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Itch: A Pacific Northwest Trail Story
“Itch” is a story about a novice hiker falling in love with the outdoors and chasing after a dream: to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail faster than anyone's ever done before. When it catches fire, he makes a last-minute decision to switch to the 1,248-mile Pacific Northwest Trail, not knowing what he's getting into.
Imagine crossing seven different mountain ranges--from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide--through rising tides, bushwhacks and even grizzly country. Now imagine doing it in only 28 days.
Nick Fowler did just that and his book will make you feel like you were hiking right along beside him--through the best and the worst of it. If you are considering the hike yourself, this book may give you some insights.
From weather to widowmakers and stench to stinging nettles--all in the Pacific Northwest wilderness--Nick uses humor and wit to bring readers along on the trail. Just wait till you find out how he combated the chafing problems.
Imagine crossing seven different mountain ranges--from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide--through rising tides, bushwhacks and even grizzly country. Now imagine doing it in only 28 days.
Nick Fowler did just that and his book will make you feel like you were hiking right along beside him--through the best and the worst of it. If you are considering the hike yourself, this book may give you some insights.
From weather to widowmakers and stench to stinging nettles--all in the Pacific Northwest wilderness--Nick uses humor and wit to bring readers along on the trail. Just wait till you find out how he combated the chafing problems.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
5 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 29, 2024
A Wild, Witty and Vivid story about a hikers solo journey across the U.S.
The author takes you right alongside him while he treks across three states, covering over 1,200 miles of different terrain, meeting new people, encountering different wildlife and overcoming many obstacles that would make most people want to quit. He brings humor into a difficult journey and the internal dialogue made me laugh out loud.
The writing makes you feel like you are hiking right there with him through it all. This was such a fun read and I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those that like to be outside!
The author takes you right alongside him while he treks across three states, covering over 1,200 miles of different terrain, meeting new people, encountering different wildlife and overcoming many obstacles that would make most people want to quit. He brings humor into a difficult journey and the internal dialogue made me laugh out loud.
The writing makes you feel like you are hiking right there with him through it all. This was such a fun read and I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those that like to be outside!
February 29, 2024
This book kept me laughing and had me excited to turn each and every page. As someone who doesn’t find themselves outside of a big city often, I was completely entranced by the beautiful descriptions of nature and the thrill of hiking across the entire United States. I climbed the tallest mountains, touched the painted skies during sunsets, swam in the clear waters of lakes formed by glaciers, tracked fluffy-butt bears, and met some amazing characters along the way. I found myself completely immersed in the author’s harrowing journey, and how fiery determination, mixed with a lot of love, can result in the most amazing of accomplishments. Highly recommend!
December 30, 2025
This book was absolutely fascinating. Nick Fowler is a MACHINE. I can’t believe how he was able to push his body. His recounting of his PNT adventures is incredibly well written. I highly recommend!!
March 25, 2024
Nick is a man of many talents and telling stories is one of them. It's hard to put the book down because it feels like you're there, exploring the PNT yourself. I enjoyed following along and looking up places on Google Earth or Googling images of the spots described in the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and really recommended reading this book.
Oh, and if you ever lose a microfiber towel on the PNT, don't worry. Apparently, these pop up on the most ridiculous spots as soon as you need one haha! Manna from heaven!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and really recommended reading this book.
Oh, and if you ever lose a microfiber towel on the PNT, don't worry. Apparently, these pop up on the most ridiculous spots as soon as you need one haha! Manna from heaven!
May 4, 2024
I read this book with my 10 year old son and we had so much fun reading it! He is worried that maybe Nick took some years off his life with all his trials and tribulations. He also agrees with Nicks mom that Hannah is a saint. :) Nick does such a great job of adding humor and description that you feel you are on the walk with him…. And sometimes you are so glad to be curled up in a warm bed instead of on the trail with him… it’s definitely a must read!
April 10, 2024
What an adventure!! Loved this book!! Couldn’t put it down! Nick does an amazing job making you feel like you’re on the trail with him! Very entertaining with comedic moments! The ending is the best! I would highly recommend this book to anyone especially trail lovers, can’t wait to read about Nick’s other crazy adventures and accomplishments!
March 10, 2024
I ordered the book and my husband promptly stole it, read it and loved it. I started and completed it in less than a day. It was a great read, an amazing story and inspirational...if you want to do IT, whatever your it is, do it.
July 9, 2024
I loved this book. It was very interesting and kept my attention with just the right amount of humor thrown in. I have read several memoirs from hikers and this is by far the best! Nick is such an interesting guy.
March 20, 2024
Fantastic read! Felt like I was on the PNT with Nick-although hoping that my feet are currently looking better than his were!
Can’t wait to read about more adventures in the future
Can’t wait to read about more adventures in the future
March 3, 2024
Just finished devouring Nick Fowler’s adventure-packed book about his first of several record-breaking hikes – and what a ride it was!
As the first adventure story I’ve read since childhood, I didn’t know what to expect.
From the get-go, I found myself utterly engrossed, flipping through the pages with growing interest. Fowler's writing is not just descriptive; it's like being teleported right into the heart of his journey, with every step vividly painted before your eyes.
Think of it as "24" meets the Great Outdoors, with a hefty dose of humor and comic relief thrown in for good measure. The emotional roller-coaster this book took me on was nothing short of exhilarating.
And those chapter endings? Pure torture, in the best possible way. Each one left me clamoring for more, desperate to uncover what awaited in the next leg of Nick's epic trek.
In essence, the author emerges as the Jack Bauer of the wilderness, tackling obstacles with grit, wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm...during a race against time.
Hats off to you, Nick – your exploits have ignited a newfound passion for mountain trails in me, and I can't wait to embark on my own adventures. Looking forward to the next installment in this series!
As the first adventure story I’ve read since childhood, I didn’t know what to expect.
From the get-go, I found myself utterly engrossed, flipping through the pages with growing interest. Fowler's writing is not just descriptive; it's like being teleported right into the heart of his journey, with every step vividly painted before your eyes.
Think of it as "24" meets the Great Outdoors, with a hefty dose of humor and comic relief thrown in for good measure. The emotional roller-coaster this book took me on was nothing short of exhilarating.
And those chapter endings? Pure torture, in the best possible way. Each one left me clamoring for more, desperate to uncover what awaited in the next leg of Nick's epic trek.
In essence, the author emerges as the Jack Bauer of the wilderness, tackling obstacles with grit, wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm...during a race against time.
Hats off to you, Nick – your exploits have ignited a newfound passion for mountain trails in me, and I can't wait to embark on my own adventures. Looking forward to the next installment in this series!
April 2, 2025
Itch recounts Nick’s epic nuddie run through the PNT and various unintended side trails. A signature style that he apparently is yet to revise. If it ain’t broken…
Not just a phenom on the trails, his ability to recollect his thoughts and feelings from the trail through the fog of pain and sleep deprivation is as impressive as his mileage.
The book starts off saying this is all bad advice. But there is a lot that can be gleaned from these pages for those that are intent on pushing boundaries. At least you can’t argue with the results and you have to wonder what could be accomplished with ‘good advice’.
Nick’s journey is inspirational and his rise to trail endurance royalty is prodigious. Digging deep and pushing through significant setbacks never squashed his inquisitive spirit and passion for the outdoors. This shines through clearly in his writing, which, coming from the hand of a “long haired hippie” has no business being so captivating.
Thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait for the books on the PCT and AZT. Get writing Nick.
Marley.
Not just a phenom on the trails, his ability to recollect his thoughts and feelings from the trail through the fog of pain and sleep deprivation is as impressive as his mileage.
The book starts off saying this is all bad advice. But there is a lot that can be gleaned from these pages for those that are intent on pushing boundaries. At least you can’t argue with the results and you have to wonder what could be accomplished with ‘good advice’.
Nick’s journey is inspirational and his rise to trail endurance royalty is prodigious. Digging deep and pushing through significant setbacks never squashed his inquisitive spirit and passion for the outdoors. This shines through clearly in his writing, which, coming from the hand of a “long haired hippie” has no business being so captivating.
Thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait for the books on the PCT and AZT. Get writing Nick.
Marley.
May 9, 2024
Nick's memoir of his PNT FKT is a raw and lovable account that is captivating for anyone looking for adventure. He's a great storyteller, and his relentless personality and endless curiosity shines through in his writing.
The book adorns the reader with Nick's calculated fearlessness as it drives through the day-to-day peaks and valleys of a self-supported speed record. For those with a natural sense of unease and anxiety, the book allows you to spend time throwing caution to the wind. For those with a natural sense of adventure, the book delivers inspiration.
Nick is truly one of a kind, and I guarantee you will enjoy the opportunity to walk the PNT with him (plus a few bonus miles).
The book adorns the reader with Nick's calculated fearlessness as it drives through the day-to-day peaks and valleys of a self-supported speed record. For those with a natural sense of unease and anxiety, the book allows you to spend time throwing caution to the wind. For those with a natural sense of adventure, the book delivers inspiration.
Nick is truly one of a kind, and I guarantee you will enjoy the opportunity to walk the PNT with him (plus a few bonus miles).
March 11, 2024
Throughout Nick's telling of his adventure on the PNT you learn of the challenges and hardships he endures on the rugged but beautiful trail. It's equal parts descriptive and humorous and honest. At times I felt like I was right alongside Nick! The magic of his first book is that you are left marveling at his completed epic feat but also with the beginnings of an itch for yourself to go out and explore the greater world! I loved this book and can't wait to read about other adventures Nick (and Hannah and Nick's mom) endure!
January 11, 2025
WOW. I absolutely loved this book. As a thru-hiker, I have a hard time reading accounts like this because if how differently we all experience these trails. But Nick's optimism, his goofy narration, and his unrelenting drive made this such an exciting adventure to go on. I am so proud of him and I don't even know him! This made me want to go hiking again. I even miss the bushwhacking, bruises, and bear turds. Congratulations to Nick on a fantastic FKT and a great book!!
July 9, 2024
This book is written in such a way you feel as though you are the one battling the elements on the FKT!
You never have time to relax as it keeps you guessing and hooked from start to finish.
I wholeheartedly recommend this to runners, hikers, outdoor enthusiast and so many more who just love a little adventure. Couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days!
You never have time to relax as it keeps you guessing and hooked from start to finish.
I wholeheartedly recommend this to runners, hikers, outdoor enthusiast and so many more who just love a little adventure. Couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days!
January 8, 2025
One of the very best thru hiking books out there. Nick will have you laughing and wincing along with him. He captures the sheer beauty and struggle of a thru hike and what it takes to set an FKT. He is one incredible human! It’s definitely made me want to add the PNT to my hiking wish list. 11/10 recommend
May 21, 2024
Love this book and the honesty that comes with going for an FKT on your first thru hike. A fun read and love the relationship he has with is wife throughout. Highly recommend and truly shows how hard the Pacific Northwest Trail is!
March 7, 2024
This book was a page turner! Great read!!!
July 9, 2024
Mind blowing tale of a guy who’s totally nuts in the BEST way!! Great read!
July 10, 2024
A true story about a guy who falls in love with long distance hiking and challenges himself. Funny and interesting. A must read, especially for anyone who loves nature and hiking.
September 18, 2024
A quick, fun, and simple read. Makes me want to hike the Pacific Northwest Trail. I hope he writes more books.
September 18, 2024
Surprisingly good. Our library recommended it, and after reading it, I see why. Inspiring, not just for hiking but also for life.
August 18, 2024
I’ve known the author for 35 years, living inside his head rent free. We talk daily. Sometimes I encourage him to make bad decisions; sometimes they are good decisions. The book gets 5 stars from me, but that could be because I wrote it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews