Going on a long backpacking trip or your first thru-hike requires tips and knowledge for the trail ahead. Experienced thru hikers, Our Trailing Thought, gives us their list of seven things they wish they knew for their first thru hike.
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Sarah “Hermes” Wolfson, 25, had been struggling with chronic depression for half of her life by the time she decided to hike the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2020. She’d heard about thru-hiking years before, and she always felt an…
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Former Army Combat Medic Hikes 6,800 Miles for Veteran Suicide Prevention If you or someone you know is suffering from thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. Alexander “Stealth” Seling, 33, began a 6,800-mile…
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My guide-dog, Tennille and I have trekked more than 6,000 miles together and have completed five thru-hikes throughout the United States. We’ve found that long-distance hiking is a very enjoyable experience if done correctly. But before you head out, there…
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In the world of thru-hiking, the lightweight, ultra-reliable and indestructible closed cell camping sleeping pad is hard to beat. We caught up with three thru-hikers that swear by the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite and Z Seat to learn more about their…
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With thru hiker season upon us for the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, everyone is wondering about cutting pack weight. Most seasoned thru-hikers have their packing lists dialed and first-time long-distance hikers learn as they…
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I was bright-eyed and under informed. Somehow, “planning” on the internet didn’t quite ready me for some of the struggles I faced. As it turns out, long days putting one foot in front of the other is a great opportunity for reflection.
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While thru-hiking a trail your home becomes transient. Learn how to find stability in returning to it each night. We found our speck of familiarity along a vast, unfamiliar trail. So, go out and explore. Wander freely.
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Spending a month thru-hiking in the high desert means your gear will see a myriad of conditions, ranging from freezing desert nights to furious rains and inescapable heat. Eric knows the importance of a quality sleep system.
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The “Wild” effect is in full swing. Popularity has surged on the Pacific Crest Trail over the past few years and the trend seems like it will continue invariably into the future. There is now a permit process dictating start…
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You’ve been strolling around the gear shop for hours, wandering aisles filled with packs, sleeping bags, stoves and sleeping pads. The shop’s employees and have given up on you. It’s not that you are trying to be difficult. It’s just…
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“Are you guys thru hiking?” a day hiker asks while passing. I stop and turn, leaning on my trekking poles, noticing the smell of shampoo and soap. “We’re trying!” I say enthusiastically. I take a step backwards, hoping the person…
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