#optoutside

Everything I’ll Admit to Bringing on my AT Thru-Hike

Everything I’ll Admit to Bringing on my AT Thru-Hike

WARNING: Gear post in 3, 2, 1… Here's everything I’ll admit to bringing for my 2021 thru-hike of the AT I’ll start with an apology of sorts. I really meant...

Apr 1, 2021 : Steve Monaco
Walking Thru It.

Walking Thru It.

Hi, I’m Nugget! I like jammy eggs and long walks through the woods. Like, really long walks. Actually, a 2192 mile long walk where my partner, Harry, and I carry everything...

May 11, 2019 : Jessica Olin
The Life-Changing Addiction of Thru-Hiking

The Life-Changing Addiction of Thru-Hiking

Salt Lake City, Jan. 21, 2019: The countdown has started. At the end of April---roughly three months from now---I will get dropped off at the Mexican border. Again! The Thru-Hike...

Jan 21, 2019 : Caroline "Earthcake"
19 Days of Intermission Featuring Florence

19 Days of Intermission Featuring Florence

On the list of displaced people from Florence, it is unlikely that Appalachian Trail thru-hiker might pop up. Yet, we are here. The trail, our home, is closed. We are...

Sep 16, 2018 : Clara Hatcher
Anxiety Ascent: Why I’m off the trail

Anxiety Ascent: Why I’m off the trail

I wake up in my room, surrounded by four walls and my black cat walking over my down comforter. The air conditioning is cool and my bed is soft. This...

Jun 16, 2018 : Ashley Manning
Little Toe, Big Problem

Little Toe, Big Problem

My first two days on the trail were, let's call them, eventful. I've been an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast since spring break camping trips as a kid, so I...

Apr 19, 2018 : Rachel Poole
Be Stubborn: Advice from a Two-Time Thru-Hiker

Be Stubborn: Advice from a Two-Time Thru-Hiker

"Be stubborn," said the two-time AT thru-hiker I ran into at Cloudland Canyon's south rim during my final shakedown hike. It felt like strange advice coming from the owner of...

Apr 11, 2018 : Rachel Poole
Giggles’ Gear Modifications and Tips for a Thru-Hike That Starts Tomorrow or Is Still in Your Dreams

Giggles’ Gear Modifications and Tips for a Thru-Hike That Starts Tomorrow or Is Still in Your Dreams

Everyone has their own way of doing things on a thru-hike, whether it is how they attach their umbrella to their pack, when they take a break for dinner, or...

Mar 7, 2018 : Danielle OFarrell
The Truest Things about Hiking the PCT

The Truest Things about Hiking the PCT

I have been struggling with what to write after getting back from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017.  Not for lack of things to say, but rather out of...

Feb 12, 2018 : Danielle OFarrell
Two Cooks’ Advice for Going Stoveless

Two Cooks’ Advice for Going Stoveless

When other hikers on the trail heard what we do in "real life," they all reacted the same way: "I bet you have the best meals out here!" For those...

Dec 13, 2017 : Alex