Expectations vs Reality | S5 E5

Every hike begins with a story we tell ourselves about what the trail will be. Now several weeks into their journeys, our 2026 Trail Correspondents reflect on where expectation has collided with reality. From romanticized visions and unexpected hardships to surprising joys and perspective-shifting moments, these stories from the AT, PCT, and CDT reveal what the trail is really like once the dream meets the dirt.

Correspondent Roster

In this episode, we hear from:

• Logan Hannah - Instagram
• Parrish "Quip" McWhorter - Instagram
• TJ McQuiston - Instagram
• Chris Becraft - Instagram
• Jessica "Hellman" Bagnell - Instagram
• J Michael Shaw, II - Instagram
• Scott Anderson - Facebook
• Sorrel "Team Ultraheavy" Perka- Instagram
• Danny Nelson - Instagram
• MacKenzie "Wilt" Wieder - Instagram

Sponsor

Trail Correspondents is presented by Altra. Use code "TREK10" for 10% off at checkout at altrarunning.com

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Questions, comments, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@thetrek.co.

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Credits

Hosted, produced, and edited by Andrew "Shanty" Baldwin (Instagram). Trail Correspondents is a production of The Trek.