Shilletha “Dragonsky” Curtis is a thru-hiker on track to becoming the second known Black woman to complete the Triple Crown. New Jersey native, Shilletha thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and recently published her powerful memoir, “Pack Light: A Journey to Find Myself.”

If you enjoy seeing stories of adventure and diverse perspectives through the lens of talented creators, these film festivals should be right up your alley. Whether you’re attending a flagship event or binge-watching the weekend away, we know these creators will inspire you to connect with the natural world like never before.

Today on International Day of Persons With Disabilities, we’re focusing on what each and every one of us can contribute to show support and increase accessibility for this important part of our outdoor community.

Most folks using alcohol stoves these days are choosing to for a good reason. That reason may span from widespread availability of fuel to bringing back childhood memories, or even the simplicity of a DIY project. At the end of the night, you’ll be happiest if you hike your own hike and make the decisions that best suit your hiking style and the adventure ahead.

Introducing Jeff Klemmer: a veteran who received a sponsorship from Warrior Expeditions to embark on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Jeff, originally from Pass Christian, Mississippi served in the US Marine Corps from 1989 - 2013 and was kind enough to share his experience of the program with us. Read on to find out more about Warrior Expeditions and Jeff’s experience on the trail this year.

“With Blackwaters, I wanted an initiative that focused on Black men. We suffer from many challenges of psychological disparities and emotions from historical racism and the plague of stereotypes in our society from various media channels. Young black boys are facing the same disconnect from nature.“

The challenge of hiking through smoke or areas with poor air quality can happen anywhere, and it’s important you have some knowledge and resources in your pocket just in case.

FarOut was onto something when they added the Mountains-To-Sea Trail to their repertoire of guides this year (and it’s not just because it’s the Year of the Trail in North Carolina). It’s because this section of the world is unlike any other, and there’s true magic in these woods. From the smell of the decomposing leaf litter to the baby black bears that scurry away through the trees, you’ll smile from ear to ear as you explore the southern Appalachians on this worthwhile adventure.

Looking for a lightweight backpacking stove? The 3000-T Ultralight Burner from BRS Outdoor seems to have it all. This stove comes in hot with impressive specs and a price tag under $20, making it the lightest and most affordable option I’ve seen to date. But when you factor in fuel efficiency, do these specs stand up to the realities of life on trail? Let’s find out.

I was stoked for several reasons when I saw organic maple syrup was the common thread between the 3 flavor options made by Embark Maple, but most serendipitously because I was about to tackle Vermont’s Long Trail and knew these energy packets would be the perfect addition to my stoveless pack.

As I scanned my thru-hiking bucket list, I had a few factors to consider before committing to my summer adventure. Appalachian Trail Days and my best friend’s wedding mid-June were the bookends to my timeline. That left me approximately one month including travel to get a hike under my hip-belt. Challenge: Accepted.

I set my sights on Vermont's 275-mile Long Trail. Sure, I’d be covered in bug bites and have a slight hiker hobble down the aisle, but I’d get to spend several weeks in the gorgeous Green Mountain State, and that was an adventure worth pursuing.

The customization options in Granite Gear’s Perimeter Pack series (both women’s and unisex models) aims to benefit hikers not normally catered to with one-size-fits-all options.

Is this flush-with-features pack worth the weight? Read on to find out.

Have you hit the trail to find inspiration? You’re not alone. These fantastic folks are hitting the trail with art supplies in tow and have stunning work to show for it. From Blue Ridge backpacking guides to muralists and more, here are 10 artists making an impact on the hiking community through their work.

Every class of intrepid adventurers to hit the trail is unique for a myriad of reasons. Whether the journey takes them close to home or they travel halfway across the world to begin their trek, these hikers are bonded by one common goal: a walk from Mexico to Canada. But there’s more than one way to hike a trail, so we’re excited to share a wide variety of stories, perspectives, preparation strategies, and more from the PCT Class of 2023.

We know it’s nostalgic to catch a whiff of all of last season’s adventures when you crack the door to your gear closet, but there are plenty of reasons spring cleaning should extend to this petri dish of unforgettable smells and stains. Regular maintenance will ensure you and your kit are in top shape to take on your next trail and promote longevity and peak performance of your gear for years to come. So, get ready to fluff, backwash, and scrub your way through the weather that’s keeping you indoors with this guide to getting your gear in shape for spring hiking season.

It’s International Women’s Day which means it’s time to celebrate remarkable women inspiring others and making a difference in the outdoors! Check out these 7 Stellar Women Inspiring Others in the Outdoors to learn more about each of these incredible women from the work they do to their adventures under their belts.

If you knew me as a child, you’d remember me scampering along pine needle-laden trails completely barefoot. If you knew me in college, you’d remember grimacing at the quarter-sized callouses on the balls of my feet from twirling the night away sans shoes — earning me the presidency of the contra dance club.

Shamma Sandals recommends that Warriors are best sandals for experienced minimalist runners, walkers, and hikers, because by design, they are extremely thin and light. So what did I do?!?! I walked right into the Warriors with zero minimalist footwear experience, and a desperate need for a lightweight camp shoe. From the moment I strapped in, it was like all my barefoot dreams had come true.

Each year, with the help of local communities, long trails are recognized as the incredible gems they are with celebrations dedicated to them. Hikers, stewards, vendors, and volunteers alike gather annually to show their appreciation for the trails they love. If your interests happen to include live music, fantastic food, inspiring stories told by legendary speakers, and long-distance hiking, you’ll want to make sure you’re in attendance at one of the trail festivals below.

It may not be the ideal season to tackle a thru-hike in your neck of the woods, but these intrepid adventurers have chosen their trails wisely. From the Everglades and road walks of the Florida Trail to New Zealand’s Te Araroa (plus a CA thru-hike you’ve likely never heard of), these are the Trek Bloggers in the midst of their adventures. Follow along with their journey for some serious FOMO this winter.

Most outdoor enthusiasts are unlikely to embrace further dependency on devices, especially when you’re in the midst of a promising adventure. But what if I told you when mindfully navigated, phones can be a tool for learning, connecting with nature, and staying safe in the backcountry? If you’re naturally curious about the natural world and find a walk in the woods leaves you with more questions than answers, this is the article for you.