Seeking New Trail Name
When you are dubbed with a trail name, it's a badge of honor that you carry for the rest of the trail. And yet here I am, leaving my trail...
Hey what’s that rock? Your go-to guide to the geology of the PCT
Hello hikers! How goes it? My name is Alan and I am a geologist who will be thru-hiking the PCT (NoBo) this summer, starting on May 10th, 2025. As a...
Dog Mushing, 20+ Years in the Navy, and the Triple Crown with Ben “Ginger Ballz” Vaughan (BPR #294)
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Ben Vaughan, known on trail as Ginger Ballz. Ben is...
How Did I Get to the PCT at 18?!
I am currently 18 and a high school senior. The first time that I remember hearing about the PCT was in 6th grade. Ultimately, around the time I turned 17,...
Oh Dear, let’s talk about Gear!
Gather around, It's gear time! Posting gear can be a hot topic sometimes and can come along with some very opinionated voices. We all love our gear and what works...
PCT Countdown: A Deep Dive into Permits, Visa Challenges, and Physical Conditioning
I received a lot of questions about how I prepare for the Pacific Crest Trail. What my training in detail looks like, and what is necessary to hike across the...
5 affordable pieces of gear I will absolutely without a doubt be carrying on the Continental Divide Trail.
It’s me, Scorpion Queen, the absolute hiking disaster! Remember when a saber toothed rat ate my pack one night on the Appalachian Trail? Or when ALL my gear broke on...
10 Multi-Use Hiking Items I’ll Bring on the PCT
As I’m preparing for my upcoming PCT thru hike, I’m reviewing all my hike items to ensure I’m bringing only those that are absolutely required and that I’ll use. If...
Getting closer to the start, step by step
The preparations for a PCT thru-hike look different for everyone. My preparations started a few months ago, with the first two things on my checklist being the US visa and...
How is Training for the PCT Going? (Spoiler Alert: Not Well)
After a minor setback on my training for the PCT, I am reflecting on some important lessons. I'm determined to get back on track after I recover from my most...