THRU-HIKER: A Journaling Game of Long-Distance Hiking (Print + PDF)

"I stand at the terminus, pack on my back, trekking poles in hand, excitement in my veins. I savor the moment. A cold mountain breeze carries the scent of rain and adventure, and I smile. I’ve waited endless months for this day and, taking a deep breath, a grin on my face, I begin my thru-hike. One foot in front of the other, I set out and follow the blazes."

THRU-HIKER is a journaling game of telling stories of long-distance hiking. Using your writing instrument of choice, a pack of playing cards, and a series of writing prompts, you will create stories of the joys and challenges of being on the trail for days, weeks, or months at a time.

Designed for those dreaming of their own thru-hike, and writer-adventurers in search of new narrative challenges, THRU-HIKER is an easy game to learn for experienced gamers and newcomers alike, one that's sure to deliver hours of imaginative fun.

What is a thru-hiker?

Hikers that embark on a one-way, long-distance trail are called thru-hikers. Unlike day hikers or weekend backpackers, thru-hikers carry everything they need to stay on the trail for extended periods of time, be it weeks or months, in order to complete the journey in as close to one continuous attempt as possible.

What is a journaling game?

A game where the objective is creating a narrative in the form of a journal written in the first person. Using a pack of playing cards, and a series of writing prompts called Oracles, you will craft a story about the journey of your thru-hiker.

What is a long-distance trail?

A long-distance trail is a longer, contiguous, recreational trail, generally used for hiking, mainly through rural areas, stretching for dozens, hundreds, or thousands of miles, and taking weeks to months to complete either in sections or continuously.

What is in the book?

THRU-HIKER is a 32-page, saddle-stitched, A5 (8.27" x 5.83") book featuring a soft-touch laminated cover. Inside, you will find all the rules for playing the game as well as the Oracles needed to generate writing prompts, along with play tips, extra rules, a list of inspirational media, and sample journal entries from a thru-hiker on her journey.