Katie Kommer

Hi! My name is Katie (Gallon Smash) Kommer. I recently completed the John Muir Trail, and am already hungering to find my way back to my truest, stinkiest self. On the trail, I'm known as gallon smash for my exceptional ability to fall headfirst into a bush or a river, and in the "real world" I'm known as the recent grad who's trying her best, okay?

Posts

Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking in 2024

Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking in 2024

Have you ever been hunched over while climbing up a steep trail, with your hands looking for somewhere to rest? Inevitably, when I don't have

Feb 26, 2024 : Katie Kommer
Altra Outroad 2 Road-to-Trail Runner Review

Altra Outroad 2 Road-to-Trail Runner Review

The Altra Outroad 2 is a crossover shoe designed for runs and hikes on mixed terrain. The fit is weird, but they're ready for adventure.

Sep 7, 2023 : Katie Kommer
GPS Watches: Which Are Best For Thru-Hiking?

GPS Watches: Which Are Best For Thru-Hiking?

Interested in rocking a GPS watch the next time you go thru-hiking? Here's a breakdown the most popular choices and their features.

Aug 29, 2023 : Katie Kommer
How To Score a Walk-Up Backpacking Permit Anywhere

How To Score a Walk-Up Backpacking Permit Anywhere

I haven't applied for a lottery backpacking permit since 2018, when my application for a John Muir Trail thru-hike permit was repeatedly denied. That

Jun 20, 2023 : Katie Kommer
Gear Review: Katabatic Tarn vs. Tincup

Gear Review: Katabatic Tarn vs. Tincup

Katabatic Gear, best known for their ultralight quilts, just released two brand-new down jackets that strike an amazing balance between warmth,

May 24, 2023 : Katie Kommer
Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles Review

Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles Review

This winter saw my biggest effort ever in terms of vertical elevation gain: a 12-hour race on Grandeur Peak in Salt Lake City. This race is part of

Mar 27, 2023 : Katie Kommer
How to Transition from Thru-Hiking to Trail Running

How to Transition from Thru-Hiking to Trail Running

I avoided trail running for years because I hated running uphill. I didn't discover until much later that pretty much all trail runners, even the

Nov 2, 2022 : Katie Kommer
5 Best Backpacking Trails in the Sawtooth Wilderness

5 Best Backpacking Trails in the Sawtooth Wilderness

Amidst our busy summers, my best friend and I vow to take at least one backpacking trip a year with just the two of us. This year, we decided to

Aug 31, 2022 : Katie Kommer
Therm-a-Rest Ohm 20 Degree Sleeping Bag Review

Therm-a-Rest Ohm 20 Degree Sleeping Bag Review

For the last couple of years, I've only used quilts for backpacking. Once I transitioned, I couldn't get enough of the extra room, versatility, and

Jun 27, 2022 : Katie Kommer
The Zion Traverse: Hiking Off the Beaten Path in Utah’s Most Popular National Park

The Zion Traverse: Hiking Off the Beaten Path in Utah’s Most Popular National Park

Very rarely do I immediately want to repeat a trail I just hiked. Every rose has its thorn, and whether you're hit by heat, deep sand, brutal climbs,

May 26, 2022 : Katie Kommer