Dylan Tonkin

I have spent my lifetime chasing big rapids, mayfly hatches and whistling wings. I was the kid who grew up in the outdoors away from video games and TV. As a youth I spent time hiking the trails of PA including the AT. I was the kind of kid with the full length map of the AT on my wall growing up. I finally took control of my life and thru hiked the AT in 2016. It opened up my eyes to so many new and exciting things and helped me to develop a better understanding of the world, and more importantly, myself.

Posts

My dog is the Bo Jackson of Long Distance Hiking

My dog is the Bo Jackson of Long Distance Hiking

With plenty of time on our hands during our AT thru hike in 2016 my friends and I would play a game. It was kind of like 20 questions but without a

Mar 27, 2017 : Dylan Tonkin
Gear Review: ZPacks Arc Blast UL Backpack

Gear Review: ZPacks Arc Blast UL Backpack

When someone says the name ZPacks people either know how awesome they are, or they have never heard of them.  If you don't know about ZPacks, I'm

Mar 8, 2017 : Dylan Tonkin
Long-Distance Potato Chips

Long-Distance Potato Chips

I've missed the trail every moment of every day since September 2nd 2016.  I missed it before I even left Maine two days later.  I miss it right now.

Feb 23, 2017 : Dylan Tonkin
Gear Review: Montbell Down Hugger #5

Gear Review: Montbell Down Hugger #5

It's no secret that Montbell has become one of my favorite UL gear manufacturers.  You can see this is evident by reading my other gear reviews:

Dec 18, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin
Gear Review: Icebreaker 260 Base layer

Gear Review: Icebreaker 260 Base layer

When it comes to keeping dry and warm cotton is OUT!  As the saying goes "Cotton Kills."  During my time as a white water raft guide I have seen many

Nov 13, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin
Make the time to find yourself

Make the time to find yourself

Two months ago, I climbed atop the final mountain on my thru hike of the Appalachian trail.  It was 2,189 miles, 151 days, 14 states, 4 pairs of

Nov 9, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin
Trail Angels: A Tribute to Granny and Old Goat

Trail Angels: A Tribute to Granny and Old Goat

Trail magic and trail angels come in many shapes and sizes.  Some more elaborate than others.  A simple cooler full of cold sodas or a much-needed

Nov 5, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin
Lessons from the trail

Lessons from the trail

As I came to the close of my hike I began to reflect on some of the lessons I had learned. Some of these lessons came the hard way. Others just seem

Aug 14, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin
The Smokies to Bazooko Circus

The Smokies to Bazooko Circus

It seems that early morning is my time to write. It's currently 2 AM and I again lay in a shelter joined by no less than 6 people who should be

Jun 9, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin
My first Appalachian Trial

My first Appalachian Trial

Last week while taking a mid day break at a shelter I was trying to find a hostel for the evening my hike came screeching to a halt.  The week

May 15, 2016 : Dylan Tonkin