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 #44 | Renee “She-ra” Patrick on Her Triple Crown, Establishing the Oregon Desert Trail, and Her Potent Bearomones

Backpacker Radio #44 | Renee “She-ra” Patrick on Her Triple Crown, Establishing the Oregon Desert Trail, and Her Potent Bearomones

Renee Patrick, known on trail as She-ra is a triple crowner, designer, and all-around Renaissance Woman.  In addition to hiking pretty much

Jul 31, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #14 | The Social Dynamics of a Thru-Hike (Group 1)

Trail Correspondents Episode #14 | The Social Dynamics of a Thru-Hike (Group 1)

There are many fascinating components to the thru-hiking lifestyle, none more so than the social dynamics. Today our hikers give us a glimpse

Jul 29, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #43 | Clay Bonnyman Evans on AT Cults, Trail Murder Statistics, and YouTube Vlogger Scam Artists

Backpacker Radio #43 | Clay Bonnyman Evans on AT Cults, Trail Murder Statistics, and YouTube Vlogger Scam Artists

Today we are joined by Clay Bonnyman Evans, aka Pony, who's an author, long time Trek Writer, AT and Colorado Trail thru-hiker, and someone

Jul 22, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #13 | The Thru-Hiker Diet: Favorite Foods, Hiker Hunger, and Nutrition Strategies (Group 2)

Trail Correspondents Episode #13 | The Thru-Hiker Diet: Favorite Foods, Hiker Hunger, and Nutrition Strategies (Group 2)

We hope you've got enough appetite to stomach even more trail food chat, because today's edition is an all you can eat buffet of hiker fare.

Jul 14, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #42 | Clare Gallagher

Backpacker Radio #42 | Clare Gallagher

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, I am joined by recent Western States 100 winner Clare Gallagher.  Not only is she a world-class

Jul 10, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #41: Chaunce (Yes, Juliana Chauncey)

Backpacker Radio #41: Chaunce (Yes, Juliana Chauncey)

She's baaaaack.  Sort of.  Halfway.  At this year's Trail Days, I caught up with Chaunce, who was roughly half way into her AT thru-hike, to

Jul 3, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #12 | The Thru-Hiker Diet: Favorite Meals, Snacks, and Philosophy (Group 1)

Trail Correspondents Episode #12 | The Thru-Hiker Diet: Favorite Meals, Snacks, and Philosophy (Group 1)

Food. It's is a subject of endless fascination to just about everyone. Even the most experienced hikers stand room for improvement with their

Jul 1, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #40: Jim Kern and Pox Holiday

Backpacker Radio #40: Jim Kern and Pox Holiday

Jim Kern is a name you ought to know. He's the founder of the Florida Trail Association, co-founder of the American Hiking Society, founder

Jun 19, 2019 : Zach
Backpacker Radio #39 | The Real Hiking Viking on The Jordan Trail, “Failing” on The Long Trail, and Upcoming Plans

Backpacker Radio #39 | The Real Hiking Viking on The Jordan Trail, “Failing” on The Long Trail, and Upcoming Plans

In today's episode, we are joined by the invasive species to the podcast, otherwise known as The Real Hiking Viking.  We hear all about his

Jun 10, 2019 : Zach
Trail Correspondents #10 | Expectations vs. Reality (Group 2)

Trail Correspondents #10 | Expectations vs. Reality (Group 2)

To prepare for a thru-hike is to spend months reading blog posts, watching videos, and following social media accounts trying to absorb as

Jun 6, 2019 : Zach