Kelsey Nannini

My name is Kelsey, but I’ve been known to go by Garbage Woman on trail. I’m a Biologist, Environmentalist, Educator, Backpacking Guide, Thru-Hiker, and lover of all things living and dead. When I’m not hiking, you can find me out in the field land-managing, surveying endangered species, or searching for decomposing animal skeletons. I live for that sort of stuff. I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022, the Colorado Trail in 2024, and many shorter trails in the in-between. Most recently, I started guiding backpacking trips in the Sierra, Grand Canyon, and beyond. Instagram is the best place to DM me a photo of the cool animal or plant you found @ kelseey311

Posts

Inov8 Trailfly Speed V2 Trail Runner Review

Inov8 Trailfly Speed V2 Trail Runner Review

Quick Verdict The Inov8 Trailfly Speed V2 is a lightweight, responsive trail runner built for speed on hard-packed terrain. It delivers excellent

Jul 6, 2026 : Kelsey Nannini
Wolf Spotted Near PCT in Southern California for First Time in Over 100 Years

Wolf Spotted Near PCT in Southern California for First Time in Over 100 Years

GPS collar data has confirmed that a wolf entered the mountains of Los Angeles County last month, making this the first time a wolf has been

Mar 4, 2026 : Kelsey Nannini
The 12 Best Weekend Section Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail

The 12 Best Weekend Section Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail

While thousands of people attempt a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail each hiking season, even more step foot on the trail for shorter hikes

Aug 6, 2025 : Kelsey Nannini
You’ve Probably Been Using the Wrong Tyvek Groundsheet This Whole Time

You’ve Probably Been Using the Wrong Tyvek Groundsheet This Whole Time

In the world of thru-hiking, gear innovation often comes in waves. There are breakthrough periods where it feels like a new piece of revolutionary

Jul 17, 2025 : Kelsey Nannini
10 of the Best Audiobooks to Listen to During Your 2025 Thru-Hike

10 of the Best Audiobooks to Listen to During Your 2025 Thru-Hike

While some thru-hikers prefer to read in their tent at night before bed, many will stick their headphones in while hiking to help the miles go by

Jun 23, 2025 : Kelsey Nannini
This Section of the PCT Has Been Closed for 20 Years. The Reason? MYLFs

This Section of the PCT Has Been Closed for 20 Years. The Reason? MYLFs

If you’ve hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, chances are you’re familiar with the Williamson Rock closure — nicknamed the “frog closure” — in Southern

May 14, 2025 : Kelsey Nannini