Archives

Cairn: A Review of the Backpacker’s Toy Chest

Cairn: A Review of the Backpacker’s Toy Chest

There is little explanation needed to understand the wonder that is a Cairn Monthly Subscription Box. It’s a box full of surprises consisting of outdoor gear meant to “excite and...

Dec 11, 2014 : Carlie Gentry
Why I’m doing 2185 mi

Why I’m doing 2185 mi

Why the Hike? The Appalachian Trail was always there for me. I've been on it too many times to count; starting as a baby strapped to my dad's back. But...

Dec 11, 2014 : Sara Douma
Our 2014 Backpackers Gift Guide

Our 2014 Backpackers Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect gift for the backpacker in your life?  Look no further. The following list includes many of our favorite pieces of gear across several categories.  Submissions are courtesy

Dec 10, 2014 : Zach
Review: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist & Snow Peak Titanium 450 Mug

Review: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist & Snow Peak Titanium 450 Mug

How many different pots, pans, platters, dishes, glasses, and utensils did you use for Thanksgiving?  I bet it was a lot!  You can't carry nearly that much on the trail....

Dec 10, 2014 : Nicole and Alex Docta
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Hiking the Appalachian Trail

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Aspiring thru-hikers should prepare themselves for an emotional roller coaster, and talk to other hikers when things get tough. Don’t deal with such a big decision on your own. Knowing...

Dec 10, 2014 : Jessica Porter
8 Questions You SHOULD Ask a Thru-Hiker

8 Questions You SHOULD Ask a Thru-Hiker

Every year, about 500 people complete the Appalachian Trail (source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy).  That’s smaller than the average US middle school (source: National Center for Education

Dec 9, 2014 : Maggie Wallace
Why I’m Hiking the A.T.

Why I’m Hiking the A.T.

Hey everyone! My name is Alexander Newlon or Noodle for short. I'll answer to both. The major thing you need to know about me is that I'm epileptic and I'll...

Dec 9, 2014 : Noodle
Nervous About Your Upcoming Thru-Hike? Good.

Nervous About Your Upcoming Thru-Hike? Good.

You've done it. You've publicly committed to this seemingly insane goal of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. To spending a half year in the woods. To carry yourself plus the weight of...

Dec 9, 2014 : Zach
The Top Instagram Photos from the #AppalachianTrail This Week

The Top Instagram Photos from the #AppalachianTrail This Week

We continue to peruse all of the wonderful pictures from Instagram with the hashtag #AppalachianTrail and #AppalachianTrials and select a few of the best each week. This week we take a look at

Dec 9, 2014 : Kenny Howell
What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Deer Ticks on the Appalachian Trail

What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Deer Ticks on the Appalachian Trail

Forget bears, forget thunderstorms, forget things that go bump in the night: the real terror on the Appalachian Trail is the size of a sesame seed—or smaller. The eastern deer...

Dec 8, 2014 : Jordan Bowman