by Chica | Apr 10, 2018 | Appalachian Trail, Friday 5's, Gear, Hiking
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I loved being a woman thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail last year. Yes, I was with my husband, and that was epic, but I didn’t let that take away from the pride I had for myself as a woman. When I was young, and I first heard of the Appalachian Trail, it was only associated with guys hiking it. But here I was – a girl, a women, a chica – doing it along with the guys, and other women as well! There are more and more female thru-hikers each year, currently about 30%, and I love that it’s on the rise. Who knows, maybe some day we’ll take over the trail? Girl power! (more…)
by Greg | Mar 23, 2018 | Friday 5's, Gear, Hiking
Gear, gear, gear. It’s easy to get bogged down in the minutia of gear stats when outfitting a long-distance hike. Weight, size, material, multi-use’ness, cost, it seems an unending process to choose what is best. Today’s list is 5 items that can be easily left out, but provide gear solutions to common backpacking problems. Most of these serve multiple purposes and they all are lightweight compared to their utility. (more…)
by Chica | Jan 8, 2018 | Appalachian Trail, AT, Gear, Hiking
This post was initially a contest where we gave away a backpack strap water bottle holder. That giveaway has ended. Still, this is an incredible, useful product, please continue reading.
All along our thru-hike we received oohs, ahhs, and questions about the water bottle holders we used that attached to the shoulder straps of our backpacks. Like all great products, this one solves a problem. Many hikers find it difficult, to near impossible, to reach their water bottles stored in the side pockets of the backpack. We heard this over and over on our long hike. Once, we even helped a hiker retrieve her water bottle because she couldn’t reach it; she had been reduced to taking her pack off every time she needed a sip.
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by Greg | Dec 14, 2017 | Friday 5's, Gear
We all know about the Big 3 and everyone is aware of the necessary clothes to take on a thru-hike. But no one really talks about the small items that can make or break a person’s will. Sometimes identified as backpacking luxury items, those that rely on them know how much of a necessity they are. (more…)
by Greg | Nov 30, 2017 | Appalachian Trail, Foot gear, Gear, Hiking
Chica recently posted her finalized and post-hike gear list. As per usual, I am a couple of weeks behind. Hey, you’re lucky I got off my butt and posted anything. I can be quite lazy. Below you will find my Appalachian Trail thru-hike gear list.
The list includes everything I started with, items I sent home and got back, as well as gear I sent home never to return. I also provide mini reviews and commentary where I have something to say. At a minimum I will let you know what gear I Loved, Liked, found Meh, or Hated. (more…)
by Chica | Nov 18, 2017 | Appalachian Trail, AT, Gear, Hiking
Hi guys! I’ve done a Youtube video on my post trail thru-hike gear list (I actually did it while we were on the trail, but towards the end of our journey). Here is the written and itemized list – for any of you who want the specifics. Video is posted again at the end. My pack weight was 27 pounds (which included 4 days of food and 2 liters of water). (more…)
