Hiking the John Muir Trail is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Over 22 days, I crossed steep passes, navigated high‑altitude terrain, and learned more about resilience—both physical and mental—than I ever expected. While gear lists and logistics are important, the real keys to success often lie in the choices you make before you ever touch the trail.

In my latest video, I break down seven tips that made all the difference for me and that I believe can help anyone have a more rewarding and successful JMT journey. Here’s a deeper look at what I share in the full video.

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1. Build Serious Cardio and Strength

The JMT isn’t just long—it’s high. Much of the trail sits above 10,000 feet, and nearly every pass demands strong legs and lungs. Long before stepping onto the trail, I committed to a structured training plan, combining cardio, strength work, and pack training. If you’re planning your own hike, building a fitness base early will make every mile more enjoyable.

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2. Reduce Your Pack Weight—More Than You Think

This tip alone can make or break a thru‑hike. I saw hikers leave the trail early simply because their packs were too heavy. In the video, I talk about how I trimmed my gear, what I wish I had cut sooner, and how ultralight forums and LighterPack helped me evaluate every ounce. Lighter gear isn’t about bragging rights—it’s about saving your energy and protecting your body.

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3. Give Yourself Time to Acclimate

Altitude is no joke, especially for multi‑day efforts. Before starting, I took time to acclimate at higher elevations, which made the first days dramatically more manageable. In the video, I also discuss talking with your doctor about altitude sickness prevention, which can give you peace of mind before your hike begins.

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4. Start Early—Really Early

Mornings are your best friend on the JMT. Cooler temperatures, stable conditions, and quieter trails make early hours incredibly productive. Starting early meant I could cross passes before afternoon thunderstorms and reach camp with plenty of time to relax, recover, and enjoy where I was—something that’s easy to forget on a thru‑hike.

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5. Hike at Your Pace

Pushing too hard early on leads to burnout or injury. I learned to listen to my body, take frequent breaks, and avoid the temptation to chase someone else’s pace. A slow, steady approach during the first few days preserved my energy for the bigger climbs ahead and made the entire experience more sustainable.

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6. Take Care of Your Feet

Your feet are your transportation—and on the JMT, they take a beating. I share the exact routines I used on trail: washing and drying feet daily, cold‑water soaking, using airy camp shoes, and treating hot spots immediately. These small habits helped me avoid the blister problems that sidelined other hikers.

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7. Strengthen Your Mental Game

Even with great fitness and perfect gear, your mindset determines whether you finish the trail. I leaned heavily on breathing exercises, gratitude moments, and, most importantly, reconnecting with my personal “why” for doing the hike. When fatigue or weather got tough, remembering that purpose kept me moving forward.

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🎥 Want the Full Breakdown? Watch the Video

The video goes into each of these tips in much more detail, including stories from the trail, mistakes I made, and what I’d absolutely do again. If you’re planning your own JMT adventure—or simply curious about a thru‑hiking experience—I think you’ll find it helpful and motivating.