Now Accepting SOBO 2019 The Trek Trail Correspondents Applications

UPDATE: We’re going to be doing a separate mini-series for the 2019 SOBO thru-hikers.  If you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or Continental Divide Trail southbound this year and are interested in being featured alongside our other Trail Correspondents, apply here.

SOBO APPLICATION

NOTE: We are only looking to fill a few spots.  The application period will close on May 18th.  We will follow up with those we’ve selected by May 22nd. 

It’s happening.  We’re is thrilled to announce that we’re bringing back a second season of the Trail Correspondents series.

In case you’re unfamiliar, our Trail Correspondents podcast showcases thru-hikers’ updates in audio form, from the trail.  In 2018, we featured a dozen thru-hikers across the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail.  Every other week, we got a glimpse into the world of someone whose possessions are only what they can carry on their back, while covering 15-30 miles per day for a half year at a time.  We learned about their emotional state, their gear, their appetite, their hiking companions, their highs, their lows, and their bowel practices.

Listen to our previous Trail Correspondents episodes here.

Expectations: The ideal candidates will be eager and willing to share their stories from trail.  This will be done in the form of interviews with other hikers, monologues talking through the highs and lows of your day, and/or whatever other creative expressions speak to you.  Your recordings will be distributed through The Trek’s podcast network, and thus, here on The Trek as well.  This is a unique and impactful way to showcase thru-hiking to a huge audience through your eyes!

If you’re hiking a long trail other than one of the three Triple Crown trails, please feel free to apply.  We’re particularly interested in featuring the journeys of those taking on multi-monthlong hikes.

Related: Apply to become a Trek Blogger / Vlogger

The deadline to apply is January 1st, 2019.  The first round of selections will be made no later than Jan. 15, 2019.  Have any more questions?  Ask in the comments below.

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Comments 3

  • Katrina Weyland : Jan 31st

    Hi there! I se that I have missed this deadline, but I am going SOBO on the CDT this July and was wondering if you were still in need another great correspondent? I would love to share my journey with others and I would love to do it with the Trek! Thank you!

    Reply
  • Annie Varnot “aka Airplane Mode” : Feb 8th

    Good morning, I’m friends with Hey Girl. Like a dodo brain, I missed the deadline too. I’m a compulsively courageous seeker. I am passionate about two things: being out in the landscape and making art that addresses my infatuation with nature. I can’t help always trying to understand what’s going on with myself and life. Being a middle aged female, my backstory is a little bit different from the typical thru-hiker. I feel I will bring a wealth of really rich life experiences to the journey as a correspondent. As a cancer survivor, divorcee, recovering alcoholic, and in general a person who follows her heart, I hope to reach out to people who struggle with fears that hold them back and help them to act courageously. I would love to interview people on the trail, and become a more engaged thru-hiker through correspondence on Backpacker Radio. Let me know if you are still looking for correspondents, or if there is anything I can assist with while out on the trail. Cheers, Airplane Mode

    Annie Varnot
    http://www.annievarnot.com

    Reply

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