Thru-Hiking Culture

Guide, Veteran, Mother, Cancer Survivor: Rebecca Walsh on How To Hike Like a Woman

Guide, Veteran, Mother, Cancer Survivor: Rebecca Walsh on How To Hike Like a Woman

When outdoor guide and army veteran Rebecca Walsh was in treatment for breast cancer two years ago, there was a moment when she was so weak, she couldn’t walk around...

Mar 18, 2024 : Alison Young
Backpacker Radio LIVE in Denver on April 23rd!

Backpacker Radio LIVE in Denver on April 23rd!

Calling all hiker trash, lovers of poop stories, and cinnamon connection OGs: Backpacker Radio is coming LIVE to Denver! Get ready to deepen those smile lines as  Zach "Badger" Davis...

Mar 11, 2024 : Backpacker Radio
The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?

The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?

It’s March, and the Appalachian Trail is teeming with humanity. Thousands attempt to hike the iconic footpath each year — and for better or worse, many of them start in...

Mar 8, 2024 : Kelly Floro
Lessons Learned: Going into my 2nd Thru-Hike

Lessons Learned: Going into my 2nd Thru-Hike

New Year, New Trail After a year away from thru-hiking, it's time to get back onto the trail. Since immersing myself in thru-hiking culture in 2017, it's been a significant...

Feb 26, 2024 : Thomas Allie
“This Is What Everyone in the World Needs”: Michael “Grizzy Smurf” Monahan on Healing, Resilience, and the Triple Crown

“This Is What Everyone in the World Needs”: Michael “Grizzy Smurf” Monahan on Healing, Resilience, and the Triple Crown

Content Warning: This story contains brief mention of child abuse and neglect. Michael “Grizzly Smurf” Monahan completed his Triple Crown in 2023, a nearly 8,000-mile hiking feat that fewer than

Feb 13, 2024 : Matthew Kok
Excerpt From Where the Rhododendrons Bloom: New AT Memoir by Audrey Payne

Excerpt From Where the Rhododendrons Bloom: New AT Memoir by Audrey Payne

There was a time, not so very long ago, when doing the most mundane activities sent my body into spasms of pain. Sitting at my desk for more than 15...

Feb 8, 2024 : Audrey Payne
The Slow and Grueling Transition to Society

The Slow and Grueling Transition to Society

It has been well over a minute since I summited Katahdin and my return to society, the "real world". While it is nice to sleep in a warm soft bed...

Feb 4, 2024 : Guinevere Drabik
Returning to Trail in 2024!

Returning to Trail in 2024!

Optimist Prime Here! After a long hiatus, I am back with big news! The dream of the Triple Crown continues with the Appalachian Trail in 2024. After a year break...

Feb 3, 2024 : Thomas Allie
The Uncomfortable Truth About the Dirtbag Lifestyle

The Uncomfortable Truth About the Dirtbag Lifestyle

When I hugged the Katahdin sign at the terminus of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, I realized the only thing I wanted to do was keep going. My heels were on...

Feb 1, 2024 : Abby Evans
Remembering Chris “Rafiki” Roma: Hikers Pay Tribute to Triple Crowner

Remembering Chris “Rafiki” Roma: Hikers Pay Tribute to Triple Crowner

Two weeks ago, Christopher "Rafiki" Roma tragically died while hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Rafiki was an experienced thru-hiker and a personal friend to many in the...

Jan 30, 2024 : The Editors