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 @ljfromvt or my website https://heygirlhikes.com
Posts
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
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
Your Guide to Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Trail Angels
Updated June 3, 2020. Originally posted March 27, 2019. For 2020 - Please read the PCTA's recent updates and guidance here about COVID-19. And,
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%
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
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
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
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
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
Baggies: The Only Pair of Hiking Shorts You Need
This is a gear review of and love letter to my Patagonia Baggies shorts. They are the best and only pair of hiking shorts that I (or you) ever need