Every thru-hike becomes a gear test sooner or later. Our 2026 Trail Correspondents take stock of what's earned a permanent place in their packs, what's headed for the next post office, and which pieces of gear have surprised them—for better or worse. From luxury items to costly mistakes, these stories from the AT, PCT, and CDT prove that the right gear can make all the difference... until it doesn't.

Correspondent Roster

In this episode, we hear from:

• Logan Hannah - Instagram
• Parrish "Quip" McWhorter - Instagram
• TJ McQuiston - Instagram
• Chris Becraft - Instagram
• Jessica "Hellman" Bagnell - Instagram
• Scott Anderson - Facebook
• Sorrel "Team Ultraheavy" Perka- Instagram
• Danny Nelson - Instagram
• MacKenzie "Wilt" Wieder - Instagram

Sponsor

Trail Correspondents is presented by Altra. Use code "TREK10" for 10% off at checkout at altrarunning.com

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Credits

Hosted, produced, and edited by Andrew "Shanty" Baldwin (Instagram). Trail Correspondents is a production of The Trek.