https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog daily 0.75 2021-05-03 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/backpacking-gear-101 monthly 0.5 2021-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613081970699-YN8P45CZHA7B9QMOWDD4/IMG_6365.JPG Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - I brought useless items that added weight to my bag and wasn’t aware of other essential items that I naively hadn’t packed. I didn’t have a hat or any head cover to block the sun during the day and I wore practically zero sunscreen, so my face burnt. My pack was not adjusted to my height; the outer straps were uneven and the weight distribution was off. I didn’t know how to listen to what my body needed, which resulted in dehydration. I hadn’t broken in my new hiking boots ahead of time, and although I had a small med kit, I was clueless on how to use it if an accident greater than a scrape would have taken place. I was brand new to the activity, and the amount of backpacking knowledge I lacked was astronomical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613094962967-G1P6VKIOWJM5OBCEUKI2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - WEIGHT As you’re browsing through potential gear to purchase, you may begin to notice that outdoor gear is weighed in ounces. As a beginner introduced to the backpacking world for the first time, it may seem unnecessary and almost comical that someone would make a particular purchase based on a difference of 2 oz. But, the necessity to recognize the weight of your gear couldn’t be more important. You’re about to embark on a new style of travel in which you carry absolutely everything on your back: the food you eat, your sleeping system, cooking set up, clothes, etc. There is a saying in the outdoor community, one that I adhere to and remind others of constantly: “every ounce counts.” I was given this tip before my very first trip, and although I took that advice somewhat seriously, it wasn’t until I was actually out in the mountains hiking that I realized how true it was. 2 oz may seem like nothing, but when every single piece of gear in your pack is just a few ounces extra, suddenly your pack is pounds heavier. And when you’re hiking for miles on end, those pounds begin to weigh you down. Ounces make pounds, and therefore, Every. Ounce. Counts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613103509028-GZGHLK1QESPRI8LJU3SD/image.jpg Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - SIZE Similarly to weight, you have to consider the amount of space an item will occupy in your pack. Just like ounces adding up to become pounds, a few slightly bigger pieces of gear add up to an overflowing pack. I can promise you that early on in your backpacking experience, you will be tempted to ignore this, and as you’re looking at gear, you’ll think the difference in size between two items is minuscule and not worth your attention. Fight this urge to ignore the differences in size. The moment you gather all of your gear together to pack it up for your trip, you’ll thank yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613103881909-W6RVL1B489M75YWZRCCF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - DURABILITY Outdoor gear tends to be expensive. Considering these items are often meant to keep you alive and safe, the prices are understandable, but expensive nonetheless. Most of the gear you buy is not something you will want to replace every year, or even every few years. You want something that is going to last. Additionally, you want something that is going to be able to handle the extreme conditions you’ll put it through. There are companies that make outdoor gear for true wilderness enthusiasts and athletes, and there are companies that make cheap knockoffs. Take the time to look at the company you’re buying from. Is it a company that specializes in this item? Do they guarantee or back their items? Are their ambassadors actually accomplishing amazing outdoor feats? Or is this company making a cheap item that will potentially break in the field and need to be replaced, costing you more money in the long run? Coughing up the money early on for a piece of gear you know will both last and be reliable (especially when you’re miles from civilization) is usually the smarter option. **At the end of this post, I compiled a list of companies that I trust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613104240311-F3A2V8ULDPN60VQ027XJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - VERSATILITY It can be difficult to find gear that fits all of your weight and size goals, but searching for versatility in gear can offer relief. Using your creativity to find items that can be used for more than one purpose is key. Imagine you are deciding between two jackets, both comparable in price, size, weight, etc., and the only difference is that one of them has a storage pocket that allows the jacket to pack into itself (always a cool feature). This jacket can now be used as a jacket and a pillow. You no longer have to worry about the weight, size, and price of a backpacking pillow and this versatile jacket is therefore cheaper, smaller, and lighter than the other jacket. There are countless items that can be used for multiple purposes; the only word of caution I give is to make sure you aren’t compromising quality to accomplish versatility. An all-in-one compass, thermometer, whistle, and magnifying glass may seem like a wonder product, but aside from the whistle, any one of the other essential features likely won’t work well. If you actually needed to document temperature for some reason, or examine something closer with a magnifying glass, this item probably wouldn’t do the trick, and you would end up buying a separate piece of gear later on anyway. In that example, you essentially would just be buying a heavier, more expensive whistle. If you find a piece of gear that you think is versatile, make sure that each use you expect it to have is high quality and functioning to meet your needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613104360631-FEZWQD8K67RRL9BVREXY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - COMFORT This is an aspect of gear that can be overlooked by backpackers, usually in an attempt to save on weight and space, but also often to protect their desired image of looking tough and hardcore. There is already an unspoken sense of pride backpackers have over car campers. After all, they carry everything needed to survive while roughing it out in the wilderness. Driving up to a campsite and unloading amenity after amenity is not the same as backpacking, and some backpackers will do everything in their power to avoid looking like a pampered camper. I can admit that early on, I also adhered to this unspoken drive to separate myself from the cushy image of a drive up campsite camper, but over the years, that has changed. In part, this change was from necessity. A few back to back spine injuries and surgeries forced me to upgrade my sleep system. Rather than using my clothes bag as a pillow, I now bring a real (though still compact) pillow, and the weight of my air mat is now a few ounces heavier than the thinner more narrow one I used to use. Aside from necessity, over the years, I also realized that in some ways, prioritizing comfort actually made me a better backpacker! I noticed that comfort paid off in the long run. Getting better sleep, feeling warmer and more comfortable once I set up camp, and having a tasty treat to look forward to at night (usually an avocado at dinner or a Justin’s dark chocolate almond butter cup before bed) helped me to feel more rested in the morning and gave me more energy throughout the day. These physical benefits allowed me to hike longer, go further, and keep my spirits higher. Allowing myself a few extra ounces and occupied space in my pack actually helped, rather than hindering my journey. Obviously, as with all of these categories, you can’t give in at every step. If every piece of gear you bring adds a bit of luxury, it probably won’t have the same energizing effect because it will be so much heavier. Choose what matters most to you and give in to your needs in those small areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613104535551-P165ANO6965487VJMHMN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Backpacking Gear 101: A beginner’s guide to choosing gear - MATERIAL The good news is that, as a beginner, as long as you’re choosing from reputable brands, you’re almost guaranteed that the material used on an item will properly match the needs of that item. Reputable brands will make sure that their rain jackets are made of properly waterproofed materials, winter jackets will offer down or synthetic-down fillings, base layers will be synthetic and moisture-wicking, packs will be made of durable ripstop materials, etc. As you develop in your knowledge, you will begin to learn the minor differences and nuances behind certain materials that will help shape your decisions on future purchases. For now, I suggest a greater emphasis on brand research, to make sure the item you are purchasing falls within their scope of expertise. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/11-tips-for-being-an-effective-hitchhiker monthly 0.5 2021-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613163014692-VEQXYP6JFG3N3NQWOXQM/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Know your location Is the country you’re traveling in open or closed to hitchhikers? Is their signal for needing a ride a simple thumbs up? A flat palm facing upwards? Which direction of traffic should hitchhikers face? It varies by country. Knowing how to properly and respectfully signal your need will go a long way. Some countries, like the Netherlands, will even have government-installed signs where hitchhikers can stand to have a better opportunity of being picked up. Knowing that these locations exist not only increases your chances of being picked up, but also demonstrates a respect for and knowledge of the culture that you are attempting to immerse yourself in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613162721328-EAJWCHTM8QH3NF8ZY5ML/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Know the laws in the country you’re traveling through. Is hitchhiking legal? Knowing this is important for two reasons. First, and most obvious, is that the last thing you probably want is to end up in a foreign jail while you’re traveling. If you know that what you’re doing isn’t necessarily legal, you may want to drop the thumb if you see a police officer, or even adjust your tactics altogether while searching for a ride. Second, if it’s not legal in the country you’re traveling through, it may be harder to snag a ride. Drivers likely will be less open to picking you up or may be more skeptical if they do. Being aware of any laws concerning hitchhiking ahead of time can help you curb your expectations and plan accordingly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613162753440-PF98L0OYCDGQVCMMYELJ/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Be smart about your sign. You will rarely, if ever, make it all the way to your final destination in one ride. If you’re headed to a small town outside of a big city, don’t write down that small town. Chances are that not many of the passing drivers will not be headed to that town, and will drive on past because they don’t think they’re headed in your intended direction. Write the most obvious or prevalent town name available that is in the direction you’re headed. If a driver isn’t going all the way there, they may still offer you a ride in the right direction. If the driver is going further, they can offer to drop you off on the way, before you need to split off towards your final destination. Like I said, you will rarely, if ever, complete your journey with your first ride. You will slowly get closer and closer with each ride until you arrive. Adjust your signs and tactics along the way. Also, and I wish I didn’t have to say this, but you’d be surprised… Write legibly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613162786302-E17EYSL316LBSUCI7AQ7/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Choose a spot where a driver can easily pick you up. At times, this can be difficult, but if you spend a few extra minutes finding the right spot, your chances of being picked up will increase exponentially. First, look for an area where cars can see you from a distance, so they can begin to make the decision of whether or not to pick you up. So, this excludes blind turns, tops of hills, and roads with heavy foliage. Second, search for an area that will allow a car to pull off the road without being a hazard. The last thing you want is to hold up traffic, not only for the sake of the other drivers, but also for your own—cars are unlikely to pull over if there isn’t space. You want to make it an easy decision for them. Finally, it is best to stand at the beginning of those open car-turnouts, so that by the time someone decides to pick you up, they have time to pull over. If you can position yourself in an easy to see and easy to access area, your chances of being offered a ride will increase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613162816591-7Y2HZ6FNHJXJ4K46KRSD/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Decrease your group size. I usually suggest hitchhiking in groups smaller than three, but ideal sizes are even smaller than that. Think about how often you are driving with not only three open seats, but also enough space for three massive backpacks. 99% of the time, if a driver can’t fit your entire group, they won’t stop. In all the years I have been hitchhiking, I have never had a car stop and offer to take only part of a group. More often than not, if I was with a group, we would receive a polite gesture/hand signal notifying us that they couldn’t fit us all (some sort of pointing to the backseat followed by a number of raised fingers). If you have a larger group, split up! Decide on a meeting place at your desired destination and search for rides separately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611697462058-89JYBB2RZD4EJ5T9IDT4/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Be open to change. I cannot tell you how many of my greatest adventures came from a change of plans while in someone else’s car. We would be driving along, talking about where I was headed and my plans for once I arrived, and that conversation would lead to amazing stops along the way or alternative locations altogether. There are small local tips that you don’t always get from travel guides and social media posts, and they’re usually the area’s best kept secrets. Why would you want to avoid those places simply because you planned on arriving at another location? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613162866898-CM5QG5RB418DQM76M4I5/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Be flexible with your schedule. In the same vein of being open to change, allow yourself flexibility for the time you arrive at your destination. I can remember a few times I set myself up to fail by having a strict schedule that I was attempting to adhere to. A few years back, I made some friends while traveling and planned to meet them a few months later at a music festival in Austria. The plan had been made two months in advance, but I absentmindedly only gave myself a few days to hitchhike from Oslo, Norway down to Sankt Pölten, Austria. Yes, you read that correctly. I was stressed beyond belief trying to manage this time frame, and was forced to hitchhike through the days and nights to accomplish my goal in the allotted time. When I finally arrived, I was exhausted and had absolutely no time to recharge before joining my friends. I then vowed to avoid strict time schedules while hitchhiking at all costs. If being timely for a particular event is important, take a bus. If it’s not, allow yourself the freedom to relax and go with the flow while searching for the next ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613162913043-W6S6CCZFNDKN5OQB4LCP/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Truck stops are a hitchhiker’s oasis Trucks are usually traveling long distances and can provide you the opportunity to knock out the miles without constantly switching between cars. They are also usually traveling along major interstates and highways without exiting, and can therefore be sorted into two categories: going my way or not going my way. Because of this, when you’re at a truck stop, a simple sign of “North” or “East” will do the trick. Finally, the reason truck stops are by far one of the most effective settings to hitch a ride is that their vehicles are already stopped. Nothing is harder for a semi than stopping on the side of the road, but if they are already stopped and about to return to the highway, the drivers are far more likely to pick you up. Just remember that the cab of the truck is higher up and often outside of your line of sight, so be prepared to respond to a quick honk rather than a wave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613764159982-DH8OPIYP0WY1ZHI5H9PP/image.jpg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Be a good and friendly car guest. This shouldn’t have to be said, but again, you’d be surprised. I believe that whatever you put out into the universe, you get back in one way or another. If you don’t necessarily agree, so be it, but you will likely believe that you should treat others as you would want to be treated, at the very least. So, do that. If you’re in an area where your native language is not commonly spoken, don’t assume your driver will somehow magically speak your language. Be considerate, download a free language translation software, and show that you respect them. Do your absolute best to communicate with them. When I was on the island of Senja in northern Norway, I had a driver who had been in the Norwegian military and he mentioned a beautiful location that his team used to visit for training campouts. He loved the views and offered to take me there, even though it was AN HOUR in the opposite direction of the way he was headed. At the time, two friends I had met the day earlier were hitchhiking separately, and we planned to meet later on at a specific location (as I suggested earlier). My driver offered to drive over to where they were hitchhiking from and pick them up as well. It was a genuinely kind and thoughtful act. I can’t imagine the same situation would have ensued if I had been closed off and rude. If I did have a negative demeanor, my driver likely would have taken me the minimum distance and called it a day, and I would have never experienced the amazing views and beautiful sunset at the location he drove us to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611698639876-O8KNUA4MW5UOE10H1EYU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Smile and wave! Keep in mind that someone is taking a risk by inviting a stranger into their car. Think about the type of person you’d want to pick up versus the type of person you’d likely drive past. Adjust your behavior accordingly. A genuine smile will show a driver that you are non threatening and will be a warm and friendly driving companion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611699093206-UZ70BFG0ZJIJGPWMIMJ0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker - Be a hitchhiking host! I am a firm believer in karma. By this logic, pick up hitchhikers when the opportunity presents itself and give them a good experience if you later seek a good hitchhiking experience yourself. What goes around comes around. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/7-quick-tips-on-how-to-travel-the-world-on-a-budget monthly 0.5 2021-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618599847151-9ZI51A4KYX22YHBINGE6/unsplash-image-I2Dz5Hljm9g.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Never stay in a hotel My number one piece of advice on this topic is to avoid hotels at all costs. Hotels are nothing more than a drain on your resources. In this day and age, with the internet at our fingertips, there are multiple apps and resources that provide alternatives to hotels, which will allow you to travel cheaper for longer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618599990902-I2ENYR4KHKOQ603P028Y/unsplash-image-8y0VL09lDXM.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Hitchhike for transportation A recurring theme of this article is emphasizing the importance of seeking out seemingly insignificant cost-cutting opportunities that can eventually add up to large savings by the end, and avoiding Ubers and busses is no exception to that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618600097967-7N83XT7CUPGZBVY2OQLW/unsplash-image-9m2RZvHS_cU.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Grocery shop I assume, like me, you have experienced periods of time marked by struggling to find motivation to go to the grocery store, leading to eating out for a week straight. At the end of that week, you check your bank statement and stare in awe at the atrocious amount you spent. The following week, you hit the grocery store and begin to recoup your funds. The financial struggle of regularly eating out vs. grocery shopping while traveling is no different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618600447894-JLT12HT2W9FX44IVJOTF/unsplash-image-qZyLiJlSK5s.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Carry a reusable container with you Along the same vein of grocery shopping and preparing your own meals, saving extra food in small tupperware containers can go a long way in efforts to save money. Whether you prepared the food yourself or you have leftovers at a restaurant, having a place to store leftovers is crucial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1619633058481-OETT3SA6IZE6J5HNARAM/unsplash-image-acNPOikiDRw.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Live like a local If you’ve ever moved, you know that the places you end up missing most after leaving a city aren’t its expensive museums or fancy restaurants, but the small features unique to that area. You tend to miss the aesthetic of the coffee shop close to your house, the sounds and smells of the street you walked down on your way home from work, and the neighborhood vendors at the Sunday farmer’s market. Every city around the world has wonderful experiences to offer, whether it be a specialty bakery or an overgrown patch of wildflowers in the park, and it’s your privilege as a traveler to discover what makes each place special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618600823708-FHA9H4C92OPFKVH6JR6M/unsplash-image-gMJ3tFOLvnA.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Track flights with multiple destinations in mind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618601357812-805VHWVA01GW4YQSWA33/unsplash-image-qgHGDbbSNm8.jpg Blog - 7 Quick Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget - Consider work and volunteer positions As I’ve repeatedly echoed throughout this article, one of the most rewarding aspects of travel comes from immersing yourself into an area’s culture. What better way to do that than finding a paid or volunteer work position? International volunteer organizations like Workaway and WWOOF offer a wide variety of jobs, from agricultural farm assistance to in-home cleaning and nannying. You can specify the amount of time you’d like to work in any particular place and choose hosting families/organizations based on your needs (i.e a place to stay, grocery assistance, a shared vehicle, etc.). If you’re looking to travel long-term from city to city, a little volunteer work can go a long way in helping you afford your adventures. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/how-to-avoid-being-murdered-while-hitchhiking monthly 0.5 2021-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611360916310-AB6P2HN6SS95YNWHEOIN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - You don’t have to take every ride offered. It feels rude to say no. After all, someone chose to take the time to pull over just for you! But even if it does feel a tad rude, you don’t have to take a ride just because it was offered. The few times I have turned down a ride, the drivers were pissed off as they drove away. Honestly, that’s all I needed to ensure myself that I made the right decision. A simple “I appreciate the offer, but I’m actually going to wait for the next car. Thank you anyway” is all that’s needed. Or if they’re being really weird about it, you can lie (I’ll touch on this more later). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611361160950-OCWTB6UKCM2Y6ONDQYAZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Have your most important documents on your body This is a big one. You need to know that if shit hits the fan, you can jump out of the car. If everything you need is in the backseat, you may be tempted to ignore your gut in a crucial moment and stay in a car that you should have abandoned. This is why I always have four items on my physical person at all times, whether it be in a car or on the side of the road waiting for my next ride. The following items are on me at all times: 1) My passport/ID 2) My phone 3) My money 4) My knife Sure, it would suck to leave your bag behind, but everything in there is replaceable. You are not. If you’re worried about potentially leaving behind all of your belongings a comforting technique I’ve used is separating a few key items into my small day pack to keep in the front seat with me. Although, keep in mind that this small bag shouldn’t be too big, in the case of needing an effective and quick get-away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611361433711-7JEEMHTADZ1DX1USNVUO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Send someone a license plate photo This is a tip that I have used in the past, but rarely do anymore. If nothing else, it’s a solid tactic for peace of mind early on in your hitchhiking experience. More often than not, by the time a driver sees you and decides to pick you up, they will be past you, which allows the opportunity to snap a photo of their license plate while walking to their car. You can then send the photo to someone you trust. Once you’re in the car, you can text this person an update of how long you expect to be in the car (usually determined once you know how far in your desired direction the driver is headed), and even a description of the driver if you so desire. If that expected time period elapses, the person you texted can know to alert the proper authorities. This is also a great tactic to mention to your driver if you are getting uncomfortable or sense that something is wrong (I will touch on the best way to do this later). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611361818636-PJUV30O8J60RNY3UHGW4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Get out a block early. If you’re staying at a hostel, with a friend, or even just planning to set up your tent in a field nearby, you want to avoid telling your driver your exact plan. For the most part, I like to trust others, and I’d like to think that my driver is a safe confidant of my plans. But, I can tell you, from personal experience, that you sleep more soundly if you know that nobody knows exactly where you are. Imagine hearing an unusual sound outside of your tent at 2 AM and wondering what it is. You imagine what animal it might be, if it’s just the wind, or… what if that driver from earlier came back because they knew exactly where you were? The panic sets in. Do yourself a favor and simply avoid the conversation of exactly where you’re headed. This likely won’t raise suspicion simply because it wouldn’t be surprising that you, as a hitchhiker, don’t have an exact plan. If, for whatever reason, your driver seems to push on the topic of your intended destination, lie (more on this later). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611362296340-ESTVG78A1GV0YWS1SWWC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Trust your gut Oh this is a big one. It is often forgotten that we are animals and we have natural instincts. In the moment, it’s not always evident to us why the hair stood up on the back of our necks, or why we felt a bit queasy the second we started talking to someone. But, we often look back at the event and it becomes glaringly obvious. One of my biggest pieces of advice is to practice the art of trusting your gut. Your animal instincts pick up on small aspects of the day that your conscious mind doesn’t have the power and space to continually process. You may not be able to explain why something feels off, but you need to trust yourself enough to know that your subconscious probably does. Essentially, you may not be able to explain that sensation in the moment, and you may not be able to explain it in the future, but that doesn’t matter. If your gut is telling you something seems shifty, it’s okay to listen. I encourage you to do so. If a driver is giving you a weird vibe and there’s no logical reason why, that’s okay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611362571275-K0PL9U2K6IC7T22GYA5W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Consider carrying protection In a blog post I am currently working on, I discuss why I choose to not carry a gun as a solo female traveler, so I won’t get into that here. What I will say is that I do carry a small, discrete pocket knife with a roughly 3-inch blade when I travel. I like this because it is a multi-purpose tool and used regularly (an aspect I appreciate in any gear that I am going to be carrying on my back). When I hitchhike, a pocket knife is one of the four things that I have ready and available on my body while I am in someone’s car or on the side of the road waiting for my next ride. Another tool for protection you may consider carrying is a small car window breaker and seatbelt knife. If worst comes to worst and you’re locked in a car, you will want to know you can get out. A quick crack at the glass with a window breaker will give you that option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611362837777-R2USVO73Y696SRU7MIBA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Be strategic when placing and receiving your bag After finishing that quick rolled down window conversation of where you’re headed with a potential ride, it is time to place your bag (usually) in the back seat. For me, a fear that always comes to mind is the driver jetting off as soon as my bag is in their car. To avoid this, I follow two simple steps: First, I open the front seat door before I begin to put my bag in the back. If you leave that front car door fully open it is less likely that the driver will drive away. Second, I begin my conversation with them immediately. Even if it is superficial and insignificant, making an immediate connection will not only decrease their desire to screw you over, but keep them distracted. When it’s finally time to exit your ride, whether it be a good or bad experience, it is important to follow these same steps while you grab your bag. Leave the front door open, and maintain a “goodbye”/ “thank you again” conversation. This decreases the chances that the driver will intentionally or unintentionally drive off with your belongings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611425295762-SKKJYS46KL5TXXYT7QH7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Be smart about where you sit in the car If I’m alone, I do my best to sit in the passenger’s seat when a driver offers me a ride. I’m usually turned off by the proposition to sit in the back, simply because I don’t like the idea of child locks in the back seats. If the backseat is the only option, I still choose to sit against a door. I would never accept a ride if the only available seat was in the middle. That feels dangerous to me. You might feel differently about it, but for me, I find peace of mind in the opportunity for a quick escape. If I’m not alone, this usually isn’t a worry of mine because there is power in numbers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611428334259-5ED5T17DXKU91HEFM7GC/image.jpg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Lie if you have to I personally hate lying. I find it to be an invisible weight around my neck that forces continued lies. It is far more freeing to simply be honest and allow yourself to be fully authentic. But, if you’re getting a weird vibe or you merely want to protect your peace of mind in the future, I think it’s okay to lie. I’ve told dozens of them over the years when I started to feel uncomfortable. “Yeah, I have a group of friends waiting for me when I get there” (even if you’re solo) “Oh, I’m for sure staying at X hostel” (when that’s definitely not the plan) “Hey, do you mind if we pull over so I can grab something from my bag really quick?” (But you’re planning to grab your bag and walk away) “Yeah, my mom is always concerned about my safety, so I send her a photo of a license plate before I get in a car and I text her once I’m out.” (even if you didn’t do that this time) Essentially, just say whatever you need to say to keep yourself safe, and say it with confidence—as if you believe it yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611426456485-RIDQR70UKIT0SLE10HWX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Never use hitchhiking apps! Ugh, hitchhiking apps. When I get to talking about hitchhiking, people will often ask how I find rides, and wonder if I ever post my location on my social media and broadcast my need for a ride. Hopefully, that question just hit your gut with the same anxiety that hits mine. Never! If you are already thinking a few steps ahead, you might know why I avoid hitchhiking apps. For me, the safety of hitchhiking is founded in the innocence of the drivers. The people picking you up didn’t plan on picking you up; they made a snap decision while driving to trust and help a stranger on the side of the road. They have no ulterior motive; they aren’t looking for anything in return. When it comes to social media posts or hitchhiking apps, the anonymity, and therefore purity, of the ride becomes tainted. While using these kinds of resources, you are forced to wonder why someone you don’t know was willing to come pick you up. Avoid that worry and simply stay off those apps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611426617971-57OL9UCJ0SG2Y1PYWIDN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Remember that you can leave. It might just be something culturally ingrained in me, but in my early hitchhiking experiences, I remember feeling terrible if I sensed that I was an inconvenience to my driver. I’d have them drop me off in a location easily accessible to them, even if they’d repeatedly offer to take me to the street that I actually intended to go to. Similarly, telling a driver that I would like to get out of their car early felt beyond rude, and it might feel the same to you. But, remember that you are not at their mercy, and if you happen to upset them for a moment, so be it. You don’t have to subject yourself to an uncomfortable ride, an inappropriate action, or a dangerous situation, simply because you feel obliged. If this is tough for you, refer back to the section on lying… “You know, I’m really digging this area, I think I might just hop out here.” “Oh, I think I left something back at my other hostel. I’m going to need to hitch a ride the other direction.” “I’m feeling a bit car sick; I should probably take a break and pick up my hitchhiking later in the day.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611427063273-GPZJ1SFTPJNRSGOS14L5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Be willing to leave your bag. Imagine you’re in a car, you and your driver are chatting it up, and you realize something is wrong. For whatever reason, it becomes unfeasible to gather your things and leave. What do you do? Well… you leave. No matter what the situation in life, always remember that things can be replaced, but you can’t be. So you left your bag, big deal. If you followed along in this list, you will have known to keep your important documents on your body. If nothing else, you will have a great story as to how you lost your bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611427549652-1KBOCKD4JO73QXBRBHGL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking - Act confident. If you start to pick up on something that causes your mood and demeanor to shift, your driver may pick up on your awareness. Play it cool! Laugh, play along, and secretly begin to plan your escape to get the fuck out. The next time the car stops at a light or slows down for traffic, jump out (remember to have your important documents on your body—but if you forgot them, remember that items can be replaced). Remember the sections above about lying, or snapping a license plate? Well, this situation is also the time to act confident when mentioning it. If you’re choosing to play it cool and laugh along as though everything is fine, simply shift the conversation to allow yourself to casually mention sending a license plate text to your friends, who are waiting for you at your destination (again, lie if these things aren’t true). https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/4-reasons-why-you-should-never-stay-in-a-hotel monthly 0.5 2021-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618601583077-XB537VDEMPOJNKJN90ZA/unsplash-image-blOLCO2K4M0.jpg Blog - 4 Reasons Why You Should Never Stay in a Hotel - 1) They’re unnecessarily expensive I can guarantee that those people who gawk at my ability to afford traveling as often as I do are the same people who stay in hotels when they travel. A hotel is merely an establishment that provides lodging in a foreign destination, it is not the destination. If you’re traveling properly, you’re only using your bed/room for sleeping at night. Why not free up your funds by opting for a cheap (or even free) option rather than an expensive hotel? Imagine you are looking for a place to stay in Lima, Peru. Depending on what is most important to you (i.e location, free breakfast, wifi, etc.), the cheapest hostel I found currently listed on Hostelworld is $3/night, with the average hostel price being about $10-12/night. A full week at a hostel in Lima would therefore range from $21-$84 on average. You would be hard-pressed to find a hotel rate of $21-$84 for a single night, let alone an entire week. Additionally, for a slightly higher cost, most hostels offer private rooms, if that is what you’re interested in. By avoiding the financial drain of a hotel room, you free up resources to enhance the experiences that incited your interest for that location in the first place. Imagine what you could do with an extra $100 a day while on holiday. Or better yet, imagine how much more often you could travel if you didn’t have to account for the burden of an expensive hotel on every trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618601695747-NHAWOF28X2TW1A5KF1YW/unsplash-image-WQJvWU_HZFo.jpg Blog - 4 Reasons Why You Should Never Stay in a Hotel - 2) There are better options available I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: hotels are for tourists; hostels are for travelers. Any true vagabond will tell you that there are a multitude of options when it comes to choosing a place to rest your head at night. Not only are there cheaper accommodations (like hostels), but there are also lodging options completely free for weary travelers! Some of these cost effective options include Couchsurfing, Workaway positions, and utilizing a tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618601906171-S7YMT69B5PX1OUHBCAOI/unsplash-image-CgwzPOgimrg.jpg Blog - 4 Reasons Why You Should Never Stay in a Hotel - 3) Hotels rob you of an authentic cultural experience Hotel rooms: if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. In my time traveling, I’ve noticed that chain hotels offer a copy-and-paste experience from one city to the next. I’ve found myself wondering, “if someone brought me blindfolded in this hotel room, would I be able to guess where in the world we are?” More often than not, the answer is no. The hotel lobby might feature some local art or authentic style decor, but few other aspects differentiate one hotel from the next. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1620233355442-DS3038IM2EVGN3KG5GQN/unsplash-image-71u2fOofI-U.jpg Blog - 4 Reasons Why You Should Never Stay in a Hotel - 4) Hotels lack a social component By nature, hotels are isolating. They provide a private room and once you’re inside, you forget about the world around you almost as quickly as the world forgets about you. At times, this anonymity can be nice, but the moment you desire an immersive experience, the task of figuring out what options exist outside your room lies completely on you. When I was traveling through South America, my goal was to complete every trek I could, only stopping in cities long enough to restock on food. I was traveling alone and the planning details of every trek was solely my responsibility, so when I would come off trail, the last thing I wanted to do was create an additional itinerary to be able to enjoy the city. Luckily, I knew to stay in a hostel, where my opportunities for social interaction and night life would be plentiful. My very first night in Medellin, the hostel I chose to stay at was offering free salsa lessons on the rooftop patio. Of course, I signed up and received authentic instruction from locals and was able to head out later that evening with a local staff member to dance in some of the less touristy areas of the city. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-hitchhike-when-you-travel monthly 0.5 2021-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611700190342-C9TTWWIBS7EDWCVBKUBU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Reasons Why You Should Hitchhike When You Travel - Escape from the Touristy Experience I can’t begin to count how many conversations I’ve overheard—or even been a part—of people recounting their vacations, and they begin to sound like a copy-and-pasted experience straight from a travel guide book. Any tourist can open a guide book, point blindly at a page, and take a taxi to that location. It’s easy, it’s simple… it’s been done. Why use your limited time to visit the same overcrowded areas when you could experience other truly unique and memorable spaces? Hitchhiking has proven, without fail, to provide a one of a kind adventure. Regardless of having a general area or direction that you’re trying to move towards, I can almost guarantee that you will have an idea of where you’re going by the time you’re waving goodbye to the driver who picked you up. Locals give the best advice and have the most unique ideas for things to do and places to stay in their area. They’re the experts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611700369828-40LWDXPF9YYPAEOTWR5A/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Reasons Why You Should Hitchhike When You Travel - It provides a local’s perspective on the area You know those guided tours some people take when they’re new to a city? The ones with a guide showing you the best local eateries, the safe and dangerous parts of town, and the most exciting options for an eventful nightlife? Well, why pay for that when you can get it absolutely free?! Hitchhiking is one of the best ways to get a local’s perspective while simultaneously tending to your transportation needs. Think about it, most people live in areas they like, for whatever reasons! In my experience, those car rides are the perfect times to discuss everything about the area—from their favorite cafes to the most beautiful hikes in the area, plus dozens of more tips and tricks that only the locals know. They’re sometimes so excited about an opportunity to share their lives and personal insights that you end up with a depth of knowledge. I’ve even had drivers take me out to eat or offer me money to treat myself to dinner at their favorite place later on. I’ve had drivers go out of their ways to drive me to a beautiful camping location or a unique (but amazing) less-known hostel. Now, obviously, it’s not common for drivers to give hitchhikers resources like money, but I like to share these experiences because it is a good reminder of the generosity of some people, and highlight the positive experiences you can have while hitchhiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611700468144-86ORFIHGQ7F8Q9V8I7MK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Reasons Why You Should Hitchhike When You Travel - Economically speaking, it’s your best option. It’s free (or cheap, at least)! Remember that it is common knowledge in most countries that hitchhiking is free. It is not going to be a surprise to your driver if you don’t pay them. This isn’t an Uber, you didn’t face to face request someone for a ride, they saw you on the side of the road and they chose to pull over. There should be no guilt associated with taking a ride for free. Just remember to pay it forward later when you have the ability to pick up a fellow hitchhiker. Some countries, in my experience often many ex-soviet states, and countries in south east Asia, it is not always assumed that your hitched ride will be free, so do your hitchhiking research ahead of time. In these situations it is assumed that the car has become a taxi and a small fee will be requested. When you’re in countries like this I suggest asking “how much” before getting in the car. They may say it’s free, great! Or if they are looking to charge you may be able to negotiate the price. Know ahead of time what you’re willing to spend and determine for yourself if it is worth your time to hitchhike or if you’d prefer to spend your time and money on a bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611700756223-ZAZ356MTRF01HITDBT8B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Reasons Why You Should Hitchhike When You Travel - It’s better for the environment As someone who is traveling and trying to see the world, you (hopefully) want to do everything in your power to protect the land that you’re trying to explore. It should go without saying that carpooling is better for the environment, but people often overlook this simple fact. Two or more people going the same direction can share a car and lessen the pollution emitted into the air—shocking, I know. Do your part: walk, bike, take public transportation, and hitchhike! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611700161920-2CGG0MP3JJO3AOQTPF7G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Reasons Why You Should Hitchhike When You Travel - You begin to make local connections that enhance your experience Making friends can be an odd experience when you travel, because when you part ways, you usually have no intention of seeing each other again. Common departure phrases like “see you later” stick out like a sore thumb, and you begin to say things like “I hope you have a great life” because you know that you likely won’t encounter them again. But, if there’s one thing I’ve noticed as I became a more seasoned traveler, it’s that the more you travel, the smaller the world becomes. Suddenly, you begin to run into people you know in cities and countries far from where you once met. The math is fairly simple; the more people you meet, the more likely running into a past hitchhiking acquaintance will happen. I’ll never forget the first time that this happened to me. I ran into someone who I had hitched a ride with, hundreds of miles away from where they gave me that ride. They were the next door neighbor to the person who hosted me as I was Couchsurfing. It was an unexpected and exciting experience, and I soon discovered that experiences like this make you feel more connected to the world and the people in it. The people you meet along traveling journeys are just as memorable as the places you visit, if not more so. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/camping+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/how+to monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/camping monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/climbing+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/budget+friendly monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/hitchhiking monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/tips+and+tricks monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/backpacking+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/101 monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/outdoor+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/hiking+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/safety monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/backpacking monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/day+hiking monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/travel monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/category/gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/camping+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/how+to monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/101 monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/safety monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/budget+friendly monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/hitchhiking monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/traveling monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/backpacking+for+beginners monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/backpacking+equipment monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/tips+and+tricks monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/blog/tag/backpacking+gear monthly 0.5 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/home daily 1.0 2026-02-04 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/about-real daily 0.75 2021-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1610744375708-IVLQHHHNDEFFNEV97I2S/IMG_3564.JPG About - ABOUT ME Kathryn is a former mental health therapist who worked within the private practice sector for years before deciding to leave her cookie cutter life behind in search for more. In 2016 she quit her traditional jobs, sold almost everything she owned, and hit the trails. She spent over two years traveling across five continents, living out of a tent, and hiking some of the most beautiful and most dangerous trails around the world… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612833414748-7Q3ZKT0U3KU68HTURZ6D/IMG_0130.jpg About - Notable Expeditions From Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit in Peru, spanning nearly six years, and covering five continents, this list combines brief explanations of some of the most notable expeditions on which Kathryn has embarked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1610744113386-5M8VQO9F7EEKS2LYX9D0/IMG_0083.jpg About - Personal FAQ “What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?” “Do you ever consider working as a therapist again?” “How did you break your neck?” “Do you ever get lonely traveling solo?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611859801982-A9UH4BDEM0L6SYTFCP6K/14D3494A-215D-4362-85FD-6CD7AF0057ED.jpg About - My Partners I put my gear through the toughest conditions Mother Nature can offer. I need to know my gear will hold up. My partners make sure it will. With sustainable business models, ethical products and an altruistic approach, all the companies I work with meet my high standards. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/travel daily 0.75 2021-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611678245721-1HHDR8ZS0HNBBE6J62NL/B570A252-081B-498F-BB47-DD33D7F33681.JPG Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611678267798-FS07I5GAAG1JMWIGEKIK/IMG_0531.JPG Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611678422823-6NJEFUW3QOG0PJQ56C98/IMG_0130.JPG Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611678447563-B8QSXDW0W0WPEOWONA8W/IMG_0868.JPG Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611678464747-U5OZYA7UU2J2XTKYO6SZ/IMG_1190.jpg Travel https://www.kathrynmjones.com/personal-faq daily 0.75 2021-04-28 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/about-me daily 0.75 2021-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693070828-O2II8636GCCKZ8X5ZC2L/IMG_1666.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693578524-8L1QB4JD1D67U8349HE1/EF2506BB-3841-4FF8-968B-0CD5C52DDEC2.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693096874-LBT1JQC4L0C0PUZ51N4C/IMG_3808.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693624609-1ARPIQF6IZF9BP9WECYK/IMG_3677.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693108542-XBD2C6T7TTI9YNY6067L/IMG_4819.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693559250-R1UAHOHWRP9D2JCB4M7M/B2C9952A-B84F-4647-81D6-0AF4A8F5EF25.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693145333-NJDP03NXSWH6WXCDGMTL/Snapseed+2.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693570780-4UKYMOXXGHMWDFVCX1N4/C3FDDD3-FEE1-433B-A17F-ADC7A3E48A39.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693164937-FDZWR8KHX8WRZA703BJ5/IMG_9146.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693914540-QH3MBW078351HS5E2HZL/IMG_8788.jpg About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611693463366-W1V0F7SSILAHIC1W0PV1/LD-Export%2B2.jpg About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611694043580-OMP96JWOQQIX7IFJPG16/IMG_4973.JPG About me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1613776029104-ZF7G1N26XR2B28PJXX2F/About%2BMe.jpg About me - Kathryn is a former therapist who worked in community mental health and private practice for years before leaving her life behind in search for more. In 2016, she quit her traditional jobs, sold everything she owned, and hit the trails. The next two years consisted of an adventure across five continents, filling her days with hiking infamous trails between nights sleeping in her tent. Short-term guiding positions while traveling developed into a life as a professional wilderness guide and sponsored trail athlete. Kathryn has guided treks across multiple continents and is currently working as a freelance guide in the Western United States, in addition to offering occasional out-of-country trips. More information available here. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, UT with her partner, Trey, and their enormous cat named Guapo. Although COVID19 has restricted her traveling itinerary and altered what aspirations are realistic for the 2020 and 2021 years, she is still planning something big for early Summer 2021. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/travel-with-me daily 0.75 2021-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611807942337-9BYKQQEQGA0Z8BSM2GQ3/LD-Export+3.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808967109-VENH990HOM7BWS8NS4DR/IMG_6524.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808128382-XBXOQ786DJC4LT0R4O2Z/IMG_1082.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611809064681-JXNE8SSZL57ABNEAKC3R/IMG_8831.jpg Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808339127-X3PLR13HQFK7Z7VWYWQN/IMG_7157.jpg Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808945793-O31HTEB9639PT2QSVSAO/IMG_6463.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808380345-TLTNFWP8EML3CH7TFAXA/IMG_4805.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808936554-DY2RTRT5N30AJIPW2M25/IMG_6439.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611808413195-F387QZSIMIY3GBCGO63J/IMG_1060.JPG Travel With Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611809137293-PYUGYS0XLBSY2CU4HV12/IMG_6110.JPG Travel With Me https://www.kathrynmjones.com/become-a-partner daily 0.75 2021-02-01 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/my-partners daily 0.75 2021-05-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611605142590-GTH6VHY74C1DM7EHKFUF/IMG_8788.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611714154067-WPSXJZ1GYOXSV0Y53NYD/larabar%2B5.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618528884772-V4U5S9ZISSB9OZAP89EV/unsplash-image-0YLVlKSUEag.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1619635450952-K30CYMVSG54JXYHH2KP2/unsplash-image-xiEMqQYiIZw.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611605443228-B1X4WXAG0MKHSHD5T59S/IMG_7776.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611713719429-JBBO2TQL6UPH80J0V6F6/larabar%2B7.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618529027756-PUSGERX3DLFPERYUV5TN/unsplash-image-Lzx4J_Pb3sk.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/075b50cb-f3a4-4339-8fc5-fb0731dfd978/178842847_927931601318226_8800557686887405590_n.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611713964855-CVQB41KPXH8FDGRBW662/larabar%2B6.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618528925920-8MX7RDM0MNX5Y7Z2WHHH/unsplash-image-Y90GKsTKxBM.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1619634584582-US0YB7A5CB55VU1PXMCV/unsplash-image-FZcWypurO8A.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611713812216-FTE1LBG8I0NEZ996S67L/larabar%2B2.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618528862405-9KR3JJCA6DV9A7YLLIN0/unsplash-image-LFGGCsj41Bc.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1619635498920-KHZMX1V1QNJJBJ0SKAX1/unsplash-image-lLjWZJ0UKzQ.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611713888995-FY7C2BEQQIZTYENGDLVR/larabar%2B3.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1618529140179-SVCX1MIJVB5TYP95PYZM/unsplash-image--3LtGq_RPcY.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/e489e707-0f2d-4b22-af89-285f0909c32e/179130050_472619954192754_1889786950645402125_n.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1619640353161-EADM2F8L2GIOEVSQNPT1/unsplash-image-Zo2RGmUEoH8.jpg My Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611618039388-XHUYGLWB1HA37O6UFK58/xero-logo-2x.png My Partners - My lightweight, barefoot, hiking and trail running shoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611619736862-S2MEU0KSM3SEFK649RU5/larabar+logo.png My Partners - My healthy, tasty, natural whole food bar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611690642709-BRD0N6YUEZEM6YAMVXE7/osprey+22+436-4365059_osprey-logo-bird-word-black-osprey-packs-logo.png My Partners - My exclusive pack for every adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611620315007-SR7FBKUM9FWHXQS5UMUQ/cozy+earth+logo+2.png My Partners My temperature-regulating, antimicrobial camp-wear and sleepwear https://www.kathrynmjones.com/notable-expeditions daily 0.75 2026-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612834751353-GUWKAPCXCYXVFSHASQI7/image.jpg Notable Expeditions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612835694639-RX7HX7E28KP3E3PUT0AZ/image.jpg Notable Expeditions Barefoot Summit of Croagh Patrick Nicknamed the Reek, Croagh Patrick is a 764 m (2,507 ft) mountain that is an important site of pilgrimage in Ireland. For centuries, pilgrims climbed the mountain barefoot as an act of penance, which is a practice that continues with an estimated one million people drawn to the mountain annually, though most choose to not climb barefoot. Check out the video HERE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612833414748-7Q3ZKT0U3KU68HTURZ6D/IMG_0130.jpg Notable Expeditions Western Coast of Norway I spent four months hitchhiking nearly 2,650 km along Norway’s coastline—starting in Skarsvåg, the world’s northernmost fishing village, and finishing my journey in Oslo, the nation’s capitol. With almost 300 mountain peaks above 2,000 m in the Scandinavian Mountains, I was able to climb a different mountain nearly every day. Check out the video series HERE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612832729147-CQ4XESJ4S6JLXF2DJFQ6/image-asset.jpeg Notable Expeditions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612834780867-IKXU0T7WJH78UZYGOA5K/image.jpg Notable Expeditions Cotopaxi Located in the Andes Mountains, Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano. With a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft), it is the second highest summit in Ecuador, and one of the world’s highest volcanoes. Avalanche conditions forced me to turn back before a successful summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612834669012-PRDS16H3K6S67Z30IYZ0/image-asset.jpeg Notable Expeditions South American Andes Exploration Spanning across 7,000 km of land with altitude measuring an average of about 4,000 m, the Andean Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world. Over a three-month period, I tackled trails and peaks in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. After sustaining the significant injury of a broken neck, I forced my return to the US two months earlier than planned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612832812999-TAKANPG4E8XGI6XZX8OE/image-asset.jpeg Notable Expeditions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612833033279-NNGDYN4FXB3TI0U8WO9B/image-asset.jpeg Notable Expeditions Ben Nevis Located in Inverness-shire in the Highlands of Scotland, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. The summit, a collapsed dome of an ancient volcano, is 1,345 m (4,413 ft) above sea level, and features the ruins of an observatory. Although the view from the top was obstructed by thick clouds and rain, the abundance of sheep made the climb memorable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1612833503083-O3GVIHIJG5KH8W71CUXM/image.jpg Notable Expeditions Appalachian Trail FKT Attempt At nearly 2,200 miles in length, the AT is the longest footpath-only trail in the world. In 2017, I set out to set the self-assisted FKT, but after developing a blood infection, I was forced to get off the trail. My goal to reattempt in 2018, and later in 2019, was postponed by a series of spine injuries—and most recently by Covid-19 in 2020. For more information click HERE. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/my-gear-list daily 0.75 2021-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1617900798605-ZLF8CFW1QKBUOQTQAX5N/IMG_8788.jpg My Gear List Backpacking Found in this list: Backpack, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Air Mat, Tent, Stove and Pot, Cooking Utensils, Water Filter, Sleepwear, Trekking Clothing, Head Lamp, Rain Gear, Hiking Boots, Sandals, Food Bag, Knife, Radio, First Aid Kit, SPOT device, Camera/Video Equipment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1617900147006-FFTT7RJW0OWR7PEOXJ26/unsplash-image-FZ0qzjVF_-c.jpg My Gear List Climbing Found in this list: Day Pack, Climbing Harness, Climbing Shoes, Approach Shoes, Quick Draws, Locking Carabiners, Non-Locking Carabiners, Chalk Bag, Belay/Rappel Device and ABD (Assisted Belay Device), Helmet, Rope, PAS (Personal Anchor System), Folding Chair, Sandals, SPOT device, First Aid Kit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1617900099323-JGBI0IZY5UQMFLO4QGFS/unsplash-image-Yizrl9N_eDA.jpg My Gear List Day Hiking Found in this list: Day Pack, Water Bladder, Water Bottle/s, Trail Runners, Head Lamp, Moisture Wicking and Insulating Layers, Rain Gear, SPOT Device, First Aid Kit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1621052269638-GEO9MDBFPRFPLZG14S8T/outdoor-research-2.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1621054416481-3M0TB2R0V65KVRHCB0T4/msr-logo+2.png My Gear List https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1624629974551-TH252END2MRHDIX5Z5S0/sea+to+summit+1.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1621052066775-ILYFFMCY7362SPPQX6YX/black+diamond+3.gif My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1611864066517-OL118VSW9N61DTFLUDTR/osprey+22+436-4365059_osprey-logo-bird-word-black-osprey-packs-logo.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1624630001801-SW1I3TNXZYL8YV5SD97U/thermarest_logo+1.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1621053250095-VW0P1YPD8KNBABTQFQV3/rei+logo+.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1621053721441-W6Q5BF1NY6F8PE6UH9N9/xero+png.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fff49831ff95765118e30ec/1624630261201-EYBY7QR0KGNCA965S1MM/cotopaxi+2.png My Gear List - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kathrynmjones.com/backpacking-gear-list daily 0.75 2021-05-24 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/climbing-gear-list daily 0.75 2021-04-29 https://www.kathrynmjones.com/day-hiking-gear-list daily 0.75 2021-05-16