Advice
The Backpacker’s Guide to Bear Bagging
What is the deal with bear bags? Which type should I use, or should I use a canister? Once I have one, what do I do with it?
A List of Hostels on the Appalachian Trail
Hostels on the Appalachian Trail are part of what makes a thru-hike such a unique experience. We've listed 100+ places to stay between Georgia and Maine, including a few lodgings...
How Much Water Should You Carry on the Appalachian Trail?
At 2.2 pounds per liter, water is one of the heaviest things you’ll carry on a thru-hike. It’s also the most important thing you’ll carry. Figuring out how much water...
My Half Ounce Windscreen
AT Cook Set I start my AT thru-hike attempt in about three weeks and am mostly ready. This means, though, I have 21 days to obsess and tweak. My latest...
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...
Rockin’ in the Bedrocks: Long Distance Hiking in Sandals
Importance of Footwear Selecting the right footwear for the trail is undoubtedly one of the most crucial decisions a hiker can make. The wrong shoes can significantly hinder your hike,...
Choosing the Best AT Start Date: Advice From a Former Mountain Crossings Employee
One of my favorite things to do when preparing for a long hike is to whip out my whiteboard and start a countdown, but it's hard to do that if...
Essential Gear for a 4,400-Mile Thru-Hike
Embarking on a thru-hike is no small feat. While the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail have secured their place as two of the most popular long-distance trails in the...
8 Essential Safety Tips for Thru-Hiking the AT
You just announced your Appalachian Trail thru-hike, and now your family, friends, and neighbor’s dog-walker are all bombarding you with warnings: “Make sure you bring a portable defibrillator in
Sustainable Trail Magic: How To Help Hikers Without Hurting the Trail
Every hiker learns to love those cardboard signs with hand-scrawled letters: Trail magic ahead! A Coca-Cola at the right time on a tough section of a thru-hike can turn someone’s...