Advice
6 Essentials Every Backpacker Should Have in Their First Aid Kit, According to a Pharmacist
This is a guest post by Paul "Aragorn" Larrat. Extended travel in the wilderness necessitates carrying your “life support system” on your back, including your “trekking pharmacy.” As a long
The Backpacker’s Guide to Bear Bagging
What is the deal with bear bags? Which type should I use, or should I use a canister? Once I have one, what do I do with it?
5 Budget-Friendly Ultralight Backpacking Hacks
It's no secret that carrying a heavy pack sucks, but it can be tough to lighten your load without breaking the bank. A high-end ultralight setup can cost thousands of...
Advice From a Ranger: How To Get a Wonderland Trail Permit (and What To Do if You Can’t)
The Wonderland Trail is a bucket-list hike for backpackers around the world. The trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier and offers countless breathtaking views of the mountain and its neighboring
Peg Leg’s Top Advice for Thru-Hikers After Trekking 5,500 Miles in 1 Year
Setting out onto a thru-hike is truly the adventure of a lifetime. Some people spend a decade or more of their lives planning for a hike along a national scenic...
How To Hike the Pemi Loop: 30 Miles of Premier Hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains
The Pemi Loop is one of the most infamous backpacking routes in the northeast. While Backpacker Magazine rates the loop as the second hardest day-hike in America, most hikers shudder...
The Quehanna Trail: Finding Solitude in the Pennsylvania Wilds
With the exception of the AT, Pennsylvania's trails don't receive much attention outside of the Mid-Atlantic region. Many people are thus surprised to learn that the Keystone State hosts a...
A List of Hostels on the Appalachian Trail
Hostels on the Appalachian Trail are part of what makes a thru-hike such a unique experience. We've listed 100+ places to stay between Georgia and Maine, including a few lodgings...
Travel Insurance for International Thru-Hikers: 8 Essential Considerations
Choosing travel insurance: arguably one of the worst logistical headaches you’ll face when planning an international thru-hike. The process is laden with vague clauses, fine print that matters, and
How Much Water Should You Carry on the Appalachian Trail?
At 2.2 pounds per liter, water is one of the heaviest things you’ll carry on a thru-hike. It’s also the most important thing you’ll carry. Figuring out how much water...