9 Tips for Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2026 (BPR #346)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are once again firing off our best advice for the upcoming class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. Chaunce and I are joined by Trek Community Ringleader, Jess Stone, to bring you 9 tips for thru-hiking the AT in 2026. Because this is not the first time we've done this subject, Chaunce and I are unveiling brand new advice for this one (with an asterisks)- and today's tips cover advice to ensure you don't lose your precious media (which is more common than you might think), trail name advice, the importance of training, how to maximize the adventure, how to be intentional about getting what you want out of this experience, and much more. We wrap the show with the top tents used on the Appalachian Trail in 2025, what two week Trek Chaunce should take on at the end of March, the triple crown of things that get our goat (v2), and why food delivery services might be pure evil. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek . Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com . [divider] Panel with Jess Stone Jess's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:10:40 - Reminders : Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek ,

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9 Tips for Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2026 (BPR #346) is an episode from Backpacker Radio by Zach Davis.

This episode is 02:09:17 long.

This episode was published on Feb 23, 2026.

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