Zach

Owner / Editor-in-Chief at thetrek.co. AT (2011) + PCT (2017) thru-hiker. Author of Appalachian Trials and Pacific Crest Trials, resources focused on mentally preparing people for a thru-hike. Named The Top Hiking and Outdoor Blogger by USA TODAY. AKA Badger or the Good Badger. Will dance if provoked. If you're planning on thru-hiking in the future, I encourage you to check out my Personal AT Coaching Page.

Posts

Introducing “The Attempt” Podcast | Episode 1: “I’m attempting it. I’m attempting it.”

Introducing “The Attempt” Podcast | Episode 1: “I’m attempting it. I’m attempting it.”

If you're a fan of Backpacker Radio and/or Trail Correspondents, we have good news.  If you're not, it's also still quite possibly that this news

Jan 28, 2020 : Zach
Backpacker Radio 58: Donna L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven on Her 20+ Years as a PCT Trail Angel

Backpacker Radio 58: Donna L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven on Her 20+ Years as a PCT Trail Angel

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek we are joined by legendary PCT trail angel Donna L-Rod Saufley of Hiker Heaven.  Donna

Jan 21, 2020 : Zach
Backpacker Radio 57: Crazy Jack Northam on Summiting Whitney ~200 Times, Listener Poop Stories, and The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail

Backpacker Radio 57: Crazy Jack Northam on Summiting Whitney ~200 Times, Listener Poop Stories, and The Top Tents on the Appalachian Trail

We are joined by Crazy Jack Northam.  Crazy Jack earned his name by summiting Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the United States' Lower 48) nearly

Jan 8, 2020 : Zach
Backpacker Radio Episode #56: Scott Turner on the Best Hikes in San Diego County, 2020 Predictions, and The Top Footwear on the AT

Backpacker Radio Episode #56: Scott Turner on the Best Hikes in San Diego County, 2020 Predictions, and The Top Footwear on the AT

Today the Cinnamon Connection is joined by Scott Turner.  Scott is the go-to resource for all things hiking in Southern California.  He's the

Dec 30, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #24 | An Interview with Your Former Self

Trail Correspondents Episode #24 | An Interview with Your Former Self

Today marks the final episode of our second season.  Although this news is melancholy, this episode is too good to be down. At the beginning of

Dec 23, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents 2020: Apply to Join the Team!

Trail Correspondents 2020: Apply to Join the Team!

Let's run it back. We're thrilled to announce that we will be bringing back a third season of Trail Correspondents, a podcast dedicated to sharing

Dec 23, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio Episode #55: Kevin Nealon

Backpacker Radio Episode #55: Kevin Nealon

Today we are joined by comedy legend Kevin Nealon.  In case you've been living under a rock for the past 30 years, Kevin Nealon is famous for

Dec 18, 2019 : Zach
Announcing the 2020 Badger Sponsorship

Announcing the 2020 Badger Sponsorship

Calling all 2020 thru-hikers.  The Trek wants to sponsor you! Each year, we get in the holiday spirit by lavishing a handful of soon-to-be

Dec 16, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio Episode #54: The Trans-Catalina Trail

Backpacker Radio Episode #54: The Trans-Catalina Trail

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, the Cinnamon Connection dives in on all things Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT),

Dec 11, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #23 | Readjusting After a Thru-Hike

Trail Correspondents Episode #23 | Readjusting After a Thru-Hike

When prepping for a thru-hike, aspiring trekkers spend countless hours stressing the transition to their new existence, one spent on the other side

Dec 4, 2019 : Zach