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TLDR: Summarizing the 2021 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Survey

(Plus Hikers’ Favorite Sections of the Trail)

For the past few months, we’ve been analyzing the results from the 2021 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker survey. In this post, we’ll summarize what we’ve learned from the class of 2021 so far, covering general information, footwear, shelters, sleeping systems, packs, cooking, and water filtration. As a bonus, we’ll also reveal hikers’ favorite (and least favorite) places on the trail.

General Information

Three hundred ten hikers filled out our 2021 survey. Sixty-two percent were male, 92% were white, and the average age was 37. Only three hikers were from outside the USA, with the majority of hikers coming from the east coast. The majority of hikers were vaccinated (80%), with a mixed level of concern for COVID-19 being shown by respondents.

Nearly two-thirds of survey participants had very little backpacking experience—seven days or fewer—prior to starting the AT. Seventy percent of respondents managed to hike the whole trail, with injury being the most common reason hikers quit.

You can learn more from the 2021 Appalachian Trail Thru hiker survey written by Joal and Jenny here

LAST UPDATED

May 8, 2022

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The Trek

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MEDIA MENTIONS

A 20% DEET Premium Controlled-Release Lotion will work well against mosquitoes, but Dr. Zimring says he prefers the 20% Picaridin lotion since it also protects against ticks, gnats, chiggers, and flies. (In both instances, he recommends Sawyer brand.)

Rachel Schultz
Editorial Director

MEDIA MENTIONS

Part of spending time outside means battling ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects. For this, Nelson swears by permethrin.

Wirecutter

MEDIA MENTIONS

And out of the products we tested, Dr. Zeichner highly recommends Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent.

Samson McDougall