Preparation

Trail Advice For A Newbie On The JMT

Trail Advice For A Newbie On The JMT

However, I have been able to get a little mountain fix by giving some trail advice to a friend who is just departing on the John Muir Trail (JMT). I...

Jul 25, 2016 : Jean Taggart
‘Tis the Sneezon

‘Tis the Sneezon

Although I obsessively planned most of my hike, there's one thing I didn't plan for, but I vowed that it wouldn't stop me. That thing is allergies.

Jun 1, 2016 : Zoë Symon
Prepare For Takeoff!

Prepare For Takeoff!

One moment you're thinking of a date way off in the future. The next, that moment is one week away. One week until I say goodbye to my boyfriend, my...

Feb 18, 2016 : Linde
How to Train With No Mountains: An Austinite’s Guide

How to Train With No Mountains: An Austinite’s Guide

So, I will be hiking the AT in 2016. All I have to do is prepare myself. I live in Austin, TX, and there are no mountains. Luckily Austin has...

Jan 24, 2016 : Zoë Symon
The Magical Makings of Memorable Trail Food

The Magical Makings of Memorable Trail Food

Most of us love food. Food can be a great motivator—especially when someone else is conjuring hot dishes of fried goodness in large quantities. It can be equally as appreciated...

Jan 18, 2016 : Katina (Arachne) Daanen
Did You Sleep in the Woods Yet?

Did You Sleep in the Woods Yet?

The first time I stood on the Appalachian Trail was at Perkins observatory on New York's Bear Mountain, in 1983. My father took my brother and me camping, the three...

Nov 19, 2015 : Joe Schmidt
Saving money pre-hiking

Saving money pre-hiking

  When I finished paying for school, in January, saving for the hike became my first financial priority. Of course, in a minimum wage job, saving is a challenge. Especially...

Oct 25, 2015 : Victoria Ketteringham
“Leg Work” – Preparing for Our Thru Hikes

“Leg Work” – Preparing for Our Thru Hikes

Springtime is finally upon us!  While many people on this site are feeding their Springer Fever by reading about others on their AT thru hike, for me it means getting...

Mar 21, 2015 : Sprinkles
Yoga Exercises for Hikers [Video]

Yoga Exercises for Hikers [Video]

A moving meditation. Staying present in the moment. Enhancing awareness and experiencing something larger than yourself. Finding steadiness and ease. Yogis and hikers have more in common

Mar 6, 2015 : Courtney
Gearing Up

Gearing Up

Much of my preparation for the Appalachian Trail has involved shopping.  Lots and lots of shopping.  This has been both fun — researching gear, scrutinizing specs, making decisions, opening up

Feb 17, 2015 : Ellen Baldwin