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

Backpacker Radio #53: The Ultimate Backpacker Holiday Gear Wish List

Backpacker Radio #53: The Ultimate Backpacker Holiday Gear Wish List

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giveback Tuesday, Where's Waldo Wednesday, Thumbwar Thursday, and all the rest on the horizon, there is no

Dec 1, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #52: Anitra Kass of the PCTA

Backpacker Radio #52: Anitra Kass of the PCTA

Today we are joined by Anitra Kass who's a triple crowner and the PCTA’s Southern California Regional Representative.  Anitra is a wealth of

Nov 21, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #51: The Andersons of Casa de Luna

Backpacker Radio #51: The Andersons of Casa de Luna

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by legendary PCT trail angels Joe and Terrie Anderson of Casa de

Nov 17, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #22 | The End

Trail Correspondents Episode #22 | The End

Today  is the end of the trail.  For this one, we hear from our hikers twice, both the day before the Northern Terminus and at the finish

Nov 14, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #21 | Wild Card III: Sober Hiking, Relationship Advice, and Trail Etiquette

Trail Correspondents Episode #21 | Wild Card III: Sober Hiking, Relationship Advice, and Trail Etiquette

Today's show brings us our final wildcard episode.  Given the timing of this episode, near the end of our correspondents' journeys, there's a

Nov 11, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #50: The Long Trail + Chef Corso

Backpacker Radio #50: The Long Trail + Chef Corso

Today, we dissect my recent thru-hike on the Long Trail. We run the gamut on this little bruiser of a trail, including its terrain, the

Oct 28, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #20 | Revelations

Trail Correspondents Episode #20 | Revelations

An extended period in the great outdoors is medicine for the soul.  Breaking free from our routines in a natural setting is a recipe for

Oct 22, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio 49: Matt “Pretzel” Mason on Shaking Down New Thru-Hikers, Gear Advice, Wildland Firefighting, and Also Everything

Backpacker Radio 49: Matt “Pretzel” Mason on Shaking Down New Thru-Hikers, Gear Advice, Wildland Firefighting, and Also Everything

Matt "Pretzel" Mason is a triple crowner, trail runner, sober hiker, former Mountain Crossings employee, wildland firefighter, gear snob, and

Oct 17, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #19 | The Mental Grind

Trail Correspondents Episode #19 | The Mental Grind

Although a half year backpacking trip is a physical grind, this is not the most challenging part of a thru-hike.  Apologies for sounding like

Oct 11, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #48: Legend on His Long Trail FKT, Corpse Feet, and New Book

Backpacker Radio #48: Legend on His Long Trail FKT, Corpse Feet, and New Book

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by our pal Jeff Garmire, aka Legend. We catch up on all of

Oct 8, 2019 : Zach