Laura Johnston

My name is Laura Johnston. I'm an east coast native from the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. I'm a conservation, outdoor and creative professional, a people person, and a trail correspondent for the "Sounds of the Trail" podcast. I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2016 and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2017. My trail name, "Hey Girl!," was given to me by fellow hikers on the AT because of how I say "hi," to women on (and off) trail. Visit me online on Instagram @heygirlhikes or my website https://heygirlhikes.wordpress.com

Posts

Interview with Carolyn “Ravensong” Burkhart, 1st Woman to Solo Thru-Hike the PCT

Interview with Carolyn “Ravensong” Burkhart, 1st Woman to Solo Thru-Hike the PCT

There is a Kamala Harris (as in the new U.S. Vice President) of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) -- the first woman to be in that role, but certainly

Feb 5, 2021 : Laura Johnston
Gear Review: Hoka One One Sky Toa Boot

Gear Review: Hoka One One Sky Toa Boot

I tested the Hoka One One Sky Toa from April to June and discovered a nostalgia and new appreciation for the hiking boot. I always wear trail runners

Jul 7, 2019 : Laura Johnston
Gear Review: Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Trail Runner

Gear Review: Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Trail Runner

I tested the Hoka Speedgoat 3 over the last two months and discovered many reasons behind their popularity: comfort, stability, a wide toe box, and

Jun 1, 2019 : Laura Johnston
Your Guide to Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Trail Angels

Your Guide to Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Trail Angels

Updated August 31st, 2021. Originally posted March 27, 2019. For 2021 - The PCTA's guidance is posted here. The PCTA is advising thru-hikers that

Mar 27, 2019 : Laura Johnston
Gear Review: North Face Progressor Short-Sleeve Wool Crew

Gear Review: North Face Progressor Short-Sleeve Wool Crew

North Face Progressor Short-Sleeve Wool Crew At-a-Glance MSRP: $99 Weight: 165g (5.82 oz) Materials: Polartec® Power Wool™—69% polyester, 31%

Feb 2, 2019 : Laura Johnston
Gear Review: North Face Progressor Tights

Gear Review: North Face Progressor Tights

North Face Progressor Tights MSRP: $85.00 Weight: 210 g (7.4 oz) Size: Women's small Material: 79% nylon, 21% elastane with FlashDry™ material to

Feb 1, 2019 : Laura Johnston
Opportunity to Help Trail Angels Who Lost Everything in Paradise Fire

Opportunity to Help Trail Angels Who Lost Everything in Paradise Fire

Pay it forward. Be kind. A little help can brighten someone's day. Long-distance trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail and the

Dec 18, 2018 : Laura Johnston
A Purpose On Trail + After the Trail: Stewardship

A Purpose On Trail + After the Trail: Stewardship

This October the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) turns 50 (so does the Appalachian Trail) —along with legislation that established the National Trails

Sep 30, 2018 : Laura Johnston
50-Year-Old Pot of Money Supporting AT Could Disappear

50-Year-Old Pot of Money Supporting AT Could Disappear

If you love the Appalachian Trail (AT), there is an important and time-sensitive story you need to know about before September of this

May 29, 2018 : Laura Johnston
Happy 50th to the AT, PCT, and National Trails System Act

Happy 50th to the AT, PCT, and National Trails System Act

Who wants some birthday cake? (If you’re currently hiking a trail, that’s a definite yes). This year, 2018, is the 50th birthday of the National

May 13, 2018 : Laura Johnston