The only items you’ll need for 6 months, a thru-hiker's gear list fine-tunes the essentials when it comes to living in the outdoors. Here’s the evolution of my gear on the Appalachian Trail.

My lessons were learned the hard way and the fun way. If I had to narrow it down to five basic items that kept me safe, sane, and happy, this is it.

The journey is not over yet. I still have many peaks ahead of me, and now I have more personal goals than I’ve had in a long time.

Before my thru-hike I wore Altra. Post-hike, I wear Altra. My choice footwear from hikes in the Adirondacks to waterfall treks in Dominica.

Everything you need to know before you hike in the 100-mile wilderness.

Highlight’s SOBO Starter Guide: Mount Katahdin

How to choose a summit day, where to book your campsite reservations and travel information make up this part of Highlight’s SOBO Starter Guide. Make it easy on yourself and follow this guideline for a seamless start to your journey.

Planning a southbound thru-hike is rough. Prepare yourself with this guide and you’ll be on your way to the best experience of your life.

I just finished the Smokies and I’m reminded of Maine when everything’s new and you’re totally stunned later at what you’ve just experienced

Here’s my phone interview with HLN, a sister network to CNN

The landscape was different too, not just me. Both subtle and drastic changes in the terrain, only the seasons provide.

The best part of the Whites is the sheer adventure of each day. Days are divided into summits, experiences at the huts, or the day you meet your new trail family.

I believe it’s important to reflect on genuine tested gear lists, so here’s a tried and true rundown of what’s in my pack, including gear and clothes, and my notes…

For the first time in 8 days: a hot shower, savory bacon, and sorting trail trash.

I’m leaving New York City to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and pre-trail jitters are alive and well.