Hugh Owen

Editor, writer at The Trek. Passions: hiking, snowshoeing, bicycling, craft beer. After 42 years in the crucible of daily and weekly journalism, working for The Trek from home in my sweats and a with cup of coffee brings me great pleasure.

Posts

Nitecore NU25 MCT UL Headlamp Review

Nitecore NU25 MCT UL Headlamp Review

The Trek calls the Nitecore NU25 the all-around best headlamp for thru-hikers, prized for its low weight, bright beam and long-lasting battery. The

May 19, 2025 : Hugh Owen
Nitecore 10000 Gen 3 and NB Air Power Banks Review

Nitecore 10000 Gen 3 and NB Air Power Banks Review

I take a lot of electronic gear on backpacking trips, maybe too much. But it's good to know that I have charging options in the backcountry when my

May 8, 2025 : Hugh Owen
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad Review

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has long been a favorite among thru-hikers on the country's Triple Crown trails. It packs small, weighs about 12

Nov 16, 2020 : Hugh Owen
[Book Review] The Trail is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail

[Book Review] The Trail is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail

Clay Bonnyman Evans's new book about his Appalachian Trail hike—The Trail Is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail—is a

Sep 23, 2020 : Hugh Owen
Gregory Citro 24 Day Pack Review

Gregory Citro 24 Day Pack Review

The Gregory Citro 24 is a compact daypack designed for comfort and durability on short outings. It carries well on day hikes and has plenty of

Sep 22, 2020 : Hugh Owen
Millinocket Area, Gateway to Katahdin, Becomes COVID Hot Spot

Millinocket Area, Gateway to Katahdin, Becomes COVID Hot Spot

Millinocket, a crucial trail town for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, has become a COVID-19 hot spot.

Aug 30, 2020 : Hugh Owen
PCT Permits Uncertain for 2021 Hiking Season; No October Applications

PCT Permits Uncertain for 2021 Hiking Season; No October Applications

The application process for 2021 Pacific Crest Trail long-distance permits will not open as planned in October.

Aug 25, 2020 : Hugh Owen
White Mountain National Forest Pleads: Take Your Trash with You

White Mountain National Forest Pleads: Take Your Trash with You

Trash and even human waste are littering the landscape in the White Mountain National Forest.

Aug 14, 2020 : Hugh Owen
Trump Signs into Law the Great American Outdoors Act

Trump Signs into Law the Great American Outdoors Act

The Great America Outdoors Act will infuse billions of dollars into overdue national park maintenance and land preservation.

Aug 4, 2020 : Hugh Owen
Sierra Club Confronts Racism of John Muir, Lack of Diversity

Sierra Club Confronts Racism of John Muir, Lack of Diversity

The Sierra Club is addressing what it calls "our substantial role in perpetuating white supremacy," staring with iconic club founder John

Jul 22, 2020 : Hugh Owen