Josh Johnson

I discovered backpacking and this wonderful hiking community on the Florida Trail in 2015 and haven’t looked back since. I aim to positively impact other people making every step on the trail count for something more than my own enjoyment. The overall effect of hiking for something bigger than my own personal experience is what I call #HikeWithHeart. Part of that journey includes joining the 2019 Granite Gear Grounds Keeper team! I’m passionate about practicing Leave No Trace ethics so I can leave the outdoor spaces I visit a little cleaner than when I came. I’m also usually hiking for a good cause – charity! I hope to see you on the trail and share some of my adventures with the world. Cheers, Josh "Pace Car" Johnson – Instagram: @HikeWithHeart

Posts

Gear Review: MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House 1

Gear Review: MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House 1

Have you been on the hunt for a lightweight shelter designed for hikers who need bug protection without unnecessary frills? Take a look at the

Aug 10, 2019 : Josh Johnson
Gear Review: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

Gear Review: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

Backpacking stoves these days run on wood, esbit tabs, alcohol, and the ever-popular IsoPro canisters. The PocketRocket Deluxe runs on an IsoPro

Aug 2, 2019 : Josh Johnson
Gear Review: NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Gear Review: NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad

I strapped on the The Nemo Switchback™ sleeping pad for testing because it was designed to deliver better thickness, comfort while still achieving an industry-leading pack size. The lightweight pad was fast and easy to use. Read the full gear review for details!

Mar 13, 2019 : Josh Johnson
Why Do We Hike?

Why Do We Hike?

I’ve always wondered why the trail calls to me so much. I know I enjoy hiking, but why do I like it so much? Why do I enjoy spending days, weeks, or

Nov 29, 2018 : Josh Johnson
My First Encounter with a Charging Cord Monster

My First Encounter with a Charging Cord Monster

The approach to the Great Smoky Mountains was full of good food, social time with my fellow hikers and the place I met my first charging cord monster. Plus, Fontana Dam is epic!

Sep 28, 2018 : Josh Johnson
False Alarm: When My Emergency Electronics Fail

False Alarm: When My Emergency Electronics Fail

When I tell people I hike long distance, I am often asked safety-related questions, like “Do you carry a gun?” or “Do you have a satellite device for

Sep 17, 2018 : Josh Johnson
When You Fall for the Trail, Literally

When You Fall for the Trail, Literally

There's something magnificent about spending time outdoors. As a hiker, there are moments when you fall for the trail. You might witness a stunning

Sep 7, 2018 : Josh Johnson
Tropic Thunder on the AT

Tropic Thunder on the AT

When I say "tropic thunder," I'm not talking about the comedy; I'm talking about the real thing. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though. For now,

Aug 2, 2018 : Josh Johnson
A Family and Their Dog Named Not a Llama

A Family and Their Dog Named Not a Llama

Maggie shuttled me to Burningtown Gap and, like her husband, she gave me a pre-hike hug to start my day off right. Those two are the nicest people. 

Jul 6, 2018 : Josh Johnson
Morale on the Trail and Dead Electronics

Morale on the Trail and Dead Electronics

Waking to the sound of silence is nice when it means the sound of rain is absent. It’s a stark contrast to last night’s rainstorm, and I was glad to

Jun 29, 2018 : Josh Johnson