Thru-hiking can be a life-changing experience, but it’s also an expensive one. Completing the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) costs about $10,000, and the Appalachian Trail (AT) isn’t much cheaper, clocking in at around $7,000.
With a thru-hike averaging about $1,200 a month, the high financial barrier can keep otherwise eager hikers from taking on these trails. But don’t worry — if you’re in sticker shock, you’ve got options.
Many outdoor gear brands have seized upon the growing popularity of thru-hiking as a marketing opportunity, taking on ambassadors or sponsored hikers each year and doling out free gear (and sometimes cash).
Here are five programs to help make your thru-hiking dreams a reality, along with all the info you need to apply.
Hikerkind
Hikerkind is a woman’s outdoor apparel brand that doesn’t think you should have to compromise between style and function on trail. Its thoughtfully designed pants, base layers, and jackets are both chic and durable.
2026 marks the first year of its Hikerkind athlete program. Selected hikers will receive a $500 monthly stipend, Hikerkind apparel, and recognition on the brand’s social media channels. Ambassadors will write for Hikerkind’s blog, newsletters, and socials, and also represent the brand at events.
Application Criteria
- Open to women or nonbinary people.
- You have a 500-mile-plus thru-hike planned in the U.S., and will start your hike between March and October.
- You have completed a 500-mile-plus thru-hike previously.
- “Must have a proven and active commitment to content creation and storytelling through online media.”
- “Must be dedicated to spreading awareness of a shared mission of empowering people to explore the outdoors with confidence.”
Applications are typically due in January.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes makes some of our favorite backpacking tents, and it’s also run a thru-hiker sponsorship for years. The brand says that the program “is designed to enhance each ambassador’s hiking experience while spotlighting their adventures across social platforms to inspire and engage the broader outdoor community.”
Selected participants will receive everything they need for a thru-hike: a pack, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a tent, and apparel.
Application Criteria
- Must plan on doing the PCT, AT, or Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
- Must practice Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics.
- Should be excited about sharing their thru-hike through Instagram and/or TikTok.
- Must be at least 18 and reside in the U.S. or Canada.
Applications are typically due sometime in October each year.
Zenbivy
Getting good sleep is key to a successful thru-hike, and Zenbivy takes it seriously. The ultralight brand is an innovator in sleep pads and quilts.
Those who are accepted into its thru-hiker program will get a top-of-the-line sleep system and be paid for the content they produce for Zenbivy (exact amounts are not yet clear).
Application Criteria
- Must plan on doing the PCT, AT, CDT, or any other 1,000-mile-plus trail in the U.S.
- Must be at least 18 and reside in the U.S.
- “Will make consistent, genuine, and engaging outdoors content over the course of their 2+ month-long trip.” Content should be delivered in a timely fashion.
- Must practice LNT ethics.
Applications are usually due in early March. In 2026, they are due March 1.
Gossamer Gear
Gossamer Gear makes ultralight packs and trekking poles, including the well-reviewed Mariposa 60.
This year, it’s showing some love to thru-hikers with a gear giveaway. Winners will receive a pack of their choice and a set of LT5 Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles (altogether, a $500 value).
Applications are open now. All you need to be eligible is proof of a permit approving your long-trail hike this year.
Optiventure
A vitamin and supplement brand might not be an obvious choice to sponsor a thru-hike program, but outdoor supplement manufacturer Optiventure decided to get in on the action. Winners will receive $1,000 and a supply of Optiventure Core (one of its supplements) for their hike, as well as plugs on its social media channels.
Application Criteria
- Must be doing the PCT, AT, or CDT.
- Should have experience in content creation.
- Must demonstrate a plan to share your hike through socials.
Applications are live now. See this Instagram post for further instructions.
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