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

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
Gear Wars: Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Base Layers

Gear Wars: Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Base Layers

I'm not going to pretend that I can get through a "merino wool vs. synthetic base layer" article without saying "it's all about that base" at least

Feb 18, 2021 : Katie Kommer
Jetboil Stash Ultralight Backpacking Stove Review

Jetboil Stash Ultralight Backpacking Stove Review

On the JMT, I had the pleasure of meeting a hiker who was eating cold-soaked ramen with M&Ms mixed in. Though I admired his dedication to the

Jan 27, 2021 : Katie Kommer
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 Review

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 Review

I ditched my hiking boots for trail runners a long time ago. Though some hiking boot die-hards still tout the benefits of ankle support and

Dec 3, 2020 : Katie Kommer