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6 Cheap Household Items That Double As Ultralight Backpacking Gear

6 Cheap Household Items That Double As Ultralight Backpacking Gear

Ultralight bros will eagerly boast about their itty bitty pack and teeny tiny tent, yet you rarely hear them mention how astonishingly light their wallet becomes after shelling out thousands...

Jul 10, 2025 : Katie Jackson
These Are the Most Common Injuries Reported by Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers (Plus Injury Prevention Tips)

These Are the Most Common Injuries Reported by Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers (Plus Injury Prevention Tips)

Are you dreaming of conquering the AT, but dreading the possibility of twisted ankles and aching knees? You're not wrong to be concerned. The 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey, which...

Jul 9, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Best Breakfast Spots on the Continental Divide Trail

Best Breakfast Spots on the Continental Divide Trail

Why do you thru-hike? The views? The people? The love of routine? I'll tell you my motivation: the town breakfasts. There is— literally— nothing better than rolling into a town...

Jul 8, 2025 : Katie Jackson
16 Experienced Thru-Hikers Reveal Their Favorite Pieces of Gear

16 Experienced Thru-Hikers Reveal Their Favorite Pieces of Gear

When it comes to thru-hiking, every piece of gear in your pack either earns its spot or gets sent home. Experienced long-distance hikers meticulously choose their gear, learning through thousands...

Jul 7, 2025 : Katie Jackson
20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah “Twig” Harman (BPR #313)

20,000+ Miles in under 10 Years, a Desert Hike from Tucson to San Diego, and Life as a Mariner with Leah “Twig” Harman (BPR #313)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Leah Harman, known on trail as Twig. Although Twig is relatively...

Jul 7, 2025 : Backpacker Radio
Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Drowns in Virginia

Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Drowns in Virginia

A 38-year-old Appalachian Trail thru-hiker died Wednesday morning at a hospital after being found unresponsive in a hotel pool in Front Royal on Tuesday night. Authorities suspect a medical emergency

Jul 3, 2025 : Katie Jackson
6 EASY and HEALTHY Backpacking Meals – $3 Dinners!

6 EASY and HEALTHY Backpacking Meals – $3 Dinners!

The below is a transcription. Minor edits have been made for clarity and readability, while preserving the original message and intent. This video is part of a new series on...

Jul 3, 2025 : Jess
How I Got College Credit for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

How I Got College Credit for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

High school found me in the middle of my moody, “I don’t need society anymore” era. I spent weekends and summers camping, hiking, and paddling with friends. In my spare...

Jul 3, 2025 : Jordan Charbonneau
A Serialized Podcast About the Appalachian Trail

A Serialized Podcast About the Appalachian Trail

It’s been three years since I completed my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (which I blogged about here on the Trek). Like many former thru-hikers, I dream about the next...

Jul 2, 2025 : Matthew Podolsky
Owner of Popular AT Hiker Hostel Speaks Out About His Decision To Close Up Shop

Owner of Popular AT Hiker Hostel Speaks Out About His Decision To Close Up Shop

The following is a guest post by Jeff Hood. It was reproduced with permission from zerodaystay.com. Have a story you want to share with the trail community? Submit it here....

Jul 1, 2025 : Guest Post