8 Tips for 2025 Appalachian Trail Hikers (BPR #295)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by LMNT, Chaunce and Badger are serving up tips for this year's class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. We're covering everything from social dynamics and budgeting to mental prep, diet, why you should document your hike, some listener submission tips, and much more. We also give a rundown of advice from previous episodes in case you want to dig even deeper into getting ready for the Appalachian Trail. Whether you're hitting the AT this year, planning for a future trek, or know someone who is, this episode is for you. Or for them.

We wrap the show with the latest on the mass layoffs hitting National Park and Forest Service employees, an update from our friends at Rebuild Hot Springs Area on how the funds raised through the Badger Sponsorship are helping with recovery efforts (plus ways you can still get involved), what our trail names would be if they had to be food-centric, and the Triple Crown of Backpacker Radio starter-pack episodes.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKER20" for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.

Ombraz: Use code "BACKPACKER30" for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

Timeline: Get 33% off your first order at timeline.com/backpacker33.

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Panel with Zach and Chaunce

Time stamps & Questions

00:09:50 - Reminders: Join us for our live show in Austin, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

00:13:30 - Introducing Zach and Chaunce

00:18:00 - Tips from past AT episodes, #138 and #140

00:30:30 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Don't rush to find your trail family

00:35:15 - Zach's Tip #1: Document your hike

00:40:35 - Listener Submission #1: Your shit will dry

00:41:28 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Don't take things too seriously

00:43:33 - Zach's Tip #2: Electrolytes

00:48:55 - Listener Submission #2: Don't overplan and don't rush

00:51:47 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Add ⅓ to ½ over your estimated budget

01:03:20 - Zach's Tip #3: Mentally prepare for your thru-hike

01:12:25 - Chaunce's Honorable Mention: Train for downhills

01:17:00 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Mass Layoffs of National Park and Forest Workers Threaten the Future of America's Trails by Katie Jackson
• Rebuild Hot Springs

QOTD: If your trail name had to be a food, what would it be and how would you earn it?

Triple Crown of BPR starter pack episodes

• #112: Beginner Backpacking Mistakes
• #246: Girl Stuff 3.0: Hiking as a New Mom, Pink Blazing, and Fearmongering
• #14: Data, Chaunce Gets Covered in Poo, and the LWCF
• #4: The Real Hiking Viking Pt II, Scariest Moments from the Trail, and Thru-Hiking Nutrition
• #35: Weezer on Hiking Sober, Processing Grief, and Metamorphosis on the Pacific Crest Trail
• #205: Warren Doyle: Appalachian Trail Legend on His Record 18 Completed AT Traverses
• #1: The Real Hiking Viking
• #49: Matt "Pretzel" Mason on Shaking Down New Thru-Hikers, Gear Advice, Wildland Firefighting, and Also Everything
• #260: John Mackey, Whole Foods Co-Founder, on His Thru-Hiking Experience, Co-Owning Gossamer Gear, and Entrepreneurship
• #55: Kevin Nealon
• #43: Clay Bonnyman Evans on AT Cults, Trail Murder Statistics, and YouTube Vlogger Scam Artists
• #132: Jack "Quadzilla" Jones
• #17: Thru-Hiking Injury Prevention and Recovery Tips with Dr. Emily Kelly
• #69: Will "Akuna" Robinson

Mail Bag

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