Advice
The Trail Doesn’t Cost a Thing (But the Gear Does): How to Get Out There Without Blowing Your Paycheck
There comes a time in life that the desire to be “out there” hits. If you are anything like me, you’re probably in your late 20s—maybe even the latest part...
How to Pack a Backpack for Thru-Hiking
So you’ve got all this gear ready to go… but now what? While out backpacking, everything that you need is carried on your back, in this pack. You’ll pack and...
The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2019 AT Thru-Hiker Survey
Each year as part of The Trek’s annual thru-hiker survey, we ask hikers about the footwear they used, and this footwear data remains my favorite to analyze and write about!...
Manhattan’s Before-and-After AT Gear: Day 1 Vs. 149
On my 2019 Appalachian thru-hike, I had a mix of thrifted, hand-me-down, and new (mid-range) gear. The choices were dependent on size, style, and whether or not I was willing...
What Not to Bring on Your First Long-Distance Hike
First time thru-hikers are bound to make countless errors. Thankfully my 40 pound pack didn't keep me from finishing the John Muir Trail, but there are more than a few...
My Appalachian Trail vs. Pacific Crest Trail Gear Lists: The Things I Didn’t Carry
Two years ago I wrote a post for this website called Gear Lessons From a Hiker Who Never Learned Her Lesson. In it I talked about the enormity of the...
Too Close for Comfort? Our Couple’s PCT Sleep System
Do a pack shakedown. Make sure you’ve tuned your gear in before you hike. All sound advice we didn’t take when we embarked on our PCT thru hike. Instead we...
Kristen’s Before-and-After Appalachian Trail Gear
Backpacking gear can be overwhelming. There seem to be countless options for everything from your major items to smaller necessities. I guess I'm an "experienced" backpacker now, so gear talk...
Boots Vs. Trail Runners: Two Loyalists Compare and Contrast
Hiking boots or trail runners? Years ago there wasn't a choice. Leather hiking boots ruled the trail. But trail runners are now king of the mountains, and they far outnumber...
How to Make an Ultralight Soda Can Alcohol Stove
We all aspire to hike lighter. Unfortunately, ultralight gear is expensive. Even standard camp stoves can run $50 and up, making alcohol stoves a viable alternative. Of the many reasons...