LASH (Long-Ass Section Hike)
Overview
A LASH, or Long-Ass Section Hike, refers to completing a large portion of a long-distance trail in one extended trip without hiking the full length in a single season.
Key points
- Allows hikers to cover major trail segments without committing to a full thru-hike.
- Often spans several weeks to a few months.
- Logistics resemble thru-hiking, including resupply, navigation, and gear considerations.
- Completion of multiple LASH segments may eventually cover an entire trail.
Details
LASH hikers undertake substantial portions of long-distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or Continental Divide Trail in concentrated sections. This approach is common among hikers balancing employment, family obligations, or seasonal constraints. Although not a full thru-hike, a LASH requires similar preparation, physical conditioning, and attention to seasonal conditions on specific trail sections.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.