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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

6 Cheap Household Items That Double As Ultralight Backpacking Gear

6 Cheap Household Items That Double As Ultralight Backpacking Gear

Ultralight bros will eagerly boast about their itty bitty pack and teeny tiny tent, yet you rarely hear them mention how astonishingly light their

Jul 10, 2025 : Katie Jackson
These Are the Most Common Injuries Reported by Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers (Plus Injury Prevention Tips)

These Are the Most Common Injuries Reported by Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers (Plus Injury Prevention Tips)

Are you dreaming of conquering the AT, but dreading the possibility of twisted ankles and aching knees? You're not wrong to be concerned. The 2024

Jul 9, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Best Breakfast Spots on the Continental Divide Trail

Best Breakfast Spots on the Continental Divide Trail

Why do you thru-hike? The views? The people? The love of routine? I'll tell you my motivation: the town breakfasts. There is— literally— nothing

Jul 8, 2025 : Katie Jackson
16 Experienced Thru-Hikers Reveal Their Favorite Pieces of Gear

16 Experienced Thru-Hikers Reveal Their Favorite Pieces of Gear

When it comes to thru-hiking, every piece of gear in your pack either earns its spot or gets sent home. Experienced long-distance hikers meticulously

Jul 7, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Drowns in Virginia

Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Drowns in Virginia

A 38-year-old Appalachian Trail thru-hiker died Wednesday morning at a hospital after being found unresponsive in a hotel pool in Front Royal on

Jul 3, 2025 : Katie Jackson
The Best 4th of July Backpacking Gear Deals

The Best 4th of July Backpacking Gear Deals

You've planned your routes, and practiced your bear hangs, but is your gear ready for those summer miles? The Fourth of July sales are here, and

Jul 1, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Glasses vs. Contacts for Thru-Hiking

Glasses vs. Contacts for Thru-Hiking

There are plenty of things to complain about on a thru-hike: no fresh vegetables, distance from loved ones, and persistent pains across your entire

Jun 30, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Changes to Controversial Bill Mandating Sale of Public Lands

Changes to Controversial Bill Mandating Sale of Public Lands

Senator Mike Lee's bill regarding public lands is facing a procedural hurdle in the Senate. This bill aimed to mandate the sale of approximately 3.3

Jun 24, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Appalachian Trail Damaged, Standing Bear Hostel Evacuated Amid Flash Flooding

Appalachian Trail Damaged, Standing Bear Hostel Evacuated Amid Flash Flooding

Thru-hikers navigating the Tennessee/North Carolina state line section of the Appalachian Trail are facing hazardous conditions due to a recent

Jun 20, 2025 : Katie Jackson
HMG CrossPeak 2 Freestanding Single-Wall Tent Review

HMG CrossPeak 2 Freestanding Single-Wall Tent Review

The newly released Hyperlite Mountain Gear CrossPeak 2 tent enters the ultralight arena with the promise to maximize weight savings without

Jun 20, 2025 : Katie Jackson