Rachel Shoemaker

Hey y'all! Rachel aka "Dobby" here. I finished my low-waste PCT thru-hike on Sept. 8, '22. I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail in '20 and completed the NH48 and NE67 in '18. More about me... I use she/her pronouns. I'm from Western NC, just outside of Asheville. I called NH home for a bit as well! I love all things nature (obviously) and when I'm not hiking, I'm probably reading, writing for this site, or hanging out with my dog Lily. Happy adventuring and thanks for following along! :)

Posts

How To Seam Seal Your Tent: Step-by-Step Guide

How To Seam Seal Your Tent: Step-by-Step Guide

Your tent is arguably one of the most important pieces of backpacking gear you own. After all, it's going to be your home away from home for the next

Mar 29, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
PCT Snowpack in the Sierra Outpaces Historic 2017 Season

PCT Snowpack in the Sierra Outpaces Historic 2017 Season

Following a series of winter storms, snow levels along the PCT in the Sierra Nevada mountain range are officially higher than record 2017 snow levels

Mar 7, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
Teenagers Rescued From PCT After Being Stranded in Major CA Snowstorm

Teenagers Rescued From PCT After Being Stranded in Major CA Snowstorm

Two 17-year-olds were rescued from the Pacific Crest Trail last Friday after being stranded in heavy snow for several days. The pair, Riley Ramirez

Mar 7, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
NJ Kidnapping Suspect Has History of Similar Allegations on PCT

NJ Kidnapping Suspect Has History of Similar Allegations on PCT

A man who allegedly kidnapped a PCT hiker in 2018 but was never charged has been apprehended in connection with a similar crime. James Parrillo, 57,

Feb 23, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
Getting to Campo: PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle To Run for Second Year

Getting to Campo: PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle To Run for Second Year

Aware that your PCT start date is fast approaching, you decide to consult your checklist one more time. PCT Long-distance Permit and other permits?

Feb 20, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
Sierra On Track for Record Snowfall This Year—Here’s What It Means for PCT Hikers

Sierra On Track for Record Snowfall This Year—Here’s What It Means for PCT Hikers

If you've been following the weather on the West Coast this winter, chances are you've heard about the record snowfall in California. 2023 is shaping

Feb 15, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
Mount Washington’s -108 Degree Wind Chill Breaks US Record

Mount Washington’s -108 Degree Wind Chill Breaks US Record

New Hampshire's Mount Washington, home of the world's worst weather, set a new record last Friday for the coldest wind chill recorded in US history.

Feb 7, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
21 Things 2023 PCT Thru-Hikers Need To Know

21 Things 2023 PCT Thru-Hikers Need To Know

If you're planning to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023, look no further. We have some advice that will make prepping for your 2,650-mile

Jan 2, 2023 : Rachel Shoemaker
What Is a Good Hiking Pace?

What Is a Good Hiking Pace?

At some point or another, we've all been passed by someone who is hiking at a brisker pace than our own. Or maybe you're usually the one doing the

Dec 30, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
18 of The Trek’s Top Posts of 2022

18 of The Trek’s Top Posts of 2022

This year wasn't perfect by any means, but it was admittedly an improvement over the previous two years. Plus, our Trek Bloggers and Editors put out

Dec 28, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker