I'm Penina, known on trail as Pastor. After COVID-19 hit in the middle of college, I decided I needed the polar opposite of Zoom school, so I spent the summer outside. In the summer of 2021, I did a PCT LASH through the desert and Sierra sections, followed by a bike tour across the western United States and down the Pacific coast.
Posts
A List of Hostels on the Appalachian Trail
Hostels on the Appalachian Trail are part of what makes a thru-hike such a unique experience. We've listed 100+ places to stay between Georgia and
Stunning Documentary Sequel “Why Do I Hike 2” Shows the True Hardships of Thru-Hiking
"Why Do I Hike 2: Hardships of a Thru-Hike" is a 1.5-hour documentary by Croatian filmmaker and thru-hiker, Nikola Horvat, aka "Tesla" about his 2022
DEET vs Picaridin vs Natural Insect Repellent for Backpacking
My husband and I were in the Sierra Nevada right after peak snowmelt. Those who know, know: right after peak snowmelt comes peak mosquitos. We had
Her Odyssey: Meet the Women Who Traveled 18,000 Miles Across the Americas By Foot, Boat, and Bicycle
Bethany "Fidgit" Hughes and Lauren "Neon" Reed recently completed their 18,000-mile human-powered expedition from the tip of Patagonia to the Arctic
The Thru-Hiker Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again. If you’re looking for the perfect gift guide for the thru-hiker in your life, never fear: we’re here to help. From the
Outside Lays Off 12% of Staff in Second Round of Layoffs This Year
Outside Inc., the parent company of outdoor magazines including Backpacker, Outside, and Fastest Known Time, laid off 12% of its staff on Tuesday in
What Is a Tent Vestibule?
What is a tent vestibule? Do all tents have them? How do I set mine up? Help!A vestibule on the Big Agnes Tiger Wall. You can pin back half of
New AT Documentary Is a Moving Portrait of Trail Life with an Eating Disorder
"You don't climb mountains without food in your belly," says Aster Wells-Byers in the film, "Food in your Belly." The 15-minute documentary, directed
What Is a Tent Footprint (And Do You Need One)?
What is a tent footprint? In short, a tent footprint is a groundcloth that goes under your tent's bathtub floor to protect it and keep it clean and
Two Women Complete 18,000-Mile Journey Across Americas
Her Odyssey is the name given by two women to their six-plus year, 18,000-plus-mile non-motorized journey across the Americas. Bethany "Fidgit"