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Thruhikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail
Explore the outdoors in a whole new way with this comprehensive guide to hiking, camping, and backpacking, from @thruhikers Renee and Tim
Renee Miller and Tim Beissinger, also known as @thruhikers, share their experiences exploring the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and camping—with millions of people. They break down every aspect of their adventures—trail routes, gear, recipes, and more—and share stories from their time out on the trail.
Their first book is packed with advice, techniques, gear recommendations, and troubleshooting tips for beginner and experienced outdoorsy people alike. They take you through the entire before the trail, on the trail, and after the trail. Plus, they include over 20 plant-based dehydrated recipes, like Curry Rice and Cold-Soaked Shepherd's Pie, to bring on your adventures.
Learn how to plan your trip, pack your gear, deal with animals and leave no trace, eat and drink safely, avoid and care for injuries, pass the time, navigate all types of weather, get over the post-trail blues, and more. With this guide, you’ll be prepared for anything.
Renee Miller and Tim Beissinger, also known as @thruhikers, share their experiences exploring the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and camping—with millions of people. They break down every aspect of their adventures—trail routes, gear, recipes, and more—and share stories from their time out on the trail.
Their first book is packed with advice, techniques, gear recommendations, and troubleshooting tips for beginner and experienced outdoorsy people alike. They take you through the entire before the trail, on the trail, and after the trail. Plus, they include over 20 plant-based dehydrated recipes, like Curry Rice and Cold-Soaked Shepherd's Pie, to bring on your adventures.
Learn how to plan your trip, pack your gear, deal with animals and leave no trace, eat and drink safely, avoid and care for injuries, pass the time, navigate all types of weather, get over the post-trail blues, and more. With this guide, you’ll be prepared for anything.
Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
95 people are currently reading
4977 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 2, 2024
I have followed Tim and Renee on Instagram for a while, so I was very familiar with their adventures. When they announced they had a book coming out, I pre-ordered it on Amazon that day.
I had read a book called Long Trails by Liz Thomas a few years back and was excited to compare them. This book did not disappoint! Both books give tons of valuable information to anyone considering taking on a thruhike or even a shorter backpacking trip.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is the honest experiences they went through, learning curves, to get where they are now. Everyone makes mistakes, but what is important is how you learn from these episodes.
I knew they dehydrated most of their food and was really interested in learning more about it. They include many recipes, including variations and cooking ideas.
I am 76 years old, and although I hike every day I will never do any long hike like they do. Even my backpacking experience is very limited but it doesn't take away from the fact that I love to read about it.
My son and his wife are thruhikers so very much of what I read here is very familiar to me. I live vicariously through these experiences. I have become their resupply person and love to slip in added treats like a few homemade cookies to their boxes as I ship them.
I knew this book would be excellent and it was!
I had read a book called Long Trails by Liz Thomas a few years back and was excited to compare them. This book did not disappoint! Both books give tons of valuable information to anyone considering taking on a thruhike or even a shorter backpacking trip.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is the honest experiences they went through, learning curves, to get where they are now. Everyone makes mistakes, but what is important is how you learn from these episodes.
I knew they dehydrated most of their food and was really interested in learning more about it. They include many recipes, including variations and cooking ideas.
I am 76 years old, and although I hike every day I will never do any long hike like they do. Even my backpacking experience is very limited but it doesn't take away from the fact that I love to read about it.
My son and his wife are thruhikers so very much of what I read here is very familiar to me. I live vicariously through these experiences. I have become their resupply person and love to slip in added treats like a few homemade cookies to their boxes as I ship them.
I knew this book would be excellent and it was!
February 8, 2025
i’ve followed renée and tim for a few years on tiktok and i was so elated to hear they were coming out with a guidebook for thruhiking! even tho i don’t think i’ll ever do that (but i mean who knows) i was still able to enjoy and take so much from this book 🤓 a little scared to know that hiking can make your feet grow in size and never go back to normal but that’s besides the point
September 24, 2025
As a beginner, this book is encyclopedia with visuals that cover 360 degree of everything from food to surviving in the wild. It breaks down to planning before the trail, skills and and safety on the trail, to recipes and food planning. It offers tremendous value for hikers of all levels and age, for all kinds of trips from day hike, car camping, campsite camping, dispersed camping, backpacking to out-and-back. I actually made my own versions of dehydrating food based on the book for local hikes as well.
October 28, 2024
4.5 Stars
I watched their hiking Tik Tok channel to learn more about their dehydrated hiking meals because it was something I had never heard about. When they said they were coming out with a book, I knew I had to read it. The book is broken in to several large sections, where the first 2/3rds is about hiking and planning, equipment and other interesting tips. The last 1/3 is about dehydrating and recipes. I was mostly checking this book out for the recipes, so I skimmed the first chunk of the book, and it looked very well researched and approachable for beginners. There were lots of little anecdotes sprinkled throughout that made for some funny reading. Overall the production quality of the book was fantastic and if I ever got into hiking seriously I would come back and reread this again!
I watched their hiking Tik Tok channel to learn more about their dehydrated hiking meals because it was something I had never heard about. When they said they were coming out with a book, I knew I had to read it. The book is broken in to several large sections, where the first 2/3rds is about hiking and planning, equipment and other interesting tips. The last 1/3 is about dehydrating and recipes. I was mostly checking this book out for the recipes, so I skimmed the first chunk of the book, and it looked very well researched and approachable for beginners. There were lots of little anecdotes sprinkled throughout that made for some funny reading. Overall the production quality of the book was fantastic and if I ever got into hiking seriously I would come back and reread this again!
January 30, 2025
Like many others, I stumbled across Renee and Tim’s tiktok account a few years ago and was instantly interested in all of their outdoor adventures. So, when they decided to put out a book I couldn’t resist getting my hands on one as I love being outside and I definitely want to start incorporating some longer treks into my life.
Onto the book itself, it’s an incredibly user-friendly guide that somehow feels like it covers almost everything without being too dense. It’s really well organised and feels like a brilliant starting place of which to plan some of your walks. There are tons of helpful advice and information and truly I think it’s going to be incredibly handy to have on my shelf and pull off to reference now and again.
The only reasons I haven’t given this a 5 stars is because of two little gripes;
I wish there had been more stories of their time on the trails. I found the tales they did share to be a real highlight and I just wish there had been even more.
My only other complaint is that the book feels very much tailored to an American audience. Now I understand that’s where they do the vast majority of their walks and probably where most of their audience is located. But, I would have loved a little more about their time hiking in Germany etc.
Overall I am so glad I picked this up as it’s a great resource and it was an interesting read.
Onto the book itself, it’s an incredibly user-friendly guide that somehow feels like it covers almost everything without being too dense. It’s really well organised and feels like a brilliant starting place of which to plan some of your walks. There are tons of helpful advice and information and truly I think it’s going to be incredibly handy to have on my shelf and pull off to reference now and again.
The only reasons I haven’t given this a 5 stars is because of two little gripes;
I wish there had been more stories of their time on the trails. I found the tales they did share to be a real highlight and I just wish there had been even more.
My only other complaint is that the book feels very much tailored to an American audience. Now I understand that’s where they do the vast majority of their walks and probably where most of their audience is located. But, I would have loved a little more about their time hiking in Germany etc.
Overall I am so glad I picked this up as it’s a great resource and it was an interesting read.
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January 2, 2025Renée Miller ’10 and Timothy Mathes Beissinger ’09, MS’11, PhD’14
Coauthors
From the coauthors
Renee Miller and Tim Beissinger, also known as @thruhikers, share their experiences exploring the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and camping—with millions of people. They break down every aspect of their adventures—trail routes, gear, recipes, and more—and share stories from their time on the trail.
Their first book is packed with advice, techniques, gear recommendations, and troubleshooting tips for beginner and experienced outdoorsy people alike. They take you through the entire experience: before the trail, on the trail, and after the trail. Plus, they include over 20 plant-based dehydrated recipes, like Curry Rice and Cold-Soaked Shepherd's Pie, to bring on your adventures.
Learn how to plan your trip, pack your gear, deal with animals and leave no trace, eat and drink safely, avoid and care for injuries, pass the time, navigate all types of weather, get over the post-trail blues, and more. With this guide, you’ll be prepared for anything.
Coauthors
From the coauthors
Renee Miller and Tim Beissinger, also known as @thruhikers, share their experiences exploring the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and camping—with millions of people. They break down every aspect of their adventures—trail routes, gear, recipes, and more—and share stories from their time on the trail.
Their first book is packed with advice, techniques, gear recommendations, and troubleshooting tips for beginner and experienced outdoorsy people alike. They take you through the entire experience: before the trail, on the trail, and after the trail. Plus, they include over 20 plant-based dehydrated recipes, like Curry Rice and Cold-Soaked Shepherd's Pie, to bring on your adventures.
Learn how to plan your trip, pack your gear, deal with animals and leave no trace, eat and drink safely, avoid and care for injuries, pass the time, navigate all types of weather, get over the post-trail blues, and more. With this guide, you’ll be prepared for anything.
February 25, 2025
This was great! I have followed @thruhikers on instagram for a while and particularly enjoyed when they hiked up through Canada and canoed down through the Pacific Northwest. This book is fun and has great photography, diagram drawings, recipes, tips, and stories.
The book is broken down in a really accessible way and is fun to read, skim, or reference!
Two interesting takeaways:
6
In the moment, there is little a hiker can do to change his speed or endurance. It is tempting to assume that fast hikers can slow down more easily than slow hikers can speed up, but changing your base cadence is difficult for anybody.
11
Miles and hours walked per day increased - also steps we took per mile increased over time. Attributed to shortening stride length and increased step rate - increased walking efficiency.
I'm also eager to try out some of the recipes, especially the creamy tomato rotini or the mushroom risotto.
The book is broken down in a really accessible way and is fun to read, skim, or reference!
Two interesting takeaways:
6
In the moment, there is little a hiker can do to change his speed or endurance. It is tempting to assume that fast hikers can slow down more easily than slow hikers can speed up, but changing your base cadence is difficult for anybody.
11
Miles and hours walked per day increased - also steps we took per mile increased over time. Attributed to shortening stride length and increased step rate - increased walking efficiency.
I'm also eager to try out some of the recipes, especially the creamy tomato rotini or the mushroom risotto.
January 21, 2026
Thruhikers is a practical guide packed with the kind of foundational information a new backpacker genuinely needs. It covers the basics clearly and efficiently, but the writing style leans heavily toward the functional. At times it reads more like a PDF handout or a detailed backpacking checklist than a narrative‑driven book, which makes it incredibly informative but not especially engaging.
The strength of the book lies in its straightforward, beginner‑friendly approach. Still, I found myself wishing for more personal inserts from the authors’ own hikes—stories, reflections, or even brief snapshots of their experiences. Those touches would have added warmth and personality, helping the practical advice land with more depth and inspiration.
Overall, it’s a solid resource for getting started, especially if you appreciate concise, checklist‑style guidance. I just wanted a bit more of them in it.
The strength of the book lies in its straightforward, beginner‑friendly approach. Still, I found myself wishing for more personal inserts from the authors’ own hikes—stories, reflections, or even brief snapshots of their experiences. Those touches would have added warmth and personality, helping the practical advice land with more depth and inspiration.
Overall, it’s a solid resource for getting started, especially if you appreciate concise, checklist‑style guidance. I just wanted a bit more of them in it.
September 29, 2024
This beautifully crafted, coffee table-quality book offers practical advice tailored to beginners. It also includes fantastic backpacking recipes that anyone can enjoy.
Like many, I discovered Renee and Tim through their Reels. At the time, I was just getting into camping, and their content introduced me to thru-hiking.
I wish I had this book when I first started camping—it would have saved me a small fortune at REI! That said, I’m still new enough to appreciate the many helpful tips in the book that I hadn’t yet learned. Watching their videos also inspired me to make my own backpacking meals, and having their recipes is a huge bonus.
This book will soon become a go-to gift for the young people in my life, helping them discover the joys of backpacking earlier than I did.
Like many, I discovered Renee and Tim through their Reels. At the time, I was just getting into camping, and their content introduced me to thru-hiking.
I wish I had this book when I first started camping—it would have saved me a small fortune at REI! That said, I’m still new enough to appreciate the many helpful tips in the book that I hadn’t yet learned. Watching their videos also inspired me to make my own backpacking meals, and having their recipes is a huge bonus.
This book will soon become a go-to gift for the young people in my life, helping them discover the joys of backpacking earlier than I did.
December 16, 2024
I have been following Renee and Tim for years on Instagram Reels, as their informative videos are fascinating. This book followed suit, as they wrote a step-by-step guide on thru-hiking for those who are established day-hikers but want to begin to tackle bigger overnight trips. The chapters are well organized and include personal asides with their hard-won wisdom. The ending of the book included recipes for dehydrated meals to decrease weight in hiker's backpacks. All in all, a very well-done book that is helpful for those who want to try thru-hiking, and a special treat for those who have been following this intrepid married couple online.
December 14, 2025
I noticed on their social media a while ago that they encourage trail users to wash dirty personal items directly in streams. I was hoping that they updated that poor recommendation before it got to more people. This book reinforces it. Page 139 encourages hikers to wash their pee cloths directly in streams. This is completely against leave no trace principles. Trail users, when washing anything including personal items, body, and dishes, should carry water away from bodies of water a distance away, as recommended by the governing body, normally 200’ away. Cat holes should also be a distance away from water which I think the authors fail to mention. I’ll keep reading and will update review.
December 6, 2024
I did quite a few overnight hikes as a kid with my family and the Boy Scouts, and then 35 years later, picked it up again with my own family in Yosemite and Sequoia. We haven't done any overnight backpacking trips yet, but watching Renee & Tim's short videos and reading their book is incredibly inspiring. I doubt I'll ever hike the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail or any hike longer than just a few days, but watching them do it and reading about all the prep work they go through is both fun and inspiring.
March 26, 2025
Popular social media hikers Tim and Renee have successfully distilled their hiker wisdom into an accessible, well-designed manual for being successful on just about any hike.
I enjoyed reading through this, but the real value is as a go-to resource for everything from how to pack well to which kind of sleeping pad to use to a great chapter on food dehydration and a set of recipes to make at home.
This has me hankering to get out on some of my local trails and harden up my hiking muscles. And I may consider buying a copy!
I enjoyed reading through this, but the real value is as a go-to resource for everything from how to pack well to which kind of sleeping pad to use to a great chapter on food dehydration and a set of recipes to make at home.
This has me hankering to get out on some of my local trails and harden up my hiking muscles. And I may consider buying a copy!
January 6, 2026
This is a good beginner guide to getting on the trail. I’m an avid hiker, but I haven’t tried a thru hike yet (someday!). I most enjoyed reading the little stories they included about their life on the trail, and I’m very curious to know what their own trail names are. I have tried a few of their recipes before from following them on Instagram and I’m excited to try more.
I am impressed with how thorough they were in writing this book, but there were a few things that were left out, like R-value of sleeping pads. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I learned some things.
I am impressed with how thorough they were in writing this book, but there were a few things that were left out, like R-value of sleeping pads. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I learned some things.
December 28, 2024
I’ve loved Renee and Tim’s social media channel, and I was thrilled to see that gathered all their experiential wisdom in one place. This book is a user-friendly yet comprehensive guide to backpacking and thru hiking. As someone who has car camped and day hiked, this book helped me fill the gaps I had when it came to backpacking. I’m excited to rent some equipment I don’t have (thanks for the tip to rent before buying) and hit the trail soon!
May 21, 2025
2-3 stars. A practical book with a lot of basic info to get you started that reads like a PDF or a backpacking checklist.
I listened on audio because it was the only version available and the female narrator’s reading was about as impersonal as it gets.
I do respect the knowledge and experience the authors have. Maybe if I were following them on social media I would have been more delighted by this book.
I listened on audio because it was the only version available and the female narrator’s reading was about as impersonal as it gets.
I do respect the knowledge and experience the authors have. Maybe if I were following them on social media I would have been more delighted by this book.
October 6, 2024
This is a great book! I've been following Renée and Tim on their social medias for some time now, and have loved seeing them explore. It makes me more interested in doing it myself. This book is a perfect starting place for someone who has the interest in being outdoors more but doesn't have the background.
January 3, 2025
3.5 stars.
I wish they had more stories about the trails sprinkled throughout. It was a good book to skim and live vicariously through knowing that I would like to go on a grand adventure one day. I found the book as I follow them on Facebook and enjoy learning about how they complete these massive hikes.
I wish they had more stories about the trails sprinkled throughout. It was a good book to skim and live vicariously through knowing that I would like to go on a grand adventure one day. I found the book as I follow them on Facebook and enjoy learning about how they complete these massive hikes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
Thankful these thru-hikers take the time to share their successes and lessons learned throughout the journey of backpacking and trail hiking. I appreciated the more thorough explanation of all that goes into planning for these life-changing adventures, and by previously following their social media page, I knew the book was 100% them!
September 20, 2024
This book is full of great advice and beautifully laid out. I love car camping and day hiking and want to start backpacking. I learned a lot in this book and will revisit it when planning my next adventure!
October 1, 2024
Overall a nice book, but not very thru-hiker oriented as someone who is looking to do the PCT. Excited to try out the dehydrated meals. Good illustrations, but a lot of basic knowledge if you already backpack.
December 8, 2024
Very practical and easy to follow. Lots of helpful tips written in a really digestible manner.
Would recommend if you're getting into hiking, camping or canoe camping because they had lots of great tips that would apply to all sorts of outdoor adventures
Would recommend if you're getting into hiking, camping or canoe camping because they had lots of great tips that would apply to all sorts of outdoor adventures
April 28, 2025
One step closer to deciding to quit my job to do a thru hike 👀😅 Very comprehensive guide with mostly info I knew, but a few things I didn’t. I’ll be trying some of these recipes for my backpacking adventures this summer 😊
June 1, 2025
This was a physically nice book, but I thought the content was a bit too general. I'd assume that if you're interested in thru-hiking, you'd have day hiking figured out by now. There were some interesting tidbits, and I've currently got my dehydrator running to try one of the recipes in the back.
August 10, 2025
I’m neither a novice nor an expert in backpacking; I found the tips helpful and learned new ideas for my next adventure 🙂 good for all skill levels! Interesting anecdotes sprinkled throughout. Will update my review after trying some of the recipe ideas out.
August 21, 2024
Love this book. I mostly got it for the recipes - which did not disappoint - but I was surprised how much I also enjoyed some of the stories and other info I learned from this book. I’m from BC Canada and hiking is super popular here so I already had some hiking knowledge but this book had lots of smart tips and tricks. Renee and Tim both have so much hiking experience from Germany to the USA, their story motivates me to want to hike even more. If you want to get into hiking or already have experience, either way I would recommend this.
September 5, 2024
Perfect for planning your next adventure!
September 17, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and found it very informative. The recipes are great although everything is dehydrated - which would be worthwhile for long thru hikers. Good advice thoughout.
October 10, 2024
Really great information. Not as many recipes as I expected.
October 17, 2024
great resource for new and experienced backpackers. I especially liked the dehydrated food recipes, motivating me to dust off the ol' dehydrator.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews