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

Stuck at Home? Follow These 10 Tips to Avoid Thru-Hiking FOMO

Stuck at Home? Follow These 10 Tips to Avoid Thru-Hiking FOMO

Before I sat down to write this article, I was scrolling social media and slipping into one of my dangerous wanderlust moods. This tends to happen

Apr 27, 2022 : Katie Kommer
Sierra Designs Borrego Hybrid Jacket Review

Sierra Designs Borrego Hybrid Jacket Review

Anyone else stop to de-layer 10 minutes into every hike? I truly cannot remember a time that I've actually worn my down jacket during an entire hike

Jan 19, 2022 : Katie Kommer
MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Tent Review

MSR Freelite 2 Ultralight Tent Review

Have you ever tried to set up a trekking pole tent where there's no stake-able ground in sight? It's probably one of my least favorite things to do

Dec 30, 2021 : Katie Kommer
MSR TrailShot vs MSR Thru-Link: Water Filter Comparison

MSR TrailShot vs MSR Thru-Link: Water Filter Comparison

Weight, ease of use, packability, and price are the four most important factors I consider when selecting a water filter. I love having a variety of

Dec 6, 2021 : Katie Kommer
Best Microspikes and Crampons for Thru-Hiking

Best Microspikes and Crampons for Thru-Hiking

Snow is fun, magical, challenging, and dangerous. Many thru-hikers may encounter their first winter snow/ice conditions while on the trail. Traction

Nov 16, 2021 : Katie Kommer
Uinta Highline Trail: 100 Miles in Utah’s Rugged Backcountry

Uinta Highline Trail: 100 Miles in Utah’s Rugged Backcountry

When I say "Utah backpacking trip," your mind likely jumps to red rocks, massive canyons, and vast desert landscapes. However, in the northeastern

Oct 1, 2021 : Katie Kommer
Six Moon Designs Swift V 49L Backpack Review

Six Moon Designs Swift V 49L Backpack Review

I hiked the John Muir Trail with the Arc'teryx Bora 61L, an almost five-pound pack. As I've slowly replaced my initial heavy backpacking setup with

Jul 13, 2021 : Katie Kommer
Kammok Bobcat 45 Degree Down Trail Quilt Review

Kammok Bobcat 45 Degree Down Trail Quilt Review

I jumped at the opportunity to review the summer-ready, ultralight Kammok Bobcat 45 trail quilt. It weighs just over a pound, and the design of the

Jun 28, 2021 : Katie Kommer
R2R2R in One Day: Fueling Strategy, Heat Exhaustion, Public Tears

R2R2R in One Day: Fueling Strategy, Heat Exhaustion, Public Tears

R2R2R in One Day: Fueling Strategy, Heat Exhaustion, Public Tears is a sponsored post brought to you by 4D. What better way to spend your

May 14, 2021 : Katie Kommer
The Best Backpacking Meals of 2021

The Best Backpacking Meals of 2021

Purely for the altruistic sake of this gear round-up, I've eaten a lot of delicious food this year. My already mammoth appetite is only exacerbated

Mar 25, 2021 : Katie Kommer