Posts
Top Backpacks of 2017: Results from the Annual Hiker Survey
In this installment of The Trek’s 2017 Hiker Survey, we cover backpacks and shake downs. We asked hikers about the frame type, capacity, brand, and
Top Tents and Hammocks of 2017: Results from the Annual Hiker Survey
For the fourth year, The Trek has surveyed long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) regarding the shelter systems they use - tents,
The Top Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2017: Results from the Annual Hiker Survey
We surveyed 253 section and thru-hikers who were on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2017. We asked about the temperature, fill, brands, and models of
The 2017 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Hiker Stats
Each fall, The Trek conducts an in-depth survey of long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT), this time surveying the class of 2017. We have
Examining the Thru-Hiker Dropout Rate: Survey Results
Ever since Zach Davis wrote Appalachian Trials and started the blog that became The Trek, our purpose has been to help long-distance backpackers
The Top Sleeping Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
For the third year in a row, we asked Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and long-distance section hikers about the sleeping pads they used. Many of the
Stoves, Food, Water, and Illness on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
More so than with backpacking gear, food and water plans are different for each trail, because they depend on road access, prevalence of nearby
The Top Sleeping Bags on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
We surveyed one hundred eighty-eight section and thru-hikers who were on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2016. We asked about the sleeping bags and
The Top Tents and Hammocks on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
For the third year running, we surveyed long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail in 2016, regarding the shelter systems they used. This year, we
The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
This is the third year in a row I have surveyed hikers about their footwear, and for the third time, it seems be the trickiest gear selection. Just