Appalachian Trials

Each year, more than 2,000 people set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, yet only about three in ten achieve of their goal. Why do so many hikers drop out?

After successfully thru-hiking the AT in five months with no prior backpacking experience, Zach Davis, has an answer, and he has generously donated a limited number of autographed copies his book Appalachian Trials to HIKE for Mental Health.

Aspiring thru-hikers, Zach says, are preparing the wrong way – sweating on the StairMaster, meticulously plotting each re-supply box, or obsessing over the a synthetic or down sleeping bag.

While the AT undoubtedly presents extraordinary physical challenges, it is the psychological and emotional struggles that drive people off the trail. Conquering these mental obstacles is the key to success. This book focuses on the most important and overlooked piece of equipment of all – the gear between one’s ears.

Filled with first-hand, touching yet humorous vignettes and down-to-earth advice that both instructs and inspires, Appalachian Trials gives readers the mental road map they’ll need to hike from Springer Mountain to Mt.Katahdin.

In Appalachian Trials readers will learn:

Zach Davis

• Goal setting techniques that will assure hikers reach Mt. Katahdin
• The common early stage pitfalls and how to avoid them
• How to beat “the Virginia Blues”
• The importance of and meaning behind “hiking your own hike”
• 5 strategies for unwavering mental endurance
• The most common mistake made in the final stretch of the trail
• Tips for enjoying rather than enduring each of the five million steps along the journey
• Strategies for avoiding post-trail depression and weight gain
• In addition, the Bonus Section of Appalachian Trials includes:
• A thorough chapter on gear written by thru-hiker of the AT and Pacific Crest Trail, and professional backpack gear reviewer
• Information about the trail’s greatest and most unknown risk and how to guard against it
• 9 tips for saving money before and during your thru-hike
• A thorough FAQ section including information ranging from how to obtain sponsorship, to the best stove for the trail, to avoiding chafing, and much more!

An autographed copy of the book can be yours for only a $50 donation.

Make your $50 donation on our donation page and be sure to mention “Appalachian Trials book” in the Comments section. We will contact you to get the details of your book selection.

Special thanks to Zach Davis for his support for HIKE for Mental Health! Be sure to check our his excellent blog.