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Beginning in 2025, we released a Thru Hiker Sponsorship Program. This sponsorship includes full gear backing from Big Agnes, and follows 3 thru hikers on their thru-hike adventures. This year, we are so excited to have added Ridge Merino as a partner. Big Agnes and Ridge Merino support three Thru Hikers on their major thru hikes in the U.S. and new to 2026, a thru-biker! We sat down to talk to our sponsorship winners about some of their favorite on-trail snacks, favorite gear, and what they are most excited about while on trail. Continue reading to get to know Melissa, Robyn, Frankie, and Ben before they head out on trail this upcoming Spring.
Melissa Myser - Appalachian Trail
Q: Which trail will you be hiking and why did you choose this trail?
A: I'll be hiking the Appalachian Trail! In 2019, I moved to the East Coast and as soon as anyone learns I love hiking or backpacking around here they ask, "Have you hiked any of the AT?" It feels like an East Coast badge of honor, and after poking around on the AT over the last several summers its only felt right to jump right in and do it for real."
Q: If you could invite a celebrity (dead or alive) who would you invite on your hike and why?
A: This is cheating but, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey! I consider them a BOGO and genuinely believe there wouldn't be a dull moment on the trail with those two! Laughter to keep away the trail tears, but I also have so many questions about their tv shows and careers that I'd love to ask them about! The trek would also provide really solid material for their next comedy shows or movie.
Q: What is your favorite piece of Big Agnes gear and why?
A: As an older hiker, nothing beats sitting in a Big Agnes Skyline UL after a long day of hiking. Not having to pop-a-squat on the ground then roll up after is literally the best thing that's happened to me. While some may say a chair is a luxury item, the Skyline weight is so minimal and when it comes to real recovery after multiple days on trail, it's absolutely worth it.
Follow Melissa on the AT on Instagram and TikTok at @ltcdrmel
Robyn Petrik - Pacific Crest Trail
Q: Which trail will you be hiking and why did you choose this trail?
A: I'll be doing a northbound attempt of the Pacific Crest Trail! The PCT was the first thru-hike that hit my radar, and the diversity of the biomes and scenery astounds me. I am so excited to see everything from the desert to the alpine, and add on as many side quests as I can San Jacinto, Mount Whitney, and Half Dome.
My hometown, Vancouver, BC, is only a couple hours away from the Northern Terminus, so there's also the added charm and excitement of 'walking home.'
Q: What is one thing you hoping to take away from this experience?
A: Stories! One of the taglines I live by is "Do what makes a better story," and I have no doubt that'll come out of this experience with stories of all kinds.
Q: If you could invite a celebrity (dead or alive) who would you invite on your hike and why?
A: Mike Posner. Although he's best known for his pop songs like 'I Took A Pill in Ibizia' Mike Poser has actually done some big physical feats. He's road walked across America from East to West, summited Mount Everest, and recently completed the CDT. I feel like we'd have some fascinating conversations, and he'd share plenty of viewpoints I've never considered before.
Follow Robyn on the PCT on Instagram @robynpetrik and her online journal Buy Me A Coffee
Frankie Behira - Continental Divide Trail
Q: Which trail will you be hiking and why did you choose this trail?
A: The Continental Divide Trail. I had such a great time on both the PCT and the AT, so I'm really excited for the 2026 CDT. I chose it because I absolutely love being in the mountains, I'm incredibly grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to embark on these adventures.
Q: What is your favorite trail snack/candy?
A: A whole deep-fried chicken. I try to get one on every resupply.
Q: What is one thing you are hoping to take away from this experience?
A: I'm hoping to take away the whole thru-hiking experience. When I am thru hiking, I love the feeling of being free and I cherish every moment. The solitude, the peace, the friendships I formed, and the feeling of giving it all.
Follow Frankie on the CDT on Instagram @yvr.broke.hikers
Ben Smolinski - The Northern Tier
Q: Which trail will you be riding and why did you choose that trail?
A: I'll be riding the Northern Tier Bike Route, but with a slight twist. I'll be starting my ride in Cape Flattery, Washington, the most northerly point of the contiguous United States and ending in Lubec, Maine, at the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. I chose this route for many reasons. I love seeing new places at a slower pace than simply drive through them. Getting to start in my home state is a plus, and I look forward to seeing how the scenery changes as I leave the large expanse of mountains in the PNW for the rolling hills of the great plains.
Q: Will you be biking solo or with a group?
A: Both! I'll be primarily solo, with the exception of some friends joining me for a couple of different sections at the start.
Q: If you could invite a celebrity (dead or alive) who would you invite and why?
A: Tom Cruise. It would never be boring. Whether hearing stories about different movie stunts, flying airplanes, or jumping out of them, there would be an endless sense of adventure. Plus, every stop would turn into a mission, leading to spontaneous detours or checking out random roadside attractions.
Follow Ben along on his thru bike of the Northern Route on Instagram @bensmolinski
Stay in the loop with all of our 2026 Thru Hikers on Instagram @bigagnes_ and follow along with us on their journeys!
