https://packandsummit.com/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-home.svg https://packandsummit.com/news/ancient-lakes-camping-closure/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-ancient-lakes-camping-closure.svgA pair of binoculars, two metal cups, and a map on the ground in front of a tent.The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has proposed a ban on backcountry camping in the Ancient Lakes area, sparking concerns among outdoor enthusiasts and conservation groups. https://packandsummit.com/news/close-call-pacific-crest/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-close-call-pacific-crest.svgA snow-capped mountain peak with a cloudy sky.A PCT hiker recounts his experience with a potentially hazardous snow traverse on Tahquitz Peak, highlighting the importance of caution and preparedness in the face of uncertain terrain. https://packandsummit.com/news/fitness-influencers-turn-nicotine/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-fitness-influencers-turn-nicotine.svgA beige envelope, a book with the word "PREFACE" on the page, a piece of paper with the word...Fitness influencers and trainers are promoting nicotine pouches as a pre-workout hack, but experts warn of potential long-term consequences, including addiction and decreased exercise performance. https://packandsummit.com/news/grove-patriarchs-could-reopen/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-grove-patriarchs-could-reopen.svgA map with a compass and binoculars on top of it.Grove of the Patriarchs Could Reopen After 5-Year Closure (Source: Backpacker) https://packandsummit.com/news/technologies-revolutionize-search-rescue/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-technologies-revolutionize-search-rescue.svgA person climbing a rock wall, wearing a helmet and harness, with their hands and feet grasping...Search and rescue teams are adopting new technologies to aid their missions, enabling them to rescue people faster, safer, and more efficiently (Source: Backpacker) https://packandsummit.com/news/post-hike-comfort-essential/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-post-hike-comfort-essential.svgA collection of outdoor gear, including a compass, flashlight, knife, carabiner, rope, lighter...A car bag stocked with post-hike essentials can make a big difference in the comfort and enjoyment of the journey home (Source: Backpacker) https://packandsummit.com/news/hiker-prepares-challenging-white/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-hiker-prepares-challenging-white.svgA person is hiking on a rocky terrain in front of a glacier.A hiker faces a daunting challenge as they enter the White Mountain National Forest, preparing for a steep climb up Mount Moosilauke with a full pack and limited opportunities for resupply https://packandsummit.com/news/pct-hiker-reaches-crater/2026-08-21https://packandsummit.com/share-pct-hiker-reaches-crater.svgA woman standing in a mountainous landscape, holding a camera and hiking poles.A Pacific Crest Trail hiker shares their experience at PCT Days, a festival for hikers, and their journey to Crater Lake National Park (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/refreshing-turn-glynd-way/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-refreshing-turn-glynd-way.svgExplorers trekking through stunning Landmannalaugar scenery, Iceland.A hiker's journey on Glyndŵr’s Way takes a turn for the better after a rough night in Meifod (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/continental-divide-trail-hitting/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-continental-divide-trail-hitting.svgA man standing on a mountain ridge, gazing out at a vast mountain range.A hiker's journey on the Continental Divide Trail, from Bannack Pass to Lima, with stunning mountain views and encounters with wildlife. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/challenging-terrain-unexpected-twists/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-challenging-terrain-unexpected-twists.svgA woman crouched in a forest, capturing a photo with her camera.Hikers face difficult river crossings, treacherous terrain, and unexpected health issues on their journey along the Appalachian Trail (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/thru-hiker-bittersweet-goodbye/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-thru-hiker-bittersweet-goodbye.svgA person standing on a hill, gazing out at a mountain range with a backpack on their back.A thru-hiker reflects on the bond formed with a hiking partner on the Pacific Crest Trail and the challenges of saying goodbye (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/great-crossing-ect-hiker/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-great-crossing-ect-hiker.svgA man walking along a grassy ridge in a mountainous valley, with a backpack on his back.A long-distance hiker embarks on the final days of the coastal section of the International Appalachian Trail, preparing for the challenging mountainous terrain ahead. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/day-alkali-creek-trailhead/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-day-alkali-creek-trailhead.svgA person standing on a rocky hillside overlooking a lake surrounded by mountains.Hikers face unexpected challenges on the final day of their adventure. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/back-trail-tahoe-rim/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-back-trail-tahoe-rim.svgA hand holding a compass with a blue face and white and red needle, set against a blurred...After a day of rest and resupply in Tahoe City, the author and fellow hikers return to the Tahoe Rim Trail, facing new challenges and scenic views. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/thru-hikers-enjoy-jersey/2026-08-20https://packandsummit.com/share-thru-hikers-enjoy-jersey.svgA green tent, a snowboard, and a backpack in the snow.A group of thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail experienced the best of New Jersey, from glacial lakes to homemade ice cream, but also faced a medical emergency that required an ER visit. https://packandsummit.com/news/day-three-hiker-journey/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-day-three-hiker-journey.svgTwo hikers are seen walking up a snowy mountain trail, with a third person visible in the...A solo hiker navigates the challenges and joys of a 15-mile trek through Stratton Mountain, from summits and fire towers to serene ponds and stormy shelters. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/iceland-traverse-conquering-fommvorduhals/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-iceland-traverse-conquering-fommvorduhals.svgA snow-capped mountain peak with clouds partially obscuring the lower slopes.The final day on the Laugavegur Trail and the penultimate day of the Iceland Traverse brought adventurers to the challenging Fommvorduhals Traverse, a rugged 14km route featuring steep climbs... https://packandsummit.com/news/laundry-logistics-pacific-crest/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-laundry-logistics-pacific-crest.svgA person is seen hiking on a dirt path in a grassy mountainous area, carrying a large backpack...A hiker's zero day is filled with chores, including laundry and resupply, as they prepare for the next leg of their journey (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/trail-magic-appalachian-trail/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-trail-magic-appalachian-trail.svgA group of people are walking through a field with large backpacks on their backs, with a...A hiker's journey on the Appalachian Trail is filled with challenges and rewards, including trail magic from generous strangers. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/finding-trail-companions-long/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-finding-trail-companions-long.svgA compass and a map on a table.A hiker's encounter with two trail uncles on the Long Trail (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/tahoe-rim-trail-hikers/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-tahoe-rim-trail-hikers.svgA group of people are hiking along a mountain trail, with a grassy hillside and rocky mountains...A group of hikers on the Tahoe Rim Trail experienced a mix of challenges and rewards as they navigated the dry stretch of the trail. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/oregon-volcanic-landscape-hiker/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-oregon-volcanic-landscape-hiker.svgA woman taking a selfie in front of a snowy mountain range.A hiker's account of their journey through sections E-G of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon, highlighting the state's unique volcanic landscape and the challenges of hiking through... https://packandsummit.com/news/appalachian-trail-thru-hiker/2026-08-19https://packandsummit.com/share-appalachian-trail-thru-hiker.svgA person wearing a backpack and a hat is seen walking through a forest of evergreen trees, with...A thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail has reached New Hampshire, where they will face a challenging hike through the White Mountains National Forest. The hiker has completed over 1800 miles of the... https://packandsummit.com/news/navigating-appalachian-trail-challenges/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-navigating-appalachian-trail-challenges.svgA man standing on a mountain ridge, gazing out at a vast landscape of mountains and clouds.A hiker's account of the difficulties encountered on the Appalachian Trail, including board walking and the notorious 'Stairway to Heaven' (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/trail-magic-generosity-pacific/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-trail-magic-generosity-pacific.svgWoman overlooks Malá Fatra mountain range in Slovakia.A hiker recounts a day of unexpected kindness and trail magic on the Pacific Crest Trail near Ashland, Oregon, including a lavish spread from a local trail angel and a ride from a supportive driver. https://packandsummit.com/news/thru-hikers-face-challenges/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-thru-hikers-face-challenges.svgA person wearing a yellow backpack with a black water bottle in one of its pockets, carrying a...Appalachian Trail hikers encounter difficulties in New Hampshire, including water carries and extra foot traffic. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/conquering-colorado-trail-collegiate/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-conquering-colorado-trail-collegiate.svgA person standing on a rock overlooking a lake, surrounded by mountains and trees.A thru-hiker tackles the challenging Collegiate West section of the Colorado Trail, navigating steep ascents, stunning alpine scenery, and unexpected trail magic. Days 13 and 14 bring grueling... https://packandsummit.com/news/navigating-iceland-laugavegur-trail/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-navigating-iceland-laugavegur-trail.svgThree hikers are walking along a dirt path in a grassy field with mountains and trees in the...A group of hikers face harsh weather conditions on the Laugavegur Trail, a challenging section of the Iceland Traverse, and share their experiences and lessons learned. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/gillian-embarks-te-araroa/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-gillian-embarks-te-araroa.svgA woman standing on a rocky outcropping, gazing out at a mountainous landscape.Gillian, a seasoned adventurer, is set to tackle the 1,864-mile Te Araroa Trail in Samoa, her first thru-hike in the country. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/thru-hiker-paradise-wyoming/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-thru-hiker-paradise-wyoming.svgA large hot air balloon with a striped pattern of orange, yellow, blue, and red colors...A group of thru hikers experience the beauty of Wyoming's Continental Divide Trail, including the Wind River Range and the Cirque of the Towers. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/rethinking-ambitious-plans-appalachian/2026-08-18https://packandsummit.com/share-rethinking-ambitious-plans-appalachian.svgA group of people are camping in a clearing surrounded by trees, with tents set up and a...A hiker's account of reevaluating their trail plan after struggling with sleep deprivation and rushing to meet their goals. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/hikers-face-challenges-day/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-hikers-face-challenges-day.svgA person walking away from the camera on a rocky path, with mountains in the background and a...A hiker's account of their 14-mile journey from Elk Creek Trailhead to Alkali Creek, facing challenges with foot injuries and navigating through hazy conditions. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/jmt-days/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-jmt-days.svgTwo people are walking away from the camera, each carrying a backpack and a rolled-up sleeping...The author continues their journey on the John Muir Trail, covering days 13-16 from Evolution Lake to Vermillion Valley Resort. The route takes them through Muir Trail Ranch, Selden Pass, and Bear... https://packandsummit.com/news/navigating-mahoosuk-notch-arm/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-navigating-mahoosuk-notch-arm.svgA man stands on a hill overlooking a lake, wearing a backpack and holding trekking poles.A hiker recounts the challenges of swapping a lightweight Hyperlite pack for a larger Gregory pack while tackling the infamous Mahoosuk Notch and the Arm, highlighting the physical demands, gear... https://packandsummit.com/news/thru-hiking-life-changing/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-thru-hiking-life-changing.svgA backpack, hiking boots, a walking stick, and a rock surface.Thru-hiking can be a life-changing experience, but it also comes with significant challenges, including a major transition back to normal life, changes in eating habits, and difficulties adjusting... https://packandsummit.com/news/hiking-appalachian-trail-west-7486da/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-hiking-appalachian-trail-west-7486da.svgA woman hiking through a mountainous region, wearing a yellow backpack and a gray hat, with a...A hiker's account of tackling the challenging roller coaster section of the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia, and the warm welcome they received from locals. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/hiker-reflects-crossing-hampshire-e31ee7/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-hiker-reflects-crossing-hampshire-e31ee7.svgA woman stands on a rocky outcrop, wearing a floral dress, a tan hat, and a pink backpack, with...A hiker's account of crossing the Connecticut River and entering New Hampshire on the Appalachian Trail. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/first-steps-long-trail-ec1d3e/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-first-steps-long-trail-ec1d3e.svgA man sitting on a mountain top, wearing a backpack and holding trekking poles.A hiker begins their journey on Vermont's Long Trail, facing steep terrain, sudden storms, and the physical demands of the route. The day starts with excitement at the trailhead but quickly... https://packandsummit.com/news/hiker-nightmare-mosquitoes-rain-e6d61a/2026-08-17https://packandsummit.com/share-hiker-nightmare-mosquitoes-rain-e6d61a.svgA person's legs and feet inside a tent, with a mountainous landscape visible through the open door.A hiker recounts a grueling day on the Appalachian Trail, marked by blistering feet, relentless mosquitoes, and a tent flooded by rain, forcing a return to a mosquito-infested shelter. https://packandsummit.com/news/pacific-crest-trail-journey-ff1679/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-pacific-crest-trail-journey-ff1679.svgA small town situated on the banks of a river, nestled among mountains.A hiker's account of the Pacific Crest Trail, highlighting the unique characteristics of various trail towns in California and Oregon. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/crossing-wyoming-journey-along-dcc2e8/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-crossing-wyoming-journey-along-dcc2e8.svgA person wearing a hat and a backpack, standing on a mountain overlooking a valley filled with...A thru-hiker's account of navigating the challenging terrain and diverse landscapes of Wyoming's Continental Divide Trail, from the hazy pink sunrise to the majestic mountain vistas. https://packandsummit.com/news/hikers-overcome-challenges-pacific-43b9cd/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-hikers-overcome-challenges-pacific-43b9cd.svgThree hikers are walking on a rocky path in a mountainous area, each carrying large backpacks...A group of hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail face various challenges, including a grueling climb up the Sierra Buttes and a mysterious beer can explosion. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/jersey-offers-refreshing-change-030774/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-jersey-offers-refreshing-change-030774.svgTwo women with backpacks standing on a mountain ridge, overlooking a valley below.After a week of challenging conditions in Pennsylvania, hikers Russell and Jessie find relief in New Jersey, where they experience calm weather, well-maintained trails, and beautiful scenery. https://packandsummit.com/news/jersey-rocky-terrain-offers-9e0914/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-jersey-rocky-terrain-offers-9e0914.svgA mountainous landscape with a rocky outcropping, trees, and a body of water in the distance.Hikers on the Appalachian Trail have been enjoying the scenic views and accessible water sources in New Jersey, a welcome respite from the rocky terrain. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/miles-marked-appalachian-trail-f21b06/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-miles-marked-appalachian-trail-f21b06.svgA vintage-style map with a compass on top of it.A hiker on the Appalachian Trail has reached a major milestone, completing 2000 miles of the trail. The hiker, who has not been named, has been documenting their journey on a blog. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/zero-day-waterville-maine-62725c/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-zero-day-waterville-maine-62725c.svgA book, a camera, a water bottle, a mug, and a hammock.A hiker takes a zero day in Waterville, Maine, to stay dry in the rain and catch up on blog posts. (Source: The Trek) https://packandsummit.com/news/trail-hikers-face-uncertainty-78de2a/2026-08-16https://packandsummit.com/share-trail-hikers-face-uncertainty-78de2a.svgTwo hikers are walking along a mountain trail, with one person in the foreground and another...A Pacific Crest Trail hiker shares their experience navigating the route amidst wildfires, weighing the importance of completing the thru-hike versus taking a break to road trip home. https://packandsummit.com/trails-routes/2026-08-21 https://packandsummit.com/topics/appalachian-trail/2026-08-20 https://packandsummit.com/topics/pacific-crest-trail/2026-08-21 https://packandsummit.com/topics/sec-trails-routes/2026-08-21 https://packandsummit.com/about/ https://packandsummit.com/sources-and-methods/ https://packandsummit.com/corrections/