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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
The Best 4th of July Backpacking Gear Deals

The Best 4th of July Backpacking Gear Deals

You've planned your routes, and practiced your bear hangs, but is your gear ready for those summer miles? The Fourth of July sales are here, and retailers are lighting up...

Jul 1, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Glasses vs. Contacts for Thru-Hiking

Glasses vs. Contacts for Thru-Hiking

There are plenty of things to complain about on a thru-hike: no fresh vegetables, distance from loved ones, and persistent pains across your entire body. However, easily topping the list...

Jun 30, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Thru-Hiking for 30 Years, Working for ALDHA-West, Six Moon Designs, & FarOut, and Ridgerunning with a Dog with Whitney “Allgood” La Ruffa (BPR #312)

Thru-Hiking for 30 Years, Working for ALDHA-West, Six Moon Designs, & FarOut, and Ridgerunning with a Dog with Whitney “Allgood” La Ruffa (BPR #312)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Whitney La Ruffa, better known in the world of backpacking as “Allgood.” Allgood is the former president...

Jun 30, 2025 : Backpacker Radio