Zach

Owner / Editor-in-Chief at thetrek.co. AT (2011) + PCT (2017) thru-hiker. Author of Appalachian Trials and Pacific Crest Trials, resources focused on mentally preparing people for a thru-hike. Named The Top Hiking and Outdoor Blogger by USA TODAY. AKA Badger or the Good Badger. Will dance if provoked. If you're planning on thru-hiking in the future, I encourage you to check out my Personal AT Coaching Page.

Posts

Trail Correspondents 2023: Apply to Join the Team!

Trail Correspondents 2023: Apply to Join the Team!

We’re thrilled to announce that we will be bringing back a fourth season of Trail Correspondents, a podcast dedicated to sharing the highs, lows, and

Jan 12, 2023 : Zach
Badger’s Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List

Badger’s Tahoe Rim Trail Gear List

Talking in circles: bad; walking in circles: good. At least this is true when the inside of your circle contains one of the most beautiful lakes in

Jun 30, 2022 : Zach
Announcing The Backpacker Radio Sponsorship: A Kickass Support Package for One Lucky 2022 Thru-Hiker

Announcing The Backpacker Radio Sponsorship: A Kickass Support Package for One Lucky 2022 Thru-Hiker

Dear aspiring 2022 thru-hiker, Chaunce and I want to help enable your backpacking dreams!!! We've teased this quite a bit in recent episodes of

Dec 21, 2021 : Zach
Wisconsin, Here We Come! Backpacker Radio’s 2nd Annual Road Trip Takes on the Ice Age Trail

Wisconsin, Here We Come! Backpacker Radio’s 2nd Annual Road Trip Takes on the Ice Age Trail

Backpacker Radio, The Trek's flagship podcast, is bound for the Badger State this October!  In partnership with Travel Wisconsin & the Ice Age

Sep 20, 2021 : Zach
Backpacker Radio 112 | Beginner Backpacking Mistakes

Backpacker Radio 112 | Beginner Backpacking Mistakes

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are trying new things!  In lieu of an interview, myself alongside Chaunce and Sauce

Jul 13, 2021 : Zach
2021 Badger Sponsorship: The Winners

2021 Badger Sponsorship: The Winners

And that's a wrap! We entered the virtual ping pong balls into the virtual lottery machine, and the very real winners have been selected.  Below are

Mar 6, 2021 : Zach
Backpacker Radio 96 | Survivorman Les Stroud

Backpacker Radio 96 | Survivorman Les Stroud

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by THE Survivorman, Les Stroud.  This interview does not disappoint.  We

Mar 2, 2021 : Zach
Thru-Hiking in 2021, COVID-19, and The Trek’s Platform

Thru-Hiking in 2021, COVID-19, and The Trek’s Platform

It was roughly this time last year when it felt as if hell was rising to the earth’s surface. A virus we knew little about, aside from its ability to

Feb 10, 2021 : Zach
Backpacker Radio 92 | Andrew Skurka Returns

Backpacker Radio 92 | Andrew Skurka Returns

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are once again joined by Andrew Skurka- and as you might’ve already guessed, it does

Jan 7, 2021 : Zach
NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill + iFit Review

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill + iFit Review

For much of the last decade, a disproportionate amount of my off-season cardio has taken place on a treadmill.  No one, and I truly mean not a single

Oct 22, 2020 : Zach