Tips

If your trekking poles have cork handles, small critters may chew on them while you're asleep

Be sure to pack food that you genuinely enjoy. I was too focused on bringing enough calories and overlooked the importance of liking what I brought. When you're out in the wilderness or on the mountains, having good food is truly a treasure.

Always have a backup for critical items like a compass. For example, my watch malfunctioned during my hike, but I was glad I had my phone with me.

Don’t assume there won’t be rangers on the trails to check your permit. They do come around and check.

If you’re hiking with a friend and have different paces, it’s a good idea to have a walkie-talkie or some device that functions well in mountainous terrain. This way, you can stay connected and coordinate effectively.

Hiking more than 200 miles demands a good pair of hiking boots. Take the time to research and choose wisely. This is especially important when tackling the steep terrain of the Sierra Mountains.

Make sure to bring a mosquito net for your head. Sometimes, swarms of mosquitoes will follow you for miles.

Don't bring cheap gear on your thru-hike. If it breaks, not only will it be unusable, but you'll also have to carry it for days before you can dispose of it.

Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) is a worthwhile place to stop for a night. In addition to getting real food and resupplying, you’ll meet like-minded people who share your thru-hike experience.

Pack only the essentials for your thru-hike—every ounce counts. I ended up shipping a few pounds of unnecessary items back home, like deodorant, which you won’t need in the wilderness.