Stories by the Author

Person in purple sweater and glasses taking selfie with outdoor gear laid out, including yellow shoes and jackets.
Media Mentions
The Trek: She’s Hiking 10,000 Miles This Year — Here’s Everything She’s Carrying
We asked Sparkle to break down her gear, how it’s been working for her, and if there are any changes she wishes she could make.
Katie Jackson
|    
May 4, 2026
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Pie chart showing 87% of AT hikers always filter water, 5% most times, 5% always unless spring.
Media Mentions
The Trek: Top Stoves, Filters, Rain Gear, and More on the Appalachian Trail: 2025 Thru-Hiker Survey
In this final installment, we’re diving into water filters, stoves, rain gear, and the essential small gear choices.
Katie Jackson
|    
February 2, 2026
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Black puffy jacket with horizontal quilting and REI Co-op logo on the chest on a white background.
Media Mentions
The Trek: The Best 2025 Cyber Monday and Cyber Week Deals for Backpackers
Huge discounts on your favorite pieces of gear!
Katie Jackson
|    
December 2, 2025
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Woman with sunglasses and braids drinks from white water bottle near rocky stream outdoors.
Media Mentions
The Trek: The Perfect Smartwater Bottle Replacement for Thru-Hikers
I’ll go ahead and spoil this one in advance: the brand new Cnoc ThruBottle is the perfect Smartwater bottle replacement.
Katie Jackson
|    
October 21, 2025
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A collage of outdoor gear review illustration
Media Mentions
Travel + Leisure: I’m Tying the Knot in Thailand — These Are the 15 Items I Told My Southeast Asia First-timer Guests to Pack
A review of items that are helpful to pack when traveling to Southeast Asia.
Katie Jackson
|    
April 10, 2025
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Sunlight shines through tall trees on colorful tents pitched on green grass in a forest campsite.
Media Mentions
KOA Blog: 9 Ways Campers Are Going Out Of Their Way To Lower Their Carbon Footprint
There are hundreds of ways to be more eco-conscious when you camp.
Katie Jackson
|    
June 1, 2022
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