Are you planning a thru-hike in 2026? We've got your back — literally. Big Agnes and Ridge Merino are teaming up to sponsor three committed and creative thru hikers & new for this year, one bikepacker for the 2026 season — one hiker for each of the legendary long trails in the USA: the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail; one "thru" biker tackling a long-distance bike trail. Apply here.

This is more than just a gear hookup, it's a full-season partnership with two brands obsessed with backcountry comfort, performance, and protecting the places we roam. 

We encourage anyone planning to thru hike one of these trails in 2026 to apply to this ambassadorship program, including those in the LGBTQIA, BIPOC, and other minority groups. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: 

You're planning to hike one of the Triple Crown trails in 2026. 

• Appalachian Trail (AT)
• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
• Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

OR you're planning on biking an established bike route in the USA or Canada. 

You're someone who: 

• Embodies the Big Agnes & Ridge Merino spirit: down to earth, dirt-loving, and dedicated to leaving the outdoors better than you found it.
• Believes that comfort and sustainability can coexist, from your tent to your sun hoodie. 
• Practices Leave No Trace principles and encourages others to do the same. 
• You're accepting of all trail users, including those in the LGBTQAI, BIPOC, and other minority trail users. 
• Loves sharing your journey. whether that's through trail updates, social media, storytelling, or epic sunrise selfies. 
• Is based in the USA or Canada. Must be 18+ at the time of application. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

We'll outfit you from the start of trail to end. 

From Big Agnes: 

• A full Big Agnes backpacking OR bikepacking camp gear kit to support your entire thru hike
• Trail support & stoke from the Big Agnes team 

From Ridge Merino: 

• The softest, stink-fighting, trail-ready Merino apparel you'll live in (seriously). A full layering system including but not limited to Merino wool base layers, sun hoodies, and accessories built for high-output days and unpredictable weather. 
• Ongoing support and exposure from Ridge's content and marketing team.

Sound like a good fit? 

APPLY TO BE SPONSORED BY BIG AGNES x RIDGER MERINO THRU HIKER AMBASSADOR

Applications close October 15, 2025.