It’s that point of yr once more. When you’re searching for the right budget-friendly present for the thru-hiker in your life, by no means worry — we’re right here to assist. From the hiker simply beginning out to the one who already appears to personal every thing, there’s one thing enjoyable and helpful on this information for each sort of thru-hiker. And the perfect half? Every thing on this checklist is beneath $50.
Fast Navigation
Socks and Underwear
Equipment
Devices
Meals
Backpack Upgrades
Path Consolation Gadgets
Water Filtration
Small Requirements
Books and At-House Requirements
Socks and Underwear
In backpacking, as in life, you possibly can by no means have too many spare socks ‘n’ underwear. It’s the sensible, un-sexy present all of us secretly need and wish. On-trail, avid hikers can put on via a pair of socks very quickly flat, and underwear can rapidly get… nicely… .
Darn Powerful Hiker Micro Crew Socks (Males’s | Girls’s)
- MSRP: $25
- Supplies: 61% merino wool/36% nylon/3% Lycra spandex
Darn Powerful socks are made within the USA (and in an Appalachian Path state: Vermont!) and are just about the gold customary for wool climbing socks. They’re tremendous smooth, comfortable, and sturdy, plus they arrive with a lifetime assure. All hikers covet Darn Toughs, and an additional pair or two positively gained’t go amiss.
For an additional-luxurious present, try Darn Powerful’s deliciously plush, ultra-cozy Mountaineering Socks.
Injinji Outside Midweight Mini-Crew Wool Socks
“For Injiji socks – Injiji lately added merino wool socks to their line-up. These socks are my go-to to stop blisters and foot chafing. With 71% merino wool, these socks are moisture-regulating and anti-odor.” — Lisa Slutsken
Saxx Quest 2.0 Boxer Briefs – Males’s 5″ Inseam
“For the longest time, I used to be a loyal and unique ExOfficio underwear zealot. That each one modified once I was gifted my first pair of Saxx underwear. Merely put, I’ve but to check a extra comfy, sturdy, and chafe-preventing pair of underwear. Although not low-cost, they’re value each penny.” — Zach Davis
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Equipment
BUFF Multifunctional Neckwear
Everybody wants a minimum of one good BUFF of their life. It’s the true do-it-all accent, and their EcoStretch line is made with 95% recycled REPREVE Efficiency Microfiber. The Trek has a few customized BUFF’s in their very own retailer. If you wish to get your personal design onto a BUFF, try their customized product web page.
Waterproof Rain Mitts
- MSRP: $49.95
- Materials: Gore-Tex
On chilly winter hikes, defending your arms from rain is greater than a luxurious: it’s essential for security. These waterproof breathable mitts could be worn whereas climbing on chilly, windy, and/or wet days for added heat and safety. They’re additionally nice for conserving your arms dry whereas filtering water. You don’t want rain mitts till you really want them, however when that point comes, your giftee will probably be glad to have them of their pack.
Ultra100 Pockets
- MSRP: $15
- Weight: 0.22 oz
Extremely is a comparatively new, cutting-edge cloth coveted by members of the ultralight neighborhood. Everybody ought to personal a minimum of slightly bit of these things, but it surely’s loopy costly. This pockets might be a greater start line than a $700 tent. It’s 4 inches vast by three inches tall (simply sufficient for a couple of playing cards and a few money). Weighing in at solely six grams is nearly weightless.
Soiled Lady Gaiters
Gaiters are mainly little ankle skirts that hold snow, mud, and particles from getting inside your shoe. Light-weight path operating gaiters suffice for many thru-hikers. Soiled Lady is the most well-liked model, with actually a whole bunch of enjoyable cloth patterns.
Enlightened Gear Rain Wrap
This ultralight silnylon rain kilt is simple to placed on with out ever having to cease and take your backpack off, and it’ll hold your legs dry with out getting sizzling and stuffy the best way rain pants would. This present hits the candy spot of performance and uniqueness, plus your buy helps a small US firm.
Vantage Level Trucker Hat
- MSRP: $34
- Weight: 2.3 oz
In keeping with Trek Author Owen Eigenbrot, “This light-weight hat is nice for warm climate. The mesh acts as a swamp cooler on sweaty days, and the smooth brim makes packing it away good and easy. Additionally, the sun shades lock is an superior means hold shades safe after they’re not in your face.”
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Devices
Via-hiking isn’t an electronics-heavy exercise, however there are nonetheless a couple of gadgets that make life on the path simpler and extra satisfying, and devices are positive to be a win with gear junkies and beginner hikers alike.
Nitecore NU25 UL 400 Headlamp
In 2022, Nitecore gave their fashionable NU25 headlamp a UL replace. It’s now lighter (and brighter, at 400 lumens peak output) than ever. This headlamp is creating fairly a buzz within the thru-hiking world proper now, so it will make an ideal present.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
- MSRP: $49.95
- Weight: 2.7 oz
All hikers want a headlamp for evening climbing and toodling round camp after darkish. This thru-hiker favourite has a number of brightness settings, a purple mild, strobe, a locking characteristic, and a battery indicator mild.
READ NEXT — The Greatest Backpacking Headlamps
Anker 10000 mAh Battery Financial institution
A battery financial institution will present the consumer with three or 4 extra smartphone fees, in order that they don’t have to fret about conserving their battery. This can be a good characteristic on-trail, the place a telephone turns out to be useful for every thing from music and pictures to navigation and communication. It can be used to recharge different gadgets that cost by way of USB.
Mini Swiss Military Knife
Swiss Military knives are well-known for packing large performance right into a compact package deal. This lil mini stabber will probably be extra helpful for chopping up cheese and summer time sausage than keeping off marauding bears. However for the reason that former job is infinitely extra prone to be an precise want, this 1.5 ozgizmo is the right device for the job.
FlipFuel Gas Switch Gadget
When you’ve ever encountered a hiker field at a preferred path cease, then you definitely’ll keep in mind the overflowing field of almost-empty gas canisters. Possibly you’ve even thought, “If solely I might consolidate all that gas, I’d be a millionaire!” Okay, possibly the chance isn’t that improbable, however this FlipFuel gadget allows hikers to do exactly that — refill their canisters from the dregs of others. This reduces waste and saves cash.
“The FlipFuel switch gadget is the right selection for a savvy, money-saving, eco-conscious thru-hiker. When you get fortunate, you may be capable of hit a protracted path and solely ever purchase a few gas canisters. When you get a grasp of the switch methodology, it turns into fast and simple to reap all these mostly-empty gas canisters from hiker bins. They will then be punctured and recycled, and you’ll hike off into the sundown.” — Matthew Kok
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Meals
All hikers are obsessive about noms. Assist your gift-ee combine it up within the backcountry kitchen division with an assortment of fancy backpacking meals.
Good To-Go Meals
- MSRP: $8.75 for a single-serving pouch
They’ve quite a lot of thrilling meal flavors at an affordable value level. Undecided what to get? We just like the Mexican Quinoa Bowl, the Herbed Mushroom Risotto, and the Pad Thai.
Greenbelly Meals
“What do you get the backpacker that has all of it? Meals! At this level, my gear is dialed, however I’m so stoked when folks present me luxurious backpacking meals that I wouldn’t usually ball out on for myself. Greenbelly meals are my go-to for fast-packing or for throwing in my bag as an emergency meal once I go on a day hike or different outside pursuit.” — Madeline Newel
Sea to Summit Collapsible X Mug
“As a backpacker, extra ‘creature comforts’ (like a mug) was once my first sacrifice for decreasing my base weight. With this mug, although, it’s really easy to overlook it’s there! Weighing in at simply over 2 ounces, the important thing characteristic of this mug is its collapsible physique. It hardly exists with the area it takes up, could be simply used as a lid for my prepare dinner pot, as a mug for my morning espresso, or further bowl for mealtimes.” — Ariella Nardizzi
BRS-3000T Ultralight Burner Range
It will be virtually inconceivable for a backpacking range to get any smaller or lighter weight than the BRS-3000T. Not solely that, however this range is extraordinarily inexpensive. Now, it’s not good — the tiny help arms aren’t probably the most steady, and it’s much less gas environment friendly than another stoves — however you possibly can’t argue with what it brings to the desk. For backpackers who prepare dinner occasionally, or similar to a cup of tea every now and then, the BRS-3000T is the right light-weight, minuscule range to convey with you.
Toaks Mild Titanium 550 mL Pot
- MSRP: $29.95
- Weight: 2.6 oz
No level giving somebody a bunch of freeze-dried backpacking meals in the event that they don’t have a pot to prepare dinner it in! Each ounce counts to a thru-hiker, although. Swapping out heavier aluminum cookware for a minimalist titanium pot can save weight (and get rid of the metallic style aluminum generally imparts). A 550 mL pot must be large enough for a person hiker. Around the present out by including an identical long-handled spoon (for digging into the depths of a backpacking meal pouch).
HykLyf Pika Bowl
“This little bowl takes up no area and weighs nothing — ultralighters, come at me. This little measuring bowl ensures you don’t overfill your dehydrated eggs into some sort of egg stew. It’s a sensible and easy little device everybody might seemingly discover a use for.” — Deirdre Rosenberg
Gossamer Gear Crotch Pot
Gossamer Gear has, to say the least, taken a novel method to ultralight cooking by creating this Tyvek pouch that’s designed to rehydrate the consumer’s dinner utilizing their crotch warmth to allow them to “prepare dinner” whereas they hike and have a sizzling meal able to eat at camp, all with out the load of a range, pot, or gas. Not solely does this make an amazing gag present, but it surely’s additionally legitimately practical. Many customers report merely clipping the pouch to their pack for chilly soaking comfort, moderately than going the crotch route.
Intrigued? Try our evaluation of the GG Crotch Pot right here.
“For some motive, sporks and titanium cutlery have taken over the backpacker’s kitchen package. The reality is, sporks are rubbish at every thing and are means too quick to be sensible. Titanium is fairly cool and light-weight, however the silicone edge on this spoon is the final word meals bowl/container squeegee. The lengthy deal with additionally retains these nasty hiker arms out of even the deepest meals vessels, which helps forestall illness.” — Owen Eigenbrot
Aeropress Go Journey Cofee Press
- MSRP: $39.95
- Weight: 11.5 oz
The Aeropress is known for making nice espresso on AND off the path. This mini, travel-size model is right for thru-hiking, automotive tenting, and journey usually.
JetBoil Silicone Espresso Press
“When you already personal a Jetboil or MSR Windburnner range this can be a no-brainer. Actually elevates your path espresso sport with out breaking the financial institution or the again. Light-weight and works nice.” — Moose Juice
READ NEXT — Path Espresso 6 Methods: Which Methodology Makes the Greatest Brew?
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Backpack Upgrades
Backpacks are huge, costly, and extremely particular to particular person wants, making them difficult items. However do you know there’s a roaring marketplace for backpack equipment, like detachable pockets to extend organizational capability and supply extra handy storage?
Hen Tramper Gear Water Bottle Sleeve
Hydration bladders make it straightforward to drink on the go, however they’re not that fashionable with thru-hikers as a result of they’re heavy and troublesome to fill and clear. However alternatively, reaching again to seize a water bottle out of your backpack’s facet pockets mid-hike is inconvenient at greatest and a pressure in your rotator cuffs at worst. The answer? An ultralight water bottle pocket add-on that attaches to your shoulder straps in order that your water is at all times simply inside attain. This mesh pocket from CTG weighs a fraction of an oz and will match most backpacks.
“I like with the ability to entry my water bottle whereas on the transfer with out dislocating my shoulder. CTG’s water bottle holder is a sturdy and well-designed sleeve that securely holds bottles. It’s adaptable to totally different packs and is obtainable in 4 totally different sizes.” — Lisa Slutsken
Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket
- MSRP: $20-$22
- Weight: 1.4-1.8oz
Unlock these hip-belt pockets for extra snacks by conserving your telephone and different necessities in your shoulder(s). Including accessible pockets can assist hikers keep on the transfer for longer every day, so in case your pack doesn’t have already got them, then these pockets from Gossamer Gear are an inexpensive option to increase on-hand utility. These aren’t waterproof, so hold this in thoughts should you spend quite a lot of time in moist areas. Different manufacturers make comparable pockets with waterproof Xpac or DCF.
WEBO Via Hip-Pack
For the hikers who simply can’t have sufficient accessible snack storage, then try this fanny pack with depraved colours, water resistant, and sturdy Xpac development.
Additionally, fanny packs are the accent within the thru-hiking world proper now—the final word hiker trash standing image, if you’ll. When you’re unsure what to present the thru-hiker in your life, I preserve {that a} fanny pack is a foolproof decide. Try our picks for the perfect fanny packs for thru-hiking.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack
This inexpensive fanny pack providing by trusted model Osprey permits you to have simply what you want simply accessible, for beneath 3 extra oz. Strive it it 4 totally different colours of various levels of enjoyable.
READ NEXT – The Greatest Fanny Packs for Via-Climbing
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Path Consolation Gadgets
Climbing is difficult. Assist make path life really feel slightly comfier with certainly one of these light-weight, cheap equipment.
Rawlogy Ultralight Cork Therapeutic massage Ball
For simply over an oz, this therapeutic massage ball can work wonders for sore, tight muscle tissues on the finish of a protracted day on path. And since sore, tight muscle tissues are the hallmark of any thru-hike, this cheap present is nearly assured to be a success.
“The Rawology Cork Curler Ball is a therapeutic massage ball that helps your muscle tissues calm down after a protracted day of climbing. It’s light-weight and saved my ft quite a lot of ache on my thru-hike. I nonetheless use it each day, even post-hike, and will probably be carrying it on all hikes sooner or later.” — Abby Evans
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
- MSRP: $45-$65
- Weight: 2.1 oz
An inflatable pillow isn’t strictly needed on a thru-hike, however having one thing smooth to cradle your head is an unbelievable consolation to a weary thru-hiker. That’s why inflatable pillows are so incessantly cited as thru-hikers’ favourite luxurious objects.
Glacial Gear Path Rag Merino Pack Towel
- MSRP: $20-$29
- Materials: %100 merino wool
“That is an extremely versatile merchandise. I used to pack out a few bandanas, however now that is my go-to. Excellent towel for a UL setup.” — Matthew Kok
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad
- MSRP: $45-55
- Weight: 14.5 oz
Foam sleeping pads are the perfect: they’re sturdy, versatile, and surprisingly comfortable. Some hikers carry a full-length foam pad as a complement to a pricier inflatable. The froth pad provides cushioning and heat to their sleep system, and could be deployed rapidly throughout the day for spontaneous naps and snack breaks. Our reviewer thinks the NEMO Switchback is the comfiest foam pad in the marketplace.
Zpacks Pillow Dry Bag
- MSRP: $49.95
- Weight: 1.4 oz
For thrifty hikers who prize weight financial savings and multifunctionality of their gear, Zpacks gives a pillow-dry bag hybrid for cranial consolation at evening and waterproof group throughout the day. Flip the DCF dry bag inside out to reveal the fleecy inside. Then stuff unused garments and different smooth items inside to create a comfortable camp pillow with a minimal weight penalty. This distinctive piece is a wonderful possibility for the hiker who already appears to have every thing.
Storage Grown Gear Sit Pads
It’s unbelievable how a lot of a distinction it makes to have a sit pad defending your behind from chilly stone, mud, and poky sticks. This merchandise prices little by way of each cash and weight however provides unbelievable worth to any hiker’s pack.
Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Umbrella
Climbing umbrellas are all the trend lately, and for good motive. They supply each solar and rain safety with full air flow. You’ll be able to even get a hands-free umbrella package in order that the umbrella could be connected to your backpack shoulder straps—no want to carry all of it day.
READ NEXT — Why Solar Umbrellas are Changing into Via-Hikers’ Favourite Piece of Gear.
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Water Filtration
When thru-hiking, it’s crucial to a) keep hydrated and b) not contract giardia or one other waterborne illness.
CNOC Vecto Bladder
These versatile water containers are ultralight, packable, and surprisingly sturdy — no marvel they’re a thru-hiking cult traditional. The vast finish is right for gathering water rapidly, even from stagnant or gradual sources, whereas the slim finish mates with fashionable water filters just like the Sawyer Squeeze (under). In reality, should you pair it with a Smartwater bottle and Sawyer’s double-female Cleansing Coupling, you possibly can present your thru-hiker a handy, ultralight gravity-fed water filtration system.
Platypus Quickdraw Microfilter
This filter is similar to the industry-standard Sawyer Squeeze, however many thru-hikers say it filters water extra rapidly, is much less liable to clogging, and is simpler to wash and preserve. This little dangerous boy simply got here out this yr and has proceeded to take the backcountry water filtration market by storm. Learn our evaluation right here.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
Sawyer Squeeze is ubiquitous on any long-distance path, as it’s the most well-liked water filter. Tried, trusted, and true, this 3 ozwater filter is a useful present to anybody planning a backcountry journey. The thread suits on a Smartwater bottle, so you possibly can ditch the pouch it comes with and avoid wasting further weight. Simply you’ll want to hold the filter above freezing — if it freezes, you’ll want to interchange it. However hey, so far as ultralight gear is anxious, it’s fairly inexpensive.
“Particularly because the mountains get colder at evening, I a liable to letting my water filter freeze. I can by no means have too many water filters readily available, as a result of I do know I’ll ultimately have to interchange a frozen or damaged one.” — Katie Jackson
Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle
- MSRP: $45
- Weight: 2.3 oz
One of many Sawyer Squeeze’s prime opponents, the Katadyn BeFree has a sooner stream fee, however is tougher to wash.”The stream is so quick (1 liter per minute) that I stored spilling water out of my mouth and generally choking,” mentioned Nicole and Alex Docta in a evaluation. One can examine the relative deserves of the Sawyer Squeeze and BeFree eternally, however on the finish of the day, both will probably be an appreciated present to your hiker-trash good friend.
READ NEXT — Platypus QuickDraw vs Katadyn BeFree vs Sawyer Squeeze: Which Water Filter Ought to You Carry For Your Subsequent Via-Hike?
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Small Requirements
Rain, solar, wind, and bugs are a actuality of the path. Assist your hiker navigate these challenges safely and comfortably.
Kula Fabric
These discreet, modern, super-absorbant antimicrobial cloths are the perfect backpacking pee rags. As a result of hygiene issues and coping with bathroom paper within the backcountry is a multitude. Kula Fabric additionally ups the superior issue by collaborating with impartial artists, with their work accessible within the Artist Sequence of merchandise.
“We’ve received some stellar creative expertise within the outside neighborhood, and it’s virtually poetic that so many individuals are stoked to rep it on a pee fabric. Gander at some actually superior designs and provides the present of an antimicrobial pee fabric to your favourite one that squats after they pee — all for beneath $25. What’s to not love?” — Oats!
Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm
“Physique glide is the principle motive I used to be capable of hike comfortably. It was the one factor that stored me sane some days and is usually a nice small however foolish present on your favourite backpacker.” — Abby Evans
Insect Head Web
A head internet weighs little or no and gives some reduction from the inevitable clouds of mosquitoes and blackflies that plague hikers on lengthy trails worldwide.
Permethrin
Permethrin is an insect repellent therapy for clothes and kit (it doesn’t go in your pores and skin). Permethrin therapy is especially clutch on the Appalachian Path, the place tick bites can transmit severe ailments comparable to Lyme. One permethrin therapy lasts about six weeks or six washings, after which your hiker might want to reapply. Just about any gear, together with all clothes (besides underwear), buffs, sneakers, tents, and packs, can and must be handled.
Completely satisfied Backside Moveable Bidet
Backcountry bidets are all the trend lately: they’re Depart No Hint pleasant and save the proprietor a buttload (sorry) of bathroom paper. Additionally useful for laundry different physique elements, like arms.
“I really like the Completely satisfied Backside Bidet a lot, I wrote an entire article on it! This piece of drugs is a game-changer, particularly for longer thru-hikes. No extra sacrificing hygiene; plus, with the added bonus of limiting bathroom paper waste (and extra weight).” — Ariella Nardizzi
READ NEXT — Be taught to Poop Outdoors Responsibly with a Backcountry Bidet
The DirtSawDeuce Ultralight Trowel
A devoted trowel is very nice to have, however low-cost ones are heavy and ponderous, and high quality ultralight ones are stupidly expensive for such a small, easy factor. Whereas your thru-hiker won’t wish to shell out 24 bucks for a titanium trowel, it actually is sweet to have a purpose-built device for digging catholes. This present will make their lives simpler and honor Depart No Hint ethics by serving to them to do a great job burying their poo.
One Ounce SPF Sunscreen Tubes
Attractive? Probably not. Sensible? Sure. Having slightly SPF readily available is at all times a good suggestion for somebody who lives outdoors for an prolonged interval, particularly on trails with quite a lot of publicity to the weather.
Leukotape
The last word thru-hiker stocking stuffer. Robust, sticky Leukotape is sort of each thru-hiker’s go-to blister prevention methodology. Slap some in your hotspots to guard your pores and skin from rubbing and also you’ll be protected for a whole bunch of miles. You’ll be able to by no means have an excessive amount of Leukotape.
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Books and At-House Requirements
Nationwide Geographic Wall Map: AT | PCT | CDT
A wall map is an ideal present for aspiring thru-hikers and veterans alike. They will use it as inspiration and a useful planning device earlier than thru-hiking and can love trying again at and reminiscing about their favourite spots on the path after they’ve accomplished it. A wall map can also be a great gift for household and mates who would love a option to observe together with somebody’s hike.
Appalachian Trials Signed Copy
- MSRP: $30
- Creator: Zach Davis
Enjoyable reality: Appalachian Trials: The Psychological and Emotional Information to Efficiently Via-Climbing the Appalachian Path was written by The Trek’s very personal Zach Davis, and that’s how this very web site got here to be. To not toot our personal horn an excessive amount of, however App Trials is a must-read for aspiring thru-hikers. Lengthy-distance climbing is bodily grueling, however psychological fortitude is a extra essential determiner of success. This guide is full of helpful recommendation for surviving the robust days and savoring the great ones. Getting a signed, personalised copy from Zach himself makes this an extra-special present for anybody with goals of climbing.
Tips on how to Afford a Via-Hike
- MSRP: $7
- Creator: Kelly Floro
One other residence group particular. This useful e-book doesn’t price loads, however it could possibly pay dividends for hikers attempting to outfit themselves on a shoestring funds.
Journey Prepared
- MSRP: $13 on Kindle, $21.50 in paperback
- Authors: Katie Gerber and Heather Anderson
For some reliable recommendation on all issues long-distance backpacking, hearken to consultants Katie Gerber and Heather Anderson. They’ve hiked over 50,000 miles between the 2 of them and advise on matters starting from route planning to vitamin to post-trail melancholy. Learn our evaluation right here.
The Unlikely Via-Hiker
- MSRP:$10 on Kindle, $15 in paperback
- Creator: Derick Lugo
Your hiker is bound to take pleasure in this entertaining and infrequently humorous account of a New York Metropolis comic’s thru-hike on the Appalachian Path. Learn our evaluation right here.
Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Path
- MSRP: $19.95
- Creator: Barney Scout Mann
Legendary Triple Crowner and PCT path angel Scout shares his narrative account of six hikers’ journeys from Mexico to Canada on the PCT. Learn our evaluation right here.
Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go On the Appalachian Path
- MSRP: $18.95
- Creator: Heather Anderson
Heather Anderson is a Triple Crowner, calendar yr Triple Crowner, and FKT record-setter on quite a few trails, together with the AT and PCT. Learn our evaluation right here.
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Disclosure: Lots of the merchandise reviewed on this web site, together with a number of the above, had been offered free of charge for functions of evaluation. This checklist was initially revealed on 11/10/2021. It was up to date on 11/15/22 by Penina Crocker, and once more on 11/17/23 by Owen Eigenbrot.
Featured picture: Graphic design by Chris Helm (@chris.helm).
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