Thru-Hiking 101
Welcome to the Atlas Guides Thru-Hiking 101 blog!
Here you will find all the resources necessary to accomplish a thru-hike!
We split up all of our resources by categories which you can choose from the list below.
Does the Diameter of Your Cooking Pot Matter?
We tested the difference between five different diameter pots to see if one size performed better than another. This is what we learned...
Should I disconnect my stove or keep it connected to the canister?
I always wondered whether I should leave my stove connected to my fuel canister or if it was better to take it off. Here's what I found...
Thru-hiking FAQ Answered by the Community
We talked to some of our favorite thru-hikers about their experiences and advice for newer hikers. Here is what we learned.
How to Make an Ultralight Glasses Case for Your Thru-Hike
Regular glasses cases are heavy. We came up with a better, more ultralight idea for you to consider on your thru-hiking or backpacking trip.
Will a BIC Mini Lighter Last for Your Entire Thru-Hike?
As one of the most popular lighters for thru-hiking and backpacking, we decided to conduct a test and see how long a BIC Mini lighter would last.
How Many Snickers Can Fit in a Bear Canister?
Snickers bars are a very popular thru-hiking and backpacking food because of the high-calorie density they have. We decided to test it out and see how many Snickers we could fit into the average bear canister.
Thru-Hiking Calorie and Food Weight Calculator
Calculate how many calories you'll burn while hiking and plan how much food you'll need to bring on your trip using our Calorie & Food Weight Calculator.
We Tested 5 of the Most Popular Backpacking Stoves
We tested five of the most popular lightweight backpacking stoves to see which performed the best and which is the most affordable.
Thru-Hiking 101: 4 Popular Fuel Canisters Compared
I analyzed the differences between the MSR IsoPro, Snow Peak Giga Power, OLicamp and the Jet Boil Jetpower fuel canisters to see which performed the best.
Thru-hiking 101: Calculate the Cost of Your Thru-Hike
How much does a thru-hike cost? We put together a thru-hike cost calculator so you can estimate the cost of your next long-distance hike based on your own hiking style.
5 Stove Tips That Will Save You Fuel
The best way to make your fuel last is to follow these five simple stove tips. Doing so can potentially double the life of your fuel canister.
Thru-Hiking 101: How Much Stove Fuel Should You Carry
The best way to determine how much fuel you will need while hiking is to test your stove at home before your hike. Here are some equations to help you out.
Thru-Hiking 101: Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles on Trail
Leave No Trace is a broad set of principles that we should all use to guide our outdoor behavior. Here is our take on the Seven Principles as they apply to no-impact hiking.
Thru-Hiking 101: Measuring Cup Hacks
Cooking a meal on the trail can be more difficult than cooking meals at home. Here are some tips and hacks to convert your cooking pot into a measuring cup.
Thru-hiking 101: Warehouse vs Retail Food Prices
When it comes to purchasing backpacking food, taking advantage of warehouse stores like Costco or Sams Club can save time and money. Here are some tips to help you shop smart for your hike.
Understanding Lightning & Thunder on the Trail
When hiking or backpacking, it's very important to understand more about lightning and thunder to help keep you and your trail family safe.
Thru-hiking 101: Tips for Planning your Food in Town
Town food can be one of the most expensive parts of long-distance hiking. Here are some tips on where to eat and how to best spend your money when in town.
Thru-hiking 101: Trail Town Accommodations
This post covers one of the most expensive things you can do in town: stay the night. Here are options from camping outside of town to staying in a motel.
Trail Permits: What You Need to Know
We've collected permit information for nearly all of the trails we offer guides to. Permits can be complicated, and we aim to make it simpler for you!
Thru-hiking 101: Intro to Trail Food
Preparing food for a long backpacking trip can be overwhelming. We provide some tips on how to choose the right food for you!
How Many Calories Do You Burn While Thru-Hiking?
This blog post considers different body weights and hiking styles to provide a better estimate of the number of calories you will burn while backpacking.
The Effect of Shoe Weight on Hiking Speed
Paul conducted an experiment to set out and see if he can provide scientific evidence that a lighter shoe is better for long-distance hiking.
How to Optimize Your Break Time While Hiking
What is the optimal break time when you want to hike big miles?
Thru-Hiking Lingo 101
New to the thru-hiking world? Don't worry! Check out these terms to learn the "thru-hiking lingo" and you'll be a part of the hiker trash fam in no time.
Thru-hiking 101: Calculate the Cost of Your Thru-Hike
How much does a thru-hike cost? We put together a thru-hike cost calculator so you can estimate the cost of your next long-distance hike based on your own hiking style.
Thru-hiking 101: Trail Town Accommodations
This post covers one of the most expensive things you can do in town: stay the night. Here are options from camping outside of town to staying in a motel.
Does the Diameter of Your Cooking Pot Matter?
We tested the difference between five different diameter pots to see if one size performed better than another. This is what we learned...
Should I disconnect my stove or keep it connected to the canister?
I always wondered whether I should leave my stove connected to my fuel canister or if it was better to take it off. Here's what I found...
How to Make an Ultralight Glasses Case for Your Thru-Hike
Regular glasses cases are heavy. We came up with a better, more ultralight idea for you to consider on your thru-hiking or backpacking trip.
Will a BIC Mini Lighter Last for Your Entire Thru-Hike?
As one of the most popular lighters for thru-hiking and backpacking, we decided to conduct a test and see how long a BIC Mini lighter would last.
The Effect of Shoe Weight on Hiking Speed
Paul conducted an experiment to set out and see if he can provide scientific evidence that a lighter shoe is better for long-distance hiking.
How Many Snickers Can Fit in a Bear Canister?
Snickers bars are a very popular thru-hiking and backpacking food because of the high-calorie density they have. We decided to test it out and see how many Snickers we could fit into the average bear canister.
Thru-Hiking 101: Measuring Cup Hacks
Cooking a meal on the trail can be more difficult than cooking meals at home. Here are some tips and hacks to convert your cooking pot into a measuring cup.
Thru-hiking 101: Warehouse vs Retail Food Prices
When it comes to purchasing backpacking food, taking advantage of warehouse stores like Costco or Sams Club can save time and money. Here are some tips to help you shop smart for your hike.
Thru-hiking 101: Tips for Planning your Food in Town
Town food can be one of the most expensive parts of long-distance hiking. Here are some tips on where to eat and how to best spend your money when in town.
Thru-hiking 101: Intro to Trail Food
Preparing food for a long backpacking trip can be overwhelming. We provide some tips on how to choose the right food for you!
How Many Calories Do You Burn While Thru-Hiking?
This blog post considers different body weights and hiking styles to provide a better estimate of the number of calories you will burn while backpacking.
Will a BIC Mini Lighter Last for Your Entire Thru-Hike?
As one of the most popular lighters for thru-hiking and backpacking, we decided to conduct a test and see how long a BIC Mini lighter would last.
We Tested 5 of the Most Popular Backpacking Stoves
We tested five of the most popular lightweight backpacking stoves to see which performed the best and which is the most affordable.
Thru-Hiking 101: 4 Popular Fuel Canisters Compared
I analyzed the differences between the MSR IsoPro, Snow Peak Giga Power, OLicamp and the Jet Boil Jetpower fuel canisters to see which performed the best.
5 Stove Tips That Will Save You Fuel
The best way to make your fuel last is to follow these five simple stove tips. Doing so can potentially double the life of your fuel canister.
Thru-Hiking 101: How Much Stove Fuel Should You Carry
The best way to determine how much fuel you will need while hiking is to test your stove at home before your hike. Here are some equations to help you out.
Thru-Hiking 101: Measuring Cup Hacks
Cooking a meal on the trail can be more difficult than cooking meals at home. Here are some tips and hacks to convert your cooking pot into a measuring cup.
How Many Snickers Can Fit in a Bear Canister?
Snickers bars are a very popular thru-hiking and backpacking food because of the high-calorie density they have. We decided to test it out and see how many Snickers we could fit into the average bear canister.
Thru-Hiking 101: Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles on Trail
Leave No Trace is a broad set of principles that we should all use to guide our outdoor behavior. Here is our take on the Seven Principles as they apply to no-impact hiking.
Trail Permits: What You Need to Know
We've collected permit information for nearly all of the trails we offer guides to. Permits can be complicated, and we aim to make it simpler for you!
How to Optimize Your Break Time While Hiking
What is the optimal break time when you want to hike big miles?
Understanding Lightning & Thunder on the Trail
When hiking or backpacking, it's very important to understand more about lightning and thunder to help keep you and your trail family safe.


Download our popular hiking and biking guides!
Trail guides that get you to places you’ve dreamed of.
As the makers of Guthook Guides, Bikepacking Guides, and Cyclewayz, we help you navigate the most popular trails around the world on your smartphone. Our hiking guides and biking guides work completely offline. Let Guthook guide your next adventure!
Showers Lake Vista, Tahoe Rim Trail
Photo courtesy of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Showers Lake Vista, Tahoe Rim Trail
Photo courtesy of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Trail guides that get you to places you’ve dreamed of.
As the makers of Guthook Guides, Bikepacking Guides, and Cyclewayz, we help you navigate the most popular trails around the world on your smartphone. Our hiking guides and biking guides work completely offline. Let Guthook guide your next adventure!