Gear
12,000 Miles and Counting: Peg Leg’s Backpacking Gear That Survived the Triple Crown and Beyond
When I first got into thru-hiking back in 2017, I was under the impression that once you bought all your gear, you were set for life. Before 2017 I had...
The Backpacker’s Guide to Bear Bagging
What is the deal with bear bags? Which type should I use, or should I use a canister? Once I have one, what do I do with it?
Rockin’ in the Bedrocks: Long Distance Hiking in Sandals
Importance of Footwear Selecting the right footwear for the trail is undoubtedly one of the most crucial decisions a hiker can make. The wrong shoes can significantly hinder your hike,...
Jack Wolfskin JWP Atmos Jacket Review
Jack Wolfskin, a German company working on building inroads to the North American outdoor market, has been putting out some good — and good-looking — stuff in recent years. I’m...
Bear Canisters: Which Fit in Which Packs, Where You Need Them, and How to Pack One
So you need to bring a bear canister on your next backpacking trip. Find out how to be comfortable while keeping your food and bears safe.
Maggie’s PCT 2020 Gear: The Rest of the Stuff
In the interest of procrastinating several long-term projects and avoiding cleaning my house, here is a (mostly) comprehensive look at the rest of what I'll be taking on the PCT....
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...
Maggie’s PCT 2020 Gear List: Big Three
Hi guys. Maggie here, Managing Editor of this site, finally ready to hike the PCT. Five years go by fast—at this time in 2015, I was putting the finishing touches...
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...
Announcing the 2020 Badger Sponsorship
Calling all 2020 thru-hikers. The Trek wants to sponsor you! Each year, we get in the holiday spirit by lavishing a handful of soon-to-be thru-hikers with some best gear, food,...