After being helivaced out of the Sierra Mountains due to severe altitude sickness, Alyssa has the reins to our account and is sharing all the things you want to know about life on trail (and then some). The “then some” includes her touching motivations for hitting the trail, her wild experience getting evacuated, encountering an injury that kept her off trail for a month, and much, much, more.

Today I’m having on a guest that has been using her art and talent working with several mediums to showcase what she calls “the trailverse”, Alina AKA “Abstract” of Abstract Hikes. In own words, her mission is to, “Help people reconnect with their journeys in wilderness through art, commemorate life on trail and the culture of long distance backpacking, and promote diversity in the outdoors while expanding current narratives of what and who is "outdoorsy".

Today I’m delighted to chat with Honey, a Trek Vlogger taking on a monumental challenge. She’s not only walking 2,200 miles from GA to ME, and not only vlogging it along the way (which if you’re in the know is a LOT of work), but she’s also committed to doing her entire thru-hike zero waste. 

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, Rebecca Sperry underwent years of treatment all while being in graduate school, working part-time, and hiking over 1,000 miles mostly in the White Mountains National Forest of NH. You may know her as a Hyperlite Ambassador or from her wonderful articles and think-pieces on thru-hiker culture or from her honest updates about hiking through cancer, but wherever you know her from I’m glad you’re tuning in with us to learn more of her inspiring story.

Class is in session, and we’re covering all those bizarre (and at times downright unintelligible) phrases and abbreviations that permeate thru-hiker culture. Whether you’ve just decided to tackle your first thru-hike or, like my Mom, you’ve found yourself in the position of supporting a thru-hiker, this handy guide will make sure you’re in-the-know when it comes to trail lingo.

We know that escaping into the great outdoors is the ideal activity for those that crave Type 2 fun. But, for those times you’re tending to the obligatory duties of adult-ing, tuning into a stellar backpacking podcast can help scratch that itch for adventure. Let’s introduce some of the intrepid adventurers taking to the airwaves to share tales from the trail, diverse guest spotlights, and expert information to accompany you on your next adventure.

The interview I have for you today hits close to home because Trishadee AKA Dandelion is a Trek Blogger who has been providing phenomenal updates from her journey since before she took her first steps.

Oats is back on IG Live with two folks on the precipice of becoming the first two transgender people to achieve the hiking triple crown. Currently tackling the PCT we touch on Lyla and Cal's "why", trans-competency in the outdoors, hiking with a pup, and much more.

Oats is back with another interview from the AT, this time with Tony Depricio of Warrior Expeditions reporting in from Hot Springs. Learn all about the nonprofit that sends veterans on the adventure of a lifetime free of charge, and how else the program has made an impact through the healing power of nature in this interview from The Trek.

At this point in the season odds are you probably know somebody who is out on a long trail somewhere in the country: but Scott has been out on a SOBO thru-hike since early December. From summiting Mount Katahdin in the winter to tackling feet of snow through Maine and New Hampshire facing wind chills below -30 degrees, this journey is equal parts impressive and absolutely wild.

We’re shining the spotlight on Trek Ambassador Alice Wu. Alice is a first-generation Asian-American and Navy veteran previously stationed in Japan. She’s about 300 miles in on the PCT (her first experience with thru-hiking). The following is my interview with Alice as she takes a much-needed zero on trail.

This week, I’m highlighting Trek Blogger Lyla “Sugar” Harrod who is currently ⅓ of the way through her first thru-hike. Lyla is a 34 year old sober, transgender, queer woman with a career in Youth Development. She’s dedicated a lot of energy both on and off-trail to making the outdoor community a more inclusive and accessible place and released a featured article on The Trek detailing “7 Ways to Be Trans Competent on Trail”. Catch the full interview here!

Oftentimes storm safety doesn’t cross hikers’ minds until they’re in the grasp of one, and even then recollection on proper procedures can be fuzzy. As helpless as you may feel in the moment, there are steps that you can take to mitigate your risk of being struck. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of misconceptions, along with plenty of misinformation, around basic storm safety, some of which can actually increase your risk. So, let’s set the record straight and dig into the Dos and Don'ts of lightning safety in the backcountry.

Between safety, practicing proper trail ethics, and maximizing comfort, there are plenty of factors to consider before you put stakes in the ground. Here are the most important ones I always go through when deciding on a spot to call home for the night.

The Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) is a 96.4-mile point-to-point hiking trail located in East Texas just north of Houston. It winds through the woodlands of the Sam Houston National Forest and features many distinct and ecologically diverse forests. This beginner-friendly trail is a perfect setting for anyone looking to do a gear shakedown, prep for a longer thru-hike, or just have a fun week on trail and crush some miles in the process.

Looking for a crash course in Leave No Trace? I’m your girl!

Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a first-time adventurer, it’s natural to want your best friend beside you. Believe me, I know! I live full-time in a camper with my dogs, Flynn the great dane and Thru the siberian husky, and I find myself missing them even when I’m gone only a few hours. But there is a lot to consider before embarking on an adventure with your pup. As you read articles filled with tips and advice for thru-hiking with your dog, which inevitably conjure up adorable images of your pup happily snuggled up in a shelter, you’ll first need to ask the most important question… “Does my dog really want to go on a thru-hike?”

Trails on winter may be a wonderful way to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet, serene scenery. But it certainly comes with its own challenges. Read on if you’re looking for tips and tricks to make the most of the winter season outdoors (without the shivering).

How the Appalachian Trail helped me tackle my next long-trail goal, the 485-mile Colorado Trail. See what challenges were similar, what caught me off-guard, and what new limits I pushed myself to on my most recent journey.

Tips on how to minimize and manage injuries on a thru-hike, and how to stay motivated even when those injuries may force you off-trail for a while.