Every year, hundreds of people set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail on the East Coast, Pacific Crest Trail on the West Coast, and the Continental Divide Trail running between Mexico and Canada. Some are out to break records, some are completing the third trail in what’s known as the Triple Crown of hiking, and all are finding out what they’re capable of. So along with some of your favorite outdoor brands, we’re providing gear to 28 hikers as they take on one of the most ambitious endeavors in all of hiking.
Appalachian Trial
Devin Karch
My name is Devin and I’m hiking northbound on the Appalachian Trail starting in March 2017. I thru-hiked the PCT already, the John Muir Trail, the Long Trail, and will eventually be a triple crowner. I am a large, six and a half foot tall, boisterous person who can't get enough of the long distance hiking culture or the idea of living an adventurous life. To me a successful thru hike means reaching certain goals, including but not limited to: full moon hikes, big distance days (my biggest day on the PCT was 53 miles), cowboy camping as much as possible, the Quad state challenge and the half gallon challenge in which hikers eat an entire half-gallon of chocolate ice cream. @darwinthehiker
William Coates
Hello! My name is William. My college graduation was 5 months ago and now that that journey is complete, I'm ready to start the next one - the Appalachian Trail. AT hikers that I’ve met in the White Mountains were definitely the biggest motivator at the beginning. Now that the start date of my journey is so close I believe that I am motivating myself. On the trail, I’ll be in search of the best plate of nachos that towns along the AT have to offer while I’m out there. @itscoates
Tonja Dagley
My name is Tonja Dagley, also known as Choulli, and I’m hiking the Appalachian Trail solo this year. I had my children at a young age and my youngest is graduating college in May. It's time. My time! My motivation is me. My three beautiful children are my greatest accomplishments in life so the most difficult part will be leaving my family for 6 months. I want to find meaning in my hike. Live each moment fully. Watch every moment of sunset and sunrise. Learn to laugh when I fall. Be overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. @tonjadagley
Pacific Crest Trial
Aaron Kuntzelman
My name is Aaron and I plan to begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail around mid-April 2017 and wrap up around mid-October. On the trail I go by “Michael Jackson” because I wear one glove on the trail (so I can take pictures with the other hand). My motivation for thru-hiking lies in the life values instilled in me by my grandparents. Growing up, I would spend the vast portion of summers in the wilderness camping with my grandparents. My grandfather would teach me to cuss, how to treat a woman with respect, and how to be a student of the wilderness. If I could go back and give advice to 10 year old me, I would keep it simple with three phrases: Run barefoot, spend time staring at the stars, and jump in the puddles. @momentsthroughaaron
Tommy Corey
My name is Tommy and I’m starting the Pacific Crest Trail northbound in late April 2017. I’m motivated to thru hike because of my oldest brother Joe (trail name “Quake”) who completed the PCT in 2011. I've been a photographer since I was 13 and I want to further myself not just physically, but creatively in a way that a lot of people are terrified to do. Anywhere I am with my camera, I feel inspired. Being a gay man who only measures up to 5'3, I feel like completing this trail will further define my masculinity and help me gain a new found confidence in myself. If I could give 10 year old me any advice I’d say “ Stick up for yourself and for others. Silence condones the language.” On the trail my favorite foods are tortillas and gummy bears. @tommycoreyphoto
Josh Snead
I’m Josh “Jingle” Snead and I’m taking on the Pacific Crest Trail southbound. Before I hiked the AT I found myself caught up in the day to day task. I had little room for my outdoor passions. I'm inspired by high places. I love rock climbing and hiking. Being high up, exposed and open to the elements has always been a favorite of mine. You get a real sense of who you are in that moment when you feel the forces of nature around you. Looking back, I would tell the 10 year old me to stay outside past when the porch light comes on and keep pedaling that bike I liked to ride. I would say to follow your heart and do what makes you happy. You don't have to have it all figured out before you get there. Figuring it out as you go is way more fun and will take you places you never would've seen. Also, I love pizza. Any type of pizza. It could be cold pizza, hot pizza, day old pizza or the most creative specialty there is. I'd eat it! @josh__snead
Jessica Anne Morrison
I’m Jessica and my plan is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail southbound starting in July with Josh Snead. In 2011 I was rear-ended in a gnarly car crash that left me with a broken back. Two back surgeries and two years later, I was able to walk normally again. I am walking for those who can't - simply because at one time I couldn't. a successful thru-hike means giving myself time to breathe and to invest in myself- to enjoy the time I have on trail... even on the hard days. I would tell my 10 year old self not to be afraid to make mistakes and to dream bigger than you think you should. It's amazing what happens when we let down our guards and allow ourselves to have the room we need to succeed. @j3ssicanne
Continental Divide Trail
Laura Munsil
Hi! I’m Laura, also known as “Phantom” on the trail, and I’m hiking the Continental Divide Trail starting from the North - continuing my tradition of SoBo-ing. My favorite trail food is backpacking Pad Thai (Ramen and peanut butter) or Oreos. When I'm off trail, I absolutely inhale burgers and fries. The idea of encountering grizzly bears pretty much terrifies me (as it probably should), and the remoteness of the CDT will definitely be an obstacle in that regard. But - I've always said I want to do everything that scares me. The CDT scares me. So it's next. @thereallauratheexplorer
Other Trials
William Buckley
My name is William, aka “Dirty B”, and I am hiking both the Arizona Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail solo starting in April 2017. These trails are not nearly as well-maintained as the PCT and will require more map-and-compass navigation. I thru-hiked the PCT in 2016 and fell in love. I will continue to thru-hike for as long as I can walk. Thru hiking makes me a better person, it helps me realize what the human body can actually endure, and the amount of personal growth that comes afterwards is phenomenal. @williambuckleyy
Sherry Winslow
My name is Sherry but I’m known on the trail as Night Rider. Last year I hiked the PCT but this year I plan on taking on the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Wonderland Trail and the West Coast Trail. The PCT was my very first thru-hiking experience. I was constantly being challenged mentally, spiritually and physically. The struggles I've encountered on trail forced me to push my limits, expand my capacity and thrive in levels of discomfort. The place that inspires me most is: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. I spent a month backpacking and maintaining the trails on the islands with an awesome conservation crew through SCA. The landscape was incredibly picturesque, majestic and I've never seen water so amazingly blue-green. If I could give any advice to myself at 10 years old, I would say “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” and “Home is where your toothbrush is.” @sher_nanigaans
Natasha Kennedy
I’m Natasha and my goal this season is to solo hike either the North Country Trail or the California Coastal Trail. I thru hiked the PCT this past year which was a huge challenge for me, as I had only done day hikes prior to it. I hiked it solo and had the best time of my life. I would love to thru hike in support of an organization called Fast and Female, which promotes females in sports and athletics. It is so important to me to advocate women to be independent, athletic, strong, adventurous and healthy. @natashakkennedy
Katie Pryor
Hey, my name is Katie and I’m known on the trail as “Flaps.” In July I will be hiking the John Muir Trail with my boyfriend. Since moving to CA 3 years ago, I have had a love affair with the Sierras and want to make it a priority to experience them to the fullest! I’m pretty new to the hiking & adventure scene but have tried to make the most of it so far - Mt. Whitney, Tahoe Rim Trail, Eastern Sierras, Havasu Falls. A successful thru hike includes: big climbs, stunning views, killer photos, sleeping under the stars, sore muscles, life changing experience. If I could give any advice to myself at 10 years old, I would say to venture off the beaten path to find what makes you the happiest - you will be a much more genuine person if you break away from what others are doing and carve your own way through this life. And laugh a lot - you're too young to take everything seriously. @katiepryor4