Published April 24, 2026 04:07 PM When Thomas Gathman, known to his online following as “The Real Hiking Viking,” embarked on a southbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike in November 2015, he was met with a harsh reality check. The frigid temperatures of Maine in late autumn were a stark contrast to his expectations, and more critically, he realized his winter camping skills were virtually nonexistent. Faced with this daunting challenge, Gathman made a decision that would spark debate within the online hiking community: he sought the guidance of a professional hiking consultant. This seemingly unconventional choice highlights a growing trend in the outdoor recreation sphere, where personalized expertise is increasingly being monetized, reflecting broader shifts in the gig economy and the burgeoning custom travel market. The influencer-driven landscape has witnessed a proliferation of specialized services, from thru-hiking consultants and personal trip planners to bespoke concierge offerings. This phenomenon is deeply intertwined with the expansion of the gig economy, which has normalized and facilitated the monetization of hobbies and passions. Simultaneously, the global custom travel market is experiencing robust growth, projected to exceed $185 billion and continue its upward trajectory over the next decade. It’s unsurprising, then, that individuals seeking to finance their adventurous lifestyles are exploring new avenues for income generation. However, this trend has not been met with universal approval, raising the hackles of some seasoned hikers who view it with skepticism and even disdain. A vocal contingent of the hiking community, particularly active on platforms like Reddit, has expressed strong opposition to paid consulting services. One Redditor, participating in an informal poll on the r/Thruhiking subreddit, declared, "100% a huge waste of money." This sentiment is echoed by many who believe that the wealth of free information available online, through forums, social media, and video platforms, renders paid consulting redundant. David Appell, a hiker and Redditor based in Oregon, articulated this viewpoint succinctly: "Yes, I think they’re a scam. Especially in this day and age where there are AT forums like here. You can learn everything you need to know on here and Instagram and YouTube." This perspective underscores a fundamental belief within parts of the community that knowledge gained through shared experience and readily accessible digital resources should not be a purchasable commodity. The core of the criticism often centers on the lack of formal accreditation and oversight in the consulting field. Unlike professions with established regulatory bodies, hiking consultants, much like life or career coaches, can market their services without possessing specific, verifiable credentials. In theory, an individual with no practical outdoor experience could establish a website and offer advice. However, as the Reddit discussions reveal, the primary complaint isn’t necessarily the absence of regulation, but rather the perceived redundancy of paid services when free alternatives are abundant. Several commenters on the r/Thruhiking poll even offered to provide advice pro bono, demonstrating a willingness to share their expertise without financial compensation. Yet, a counter-argument exists, suggesting that the rise of these services is simply a reflection of market dynamics. Paul Mags, a thru-hiker and outdoor blogger based in Utah, offered a pragmatic perspective: "I don’t think it’s a scam so much as capitalism doing capitalism. People want to purchase perceived expertise the same way they hire a business consultant." This view posits that consumers are willing to pay for curated, personalized guidance, even if similar information is available elsewhere in a less structured format. The desire to circumvent the often-overwhelming and time-consuming process of sifting through vast amounts of online data is a significant factor. Owen Eigenbrot, a triple-crown thru-hiker and founder of hikefordays.com, launched his paid consulting service two years ago, initially motivated by the idea of monetizing his extensive experience. However, the financial aspect has proven less lucrative than anticipated. Despite advertising an hourly rate of $50, Eigenbrot admits he frequently ends up providing his advice without charge. He emphasizes a commitment to accessibility, stating, "My official stance is that if you’re a member of an underrepresented community in the outdoors, then I’m happy to do this free of charge. I love talking about backpacking. I love helping people get outside. That’s my mission if I have one." This dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting outdoor access aligns with a broader movement to diversify the outdoor recreation landscape. Eigenbrot’s experience is not unique. Many consultants in this niche extend discounts or offer free sessions to friends, acquaintances, or individuals they believe are in genuine need of assistance. "It’s such a tiny niche," Eigenbrot observes. "From my experience, it’s not lucrative. There’s no reason to be in this for the money." This suggests that for many consultants, the primary motivation is not financial gain but a passion for the outdoors and a desire to share their knowledge and enthusiasm. The value proposition for mentees, according to Eigenbrot, lies in the personalized and human-centric nature of the service. For some, the comfort of conversing with a real person, rather than relying on AI-generated responses or navigating the complexities of online forums, is a significant draw. Many hikers feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available on the internet, a phenomenon that can lead to analysis paralysis. The process of researching gear, routes, and logistics can become a stressful and time-consuming endeavor, consuming valuable hours that could otherwise be dedicated to preparation or personal pursuits. A consultant can act as a filter, providing targeted advice and streamlining the planning process. Thomas Gathman’s initial foray into consulting was driven by a very specific and time-sensitive need. His plan to hike the Appalachian Trail southbound in winter presented immediate logistical and safety challenges. The prospect of navigating Maine’s frigid winter conditions within a tight timeframe meant he couldn’t afford to spend days experimenting with his cold-weather gear. He required expert advice promptly to ensure his safety and the success of his expedition. "I wanted to not just do the hike but live to tell the tale," Gathman explains. "So I figured I should consult with someone. You defer to the experts if you’re not an expert." This pragmatic approach underscores the idea that for high-stakes endeavors, investing in expert guidance can be a prudent risk-management strategy. Gathman sought out Cam “Swami” Honan, a highly respected figure in the thru-hiking community with over 75,000 miles of hiking experience, including a calendar-year Triple Crown. Honan, through one or two phone calls, provided Gathman with comprehensive insights into expected conditions, essential gear, and crucial strategies for staying warm during an East Coast winter. This concentrated dose of expert knowledge allowed Gathman to significantly reduce his learning curve. "Maybe I could have figured it out along the way, but I wanted to curb the learning curve as much as possible on the front end rather than finding out 20 miles in that this, that, and the other has gone completely batshit wrong," Gathman states. He attributes the successful completion of his hike, in large part, to Honan’s invaluable advice. The efficacy of this advice was starkly illustrated by Gathman’s experience in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a notoriously challenging section of the Appalachian Trail. During the week he traversed this rugged terrain, two hikers tragically lost their lives due to various circumstances. Gathman, however, successfully navigated the same treacherous conditions, a testament, he believes, to the preparedness fostered by his consultation. However, the decision to engage a hiking consultant is not universally applicable. For individuals who are comfortable independently researching and evaluating information, or who have access to a network of knowledgeable friends or local gear store workshops, the financial outlay for custom advice may not be justified. Furthermore, hiking coaches are not typically equipped to provide specialized advice on nutrition or fitness training. As Eigenbrot clarifies, "If people are looking for training plans to get their body in shape, they need a very specific coach. At the moment, that is not me. The things I can help with are questions about gear, weather, trip planning, and trail specifics—from what kind of grocery stores are out there to what the terrain looks like." For those whose needs fall within these specific areas of expertise, a trail consultant might indeed offer significant value. Gathman, reflecting on his experience, asserts that he would readily seek out a consultant again if planning a trip to an unfamiliar region or undertaking an activity outside his existing skillset. His response to the widespread skepticism regarding paid hiking consultations is one of inclusivity and market recognition: "Just because you’re someone who doesn’t need a consultant, doesn’t mean that no one needs a consultant. If there’s a demand, then why not?" This sentiment champions the idea that individual needs and preferences vary, and that services catering to specific demands, even within a niche market, have a legitimate place in the contemporary landscape of outdoor recreation and personal development. The debate over the value of thru-hiking consultants ultimately hinges on individual circumstances, priorities, and the willingness to invest in personalized guidance for a more confident and potentially safer outdoor experience. 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