Thru-hiking takes a toll on a person. Mind, body, and spirit. While the transformations of mind and spirit might be the real change after several months in the outdoors, it’s easier to see the body’s reaction to 2,000+ miles of walking. Cheers to the champions who overcame the odds and have the before-and-after photos to prove it.

Whether you’re NOBO, SOBO, flip-flopping, or completing your thru-hike after years of section hiking, we want to feature you. Send your transformation photos (preferably in before/after format) along with trail name, start date, finish date, and any other relevant info to [email protected] to be included in our roundup.

Big thanks to everyone who submitted, and to Taylor Frint for her production assistance.

Incredible 2019 Thru-Hiker Transformations Part I Thru-hiking takes a toll on a person. Mind, body, and spirit. While the transformations of mind and spirit might be the real change after several months in the outdoors, it's easier to see the body's reaction to 2,000+ miles of… Read More

Tigerlilly

March 21 – September 9

April 29 – September 17

Classic



February 27 – July 1

Yukon

March 3 – July 18

May 1 – September 11

Comet

March 1 – July 1

Washbucket

April 27 – September 13

Wicked

March 19 – August 27

Yogi

March 27 – September 9

IRON

March 30 – April 14. “Wore the same nasty shirt the entire trail”

Shortstack

April 5 – August 24. “Fun fact – first Bruneian on trail”

Buffet

March 31 – September 22. Weight lost: 97 pounds

Pony

March 24 – September 14

Swiss Miss

March 6 – August 12

Lady Di

February 21 – October 5

Chappy

March 3 – September 21

Spench

April 21 – October 17. “Started out my hike going NOBO from Campo. Got to Lone Pine and flipped up to the northern terminus and hiked SOBO the rest of the way back to Mt. Whitney/Lone Pine!”