Thru-Hiking Culture

Answering the Top 15 FAQs about the Pacific Crest Trail

Answering the Top 15 FAQs about the Pacific Crest Trail

Happy New Year! I'm responding to the top 15 most frequently asked questions I received about my hike. What's that/where's that? The Pacific Coast Trail, right? I used to think...

Jan 2, 2024 : Mary H
How FarOut’s 2023 Glitches Highlight the Drawbacks of Backcountry Tech Reliance

How FarOut’s 2023 Glitches Highlight the Drawbacks of Backcountry Tech Reliance

When FarOut (formerly Guthook) came onto the scene, it blew other backcountry navigation apps out of the water. Tailored specifically for thru-hikers, FarOut removed a lot of guesswork for hikers

Jan 2, 2024 : Maggie Slepian
The 164 Day Recap of Everything You Wanted To Know, And Maybe Some You Didnt

The 164 Day Recap of Everything You Wanted To Know, And Maybe Some You Didnt

I’ve said this before but it’s wild to consider your self an expert after doing something for the first time. But when that first time takes over 5 months to...

Dec 30, 2023 : Derek Witteman
The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey

The Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail: 2023 Thru-Hiker Survey

In this third installment of the 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Survey we're covering all things footwear. Picking shoes is one of the most personal gear choices when it comes to...

Dec 28, 2023 : Kate Richard
The 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information Part 2

The 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information Part 2

Welcome to the second installment of the 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey. In this edition we dive into Part Two of General Information where we'll cover questions about the overall

Dec 19, 2023 : Kate Richard
The 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information Part 1

The 2023 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information Part 1

The 2023 Appalachian Trail Hiker Survey is here! This year we’ve added a lot of questions, mostly about the experience aspect of the hike and safety. As such, we’ve also...

Dec 12, 2023 : Kate Richard
Hiking Across Switzerland on the Via Alpina

Hiking Across Switzerland on the Via Alpina

“The best way to see a country is to walk across it,” they said. I could not agree more. After about 200 miles, 70,000ft of elevation gain, and 13 passes,...

Dec 1, 2023 : Emily Pilkerton
Angels and Magic in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine

Angels and Magic in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine

As I headed into the northernmost states, I assumed trail magic would dry up. It was the end of the hiking season, after all. I thought, who would be out...

Nov 25, 2023 : Carol Fielding
Here Are All the Things I’m Thankful for as a PCT Hiker

Here Are All the Things I’m Thankful for as a PCT Hiker

For Thanksgiving, I reflected on everything I'm thankful for as a Pacific Crest Trail hiker → I'm thankful for the opportunity to take time away from "regular life" to hike...

Nov 22, 2023 : Mary H
Introducing Thru-Hiker Central: Your Year-Round Trail Community Hub

Introducing Thru-Hiker Central: Your Year-Round Trail Community Hub

As the thru-hiking season winds down and winter approaches, that doesn’t mean your connection to the trail community has to fade away. The Trek is excited to introduce Thru-Hiker Central,...

Nov 9, 2023 : James Townsend