Thru-Hiking Culture

Hiker’s Choice: The Best Hostels on the Appalachian Trail

Hiker’s Choice: The Best Hostels on the Appalachian Trail

Hostels are a special part of the Appalachian Trail experience. From renovated farmhouses to uniquely styled bunkhouses to rooms in private homes, each hostel has its own character. In our...

Apr 25, 2024 : Diane Duffard
22 Trek Bloggers on the Pacific Crest Trail You Should Be Following in 2024

22 Trek Bloggers on the Pacific Crest Trail You Should Be Following in 2024

As the hiking season officially kicks into high gear, the Pacific Crest Trail welcomes yet another class of thru-hikers, all of who are hopeful to complete the entire 2,650-mile journey....

Apr 23, 2024 : Kendra Slagter
22 Trek Bloggers on the Appalachian Trail You Should Be Following in 2024

22 Trek Bloggers on the Appalachian Trail You Should Be Following in 2024

As the hiking season officially kicks into high gear, the Appalachian Trail welcomes yet another class of thru-hikers, all of who are hopeful to complete the entire 2,190-mile journey. Some...

Apr 17, 2024 : Kendra Slagter
Excerpt From “You Carry the Tent, I’ll Carry the Baby” by Jack McClure

Excerpt From “You Carry the Tent, I’ll Carry the Baby” by Jack McClure

This is a guest post brought to you by Jack McClure. McClure's new book, You Carry the Tent, I'll Carry the Baby, is available now through all major online book...

Apr 9, 2024 : Guest Post
Starting Big: Brandon Weis’ First Thru-Hike Was a Calendar-Year Triple Crown

Starting Big: Brandon Weis’ First Thru-Hike Was a Calendar-Year Triple Crown

Ottawa, Ohio native Brandon Weis first saw the vast open spaces of the Western United States on a road trip during his freshman year at Ohio State University. “I believe...

Mar 27, 2024 : Clay Bonnyman Evans
Guide, Veteran, Mother, Cancer Survivor: Rebecca Walsh on How To Hike Like a Woman

Guide, Veteran, Mother, Cancer Survivor: Rebecca Walsh on How To Hike Like a Woman

When outdoor guide and army veteran Rebecca Walsh was in treatment for breast cancer two years ago, there was a moment when she was so weak, she couldn’t walk around...

Mar 18, 2024 : Alison Young
Backpacker Radio LIVE in Denver on April 23rd!

Backpacker Radio LIVE in Denver on April 23rd!

Calling all hiker trash, lovers of poop stories, and cinnamon connection OGs: Backpacker Radio is coming LIVE to Denver! Get ready to deepen those smile lines as  Zach "Badger" Davis...

Mar 11, 2024 : Backpacker Radio
The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?

The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the Benton Mackaye Trail Instead?

It’s March, and the Appalachian Trail is teeming with humanity. Thousands attempt to hike the iconic footpath each year — and for better or worse, many of them start in...

Mar 8, 2024 : Kelly Floro
Lessons Learned: Going into my 2nd Thru-Hike

Lessons Learned: Going into my 2nd Thru-Hike

New Year, New Trail After a year away from thru-hiking, it's time to get back onto the trail. Since immersing myself in thru-hiking culture in 2017, it's been a significant...

Feb 26, 2024 : Thomas Allie
“This Is What Everyone in the World Needs”: Michael “Grizzy Smurf” Monahan on Healing, Resilience, and the Triple Crown

“This Is What Everyone in the World Needs”: Michael “Grizzy Smurf” Monahan on Healing, Resilience, and the Triple Crown

Content Warning: This story contains brief mention of child abuse and neglect. Michael “Grizzly Smurf” Monahan completed his Triple Crown in 2023, a nearly 8,000-mile hiking feat that fewer than

Feb 13, 2024 : Matthew Kok