Valerie
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PCT Prep: What is the Pacific Crest Trail?
Recently, I shared that I’m preparing to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail this year! Now, if you’re wondering “What is the Pacific Crest Trail?” or “How long does it take to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail” this post is for… Continue reading
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Summary of my Appalachian Trail Thru Hike (Resupply strategy, gear, and reflections)
As you know, I’m gearing up to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail starting this May. Soon, I’ll be sharing posts about my preparations and planning process. But first, I’m taking time to reflect on my past thru-hikes and look over… Continue reading
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Summary of my Colorado Trail Thru Hike (Resupply strategy, gear, and reflections)
As I gear up to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail this upcoming May, I’ll post a lot about my planning process. As I prepare for my next adventure, I’m also taking time to reflect on my past thru-hikes and look… Continue reading
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My exciting plans for 2025
This week, I have an exciting announcement to share: I’m planning to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail this year! I’ve been dying to share my plans but held off while I waited to get my permit figured out. Now with… Continue reading
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5 Effective Winter Cross-Training Tips for Backpacking
Happy New Year! After a short break from posting over the holidays to relax and travel, I’m back. Perhaps you used some of your downtime over the holidays to start dreaming up some exciting backpacking adventures for summer. I know… Continue reading
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Best Short Backpacking Trips on the Colorado Trail
It’s December. So if you’re like me, you’re already scheming up backpacking trips for next summer. If you need a little inspiration, I’ve put together this list of 5 amazing segments of the Colorado Trail that would make incredible 1… Continue reading
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Affordable Backpacking: 7 Gear Alternatives That Work
After years of backpacking, I’ve learned the value of owning durable, high-quality gear. However, if you’re getting started and trying to save money on your backpacking setup, it can be hard to discern essential items from the frivolous and unnecessary… Continue reading
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The time I survived a tornado while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail
As an avid backpacker and thru-hiker, I’ve spent the night outdoors in some pretty insane weather. From rain and snow to hail and lightning, I thought I’d seen it all. But the storm I experienced on the southern Appalachian Trail… Continue reading
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Lessons Learned: 7 things I did differently on my second thru-hike
When it comes to thru-hiking, sometimes you must learn by doing. This was certainly the case for me. I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail solo during my gap year before college. Though I was already a fairly experienced backpacker for my… Continue reading
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Understanding Zeros and Neros on the Appalachian Trail
Recently I’ve started reading through my old Appalachian Trail journals from my 2014 thru-hike, in preparation for upcoming adventures. I’m learning a lot from this walk down memory lane. There were many surprising things that I’d forgotten about my thru-hike.… Continue reading
Adventures with Val 