In this conversation I sat down with Ben Cox, who is known as Paladin on the trail. He and I discuss various aspects of hiking, including the emergence of social media, the significance of trail names, and the influence of family on outdoor pursuits. We also talk about the transition from casual hiking to long-distance trails, exploring personal growth and finding coping mechanisms developed through these experiences. Ourdiscussion also covers the differences between the AT and PCT, the importance of community on the trail, and the role of technology in modern hiking. Ben shares memorable international hiking experiences and reflects on personal lossduring a significant hike in Scotland. Our conversation concludes with thoughts on gear evolution and Paladin's future hiking aspirations, including the desire to achieve the Triple Crown of hiking.

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration #paladin #westhighlandway #PCT #thru-r #optoutside #westcarolinauniversity

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I sat down with good friend of the show Huckleberry, the owner of Huckleberry's Hostel, and he reflects on his first year of operation. We discuss the differences between being a hiker and a hostel owner, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and the importance of camaraderie among hikers. Huckleberry shares his insights on managing a hostel year-round, the surprises he encountered, and his plans for future improvements. The conversation also touches on the financial aspects of running a hostel, the importance of guest etiquette, and the need for respect in shared spaces. I hope you enjoy the episode!Huckleberry's Social Media:Instagram: @huckleberryshostelFacebook: @huckleberryshostelWebsite: https://www.huckleberryshostel.com/#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration #hikerhostel #hostellife #hostel @huckleberryshostel #mcafeeknob #virginiatriplecrown #catawba

Hello and welcome back to Hiker Sessions. In this episode, we sit down with Christian Rivera, also known as Captain on the Trail, during his 2024 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. From hisroots as an All-American fencer to his transformative experiences on the trail, Captain shares how his competitive spirit and drive have shaped his life and adventures. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story of resilience, discovery, and the very unexpected connections made along the way. I hope you enjoy the episode!

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration @therealcoachrivera #fencing @sanjuan_fencingclub #thruhike

In this engaging conversation, myself and Maxheap (Michael Goshey) explore the transformative power of long-distance hiking. We discuss the emotional and physical challenges of hiking, the importance of community and relationships formed on the trail, and the personal growth that comes from these experiences. Maxheap shares his journey through the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail, highlighting the unique aspects of each hike and the connections made along the way. The conversation also touches on the balance between family life and the desire to pursue hiking adventures, as well as his future plans for more hikes and the impact of these experiences on personal well-being.Maxheap's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@maxheap-hikesLink to Maxheap's Blogs: https://maxheap.net/index.php/en/#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2023 #pctlassof2022 #cdtclassof2019 #maxheap #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration @maxheap-hikes #thruhike

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I sit down with Kevin Binkley, or "Barefoot" as he is known on the trail. Barefoot is a 6 year Army veteran and a 2025 participant in the Warrior Expeditions program. Kevin shares his journey of attempting the Appalachian Trail after a failed attempt 25 years ago. He discusses the challenges he has faced, including substance abuse and personal growth, and reflects on the transformative power of the trail. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the surprises encountered along the hike, and the deep connections formed with fellow hikers. Kevin also offers advice for future hikers and shares his plans for the future, including his role as an ambassador for Warrior Expeditions in 2026.#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #atclassof2025 #warriorexpeditions #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration @warriorexpeditions @wanderingwoodworkingwarrior @kevinbinkley Links:https://warriorexpeditions.org/Barefoot's socail media links:Instagram: @wanderingwoodworkingwarriorFacebook: @kevinbinkley

In this episode of "Hiker Sessions," we delve into the extraordinary journey of Howard Rizio, known on the trail as Wing It. Wingit's path from his lowest of lows to the highest point in Maine is a powerful story of resilience, hope, and self-realization. Join us as we explore his transformative experiences and the lessons learned along the way. I hope you enjoy the episode, and please subscribe to my sloggyhikes YouTube channel if you haven’t already, thank you!#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #atclassof2025 #wingit #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs @AwakenedAve #hope #resilience #inspiration

In this episode, I reconnected with Steelhead, who we lastsaw on episode 22 of Hiker Sessions season 1. At that time, he had made his way North almost 650 miles on the Appalachian trail. Steelhead is back to share his experiences from the rest of his adventure, all the way to Katahdin. We discuss the challenges he had with weight loss, the bonds he formed with hiking partners, the loneliness of hiking solo, and the kindness of strangers he encountered along the way. Steelhead also reflects on the life-changing lessons learned from living out of a backpack, his future hiking ambitions, and the emotional impact of reaching Katahdin. I think our conversation highlights the importance of community, mental resilience, and the beauty of nature throughout the hiking journey.

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #atclassof2025 #steelhead #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs

I sit down with Natalie Nichols, aka "Glam Girl", and her father, Mark Bolduc, known as "Hunger Pain", as they recount their incredible 2025 northbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. From the rocky terrain of Pennsylvania to the emotional summit at Katahdin, this father-daughter duo shares their experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing the beauty of nature, and strengthening their bond through every step of their 119-day adventure. Discover how their journey was not just about the miles, but about the memories and the unbreakable team they became. #sloggyhikes #hikersessions#atclassof2024 #atclassof2025 #glamgirl #hungerpain #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside#senchidesigns @nataliebnicols @markpbolduc @freshground4883 @freshgroundleapfrogcafe @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I sat down to speak with Casey Huffman, trail name “Vegas” on the trail. He shareshis transformative journey through long-distance hiking… from his struggles with mental health and identity to the profound sense of community he quickly found on the Appalachian Trail and beyond, Vegas discusses the lessons learned and the bonds formed with fellow hikers. He also reflects on his experiences hiking various trails, including his recent completion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and shares his future hiking aspirations, emphasizing the importance ofcamaraderie and his personal growth in the hiking community.

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #atclassof20245 #PCTclassof2025 #vegasthepiedpiper #bigwillydawg #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @VegasThePiedPiper⁩

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC7YwssF8BdbPmFRnixQGXm4hFEimTGGT

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I interview Nephew, a 2025 thru-hiker and author of 'Grandma Gatewood's Walk.' We discussed Nephew's journey on the Appalachian Trail, the challenges he faced, and the deep connections he formed with fellow hikers. The conversation also delves into the impact of Grandma Gatewood on the AT and the timeless themes of community, resilience, and personal growth that still resonate with hikers today.