Gear

Pack Shakedown: Top 5 Most Common Items Cut by the Pros

Pack Shakedown: Top 5 Most Common Items Cut by the Pros

Find out what pieces of gear are most commonly sent home after a pack shakedown at Mountain Crossings on the AT.

Oct 5, 2023 : Moose Juice
The Evolution of My Gear at the Half Way Point

The Evolution of My Gear at the Half Way Point

If you ever want to hear a thru-hiker ramble on for an hour or two, just ask about their gear. Not to overexaggerate, because I’m not, but our gear is...

Sep 12, 2023 : Dakota Churchill
The Slow Descent and Ascent Into Erwin, I-19, and Madness

The Slow Descent and Ascent Into Erwin, I-19, and Madness

Day 31 Today felt great! Hiking by myself without having to feel like I need to catch up with others or meet them based on plans is so freeing. I...

May 13, 2023 : Guinevere Drabik
Hammock vs. Tent for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

Hammock vs. Tent for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

Creamy peanut butter or crunchy? Fiscal responsibility or new ultralight quilt? Gale or Peeta? These are the dilemmas that keep me up at night. Back when I was getting ready...

Apr 5, 2023 : Kelly Floro
Top Stoves, Filters, and Power Banks on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

Top Stoves, Filters, and Power Banks on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

Each year here at The Trek, we ask long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) about the stoves and water filters they used on their 2022 thru-hike. This year we...

Feb 16, 2023 : Kate Richard
The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

Each year here at The Trek, we ask long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) about the sleeping systems they used on their 2022 thru-hike. This post will cover the...

Jan 17, 2023 : Kate Richard
Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

Top Tents and Shelters on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

Each year here at The Trek, we survey long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) about the shelter systems they use. In this post we’ll cover the trends from the...

Jan 4, 2023 : Kate Richard
The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey

The second installation of the Trek’s annual AT Thru Hiker Survey covers all things footwear. Shoes are one of the most important gear choices to a thru-hiker’s comfort, considering that...

Dec 21, 2022 : Kate Richard
LightHeart Gear Solo Sil-Nylon Tent Review

LightHeart Gear Solo Sil-Nylon Tent Review

The search for the perfect lightweight solo long-distance hiking shelter is, it seems, neverending. It's tricky to strike a balance between weight, durability, ease of assembly (I have seen some

Nov 14, 2022 : Clay Bonnyman Evans
Nifty Tricks I have learned on the AT so far

Nifty Tricks I have learned on the AT so far

So far on the trail I have learned a lot about how to make mutli-functional use of items in order to save weight and make items last. It has been...

Aug 18, 2022 : Sonic Boom