“He Gone!” Stuff I Threw Out* My First Week
*By "threw out," I mean, gave to my AT mentor to send to my parents, or the ATC ridge runner truck to give to a hiker box. "He Gone!"This is...
Top Ten Funniest Things People Said as I Prepared to Hike the AT
From the Practical10. "Your pack's too back-heavy. Maybe you should carry some stuff on your front with one of our Baby Björns?" - Brother
Thru-Hiking the AT: Preparation and Intentions
Hiiiii friends, welcome! I am so glad you're here reading some of my words. I'll try not to bore you too much. I figured I'd introduce myself a bit before...
How to Support a Thru-Hiker: What Do They Need?
Dear family and friends:I know you have a million questions for the thru-hiker in your life. You're probably thinking: What about bears? What about going to the bathroom? Will they...
Backpacker Radio Episode 32: Peter Downing on Ultrarunning, the Peace Corps, and Suffer Better
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, we're joined by Peter Downing, a modern-day renaissance man. We chat about his history as an ultrarunner (including his four wins at the Buena...
A Month on Trail, and Spring Is Popping Up
At last signs of springs are showing up. A single bluebird and a robin at Max Patch. Frogs at dammed pond, a huge toad next to the French Broad River....
What Worked, What Didn’t on My Trek to Maine
Hey folks! A lot of time was spent deciding what to carry as I walked from Georgia to Maine. So I thought I'd briefly try to let you know how...
Gear Review: MSR Access 2 Four-Season Tent
Weight: 4 pounds MSRP: $599.95 Category: Semi-freestanding, but we pitched this without the stakes a few times and it was stable. Capacity: 2-person. BUT. This tent is roomy. We slept with
Gearing Up: Gear List for the AT
Here is my initial gear list for starting the Appalachian Trail. I am not going to include much detail, as most of the items can be found quickly by going...
My Naming Day Came During a Tough Stretch
My friends call me Stretch. My naming day could not have come at a better time. The prior day (I think that was Sunday) was the first time I cried...
