Archives
2014 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Stats Are In and They Are Surprising
Today Jennifer Pharr Davis and I sent a tweet asking the AT Conservancy if the updated 2014 Thru Hiker stats were online and low and behold they let us know...
Avoiding “Spewmageddon”: How to Evade Norovirus on the AT
Post last updated by Diane Duffard, Oct. 2023. Every year the horror story begins around the NC/TN state line – Norovirus has hit and lots of hikers are sick. It...
Alligators are Essentially Dinosaurs (or, why I don’t need a gun on the AT)
Let me explain to you, the internet, how I have been explaining to people I know why I am not going to be bringing a gun on the Appalachian Trail, to...
12 Winter-Specific Backpacking Gear Changes
I just went on a little mid-January jaunt through the Greyson Highlands and the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. It was brutal and it was beautiful, just as Mother Nature always...
Electrolytes for Backpacking: What You Need to Know
Dehydration is a total buzz kill and can often take people off the trail for a few days. The answer? Electrolytes. After strenuous activity, most people reach for their Gatorade...
A man, a plan (A Canal, Panama)
anagrams aside I had a plan, a damn good plan, but like any plan if the circumstances change, so does the plan. The plan: 1. Graduate from college with History...
Cold Weather Tips & Tricks
With winter in full swing here in Wisconsin, my cold weather training is underway. I was out hiking today and figured I'd share some of the techniques I use to keep...
The “Threesome Dynamic”: Our story, Considerations, and Tips
While most people hike solo, it’s fairly common to hike (or at least start out) with a partner. What’s not so common is starting out hiking with two partners. Hiking...
52 Warning Signs That You Might be an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker
Refer to an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker as "trash" and you will be met with a confused glance, angry scowl, or b-slap. Refer to an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker as "hiker trash" and you will
Breaking Through Mental Barriers on the AT
The Appalachian Trail can be an incredibly challenging endeavor. There may be times when you forget why you’re going it (but hopefully not, if you've read Appalachian Trials) and moments...