Trail Organizations

Pacific Crest Trail Association - When it comes to where to start getting information about the PCT, there's no better source than the PCTA. Find out about the trail, how to hike it. While you're there, you might as well join the PCTA, purchase the guides and maps and maybe a video or two.

Appalachian Trail Conference - A great source of information on the Appalachian Trail.

Continental Divide Trail Society - The source of Guidebooks and info for thru-hikers on the Continental Divide Trail .

American Long Distance Hikers Association West - ALDHAW Find out about the Triple Crown of Hiking.

Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association - ALDHA - While this site is centered around the Appalachian Trail, it has useful information for any long distance hiker.

Lightweight Backpacking

BackpackingLight.com - One of the best online resources for trimming those extra pounds from your pack. Full of tips and techniques on lightweight backpacking.

The Lightweight Backpacker - One of the first and largest sites for getting information on lightweight backpacking. You can read reviews, find out about the latest equipment, get equipment list and order some of those rare items not carried by the major outdoor suppliers.

Commercial Sites for Lightweight Gear

Gossamer Gear - Home of the GVP4 & GVP5 Ultralight packs.

Tarptent - Henry Shires' Ultralight tarp tents.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA)- Good place to purchase lightweight packs designed by a Long Distance hiker.

Backcountry Equipment - Good place to purchase Frogg Togg rain gear online. Better yet, they don't even charge for shipping in the US.

Feathered Friends - They make the best down bags.

GoLite The gear is good although it's expensive.

Lynne Whelden - LWgear - Lynne is know for his video tapes on hiking the long trails. His 4 hour plus video on How to Hike the PCT is packed full of useful tips on doing a successful thru-hike. He also sells his own line of lightweight gear. Including tarps, a 14 oz pack, Tyvek ground cloths, and sleeping blanket.

Stephenson's Warmlite - Home to lightweight tents and vapor barrier clothes.

Miscellaneous

Fixing Your Feet - Because when it comes right down to it, without them, we'd never leave the parking lot.