How to Thru-Hike

Gonzo and Julia
  • 4.7 (3)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

An experienced Appalachian Trail thru hiker shares advice and stories with her trail-dreaming co-host slash sister. Hear about gear from backpacks to footwear, get firsthand accounts of trail magic, and learn crucial hiker slang to help you understand your fellow trail bums. Fun and helpful tips and information for any backpacker considering a thru-hike.

Episodes

  1. 03/29/2024

    NY and CT: What is Hiker Trash

    Gonzo's in New York and it's the Fourth of July! She tells us all about the lowest elevation section of the trail and what it's like to see the NYC skyline while cowboy camping. Plus, a top-tier movie experience in Warwick. Also, we'll cover the dirty bubble, thru-hiker demographics, and the many popular challenges on the AT. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠⁠⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    46 min

  2. 03/08/2024

    New Jersey: Bears, Ticks, and Beavers, Oh My!

    New Jersey is the most densely populated section of the AT with humans AND black bears! Who knew? Not Julia. Gonzo teaches us why ticks are the most dangerous animals on the AT and answers a wildlife quiz. Plus, what risks are posed by venomous snakes? And what do you do if you see a bear? Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    39 min

  3. 10/03/2023 · BONUS

    BONUS: Sleep Systems for Backpacking

    All the details about quilts, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, down, and temperature ratings that didn't make the cut for our main gear episodes! For thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike, how do you decide which setup will help you get the best rest possible on the trail? Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    40 min

  4. 09/13/2023

    Pennsylvania (ROCKS): Gear Talk Part 2

    Thru-hikers love to hate the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail, but not Gonzo! Did she complete the half-gallon challenge? Did she bruise her ankles? Plus, what the heck is a zero-drop trail runner? And what was the gear MVP of her hike? Also, why you shouldn't trust deet around your gear. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    49 min

  5. 08/23/2023

    WV and MD: Gear Talk Part 1

    We have made it to the (psychological) halfway point of the trail! This episode covers Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal, and our home state of Maryland. Plus, it's the first of two main episodes about gear -- backpacks, tents, quilts, sleeping bags, shoes, and even a George Foreman grill (maybe). Who's taking on the Four-State Challenge? And who's down to share their vestibule with a skunk? Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    40 min

  6. 08/09/2023

    VA Part 2: Blazing Along

    We have finally made it to Northern Virginia, home of the AT Triple Crown, Shenandoah National Park, and some of the hottest weather for Northbound thru-hikers! Gonzo shares her experience hiking through this surprisingly challenging section and talks us through different ways to get off trail or follow the trail but "blaze" in different ways. Plus a surprise canoe trip on the Shenandoah River and a fishing mishap. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    38 min

  7. 08/02/2023 · BONUS

    BONUS: More Hygiene Questions

    Does everyone get hairy armpits on the AT? Did Gonzo use a backpacker bidet? What is the best trowel for digging a cathole? We're back for a short bonus this week to answer everything we missed about bathrooms and body odor. Have another question that we didn't get to? DM us on Instagram or send us an email to howtothruhikepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    14 min

  8. 07/26/2023

    VA Part 1: It's a Culture

    We're covering the southern half of the Virginia AT today, which is home to Damascus, Trail Days, Grayson Highlands, and so much more. It's also where Gonzo saw her first snakes and perfected her hitchhiking dances. There's no better spot to also talk about thru-hiker and trail town culture, trail magic (finally), and town days. Hostels, resupply, and trail angels are all discussed in depth. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    44 min

  9. 07/12/2023

    NC and TN: No Pooping in the Smokies

    What's the bathroom situation like on the trail? How often can you shower during a thru-hike? Does deodorant help the smell? The North Carolina and Tennessee sections of the AT feature stunning balds, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the highest point on the whole trail at Clingman's Dome. Plus, they make a great backdrop to talk about all things hygiene, from toilets to toothpaste. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    53 min

  10. 06/28/2023

    Georgia: April (Snow) Showers

    Ever woken up to frozen hiking shoes? Visited a Bavarian town in the rural South? Or maybe braved freezing temps with just rain pants and shorts? In this episode, Gonzo shares some of her favorite (and least favorite) moments from Georgia, and Julia gets answers to all her weather-related questions. Plus, we talk a lot about socks. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    35 min

  11. 06/21/2023

    The Appalachian Trail: Overview & Routes

    Northbound or Southbound? How long even is the Appalachian Trail? Who was the first person that even did a thru-hike? To kick off our season on the AT, we share some basic facts about the trail, Gonzo shows off her trail knowledge, and Julia gives us some history and fun facts. We also talk about routes and some of the major factors to consider when planning a thru-hike on the AT. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from ⁠Growing Up on Freesound

    36 min

  12. TRAILER

    Trailer

    Meet Gonzo & Julia and get the run-down on what How to Thru-Hike is all about! This season, we're taking you along the Appalachian Trail and sharing all of the backpacking and hiking tips you need to have a fun and rewarding time on the trail. Follow us on Instagram! Our theme music features acoustic guitar from Growing Up on Freesound

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

An experienced Appalachian Trail thru hiker shares advice and stories with her trail-dreaming co-host slash sister. Hear about gear from backpacks to footwear, get firsthand accounts of trail magic, and learn crucial hiker slang to help you understand your fellow trail bums. Fun and helpful tips and information for any backpacker considering a thru-hike.

Information

  • Creator
    Gonzo and Julia
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Gonzo and Julia
  • Show Website
    How to Thru-Hike