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Maggie “Honey Badger” Slepian on Suffering, Stubbornness, and Misogyny on Trail (BPR #245)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Maggie Slepian aka Honey Badger. Maggie is the former Managing Editor at The Trek and their...
Kelly “Ibex” Floro on the Pyrenean Haute Route, Budgeting for a Thru-Hike, and Being the Trek’s Managing Editor (BPR #244)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by The Trek’s Managing Editor, Kelly “Ibex” Floro. We learn all about what it’s like to have...
Appalachian TrailFest Canceled for 2024
The Appalachian TrailFest in Hot Springs, North Carolina has been canceled for 2024. The TrailFest is the second-largest trail festival after Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia.
The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?
It’s March, and the Appalachian Trail is teeming with humanity. Thousands attempt to hike the iconic footpath each year — and for better or worse, many of them start in...
How Much Water Should You Carry on the Appalachian Trail?
At 2.2 pounds per liter, water is one of the heaviest things you’ll carry on a thru-hike. It’s also the most important thing you’ll carry. Figuring out how much water...
Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 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 2023 thru-hike. This year we...
In Praise of Trail Angels: An Essential Part of the AT Experience
I had no idea what to expect when I set off from Springer Mountain in early March of 2015. I had never been backpacking for longer than a few nights,...
Excerpt From Where the Rhododendrons Bloom: New AT Memoir by Audrey Payne
There was a time, not so very long ago, when doing the most mundane activities sent my body into spasms of pain. Sitting at my desk for more than 15...
Choosing the Best AT Start Date: Advice From a Former Mountain Crossings Employee
One of my favorite things to do when preparing for a long hike is to whip out my whiteboard and start a countdown, but it's hard to do that if...
The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey
Each year here at the Trek, we ask hikers on the Appalachian Trail all about what sleeping systems they used on their hike. In this installment, we'll cover the type...