Zach

Owner / Editor-in-Chief at thetrek.co. AT (2011) + PCT (2017) thru-hiker. Author of Appalachian Trials and Pacific Crest Trials, resources focused on mentally preparing people for a thru-hike. Named The Top Hiking and Outdoor Blogger by USA TODAY. AKA Badger or the Good Badger. Will dance if provoked. If you're planning on thru-hiking in the future, I encourage you to check out my Personal AT Coaching Page.

Posts

The Trek SWAG Giveaway!

The Trek SWAG Giveaway!

We're giving away a boat-load of The Trek SWAG.  It takes less than one minute to enter. One lucky winner will receive: One (1) Equinox Trucker

Aug 10, 2018 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #11: The Highs

Trail Correspondents Episode #11: The Highs

Today's episode is our most uplifting to date.  That's because our thru-hikers have been tasked with describing the highs of their

Aug 6, 2018 : Zach
Backpacker Radio Episode 16: Furball on Thru-Hiking with Your Dog, Tour du Mont Blanc, and Appalachian Trail Terminology

Backpacker Radio Episode 16: Furball on Thru-Hiking with Your Dog, Tour du Mont Blanc, and Appalachian Trail Terminology

In Episode 16 the Paprika Pals sit down with Nadia “Furball” Westenburg to talk about the pros and cons of thru-hiking with a dog. She

Jul 30, 2018 : Zach
100 Days on the PCT: The Real Hiking Viking and Badger’s SOBO Journey [Episode 3]

100 Days on the PCT: The Real Hiking Viking and Badger’s SOBO Journey [Episode 3]

In 2017, Zach "Badger" Davis and The Real Hiking Viking set out to SOBO thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. They documented (most of) their adventure

Jul 28, 2018 : Zach
100 Days on the PCT || Episode 2 || Missing in Traction

100 Days on the PCT || Episode 2 || Missing in Traction

In 2017, The Real Hiking Viking and Badger set out to southbound (SOBO) thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. They chronicled (most of) their

Jul 21, 2018 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #10: Trail Food, Changing Physiques, and Gear Sent Home

Trail Correspondents Episode #10: Trail Food, Changing Physiques, and Gear Sent Home

Today's episode hits on a few subjects that are often the top of mind for thru-hikers and those curious about the undertaking. They are:

Jul 16, 2018 : Zach
Backpacker Radio Episode 15: Jennifer Pharr Davis, The Best Thru-Hiking Backpacks, and Clothes on the PCT

Backpacker Radio Episode 15: Jennifer Pharr Davis, The Best Thru-Hiking Backpacks, and Clothes on the PCT

In today's edition of Backpacker Radio, Badger and Chaunce are joined by trail legend, the former supported Appalachian Trail FKT record

Jul 11, 2018 : Zach
Backpacker Radio Episode #14: Data, Chaunce Gets Covered in Poo, and the LWCF

Backpacker Radio Episode #14: Data, Chaunce Gets Covered in Poo, and the LWCF

Maybe don't listen to this podcast during your lunch because Chaunce has an all-timer poop story.  Also on episode 14 of Backpacker

Jun 28, 2018 : Zach
Trail Correspondents Episode #9: The Wildcard Show

Trail Correspondents Episode #9: The Wildcard Show

This is a fun episode, as our hikers were tasked only to report on whatever subject was at the forefront of their minds.  The

Jun 25, 2018 : Zach
Introducing “100 Days on the PCT,” a Video Series Chronicling The Real Hiking Viking & Badger’s PCT Thru-Hike

Introducing “100 Days on the PCT,” a Video Series Chronicling The Real Hiking Viking & Badger’s PCT Thru-Hike

In 2017, The Trek's Editor-in-Chief, Zach "Badger" Davis, set out to SOBO thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 100 days with his buddy, Jabba,

Jun 25, 2018 : Zach