The Neel Gap Test: What Gear Survived

My first driving destination on the trail was Neel Gap. I went through my first few days blessed with great weather, and then I had a misty, foggy day for the hike up Blood Mountain. Others around me were complaining, but I felt like it supplied a perfect spookiness for hiking up a haunted mountain.

After reaching the summit shelter and meeting a few campers up there with a beautiful black dog, I hiked down the other side with great care, nursing a tender knee, but I eventually made it down to the road at Neel Gap and crossed to Mountain Crossing, the famous first stop on the trail.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tony "Rescue" Bird.

Writer, Hiker

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Tony (he/him), trail name Rescue, is a retired USAF veteran who is hanging up his wings to join the Appalachian Trail thru-hiking class of 2026.

/

The Trek: The Neel Gap Test: What Gear Survived

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Last updated:

March 24, 2026

| 5 min read

The Neel Gap Test: What Gear Survived

My first driving destination on the trail was Neel Gap. I went through my first few days blessed with great weather, and then I had a misty, foggy day for the hike up Blood Mountain. Others around me were complaining, but I felt like it supplied a perfect spookiness for hiking up a haunted mountain.

After reaching the summit shelter and meeting a few campers up there with a beautiful black dog, I hiked down the other side with great care, nursing a tender knee, but I eventually made it down to the road at Neel Gap and crossed to Mountain Crossing, the famous first stop on the trail.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tony "Rescue" Bird.

Writer, Hiker

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Tony (he/him), trail name Rescue, is a retired USAF veteran who is hanging up his wings to join the Appalachian Trail thru-hiking class of 2026.

/

Writer, Hiker

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Tony (he/him), trail name Rescue, is a retired USAF veteran who is hanging up his wings to join the Appalachian Trail thru-hiking class of 2026.

See author bio

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The Trek: The Neel Gap Test: What Gear Survived

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Last updated:

March 18, 2026

| 5 min read

The Neel Gap Test: What Gear Survived

My first driving destination on the trail was Neel Gap. I went through my first few days blessed with great weather, and then I had a misty, foggy day for the hike up Blood Mountain. Others around me were complaining, but I felt like it supplied a perfect spookiness for hiking up a haunted mountain.

After reaching the summit shelter and meeting a few campers up there with a beautiful black dog, I hiked down the other side with great care, nursing a tender knee, but I eventually made it down to the road at Neel Gap and crossed to Mountain Crossing, the famous first stop on the trail.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Tony "Rescue" Bird.

Writer, Hiker

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Tony (he/him), trail name Rescue, is a retired USAF veteran who is hanging up his wings to join the Appalachian Trail thru-hiking class of 2026.

/

Writer, Hiker

Tony "Rescue" Bird

Tony (he/him), trail name Rescue, is a retired USAF veteran who is hanging up his wings to join the Appalachian Trail thru-hiking class of 2026.

learn about the author

Media Mentions

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

browse all articles

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