Gear

Top Sleeping Bags and Pads: The 2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey

Top Sleeping Bags and Pads: The 2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey

In 2019, we surveyed 365 section and thru-hikers who were on the Appalachian Trail (AT) . We asked these hikers about the sleeping bags they used, as well as quilts...

Jan 9, 2020 : Mariposa
2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: Top Tents and Shelters

2019 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: Top Tents and Shelters

Each year, The Trek surveys long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) regarding the shelter systems they use, such as tents and hammocks. In this post we cover the types...

Dec 18, 2019 : Mariposa
Announcing the 2020 Badger Sponsorship

Announcing the 2020 Badger Sponsorship

Calling all 2020 thru-hikers.  The Trek wants to sponsor you! Each year, we get in the holiday spirit by lavishing a handful of soon-to-be thru-hikers with some best gear, food,...

Dec 16, 2019 : Zach
The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey

The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey

Each year as part of The Trek’s annual thru-hiker survey, we ask hikers about the footwear they used, and this footwear data remains my favorite to analyze and write about!...

Dec 12, 2019 : Mariposa
Manhattan’s Before-and-After AT Gear: Day 1 Vs. 149

Manhattan’s Before-and-After AT Gear: Day 1 Vs. 149

On my 2019 Appalachian thru-hike, I had a mix of thrifted, hand-me-down, and new (mid-range) gear. The choices were dependent on size, style, and whether or not I was willing...

Nov 7, 2019 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Trends: Examining Gear, Budget, and Resources Over the Past 5 Years

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Trends: Examining Gear, Budget, and Resources Over the Past 5 Years

In 2014, we began conducting annual surveys about AT thru-hikers and attempting thru-hikers. Starting these surveys soon after my own thru-hike has been a really meaningful way for me to...

Sep 20, 2019 : Mariposa
Julia’s Post-Appalachian Trail Gear List [Video]

Julia’s Post-Appalachian Trail Gear List [Video]

Julia (Rocket) is fresh off her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. This is what she carried for the 2,000+ miles, with a base weight of around 20 pounds. All gear...

Sep 9, 2019 : Trek Vloggers
Kristen’s Before-and-After Appalachian Trail Gear

Kristen’s Before-and-After Appalachian Trail Gear

Backpacking gear can be overwhelming. There seem to be countless options for everything from your major items to smaller necessities. I guess I'm an "experienced" backpacker now, so gear talk...

Aug 27, 2019 : Kristen Fiedler
Apparel Review: Kari Traa Women’s Clothing

Apparel Review: Kari Traa Women’s Clothing

Kari Traa is a European sportswear brand growing in popularity across the US. As of the past few seasons, a wide selection of the brand's items can be found at...

Aug 10, 2019 : The Editors
Clothing for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Our Recommended System, Fabrics, and Products

Clothing for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Our Recommended System, Fabrics, and Products

Dressing for a six-month Appalachian Trail thru-hike is deceptively simple, but actually takes a lot of strategizing. You have limited capacity for carrying clothing, yet you need to be prepared...

Jun 24, 2019 : Maggie Slepian