The 2016 Badger Sponsorship Finalists: Vote For Your Favorite

Seventy four videos submitted- only 12 remain!  

That’s right, this year’s contest saw a whopping 74 entries!!! Nearly more than twice as many as the previous record.  Our panel narrowed these videos down to a dozen- and now the Badger Sponsorship finalists need YOUR vote!

As a reminder, this year, the reader vote will count for 50% of the video’s final score; the other half will be decided by our Expert Panel.  Voting ends sharply at 10:00 pm EST on Monday, February 1st.

The official poll is below with twelve finalists’ videos below that.  If you’re having trouble viewing the poll below, you can vote here.

And this is what this year’s grand prize winner will take with on their thru-hike:

Check out all of this year’s amazing prizes here.

AND A MASSIVE SHOUTOUT TO THIS YEAR’S VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS!!!  Please visit their websites and follow all their social channels.  They <3 Thru-Hikers very much.

big agnes logo thermarest logo gossamer gear logoaltra logokeen logogranite gear logo probar logoClif Bar Logoplatypus logo      bedrock sandals logo sawyer logogaia gps logo 2

the new primal logogood to go logo

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 230

  • Justin Hickey : Jan 25th

    I vote for MATT GRANT!

    Reply
  • Gregory warren : Jan 25th

    I vote for badger Iacone

    Reply
    • Alana : Feb 1st

      I vote for Danielle and Hannah

      Reply
  • Colleen Goldhorn : Jan 25th

    CONGRATS EVERYONE!!!!!

    Reply
  • Kim Wilson : Jan 25th

    I vote for KYLE SHORES!

    Reply
  • Joel Solenberger : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone!!

    Reply
  • Joshua Massie : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone!

    Reply
  • Darren Clericuzio : Jan 25th

    I voted for Matt Grant

    Reply
  • Suzi Currier : Jan 25th

    I vote for Hannah and Danielle

    Reply
  • Tommy Seamon : Jan 25th

    I voted for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Elizabeth Katzmann : Jan 25th

    Good luck, Leland McKeeman! I’m supporting your ‘steps for mental health’ effort! Ever onward!

    Reply
  • Cody Absher : Jan 25th

    Just watched all the videos. I like them all but I personally think Kyle Shores should win. I liked his video, it was really good. He seems like a nice young man

    Reply
  • Katie Williams : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Megan massie : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone!!

    Reply
  • Lacey Hale : Jan 25th

    GO HANNAH!!!!!!

    Reply
  • Barbara : Jan 25th

    Go Gina!

    Reply
  • Jess : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone!

    Reply
  • Beverly Clericuzio : Jan 25th

    My vote is for Matt Grant

    Reply
  • Brittany : Jan 25th

    I vote for GINA!

    Reply
  • Vera Turk : Jan 25th

    I vote for Eva Briggs

    Reply
  • Badger Iacone : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone

    Reply
  • Lexy : Jan 25th

    I voted for Badger Iacone! Go babe! <3

    Reply
  • Barbara : Jan 25th

    I vote Eva Briggs!

    Reply
  • Kay Jenkins : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina De Naples!

    Reply
  • Thomas Quinn : Jan 25th

    Wow that Kyle Shores is a handsome fella. Definitely getting my vote!

    Reply
  • Thomas Thompson : Jan 25th

    Gina DeNaples has my vote!
    Horse owners are wonderful folks 🙂

    Reply
  • Brenda Rodriguez : Jan 25th

    I vote for Matt Grant

    Reply
  • Roberta Thompson : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina DeNaples too 🙂

    Reply
  • Joshua Starnes : Jan 25th

    I vote for badger iacone!!

    Reply
  • Jimmy Miller : Jan 25th

    Vote for Gina !

    Reply
  • Jessica : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina!!!

    Reply
  • Stacey Smith : Jan 25th

    I vote for Danielle and Hannah. Great cause

    Reply
  • Stephanie : Jan 25th

    Gina gets my vote

    Reply
  • Christi Thomas : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina. Too Legit to Quit had me!

    Reply
  • Nathaniel : Jan 25th

    I voted badger iacone

    Reply
  • Alan : Jan 25th

    Awesome sponsorship…some great video responses.
    ….good luck to everyone!

    https://www.gofundme.com/2vca33f4

    Reply
  • Steven Lesage : Jan 25th

    Badger Lacone with the Cattle Dog for the win, if you could, take a moment to like and share my FB page to help raise awareness for veteran suicide in support of Carry The Fallen at “Rambo Helps The Fallen On The A.T.” Thanks and good luck to you all.

    Reply
  • Lynne Allen : Jan 25th

    I vote for GINA DENAPLES!! GO GINA!

    Reply
  • Brittany : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone

    Reply
  • Mary De Naples : Jan 25th

    My vote goes to Gina De Naples.

    Reply
  • Alexander Grant : Jan 25th

    Matt Grant all the way!

    Reply
  • Caitlin : Jan 25th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham!

    Reply
  • Cathy : Jan 25th

    Trying to vote for Gina. Never got confirmation email sent to me so I could verify vote.??

    Reply
  • fran morano : Jan 25th

    GO, Little Eva

    Reply
  • Kara : Jan 25th

    I vote for badger!

    Reply
  • Dwayne : Jan 25th

    I vote badger Iacone

    Reply
  • Dede Johnson : Jan 25th

    I vote for Hannah and Danielle.

    Reply
  • Beth Webster : Jan 25th

    I vote for GINA…

    Reply
  • Ben : Jan 25th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham!

    Reply
  • Ken Haney : Jan 25th

    Go Gina you have my vote

    Reply
  • Hannah : Jan 25th

    GO LELAND! Check out his blog here: https://footstepsformentalhealth.wordpress.com/; he is raising $10/mile for mental health initiatives!

    Reply
  • Mary Curran : Jan 25th

    I vote for Hannah and Danielle!! Good Luck Girls!

    Reply
  • Kathy McCarthy : Jan 25th

    I vote for Eva Briggs!

    Reply
  • Kelly Mo : Jan 25th

    I vote for Iacone. …the cattle dog is awesome! (I have one too)

    Reply
  • Corey Bowen : Jan 25th

    I vote Badger Iacone! Good man with a good head on his shoulders. Love ya man!

    Reply
  • zoom1487 : Jan 25th

    Eva Briggs had the best video by far!

    Reply
  • Sue Warren : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone! Good luck!

    Reply
  • zack lafollette : Jan 25th

    I vote for badger Iacone. Good luck! i got faith in ya. Hope u get it. Come on people, he’s a great person, that would greatly appreciate the help!

    Reply
  • Jeni : Jan 25th

    Caitlin & her dad!!

    Reply
  • Laurie : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina DeNaples!

    Reply
  • steve beach : Jan 25th

    Gina DeNaples!

    Reply
  • Katherine Kneeland : Jan 25th

    I vote for Matt Grant

    Reply
  • Lucas Moore : Jan 25th

    Caitlen has my vote.. SEMPER FIDELIS MARINE

    Reply
  • Kira Thornley : Jan 25th

    Can’t wait to meet all of you out there! fantastic videos!

    Reply
  • Will Yochim : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina!

    Reply
  • Brittney Heisey : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone

    Reply
  • Ehryn : Jan 25th

    I VOTE for Leland McKeeman!!

    Reply
  • Marcia : Jan 25th

    Kyle Shores has my vote!

    Reply
  • Jessica Cook : Jan 25th

    I vote kyle shores!!!

    Reply
  • Byron Lackey : Jan 25th

    NTID alumnus for Gina DeNaples

    Reply
  • Braden Cook : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • Jennifer : Jan 25th

    My vote is for Gina.

    Reply
  • Wence Dusek : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina!

    Reply
  • Dorothy Leach : Jan 25th

    I vote for Matt Grant!

    Reply
  • Robert Leach : Jan 25th

    Matt Grant for sure

    Reply
  • Robert Leach : Jan 25th

    I vote for Matt Grant

    Reply
  • Justin : Jan 25th

    I vote for Leland and his cause!

    Reply
  • Sandy Snyder : Jan 25th

    I vote for Matt Grant he’s been working very hard on this trip and he’ll do great with help. I wish you all the luck.

    Reply
  • Jim Foreman : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina DeNaples

    Reply
  • Candy : Jan 25th

    My vote goes to KYLE SHORES!!!

    Reply
  • Lisa Shores : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores! His sincerity and personal determination are evident. The fact that he wants to honor special people who have made a difference in his life speaks to the great young man that he is.

    Reply
  • Dallas White : Jan 25th

    I vote for Caitlin!

    Reply
  • Angie Rogers : Jan 25th

    My votes to Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • Patty T. : Jan 25th

    I vote for Leland McKeeman and his important cause – mental health.

    Reply
  • Melissa Callaway : Jan 25th

    I vote for Katlyn Mobley!!

    Reply
    • Katlyn : Jan 25th

      Thanks so much Mellissa!

      Reply
      • Virginia williams : Feb 1st

        I vote for Katelyn mobley

        Reply
  • Jeff Daye : Jan 25th

    Votes for >>>GINA DENAPLES<<<

    Reply
  • Robin Daye : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Wanda Honeycutt : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores
    I loved his Grandfather and he would be so proud of him!

    Reply
  • Sue Williams : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • Sam : Jan 25th

    I vote for matt grant!

    Reply
  • Heath rogers : Jan 25th

    I vote kyle shores

    Reply
  • Brandon Stirewalt : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores.

    Reply
  • Tom Kirkman : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Mary English : Jan 25th

    Voting for Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • AJ Nelson : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores. Super stud with a super personality.

    Reply
  • Loretta Rogers : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores.

    Reply
  • Angie Hager : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina.

    Reply
  • Kyle Shores : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Drew Sechler : Jan 25th

    Vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Ben Thomas : Jan 25th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Cody : Jan 25th

    I vote for Badger Iacone!

    Reply
  • sam : Jan 25th

    I samuel nail vote for billy badger iacone

    Reply
  • jamie : Jan 25th

    [email protected]

    I vote for Kyle Shore

    Reply
  • Greg Story : Jan 25th

    I voted for Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • Fatiha : Jan 25th

    I vote for Matt Grant

    Reply
  • VIRGINIA : Jan 25th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Jill (aviator) : Jan 26th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham… To my knowledge, and I could be wrong but there hasn’t been a “successful” thru hike by someone with RA! This girl has got it. Good luck all!

    Reply
  • Patricia Zinna : Jan 26th

    I vote for Leland McKeeman.

    Reply
  • Ricky : Jan 26th

    Badger iacone

    Reply
  • Dan Blodgett : Jan 26th

    Matt Grant all the way!

    Reply
  • Dale Cousins : Jan 26th

    Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • Ashley Mcbreen : Jan 26th

    I vote for badger Iacone!

    Reply
  • Aggie Schner : Jan 26th

    I vote for Gina!

    Reply
  • Laura Lupton : Jan 26th

    I vote KYLE SCORE!

    Reply
  • Tyler : Jan 26th

    Go Katlyn Mobley! Woooooooo

    Reply
  • Rosemary Camilleri : Jan 26th

    I vote for Eva Briggs.

    Reply
  • Jeffrey Bird : Jan 26th

    Hanna and Danielle all the way!

    Reply
  • Deanna : Jan 26th

    I vote for Matt!

    Reply
  • Jeffrey Bird : Jan 26th

    I vote for Hanna and Danielle! All the way ladies!

    Reply
  • Tiffany Reilly : Jan 26th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Sandi Summers : Jan 26th

    I vote for Kyle Shores!!

    Reply
  • Charlie Sutherland : Jan 26th

    I VOTE FOR GINA

    Reply
  • Beth DeNaples : Jan 26th

    I vote Gina Gina Gina

    Reply
  • Kayleigh O'Neal : Jan 26th

    I vote Caitlin. She so deserves this!

    Reply
  • Traci Thomson : Jan 26th

    I am voting for Isabelle Eastham. She is beautiful, intelligent and determined. She will succeed because she has the courage to move past the challenges of RA and live her life as she chooses.

    Reply
  • Sue Howland : Jan 26th

    Hannah and Danielle all the way.

    Reply
  • Kayla Rogers : Jan 26th

    I vote Kyle Shores!

    Reply
  • Stewart : Jan 26th

    I vote for Caitlin

    Reply
  • Diane Collar : Jan 26th

    There were several I would have liked to vote for…but my vote is for Kyle Shores.

    Reply
  • Betty : Jan 26th

    Vote for kyle shores

    Reply
  • Ryan M : Jan 26th

    Awesome video, Danielle! Good luck to you and Hannah, as well as all others hiking the AT this year.

    Reply
  • Kevin Wike : Jan 26th

    Good luck, Kyle

    Reply
  • Lisa : Jan 26th

    I vote for Danielle and Hannah

    Reply
  • John : Jan 26th

    Isabelle Eastham

    Reply
  • Sarah : Jan 26th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Esther Reid : Jan 26th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • John russell : Jan 26th

    I vote for Caitlin

    Reply
  • Ken wilson : Jan 26th

    Hannah and Danielle

    Reply
  • Caitlyn oneal : Jan 26th

    Vote for Caitlyn oneal

    Reply
  • T. W. Mize : Jan 26th

    I want My vote to go to someone that 1. Needs it, never had handouts, 2. Deserves it, seems honest and good, 3. Will finish, has the motivation, physical ability, and mental discipline needed. Watch all the vids at least twice people. Caitlin is by far the obvious choice to vote for!

    Reply
  • T. W. Mize : Jan 26th

    VOTE for CAITLIN and HER DAD!!!

    Reply
  • Dawn Sellers : Jan 26th

    I vote for KYLE SHORES !!

    Reply
  • Karen Brett : Jan 26th

    I vote for Matt!!!

    Reply
  • Brian Guenther : Jan 26th

    I vote for Caitlin O’Neal

    Reply
  • Missy Hooton : Jan 26th

    I vote for Eva!

    Reply
  • Basil Sadowski : Jan 26th

    I vote for Caitlin O’Neal her and her father could really use this trip.

    Reply
  • Susan Kimball : Jan 27th

    Voting for Hannah and Danielle!

    Reply
  • julie Maccormack : Jan 27th

    I vote for MATT GRANT!

    Reply
  • Sara : Jan 27th

    I choose Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Al Grant : Jan 27th

    A vote for Matt Grant!

    Reply
  • Jordan Humber : Jan 27th

    I vote for Matt Grant!

    Reply
  • Mike : Jan 27th

    Caitlin & her dad!!
    I viewed all the videos several times and in the end her s resonated with me the most. I hope she wins. I will be following their journey.

    One step

    Reply
  • MarySue : Jan 27th

    I Vote for Eva Briggs!

    Reply
  • Mary Charles : Jan 27th

    I Vote for Matt Grant!!!

    Reply
  • Nicole Warnock : Jan 27th

    Kyle Shores!!

    Reply
  • AnnMarie Valea : Jan 27th

    i vote badger iacone

    Reply
  • Chester Dumbrique : Jan 28th

    I VOTE FOR GINA DE NAPLES!

    Reply
  • Jenny Oetting : Jan 28th

    KATLYN MOBELY FOR DA WIN.

    Reply
  • Robert White : Jan 28th

    I vote for Catlin and her Dad what a great inspiration for all fathers and daughters . Go Catlin

    Reply
  • Nate : Jan 28th

    Let’s go MATT GRANT! #BEARDPOWER

    Reply
  • Bob Wentworth : Jan 28th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastbam. Go Isabelle! You’ve got this

    Reply
  • Meredith Kaplan : Jan 28th

    I vote for GINA!!!

    Reply
  • Kaleigh : Jan 28th

    I vote matt grant!

    Reply
  • Steven Gould : Jan 28th

    GO GINA!

    Reply
  • Serena : Jan 28th

    Matt Grant all the way!!!!!

    Reply
  • Angie Thomas : Jan 28th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Samantha : Jan 28th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Melissa : Jan 28th

    I vote Matt Grant!

    Reply
  • Paul Anderson : Jan 29th

    I vote for MATT GRANT!

    Reply
  • Ruben : Jan 29th

    Vote for Gina.

    Reply
  • David Campbell : Jan 29th

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Catherine : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastman, she is an amazing personification of perseverance and determination. If she is asking for help, then she genuinely needs it. I VotE FOR ISABELLE EASTMAN

    Reply
  • gary : Jan 29th

    Eva for Badger

    Reply
  • Liz Gonzalez : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham!

    Reply
  • Charlotte : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham!

    Reply
  • David : Jan 29th

    voting for gina!!

    Reply
  • Lizzie : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham! Good luck sweet girl!

    Reply
  • Lynn Nelson : Jan 29th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Aaron : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham

    Reply
  • Kelly Bauche : Jan 29th

    I happily vote for Isabelle Eastham!

    Reply
  • Sue Hoffman : Jan 29th

    I vote for Gina!

    Reply
  • Betty : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabell Eastham, I am so glad she is taking control of her life and not letting rheumatoid arthritis rule her. She is a true inspiration!

    Reply
  • Andrea : Jan 29th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham!

    Reply
  • Mike : Jan 30th

    I vote for Kyle shores

    Reply
  • Clifford Mitchem : Jan 30th

    I vote for Kyle Shores.

    Reply
  • Denise Broome : Jan 30th

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • Todd Starnes : Jan 30th

    Tddstar@hotmail com

    Reply
  • Cat Gomdberg : Jan 30th

    I vote for GINAAAAAAA!!!

    Reply
  • David Ellington : Jan 30th

    Isabelle!!!!!

    Reply
  • Tyler Ellington : Jan 30th

    Isabelle Eastham is so courageous!

    Reply
  • Mike Ellington : Jan 30th

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham

    Reply
  • Gail Murley : Jan 30th

    I votE for Danielle and Hannah.

    Reply
  • mitzi helms frick : Jan 31st

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • John collins : Jan 31st

    Gina DeNaples all the way. Too legit to guit. I mean, really, that says it all!

    Reply
  • Elizabeth : Jan 31st

    I vote for Laurel and Audrey!

    Reply
  • Kelley : Jan 31st

    Voting for Isabelle!

    Reply
  • Patricia Douglas : Jan 31st

    I vote for Kyle Shores. I grew up with his Dad, I knew his grandfather from church. Wonderful family 🙂

    Reply
  • Scott : Jan 31st

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Jody : Feb 1st

    My brother, Matt Grant. Yes, I voted for him… Matt, you are an amazing person. You’ve fought through your own adversities and have come through it all and I could not be more proud! I wish you all the luck on your journey <3

    Reply
  • Mitch Goldberg : Feb 1st

    I vote for Gina!!!

    Reply
  • Kathryn Harrington : Feb 1st

    I vote for Gina.

    Reply
  • Heather : Feb 1st

    I vote for Isabelle

    Reply
  • Joan : Feb 1st

    I vote for Issabella Easthman good luck.

    Reply
  • Jonathan Jenkins : Feb 1st

    I Vote for Gina!

    Reply
  • Christie Clark : Feb 1st

    I’m voting for Gina!

    Reply
  • Valerie layne : Feb 1st

    Isabel at 22 to have to battle this shows courage abd strength

    Reply
  • B : Feb 1st

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham

    Reply
  • Randy-Lynn : Feb 1st

    I vote for Danielle and Hannah. Good luck ladies!

    Reply
  • Mister Beans : Feb 1st

    I vote for Isabelle! I see passion and pure heart when I watch this young ladies video!

    Reply
  • Patty Johnson : Feb 1st

    I vote for Gina!!

    Reply
  • Carolyn : Feb 1st

    Isabelle has my vote!

    Reply
  • Shayne : Feb 1st

    I vote for Hannah and Danielle!

    Reply
  • Karen : Feb 1st

    I vote for Kyle Shores

    Reply
  • John Lyons : Feb 1st

    I voted for Matt.

    Reply
  • Diana Maryles : Feb 1st

    I vote for Gina!

    Reply
  • Eric and Janice : Feb 1st

    We vote for Hannah and Danielle

    Reply
  • Julie and Jill : Feb 1st

    Julie and Jill are both voting for Isabelle

    Reply
  • Debbie Beaver : Feb 1st

    I vote for Kyle!

    Reply
  • Denise Jacaruso : Feb 1st

    I vote for Gina

    Reply
  • Alana : Feb 1st

    I vote for Danielle and Hannah

    Reply
  • Jared seamon : Feb 1st

    I vote Kyle shores

    Reply
  • John Prickett : Feb 1st

    Get it Eastham!

    Reply
  • Courtney : Feb 1st

    Hannah&danielle

    Reply
  • Marissa J Lampe : Feb 4th

    I vote for danielle and hannah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  • Melanie KOPJANSKI : Mar 23rd

    I vote for Isabelle Eastham !

    Reply

What Do You Think?