The Swords

We're the Swords and we are starting our northbound thru-hike of the AT on March 19! We're in our late 20’s and since we met in high school we've been doing life by the books-graduating high school, going to college, getting a job, getting married. We've really been very fortunate so far, but the problem is that we love the outdoors and traveling, and our current jobs have really limited our ability to enjoy those things. We’re planning on making big changes in our lives, and we’re using this hike to kick start a new lifestyle. Hopefully, it will lead us to great things!

Posts

For Family and Friends: Our Thru-Hike Explained

For Family and Friends: Our Thru-Hike Explained

To our friends and families that can't wrap their heads around the thru-hiker lifestyle, we get it. We understand why you don't understand. Unless

Feb 20, 2018 : The Swords
Five Things You’ll Learn on Your First Backpacking Trip

Five Things You’ll Learn on Your First Backpacking Trip

Some thru-hikers start their journey with zero experience in backpacking, and we're not far from being total newbs ourselves. We have always

Feb 1, 2018 : The Swords
Life On Pause: How We’re Preparing To Hike For Five Months

Life On Pause: How We’re Preparing To Hike For Five Months

Everyone on the trail has a different story. Here is a little background into what we've had to do to get our lives in order in preparation for our five-month absence.

Jan 16, 2018 : The Swords
Appalachian Trail Winter Gear List: Taylor’s Pack

Appalachian Trail Winter Gear List: Taylor’s Pack

Traveling as a pair means we get to share some of our gear. See how we're splitting the load!

Jan 6, 2018 : The Swords
Appalachian Trail Winter Gear List: Nikki’s Pack

Appalachian Trail Winter Gear List: Nikki’s Pack

Traveling as a pair means we get to share some of our gear! See how we're splitting the load.

Jan 6, 2018 : The Swords
Our First Taste of the Appalachian Trail: Visiting Grayson Highlands

Our First Taste of the Appalachian Trail: Visiting Grayson Highlands

The emotions were overwhelming that day: excitement, anticipation, fear, uncertainty. This was our first time stepping foot on the AT since deciding we would attempt a thru-hike 8 months prior, and our desires were really being put to the test.

Dec 27, 2017 : The Swords