Madison Dragna

I'm a freelance writer and devoted yogi. I completed my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2013 and have been missing trail life ever since. I might not be the nomad I once was, but my current home in Colorado isn't a bad place to rest. I dream of the day all my belongings can fit in a backpack again. Until then, I am here to lend a hand to all the gear junkies, hiker trash, and outdoor lovers alike. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @madidragna

Posts

15 All-Too Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes

15 All-Too Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes

We all start somewhere. We all begin as beginners, as novices. And even for experienced hikers, new gear constantly demands we play catch-up. An

Aug 4, 2022 : Madison Dragna
Backpacking and Outdoors Gear Made in America

Backpacking and Outdoors Gear Made in America

Many companies in the outdoor industry and beyond produce items overseas because of cheap labor and material costs, but that doesn't mean we can't

Mar 3, 2017 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Altra’s Lone Peak 3.0 Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Gear Review: Altra’s Lone Peak 3.0 Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Altra might be known for its running shoes, but the brand does have a line of trail shoes. This review will focus on Altra's Lone Peak 3.0

Aug 22, 2016 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Columbia’s OutDry EX Diamond Shell Rain Jacket

Gear Review: Columbia’s OutDry EX Diamond Shell Rain Jacket

Rain gear can be quite the necessity out on the Appalachian Trail because, let's admit it, it's a wet and rainy place. Columbia's OutDry Extreme

May 2, 2016 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Black Diamond’s Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Gear Review: Black Diamond’s Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Trekking poles can make hiking and trekking easier and more efficient if used with proper technique. I rarely hike without my trekking poles, no

Dec 19, 2015 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Pearl Izumi Women’s N2 V2 Trail Running Shoes

Gear Review: Pearl Izumi Women’s N2 V2 Trail Running Shoes

Shoes are a huge part of a hiker’s gear. I am glad to have tested out Pearl Izumi’s Women’s E: Motion Trail N2 V2 shoes. These shoes were given

Oct 30, 2015 : Madison Dragna
14 Things to Consider When Hiking with a Beginner Hiker

14 Things to Consider When Hiking with a Beginner Hiker

So your hiking addiction and geographical location has sparked the interest of friends and family. People officially call you ‘that hiker chick or

Oct 1, 2015 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Injinji Toe Socks

Gear Review: Injinji Toe Socks

I owe my Injinji socks a big thank you. These fabulous toe socks prevented those horrid in-between-the-toe blisters during my 2013 thru-hike. If

Jul 20, 2015 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Salomon XA Pro 3D CS WP Trail Runners

Gear Review: Salomon XA Pro 3D CS WP Trail Runners

According to Appalachian Trials' Appalachian Trail Footwear by the Numbers post, Salomon is the most popular brand seen on the trail- and it's for

Apr 14, 2015 : Madison Dragna
Gear Review: Gregory J53 Backpack

Gear Review: Gregory J53 Backpack

Gregory is one of the most popular pack brands you will see on the trail. This review will focus on Gregory's women's internal frame pack, the

Mar 25, 2015 : Madison Dragna