Team Bender 2.0
Jill Lapham announces “Team Bender 2.0,” a new Appalachian Trail thru‑hike beginning at the iconic Amicalola Arch in Springer, Georgia. After a northbound attempt that stopped in Rutland, Vermont, she will partner again with Zuko for the southern leg, aiming to reach the Springer Shelter and eventually continue toward Virginia. The hike is slated for April 2026, aligning with the typical March start window for most hikers. This second attempt reflects both personal resolve and a growing trend of repeat AT hikers.
Top Wairoa Hut to Hunters Hut AKA Te Araroa LASH Day 13
Sean Berenson recounts a challenging day on the Te Araroa trail between Top Wairoa Hut and Hunters Hut, where unexpected summer rain dropped temperatures to near freezing. Despite the harsh conditions, the well‑maintained hut provided essential shelter, heat, and a social hub...
Carrying My Dad Across the PCT
Alayne, a former military medic, decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail after her father’s sudden death, using the trek as a way to process grief. An unexpected permit cancellation opens a March 30 start, aligning with her academic schedule. She...
Franklin Nearo – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 11
On day 11 of his Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, Franklin Nearo reports reaching 118 miles total with 2,086 miles remaining. He highlights local services in Franklin, noting Outdoor 76’s extensive gear selection and the Nearo lounge, while warning about silnylon dry bag...
Bama to Baxter, Day Three: Is It Quittin’ Time?
On day three of Jeff’s Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, he logged 56 miles, bringing the total to 56 of the 2,557 miles remaining. A water cache at Bull’s Gap offered relief, but steep climbs caused recurring dizziness and mental fatigue, prompting...
Peg Leg’s Calendar Year Triple Crown Gear List
In 2025 the author completed a Calendar Year Triple Crown, hiking roughly 8,500 miles across the United States while using a largely unchanged gear set from the previous year. The core kit featured a Pa’lante Ultraweave Desert Pack, Zpacks Plex...
The Noise Before the Silence
Katy Eldred reflects on a hectic start to 2026, juggling a new jiu‑jitsu routine, a demanding work schedule, and preparation for the Pacific Crest Trail. Late‑night training and irregular meals have cut her sleep to under seven hours, leaving her...
Things I Hope to Learn From the AT – Part 2
In this personal essay, Lena B reflects on her upcoming Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, focusing on cultivating presence, embracing minimalism, and committing to practice. She describes a vivid contrast between a summer moment and a winter one, highlighting how much of...
Mitigating the Damage: My Strategy for Intake on the CDT (TRAILS Series, Part 4)
The author outlines a detailed intake strategy for the 2026 Continental Divide Trail, emphasizing the need to sustain 5,000‑7,000 daily calories over five months. He explains how chronic calorie deficits trigger muscle catabolism, immune suppression, and injury risk. Because remote...
Actually No, the Trail Won’t Always Be There: Why You Should Thru-Hike Now
The article warns that iconic long‑distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail are increasingly vulnerable to wildfires, floods, pandemic fallout and political land‑use decisions. Recent events—including record‑breaking fires in the West, a 2024...
No Rain, No Maine – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 9
On Day 9 of Grey Fox’s Appalachian Trail thru‑hike, he logged his 102nd mile, leaving roughly 2,102 miles to the southern terminus. A relentless rainstorm forced him to start early despite forecasts predicting showers until mid‑afternoon. Wool base layers proved effective at...
Day Two on the Bama to Baxter Hike
Jeff completed the second day of his Bama‑to‑Baxter thru‑hike, adding 18 miles to bring his total distance to 41 miles. After an early start, he reunited with fellow hiker Scurvy, who helped with a water‑carry and shared trail knowledge. A...