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Katie Jackson

I'm Katie, a thru-hiker and ultrarunner based in Colorado. After thru-hiking the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in back-to-back years, I'm looking forward to a little time of rest, relaxation, and writing. Or, who knows, maybe the AT. No one has ever accused me of being good at sitting still. Follow along on my journey with the articles below, or through my photography on Instagram (@k80.trail).

Posts

Are These the Best Snowshoes for Hiking?

Are These the Best Snowshoes for Hiking?

I've been testing the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes to see how they perform on everything from packed trails to deep powder during my winter adventures

Mar 20, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches Free Hiker Ferry Across Nolichucky River

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches Free Hiker Ferry Across Nolichucky River

This past Monday, March 17, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) introduced a free, daily ferry service to transport hikers across the Nolichucky

Mar 19, 2025 : Katie Jackson
You’re Probably Extinguishing Your Campfire Wrong — and There Could Be Legal Ramifications

You’re Probably Extinguishing Your Campfire Wrong — and There Could Be Legal Ramifications

When I think back to childhood camping trips, I remember the soft glow of fireflies, the crisp night air, and the comforting warmth of a crackling

Mar 18, 2025 : Katie Jackson
33 Bucket-List Hikes You Can Do in a Long Weekend

33 Bucket-List Hikes You Can Do in a Long Weekend

Sometimes you just want to go for a good backpacking trip without having to quit your job or leave your entire life behind. I've handpicked shorter

Mar 17, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Kennedy Meadows Among 4,000 Campsites That Might Close This Summer as Budget Cuts, Layoffs Threaten California National Forests

Kennedy Meadows Among 4,000 Campsites That Might Close This Summer as Budget Cuts, Layoffs Threaten California National Forests

Thru-hikers and backpackers planning to traverse California's iconic trails this summer may find their journeys disrupted, as nearly 4,000 campsites

Mar 6, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men’s Speed Record on the Florida Trail

Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men’s Speed Record on the Florida Trail

Twenty-six-year-old Forida native Deanna Doane rewrote the record books on the 1,100-mile Florida Trail this week, setting a new overall supported

Mar 6, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Don’t Let an Injury Derail Your Thru-Hike: These 18 Simple Exercises Can Make You a Better Hiker

Don’t Let an Injury Derail Your Thru-Hike: These 18 Simple Exercises Can Make You a Better Hiker

I've been asked countless times how I've trained in preparation for my thru-hikes. The answer is a little complicated — I've never created a routine

Mar 3, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Best Backpacking Gear Deals of the Week (2.28.25)

Best Backpacking Gear Deals of the Week (2.28.25)

Happy Friday! I'm back with another round of killer deals for backpackers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're gearing up for a

Feb 28, 2025 : Katie Jackson
An Inside Look at One of the First PCT Thru-Hikes in History: Stolen Packs, Near-Death Experiences, and Life-changing Adventure

An Inside Look at One of the First PCT Thru-Hikes in History: Stolen Packs, Near-Death Experiences, and Life-changing Adventure

Today’s PCT thru-hikers have a wealth of resources at their disposal — trail towns that cater to long-distance hikers, dedicated trail angels, GPS

Feb 26, 2025 : Katie Jackson
7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Over the past few years, we've all been forced to slowly confront the fact that our Smartwater bottles — while the perfect size, weight, and rigidity

Feb 24, 2025 : Katie Jackson