Ryan is a long-distance backpacker, dedicated to ultralight hiking and spreading stories of the trail. He got his start with lightweight packing during a through-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007, then honed his abilities on the New England Trail in 2009 (on which he was one of the first to complete a through-hike). His backpacking adventures continued with the Pacific Crest Trail in 2010, and will undoubtedly add more long-distance hiking trails in the years to come. In the meantime, he spends most of his time in his home of Northern New England, piling on the miles and ever searching for a way to go lighter without sacrificing comforts.

Favorite Training Ground: The Mahoosuc Mountains on the Maine/New Hampshire border have it all, with steep climbs, alpine terrain, gorgeous rivers and streams, and the dreaded Mahoosuc Notch. If I could only hike in one place for the rest of my life, it would be there.

Current Plans: Slowing down with through-hiking while I work on building a career and a home, but still trying to be an extreme weekend-warrior. The Long Trail and the Continental Divide Trail are somewhere in the not-distant future, though.

Website: gutthook.blogspot.com

Age: 27

Favorite Gossamer Gear item: Lightrek 4 Poles. I got 3000 miles on my first pair before breaking one section. They’re a lot tougher than you would think.