Vanessa Carlton could never

Good morning, Bluubirds ☕️ 

Have you ever walked 2,194 miles? How about 2,653 miles? You’re in luck: our Spotlight guest today has hiked that and more! Talk about closing your activity rings.

I’m pumped to share our newsletter with you this week. Read on to learn about a truly remarkable human that might make you think twice before you opt for the moving sidewalk at the airport. He almost certainly has the highest step count of anyone on this distribution list, and he makes some really great hiking shoe recommendations for those in the market. In defense of boots, not that anyone asked, I hike in these and love them. I’m also hiking maybe 0.5% as far as our guest, so take that as you will.

If you’re able, spend some time outside today. (And come to Run Club next week!)

— Katie

Spotlight ☀️ 

Read on to learn about this thru-hiker’s big plans for 2026 and some solid recommendations for hikers and outdoorspeople alike.

PS: don’t sleep on his sock recommendation - I believe I’ve had mine for over ten years and they’re still my favorite.

DJ Nuckolls

Location: Atlanta, GA

Loves to: Thru Hike

Describe yourself in 10 words or less: A cosplaying desk worker in between hikes.

What is your favorite outdoor activity, and why do you love it?

I love thru hiking. I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023. I'm aiming to take on the Continental Divide Trail in 2026 but don't tell my job yet. The trail community is special. I love that everyone's on the same level, working toward the same thing, and besides unimportant things like daily mileage, there's no competition, only mutual support. Sharing the trail with another person usually leads to a lasting friendship, even if you're only together for a short while or they live in another part of the world. Being on a trail for half a year lets you see the seasons change. Your senses get sharp. You can eat any amount of burgers in one sitting. Everyone back home thinks your toiling everyday, but with the right attitude, you feel more free, light, and present than ever.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had outdoors?

Nearly 60 feet on snow fell in the Sierra Nevada in 2023. Just before I flew out to San Diego to start my PCT hike, I saw that they issued their first ever blizzard warning - in San Diego! A Northbound hiker had about 700 miles to think apprehensively about the conditions in the Sierra. Many hikers traveled to the North Terminus and began hiking South, giving the snow time to melt and the water crossings time to settle. I decided to keep hiking North through the snow. For about 300 miles, I slogged for a mile an hour with my crampons and ice axe, completely wiped out after 12-mile days. I had to stop hiking around midday and set up camp for the night, since the snow became slushy and slick in the sun. I'd wake up at around 1 AM to get in my miles while it was still in the upper 20's and the snow surface was crunchy and firm. The river crossings were dangerous with all of the melting snow. When I finally reached Sonora Pass and knew I was through the worst of it, I was proud and relieved. Every hike since that section has felt more manageable.

Are you curious about a particular activity you haven’t tried or location you haven’t visited? What’s holding you back?

I'd someday like to get into bikepacking. My current Triple Crown goal is the main thing holding me back. I love the idea of covering more ground in a day, while still being outside and self-propelled.

What do you consider when you look for outdoor gear? What is important to you?

You'll get the best advice from someone who has already done what you're wanting to do. I was lucky to have friends and friends of friends who had hiked the AT and gave me some gear advice before my 2019 hike. Once you get started, you'll constantly talk with other hikers about gear, what's working and what they sent home after a week. If you don't have a hiker in your network, check out the hiker surveys by Halfway Anywhere and The Trek. They ask the previous year's class about gear, favorite towns, budgeting, start dates, and anything else that you'd want to know.

DJ’s Picks 💥 

Apparel

A classic sun hoodie. Jolly Gear has some fun patterns. In the East, we have lots of tree coverage on most hikes and you can think less about the sun. At higher elevations, above treeline, and most hikes out West, you're in the sun all day and won't want to stop to use SPF. Cover up and take care of your skin!

Shoes

I like Altra Lone Peaks or Timps early on in my hikes when my legs are fresh - they have a wide toe box and I believe the zero drop does help one hike more efficiently. Later on, my legs are tired, I haven't been stretching enough, I want some cushion and an elevated heel, so I switch to the HOKA Speedgoats. Topo shoes seem to be gaining popularity. Their heel elevation is a mid-point between Altras and HOKAs, and they're more durable than Altras. Please no boots.

Accessories

Darn Tough Socks! Buy a few pairs (two for hiking, one for sleeping), swap them around as you get holes. Mail the damaged socks back, get a credit for a brand new pair. Quality merino socks for life.

Equipment

I love my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles. I snapped one taking a slip in the White Mountains, and Black Diamond's customer service quickly sent me a new pair to the next town. A hiking partner also learned the hard way that the cork handles float, if one should drop them in a river.

Location 

Mt Katahdin in Maine was a truly grand way to end the AT. People don't really find themselves passing through Maine very often - plan an intentional trip. It's beautiful. Maybe you'll see a moose.

Business

Shoutout to Blazephysio on Instagram. She's a thru hiker herself and know what a hiker's body goes through. She posts useful exercises to help prep for a long hike or deal with pains. I was a bit of a hypochondriac at the start of my PCT hike, worried that every little ache would end my hike - she gave me some stretches to do that helped me manage. She also rides along the PCT in her red van with her lovable golden retriever, Honey. They offer on-the-spot treatment to help keep injured hikers on trail.

Follow DJ on Instagram @dj_nuckolls

Product Updates 🚀 

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Upcoming Events 📆 

Atlanta - do you have plans for Valentine’s Day? 💌 You do now! 🤠 

Head on over to Perc in Virginia Highlands for Early Bird Run Club!

(I realize I missed out on an amazing opportunity to brand this particular run as Love Bird Run Club- we’ll get it right next year)

Sign up here and see you there!

See you next week 🤘