About

Hi, my name is Ellie. I’ve hiked and backpacked for over 30 years, and I know planning the first hiking or backpacking trip can be a little daunting. The goal of my site is to try and make planning a little easier for you, so you can enjoy the adventure, having made an informed decision on trails, gear, logistics, food, etc.

I chose “AverageHiker” because I’ve settled somewhere in the middle as far as my backpacking style. I’ve been a pack mule with an 80 pound pack, and also an ultra light gram counter with a sub 5 ounce shelter. Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages.

There is no “right or wrong” when deciding what you need for backpacking and hiking, and all styles have their places. My style has changed and evolved over the years, based on environment, age, and the goals of each trip. All this said though, there are always a few basic requirements that have remained the same…

• Shelter
• Nutrition
• Water
• Logistics
• Safety

As I have matured, going lighter has become more important, as have a few creature comforts. While daily mileage has not necessarily decreased, how I hike those miles has changed. I’m more focused on physical preparation, safety, and general health and wellness around food and rest.

The information on this site comes from my experience in long distance hiking. I offer insights into what has worked for me over the years – and what has not. There are journals and stories, planning to help you prepare, reviews of gear and food, and even some news on trails here in the US. Enjoy the site, and feel free to engage in the comments, and reach out with any feedback or questions. Unless I’m out hiking, I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can. Thanks!

Contact/Communication

All feedback and inquiries are welcome, so don’t hesitate to reach out here to contact me directly. There are also comment sections at the bottom of each post, and I love engagement and conversation! Collaboration often provides the best ideas, and no question is a dumb question, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Affiliate Partners

I use affiliate links on this site. One of these is Amazon. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This results in no additional expense to you. A list of affiliate partners can be located here.

Contributions

I’ll donate a percentage of all all net profits to trail organizations here in the United States. I continue to enjoy the trail systems in this country, and through this site I hope to continue to support the organizations that maintain them.

Each year, I’ll list those organizations to which I donate. I’ll donate a portion of the year’s profits to the trail I hike during the calendar year. How I allocate the funds will be based on how many miles I’ve hiked on those trails.

Store/Reviews

All equipment and apparel in the store is pre-owned, in good condition, and in some cases BRAND NEW or lightly used. I have purchased those items that I have reviewed. They have not been provided to me by manufacturers or dealers unless I state otherwise.

I work hard to make sure I provide unbiased reviews, and to provide reviews on equipment I have used while backpacking and hiking.