Trail Tips
After spending over 10 months on thru hikes we want to share some of the knowledge we learned and found most crucial. Now we want to share it with you! This section of the Talk Trashy blog is all of our tips and tricks.
Posts
Health Insurance Coverage while Thru-Hiking
Preparing for a thru-hike often revolves around gear choices, resupply strategies, and mileage planning—but what about the life logistics? One of the biggest challenges before starting a long-distance trail is figuring out health insurance. If you’ve relied on employer sponsored healthcare, don’t have a domestic partner or spouse, and are over 26 what are your options?
How Much does a Thru Hike cost?
One of the most common questions about the thru hiking adventure! Saving for a thru hike can be a multi-year process and leave you asking “how much do I need to save anyway?” Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward but we can definitely shed some light to help you figure out what budget is realistic.
This article breaks down my exact costs from my Pacific Crest Trail thru hike in 2024. I’ll dive into the specific categories of cost and how my experience lines with the average thru hiker.
How to Send a Resupply Package
There are numerous reasons you might want to receive mail on trail: shoes, medications, contacts, snow gear, etc. This might be the first time you need to somehow get mail when you don’t have an address to send to! This post will cover the ins and outs of sending or orders packages to trail.
Thru Hiker Gift Ideas
You have supportive family and friends who want to show their support for your adventure with backpacking inspired gifts? We have put together a list of gift ideas that are easy give to friends and family who ask, “What can I get you for the trail?”
Favorite Town Stops: PCT
How are you to possibly narrow down all towns in California, Oregon, or Washington? We are here to help. We detail some of our favorite spots on the PCT with specific recs for each stop.
Favorite Town Stops: AT
To help you narrow down which towns are worth the stop, we have compiled a list of some of our most memorable stops. This is your Yelp review hiker style.
What’s in Our Packs
It is daunting task to narrow down all the items you will need for 6 months into a single, sub-60 liter pack. We know, we’ve been there and we want to share the lessons we have learned.
The Fit: Get the Look
Unlike everyday life you won’t have access to a closet full of options to choose the best fit for that singular day, so you have to select clothing purposefully. We dive into how to maximize the most from your clothing choices while minimizing the impact.
How to Choose Thru Hiking Gear
Finding gear that is going to work best for you is a stressful task, especially with new gear being developed every year that is lighter or more optimal for the trail. There is a give and take with any gear you choose. Ultimately, you will have to decide what matters most and we are here to help!
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