transformation

The Nitty-Gritty of Gear Evolution on a Thru-Hike

The Nitty-Gritty of Gear Evolution on a Thru-Hike

About this time last year, I had just committed to my AT thru-hike, which meant that I was in the early research stages. Having never backpacked with less than 30-40...

Jan 24, 2019 : Carl Stanfield
Four Ugly Truths and Four Beautiful Realities About the Suck

Four Ugly Truths and Four Beautiful Realities About the Suck

The suck is an inescapable aspect of long-distance backpacking; no one eludes it. It is savage and unrelenting. It also, if you manage not to flee from it, yields breathtaking...

Jan 8, 2018 : Notebook
6 Ways a Thru-Hike Is a Hero’s Journey

6 Ways a Thru-Hike Is a Hero’s Journey

Maybe you don’t feel heroic out there, but make no mistake, a thru-hike is as epic an undertaking as any ancient tale. Joseph Campbell, the mythologist, argued that across cultures...

Jul 26, 2017 : Notebook
More Than A Hike

More Than A Hike

Hello, world. It's been a minute since I've spoken with you all via The Trek, but I wanted to come at you with some motivation for this lovely Monday. Or...

Apr 24, 2017 : Ashley Schellhase
Dear Future Thru-Hiker

Dear Future Thru-Hiker

Dear Future Thru-Hiker, At this point, you're looking at minor details like "where do I stop for my first resupply?" or "will I really have to hitchhike??". You've either told your...

Feb 10, 2016 : Mary Beth Skylis
21 Thru-Hikers Share How the Appalachian Trail Has Changed Their Lives

21 Thru-Hikers Share How the Appalachian Trail Has Changed Their Lives

How does thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail change a person? It's a good question. Undoubtedly, someone who enters into the woods for a half year will be different from the person who emerges

Oct 16, 2014 : Zach