Advice

You Can Do Trail Magic, You Just Have to Do it Right

You Can Do Trail Magic, You Just Have to Do it Right

It’s no mystery why hikers in the midst of a grueling long-distance journey love trail magic. Whether you’re having a great day or feeling ground down, hot, cold, tired, or...

Jun 4, 2018 : Clay Bonnyman Evans
Essential Considerations for International Backpacking

Essential Considerations for International Backpacking

In the same way as the things you carry vary according to the terrain you hike, international backpacking requires some adjustments. I have been backpacking the length of the Andes...

May 28, 2018 : Bethany Hughes
How to Train for (and Hike) Mt. Whitney, the Tallest Peak in the Lower 48

How to Train for (and Hike) Mt. Whitney, the Tallest Peak in the Lower 48

How do you prepare for Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the Lower 48? At 14,505 feet, Mt. Whitney is one of the most ventured peaks in the Eastern Sierra,...

May 24, 2018 : Hannah Seligson
11 Things Vegan PCT Hikers Should Know

11 Things Vegan PCT Hikers Should Know

As a vegan thru-hiker and a foodie, finding new vegan options wherever I am is always a priority. I will always alter my plans to try a new vegan place,...

May 23, 2018 : Bridget Love
Eight-Day Backpacking Food Plan and Tips

Eight-Day Backpacking Food Plan and Tips

Download my 8-Day Backpacking Food Plan complete with weight and calories-per-ounce, as well as my personal food tips on how I've learned to make trail food more enjoyable!

May 17, 2018 : Josh Johnson
Appalachian Trail State Profile: Virginia

Appalachian Trail State Profile: Virginia

At over 550 trail miles, Virginia is the longest state on the Appalachian Trail. Hikers reach the state line at mile 466, three miles before Damascus, and most will be in...

May 15, 2018 : The Editors
Mailbag with Jennifer Pharr Davis: Handling Injuries on Long-Distance Trails

Mailbag with Jennifer Pharr Davis: Handling Injuries on Long-Distance Trails

The Trek Editor’s Note Welcome to Mailbag with Jennifer Pharr Davis.  In case you missed it, we’re taking hikers’ questions and passing them off to the trail legend for her wisdom and

May 9, 2018 : Jennifer Pharr Davis
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness During High-Elevation Hikes

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness During High-Elevation Hikes

Congratulations! After years of hiking and climbing at lower altitudes, you’ve decided to climb that high-elevation peak or take the high-country trail that’s been sitting on your bucket list. The

May 2, 2018 : Colleen Goldhorn
20 of the Best Podcasts for Thru-Hikers

20 of the Best Podcasts for Thru-Hikers

Since podcasts first appeared on the smartphone scene in 2004, they’ve filled a niche for listeners who want to laugh, be inspired, be educated, or all of the above. For long-distance...

Apr 30, 2018 : The Editors
Best Places to Do Trail Magic on the Appalachian Trail

Best Places to Do Trail Magic on the Appalachian Trail

 The outdoor community has always had a way of attracting utopian dreamers, and the tradition of trail magic is perhaps the ultimate embodiment of the experience of the Appalachian Trail....

Apr 25, 2018 : Jessica Tinios