Ask a Thru-Hiker

Most thru-hike attempts end short of the finish line. If that’s you, deciding what to do next is a tough question.

Having a friend join you as support for a few days during your hike can be a welcome break—and a chance to reconnect with your life at home. But for it to be a positive experience, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Thru-hikers who cross long, dry stretches have always had to get creative to avoid dehydration, and a warming climate isn’t helping. Learn the rules and etiquette of caching water.

No one wants to sip from an algae and cow-manure-fouled puddle. But sometimes, you don’t have a choice.

Just finding their way to their journey's starting point is a challenge that few new thru-hikers think about until they have to do it. But there are resources—and generous people—to help them.

Hike a long trail without spending a night in a tent or lean-to? It may sound silly. But a veteran thru-hiker says it’s more than doable—if you know where to look.

More and more long-distance hikers are having to get creative when fires, floods, or heavy snowpack shuts down their trail. What should you do when you can’t keep going?

Don’t want to run out of cash midway through your dream thru-hike? You need to spend some time figuring out your finances up front.

So you want to help thru-hikers? There are a lot of great ways to do it. Veteran hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas talks you through them.

Travelling a long trail end to end isn't the only way to thru-hike.

Your thru-hike is supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. So why is your mind wandering to literally anywhere else?

We've been warned against hitchhiking our entire lives—but on a long trail, sometimes it's the best option.

Most thru-hikers are careful about LNT rules—but a few scofflaws can make us all look bad.

From weight changes to growing feet, hiking 2,000 miles can have a big impact on you physically.

Through thick and thin, health and injury, long slogs and zero days, your trail family will be there for you.

In 5 months, a new class of thru-hikers will start the trip of a lifetime. If you hope to be one of them, there are a few things you should start doing now.

Finishing a 2,000-mile hike is tough. But for many thru-hikers, coming back to the “real world” afterward is even tougher.

Getting ill on the trail happens, and it can be scary. Here's how to prevent sickness and ride it out when it happens.

Is your motivation running dry? Try one of these strategies to recharge it.

In a pinch, they can can keep you going—but only if we all do our part.

Buy, ship, or check hiker boxes and just hope for the best? Here's how to keep your stove running on your thru-hike.

For hikers on the western U.S.'s long-distance paths, large wildfires are part of the new normal.

Before you head out on a thru-hike, set expectations at home and at work, and make sure that everyone knows what to do when trouble arises.

Skip the resupply box: There are better uses for your time.

From training to planning, prep right to maximize your chances of going the distance.

Nearly a year into the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are ready to say goodbye to stay-at-home orders, shoulder our packs, and head out on a multi-month hiking adventure. But with transmission rates still high and vaccination efforts stretching into late summer, should we hold off?

Getting back to "real life" after a long hike can be rough. But if you feel low after coming home, you're not alone.

It can't all be sunsets and bear encounters. Thru-hikers spend most of their time doing one thing: walking.

Thru-hiking lingo isn’t just code, it’s a window into how people backpack.

First of all, should you?

Yes, hiking is wonderful and nature is grand. But when you’re walking for months at a time, you will eventually get bored. Our thru-hiker explains how to deal with trail fatigue.

The trails are still covered in snow, but it’s not too late to start getting ready for your first thru-hike.

Thru-hiking a long trail is hard enough without constantly second-guessing yourself along the way. Our writer shares her strategies for banishing worries before and during your hike.

Bringing the wrong kind of clothes or food is a quick ticket to a hefty pack—but don’t go too far.

When you're putting your body through the strain of 5 months on the trail, you need to take care of it.

There's calorie density, nutritional profile, and bulk to consider. But when it comes to packing food for a thru-hike, one thing will always hold true: it has to taste good enough to eat.

Can you see America's best idea on a thru-hike? You sure can—if you can figure out how to pick up your permit.

You could eat a half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting, or hike 100 miles eating only Pop-Tarts: On a long trail, anything goes.

Going on a long hike is complicated under the best of circumstances—but kids and a partner open up a whole new world of challenges.

Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or another long path? Make the most of your time before you blast off.

Have the thru-hike itch, but don't want to ditch your career? A short long trail may be just what you need.

Reality check: Not everyone can quit their jobs to hike the PCT. But if you have a week or two of vacation, you can complete one of these.

Travel the world or go for a long walk? You don't have to choose.

Your chances of being struck by lightning are higher than you think. Minimize them with these tips from thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas.

Quitting your job for the trail doesn't necessarily spell doom for your career.

They don't charge for their help—but that doesn't mean you don't owe them.

Dreaming of tackling the AT after graduation? Liz "Snorkel" Thomas has some advice.

Learn the three ways long-distance trekkers get their grub.

Don't underestimate the physical and mental ships you'll go through on the trail.

Master the shakedown for a smoother trek.