A selfie of a backpacker with a field in the background.
A selfie of a backpacker with a field in the background.

You’ll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes

It’s that beautiful time of year where all you lovely future thru-hikers are thinking to yourselves, “oh shit! This is really happening! Am I really doing this? Ahhhhh!”

The 2025 thru-hiking season is around the corner, especially for Appalachian Trail hikers starting in February or March. If you haven’t already started, now’s the time to begin thinking seriously about your fitness, gear, and the logistics of your hike.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kelly Floro.

Medya Mansyone

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.

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Owner & Managing Editor

Medya Mansyone

Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

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Medya Mansyone

People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.

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Reporter