So you’ve got a thru-hike planned for this summer and you’re deep into planning. In the cold dark months of winter, hikers dream of alpine lakes and sunshine, but combing through the million pieces of information to get in place before you start your trip can feel daunting. Where do you even start t… read more
Posted in TrailBy Aaron Karns
Cold weather can be a huge deterrent to taking a hike in the winter months. This should not be the case, however. Winter offers some of the most spectacular and jaw dropping views that cannot be seen when it is sunny and 75°. When it is cold, however, different precautions are requ… read more
Posted in Trail
From September 1st to September 30th this year I thru-hiked the Oregon Desert Trail, a 750-mile route created by the Oregon Natural Desert Association which highlights the wild desert of my home state. The route is roughly 9% trail, 35% cross-country, and 51% unpaved/dirt … read more
Posted in TrailBy: Jennifer Pharr Davis
Making mistakes is a healthy part of any thru hike. You can’t successfully backpack over 2,000 miles without making tweaks and adjustments to your original plan. Whether it be your itinerary, gear, or mindset something along the route will be forced to change if you w… read more
Posted in TrailBy Christine Martens
New Zealand is famous for its amazing scenery (featured in Lord of the Rings) and multitude of hiking trails. Hiking tracks in New Zealand fall into several different categories. There are Great Walks, Easy Tramping Tracks, Advanced Tramping Tracks, and Tramping Routes.
… read morePosted in TrailInclement weather, river crossings and sweat while thru-hiking come with the territory. Prepping for that moisture will save you some serious misery on the trail. The great debate regarding waterproof … read more
Posted in Astral Gear | Trail