In Defense of the Burn Zone Wudan Yan|March 23, 2026 Burn zones are often viewed as eyesores to avoid. One hiker shares an alternate perspective.
Breaking the Self Supported Appalachian Trail FKT with Jeff Garmire Shelby Stanger|March 17, 2026 Jeff Garmire is a legend in the world of fastest known times with more than 20 FKTs on routes including the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. On September 21, 2025, he reached Mount Springer after setting a self supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, completing the route in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes.
How Hiking Long Trails Changed My Relationship with Food Wudan Yan|February 10, 2025 REI Co-op Member Wudan Yan shares how hiking a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail challenged her views on nutrition.
Our Best Trail Magic Stories Mary Beth Skylis|September 20, 2024 Trail magic is a special kindness shown to a long-haul hiker. Maybe it's a snack, a ride or a friendly face, but it's always unforgettable.
What’s In My Pack with Super-Thru-Hiker Lyla “Sugar” Harrod Lyla Harrod|June 14, 2024 The first openly transgender woman to complete the Triple Crown of thru-hiking shares her thru-hiking essentials (including luxury items)
A Journey to Complete the Pacific Crest Trail REI Staff|October 13, 2023 Jasmine Star undertook her first section of the PCT at age 50. Over a decade later, the completion of her goal is within sight.
Hikers, Climbers, Mountain Bikers Reconsider Plans Amid COVID-19 Ashley Brown|March 25, 2020 Land managers and nonprofit organizations provide updated recommendations for recreationists planning thru-hikes and backcountry adventures amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
At Home on the Appalachian Trail Jonathan Olivier|February 13, 2020 Janet Hensley grew up a stone’s throw from the AT. Since then, she’s devoted her life to helping people hike it.
How to Get Through the Thru-Hiking Off-Season Jenni Gritters|January 10, 2020 Thru-hiking can be the experience of a lifetime, but adjusting to life off-trail can be tricky. Here are 10 tips from four experts who have done just that.
Hiker Trash: A Love Letter to the Appalachian Trail Aer Parris|October 10, 2019 A new book offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the thru-hiking community.
Inside the Mind of Heather ‘Anish’ Anderson Heather Hansman|May 30, 2019 What does it take to hike almost 8,000 miles in a single thru-hiking season? Anderson’s new book provides some hints.
Why Has No One Completed a Winter Thru-Hike of the CDT? Aer Parris|January 30, 2019 The Continental Divide Trail, a long-distance trail running 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, has yet to be completed in the winter months.
