other travellers (e.g. at their tent: left earlier, will wait for you at cabin x/wake me up when you get up, too/stop snoring!), exchanging contact details and starting a fire.
    When you need to wait in a shelter with others, there are also drawing-based games like tic-tac-toe etc.

  2. @Antzzz_Manzzz on January 22, 2025 at 9:51 pm

    Good tips. More tips please 🙏🏼

  3. @erickborling1302 on January 22, 2025 at 9:51 pm

    "Thru hiking." You just blast down the trail missing so many sights and experiences. I have no respect for that.

  4. @toocleanpappas5397 on January 22, 2025 at 9:52 pm

    The reason there are two holes beside each other at the top of the shoes is to do the runners hitch (the same knot you showed) if you do it up there it provides much better ankle support than the way you showed.

    Also, I would definitely NOT suggest ditching the air mattress. Good sleep is needed during a Thru-hike. And I know of about 3 people who are comfortable with just a foam mat. The vast majority of people will not be. Especially side sleepers.

  5. @maxkraus7063 on January 22, 2025 at 9:53 pm

    journal is so unnessesary

  6. @crazycomet8635 on January 22, 2025 at 9:53 pm

    Probably should have redone the summiting one, as the spoken version was opposite to what you wanted to convey

  7. @AjLovesLax on January 22, 2025 at 9:54 pm

    Why does Mr.Beast look odd…

  8. @susan53226 on January 22, 2025 at 9:55 pm

    I prefer a warm hat to a noisy hood while moving. I am fortunate to have plenty of hair to keep the back of my neck warm, although because of the hair I need a strap or ties to keep the hat from sliding up.

  9. @thewowzach32 on January 22, 2025 at 9:55 pm

    I will always carry the inflatable sleeping pad. Even when I don’t need the insulation, the comfort is always there. A foam pad doesn’t offer enough of either to justify purchase. I wouldn’t waste my money on one. I’d just as quick sleep on a poncho or tarp. When you want comfort, you buy an inflatable. When you need insulation, you buy an inflatable. If you can get one for free, use it, but don’t go out and buy one. Get an inflatable. Just my opinion.

  10. @raspberrynipple9342 on January 22, 2025 at 9:57 pm

    Rule 9 no.

    If you don’t want to bring headphones, keep a set of foam earplugs in your sleeping bag

  11. @buzz5969 on January 22, 2025 at 9:58 pm

    I will take comfort everytime…

  12. @REDFIREVIPER on January 22, 2025 at 10:01 pm

    And masters uses recycled polyfoam!!

  13. @marcusgolding4504 on January 22, 2025 at 10:01 pm

    Kin wah

  14. @TimelordUK on January 22, 2025 at 10:02 pm

    I can’t cope with the laces thing. Didn’t understand a word

  15. @OscarHikes on January 22, 2025 at 10:04 pm

    Since you all asked for it, here’s part 2, where I show another 25 thru-hiking tips! 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUvTWbl0PH4

  16. @martincarrascoso1053 on January 22, 2025 at 10:06 pm

    Yes more tips

  17. @SteveWarlee on January 22, 2025 at 10:06 pm

    First silly mistake, put wet socks in your torso under clothing . This will creat mounds of excess evaporation and cause condensation inside your tent, especially if its raining.
    Rather change to dry socks and hang wet ones after washing in a stream , on your pack in the breeze whilst hiking next day, if its raining, tough luck.

  18. @wildernesswolff9350 on January 22, 2025 at 10:08 pm

    The Quinoa pronunciation made me laugh pretty hard. Loved the video

  19. @tldrfj4379 on January 22, 2025 at 10:08 pm

    Man, you’re real idiot advising amateurs to hang food 50 meters away from their tent. Someone doing it in forest or at night, or both can loose his tent location and even freeze to death. You should feel responsibility. You should always mention such a moment giving such an advice

  20. @OGillo2001 on January 22, 2025 at 10:09 pm

    BATMAN

  21. @nightrunning4eva on January 22, 2025 at 10:11 pm

    High % of DEET bug spray can melt plastic & synthetic clothing.

  22. @bamsemh1 on January 22, 2025 at 10:12 pm

    So you are saying that pros can’t have back problems? 🤔 Good one

  23. @_chimera_ on January 22, 2025 at 10:13 pm

    Even if the difference between a good pad and that joke of a cardboard is 3 lbs, I’ll still pick a good inflatable one. Better more lifting than no sleep. That all depends on who tolerates what better

  24. @Vlachynahasbeenhacked on January 22, 2025 at 10:15 pm

    A protože jste elitní vystrovatele, tak jste zase na všechno přišli… nikdy jsem po horách nechodil a nikdy jsem nespal pod stanem 😂

    To pro vás je největší dobrodružství dne nechat zaparkovat svoji starou debilni sestimetrovy SUV v Palladiu 😂😅😅

  25. @jaapongeveer6203 on January 22, 2025 at 10:15 pm

    If you’re using a closed cell pad, say all ya like, you’re not a pro.

  26. @alismart8113 on January 22, 2025 at 10:17 pm

    Fab. Appreciated. Keep creating ….

  27. @brianmyers220 on January 22, 2025 at 10:18 pm

    You lost me at the foam mat vs pad picture. You obviously just made a YouTube video about it.

  28. @shmroadtrips on January 22, 2025 at 10:18 pm

    Be careful when summiting in the afternoon, too, if there’s snow. The snow will have had all day to melt. The ice will have too. It can get pretty sketchy if you don’t have solid early-morning, still-frozen surfaces to work with.

  29. @JM-jd7yp on January 22, 2025 at 10:19 pm

    Yes please

  30. @RobynneCalvert on January 22, 2025 at 10:20 pm

    The thought of having smelly wet socks on my body whilst I sleep makes me feel icky! I get it but I’d rather have slightly damp socks I think haha

  31. @Crunchy_Brunchy on January 22, 2025 at 10:21 pm

    Are you saying you’ll try and protect yourself from shepherd dogs and other animals (wild boar?), by stabbing them with your walking sticks🤨

  32. @Salamaleikum80 on January 22, 2025 at 10:21 pm

    Unsaturated fats oxidate easier in the blood than saturated fats.

  33. @Guillermo-ym5yn on January 22, 2025 at 10:22 pm

    Headphones?
    No…
    Try German wax earplugs…

  34. @juliusfr4008 on January 22, 2025 at 10:23 pm

    I agree with all of the points, but soy is basically worse than Oreos in terms of health. Also peanut butter is a low quality product that is hard to digest and will slow down your metabolism, such as pasta.

    I recommend buckwheat flakes or rice flakes. Also always look for chocolate without soy lecithins. I also bring a lot of beef jerky and salami sticks for fats and proteins.

  35. @dropenyourdamneyes5242 on January 22, 2025 at 10:26 pm

    Dont give me health advice. I came here for hiking tips.

  36. @ericb.4358 on January 22, 2025 at 10:26 pm

    Hmmm. I like a light pack BUT I also like comfort when sleeping. Thus I elect to carry a 16 oz. insulated 3 season air mattress and a dry sack/inflator bag. This bag is used for clothes when on the trail.
    So I compensate for the extra mattress weight with a Tarptent Notch Li Dyneema solo tent (1.4 pounds). Double wall design supported by my hiking poles. Good wind and snow resistance.

  37. @kyke0n213 on January 22, 2025 at 10:28 pm

    he lost me at quinoa

  38. @lilyandlou7669 on January 22, 2025 at 10:30 pm

    Not types more just opinions or styles.

  39. @KenLeonard on January 22, 2025 at 10:31 pm

    The picture saying newbie vs pro is just for clickbait. Have used both pad and inflatable. Went inflatable for A.T. thru-hike. Just use a piece of tyvek under it at night. The tyvec does double duty as a clean place to lay out your stuff.

  40. @alaskabarb8089 on January 22, 2025 at 10:33 pm

    Freeze dried cooked diced chicken is lightweight and provides protein as well.

  41. @joshuafuryon7874 on January 22, 2025 at 10:33 pm

    great vid!

  42. @sixeco on January 22, 2025 at 10:38 pm

    If you one slept on a thermarest you never go to a foam mat again. If you really thru hike you now good sleep is the key for long distance hiking

  43. @davidweidemann7275 on January 22, 2025 at 10:38 pm

    great video, thanks!

  44. @raymondbond1468 on January 22, 2025 at 10:39 pm

    Do NOT put wet or damp clothing against your torso when sleeping at night. Wet and cold are never to be mixed. I know it’s just socks, but that’s terrible advice. And next time just reshoot the part about mountain climbing times. I know you put a written correction in the video, but if someone is just listening to it and not watching, they are gonna screw up and walk up to that mountain top and get screwed.

  45. @inpersonaDK on January 22, 2025 at 10:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing.

  46. @Oldsparkey on January 22, 2025 at 10:41 pm

    I have tired all sorts of pads and always go back to my Therm-A-Rest self inflating mummy style full length pad. Haven’t had it to long , right around 30 or more years. I tend to take care of my equipment. Using the same Candle lantern since 1971.

  47. @frenchaccent802 on January 22, 2025 at 10:44 pm

    i agree with everything exept the sleeping pad ! but i guess its just preference here i dont like the foam and never liked it

  48. @theimpaler5034 on January 22, 2025 at 10:45 pm

    My camping kit is fire water food and a plastic tarp doesn’t matter how long I camp for been doing it this way since I was 14 you guys arnt campers your all glampers lol

  49. @Bradley-b1h on January 22, 2025 at 10:47 pm

    Part. 2

  50. @vals6004 on January 22, 2025 at 10:49 pm

    Good tips!

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