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Introducing the 2020 Badger Sponsorship Winners
This year, The Trek is revamping the Badger Sponsorship to support eight 2020 thru-hikers with altruistic intentions. We searched for aspiring PCT, AT, CDT, or other long trail hikers who were giving back to the trail and our community. Geared up with over $10,000 of brand-spanking new products from some of the most respected brands in backpacking, these applicants will be using their new swag for good. Our winners are hiking to bring awareness, visibility, and advocacy for a myriad of groups that may not have yet been represented on the trail.
MEET OUR 2020 BADGER SPONSORSHIP WINNERS
Zoe Greenhouse
Bio: As a worldschooler, I called everywhere from Guatemala to France home until sixth grade, when I decided I wanted to be normal. I spent the next five years at school, but in tenth grade finally realized traditional education wasn’t for me. Since then, I’ve been planning my solo thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. My goals are to complete the trail, document the journey, set myself up for a lifetime of adventure, and inspire others to pursue their dreams. When I reach Canada, I will be only 17 years old.
Trail: PCT
Direction: NOBO
How Zoe plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Zoe on Instagram: @zoegreenhouse
Myron Sailors
Bio: Hi, my name is Myron Sailors! I’m 23 years old and hiking the AT in my gap year between undergrad and medical school. I’m hiking because hiking the AT has been a dream of mine since I was in high school. I want to use my hike to bring awareness to the lack of diversity in the hiking community and help start conversations about climate change and the importance of protecting our planet.
Trail: AT
Direction: NOBO
How Myron plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Myron on Instagram: @mlas1996
Gail Muller
Bio: I’m a hiker and teacher from Cornwall, UK, who hiked my first long trail last year—the AT southbound. I had always wanted to long-distance hike, but became very sick for a long time and was told I would probably lose the ability to walk. I refused to give up, found a cure, and have now decided to hike all the long trails I can, inspiring others who are in similar situations that there are no limits and there’s always a way through. I’m passionate about the ability of nature to heal, bring joy, and help build community, so you’ll find me outdoors—usually smiling and making new friends along the way.
Trail: PCT
Direction: SOBO
How Gail plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Gail on Instagram: @appalachiangail
Subscribe to Gail on YouTube: Gail Muller
Kirby Morrill
Bio: I’m Kirby, but you can call me Arlo. I’ll also respond to Toque. I’m a lifelong, multi-pursuit dirtbag and marine biologist on a mission to march these feet from Georgia to *almost* home, the Canadian Maritime region. I’m hiking because a) I’ve always wanted to do so, b) as living proof that you can’t keep hikers from hiking, at least not for long, and c) my mother always said I was a “stubborn git,” and I wouldn’t doubt my mother.
Trail: AT
Direction: NOBO
How Kirby plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Kirby on Instagram: @kirbedenthusiasm
Dana Anvari
Bio:
Hello! I’m Dana, an Iranian-American backpacker, born in Iran and raised in sunny California in the United States. I am thrilled to be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this spring and am looking forward to sharing my culture with you as I embark on this adventure. I’d love for you to join me on my journey!
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سلام. من دانا هستم، یه کولهگرد ایرانیآمریکایی. تو ایران به دنیا اومدم و تو کالیفرنیای آفتابی تو ایالات متحده بزرگ شدم. بسیار خوشحالم از این که قراره مسیر پاسیفیک کرست رو پیادهگردی کنم و مشتاقم که در این سفری که میرم، فرهنگم رو با شما در میون بذارم. با من تو این سفر همراه باشید. اینستاگرام: @DanaAnvari
Trail: PCT
Direction: NOBO
How Dana plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Dana on Instagram: @danaanvari
Subscribe to Dana on YouTube: Dana Anvari
Skeeter Sato
Bio: I started hiking a few years ago and fell in love immediately. It is an entire world of comfort, of solace, of bliss, of freedom, but also a closed door for many marginalized communities. As a queer, non-binary, mixed person of color, I rarely find people who look like me on the trail. I hope to raise awareness and increase diversity in the outdoors, and consequently, inspire others to dive into the beauty of the wilderness, no matter when/how/where you start.
Trail: PCT
Direction: NOBO
How Skeeter plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Skeeter on Instagram: @moskeetr
Katie Smith
Bio: Hello! I’m Katie. I live in Seattle, Washington, on Duwamish and Puget Sound Salish territory. I enjoy spending my time either waist deep in powder, sweating from an endurance sport, or stashing up on snacks. I’m hiking the PCT this year to move my body and be outside. I’m excited to walk alone with my thoughts, meet new people, and work toward creating a more inclusive trail.
Trail: PCT
Direction: NOBO
How Katie plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiefromcanada
Josh Rios
Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Josh Rios and I’m 25 years old. In October 2019 my brother Caleb sadly took his own life. He was an Army veteran, father, and one of the best people I’ve ever known. I’m hiking to raise money and bring awareness to help prevent veteran suicide since I’ve found out this happens on average 22 times a day. Also, I’m hiking to show everyone, even while I’m grieving, that through nature and as a community we can heal and stay strong together. I’m hiking until my feet are strong enough to carry the heaviness of my heart and theirs.
Trail: American Discovery Trail
Direction: East to west
How Josh plans on being a force for positivity: View here
Follow Josh on Instagram: @knockoffmcconaughey
The Sponsors
Last, but not least, a GINORMOUS thank you to this year’s participating brands, who <3 thru-hikers very much. Without you, there is no Badger Sponsorship. Please take a minute to visit the below websites and consider buying their high-quality products.
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Comments 2
Wow, so terribly, disgustingly, woke. Except Josh. Actually trying to save lives, and caring about people regardless of their immutable characteristics. Sorry for your loss, and good luck.
Congrats to everyone and happy trails