Thru-Hiking Culture

Carl “Professor” Stanfield on the Other Side of Thru-Hiking: A Summer Dream Job at an AT Hostel

Carl “Professor” Stanfield on the Other Side of Thru-Hiking: A Summer Dream Job at an AT Hostel

Hiker hostels are one of the great treasures of America's long trails. The colorful characters and buildings that make up hostel culture can seem intimidating at first, but it usually...

Mar 10, 2025 : Carl Stanfield
Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2024 Thru-Hiker Survey

Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2024 Thru-Hiker Survey

The 2024 AT survey is coming to a close. We'll be covering the water filters, stoves, rain gear, and so much more in this final post. This post is all...

Mar 6, 2025 : Kate Richard
An Inside Look at One of the First PCT Thru-Hikes in History: Stolen Packs, Near-Death Experiences, and Life-changing Adventure

An Inside Look at One of the First PCT Thru-Hikes in History: Stolen Packs, Near-Death Experiences, and Life-changing Adventure

Today’s PCT thru-hikers have a wealth of resources at their disposal — trail towns that cater to long-distance hikers, dedicated trail angels, GPS navigation, up-to-date water reports, and an entire

Feb 26, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Top Backpacks on the Appalachian Trail: 2024 Thru-Hiker Survey

Top Backpacks on the Appalachian Trail: 2024 Thru-Hiker Survey

In this next installment of the 2024 Appalachian Trail survey, we're covering everything about backpacks! We take a look at the frame type and capacity hikers chose as well as...

Feb 17, 2025 : Kate Richard
Reflections of the PCT as I gear up for the AT

Reflections of the PCT as I gear up for the AT

I remember my first hike as a young nipper. I would have been about 10. Dad took my sister, friend, and I on a two-night three-day hike called the Rakiura...

Feb 15, 2025 : Katie Buxton
One will never be enough

One will never be enough

I first heard about the continental divide trail when late one night in an anxiety ridden state in 2021 I was googling back up plans for if I didn’t get...

Feb 13, 2025 : Scorpion Queen
Richmond Ranges Reflection

Richmond Ranges Reflection

Hello Richmonds, Goodbye John The more time I’ve spent on trail, the more familiar certain names and faces become. I’m more accustomed to sharing my food, stories, and memories with...

Feb 13, 2025 : Grace Hart
The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2024 Thru-Hiker Survey

The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2024 Thru-Hiker Survey

We're back again with another 2024 Appalachian Trail survey post, and this time we're covering sleeping systems. We’ll discuss quilts vs sleeping bags, insulation type, and temperature. We take a

Feb 3, 2025 : Kate Richard
Reflections From My Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

Reflections From My Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

Today, January 17, marks six months since I completed my 2024 Appalachian Trail thru hike. On July 17, 2024, with passersby-turned-friends by my side, I clambered up the rocky path...

Jan 17, 2025 : Will Skipworth
Join Us: Backpacker Radio LIVE Podcast in Austin!

Join Us: Backpacker Radio LIVE Podcast in Austin!

Howdy, Texas trailblazers! Backpacker Radio is hitting the trail to Austin this spring for a LIVE podcast event you won’t want to miss! Saddle up and join Zach and Chaunce,...

Jan 10, 2025 : Backpacker Radio