Hike-a-Thon is here — Get pumped for prizes

It’s July, which means registration for Hike-a-Thon is officially open. WTA’s annual peer-to-peer fundraiser helps raise important funds to support trail maintenance, free hiker resources, youth programs and so much more. It’s a lot of fun, too!

Participating in Hike-a-Thon is a great way to give back to WTA while spending time outdoors. Anyone can participate, whether you hike in your local park or have a long backpacking adventure planned. Registration is free, and you can join as an individual or sign up as part of a team. Once you register for Hike-a-Thon, you’ll be able to create a custom fundraising page you can share with friends, family or even strangers on the trail.

The WTA community participates in Hike-a-Thon because they want to support our vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever — and that’s a wonderful thing! Fundraising can be hard work, and we want to say thank you by recognizing your accomplishments.

This year’s fundraising prizes will help you get out on trail in comfort and style while showing your support for WTA. Remember, all fundraising levels are cumulative, so you’ll have the chance to earn up to nine different prizes*!

Hike-a-Thon t-shirt — $35

You’ll earn your very own stylish Hike-a-Thon t-shirt! Stand out from a crowd and help fellow Hike-a-Thoners spot you on trail with this limited edition, highly coveted shirt. Experts say wearing this shirt makes any hike more fun, so why not give it a try?

Hike-a-Thon patch — $100

Tore your pants hopping over a gnarly blowdown this spring? We’ve got you covered — literally. You’ll get a special patch to commemorate your participation in this year’s Hike-a-Thon. This handy little thing can adorn your backpack, jazz up your hat or even cover an embarrassing hole in your hiking attire. Maybe you have a denim jacket that’s looking a little boring? Wherever you choose to stick it, this patch is sure to make your adventures a little more fun!

Cooling towel with WTA logo — $250

The summer is a great time to be outside, but it also has an unsavory sweaty side. Sometimes a particularly hot day on trail can make you regret your life choices or turn on your hiking buddies. But don’t worry — now, you can keep your cool on any hike when you earn one of these handy dandy cooling towels. All you need is a little bit of water to get it activated, then chill out and let the towel do the work.

Inflatable seat cushion with WTA logo — $500

Take a load off — on us! Ever used your backpack as a seat on a break only to realize belatedly that you forgot your sunglasses were in there or those chips you were saving for later are now better off as cupcake sprinkles? We’ve all been there, but no more. Now you’ll have your very own inflatable seat cushion, so you can relax in style. It’s lightweight and packs up small so you can bring it on any adventure. 

Hike-a-Thon Nalgene water bottle — $750

While sources vary on the exact amount of water hikers should consume while on trail, they all agree that hydration is important. Check out this blog with recommendations for staying hydrated on trail, then ask yourself — could I use another water bottle? Chances are the answer is yes, and what better water bottle than this Nalgene that showcases your support for WTA and Hike-a-Thon (and your fandom for Hike-a-Thon’s spokesmarmot, Miles)?

Anker power bank with WTA logo — $1,000

We want you to take lots of photos while you're out on trail so you can share your Hike-a-Thon adventures with your family and friends. But sometimes, in your excitement to get outside, you might neglect to check the charge on your phone and find yourself facing the dreaded low battery warning. It’s also important to keep your phone or navigation device charged since navigation is one of the ten essentials. Stay powered up and safe on trail with this portable Anker power bank. It’s perfect as a backup for when your battery drains sooner than expected or to bring along on a multi-day trip to recharge your devices at camp. 

Stanley insulated food jar — $2,500

Once you’ve got your power bank to keep your devices charged, you’ll need to worry about powering up yourself as well. What better way to do that than by bringing along your favorite warm meal to enjoy? That’s right, Stanley makes more than just travel cups! Keep your food warm (or cold) for hours. 

Cotopaxi 16L Del Día backpack with WTA logo — $5,000

Hike-a-Thon is all about being a part of a community, but sometimes you just want to stick out a little. Strap on this one-of-a-kind Cotopaxi bag and you’ll be the envy of your fellow travelers. Each bag is unique, just like each of our supporters. Celebrate your individuality while enjoying the handy features of this bag. It’s perfect for day hikes or as a stowable day pack on longer backpacking trips. Every Cotopaxi bag is made from remnants from other products, so you’ll be helping keep fabric out of the landfill and on your back instead. 

Outdoor Research vest — $10,000

You did it! You reached the pinnacle of prizes. All that fundraising deserves a reward worthy of the effort, and we hope you’ll agree that this vest fits the bill. It’s packable, it’s practical, it’s darn near perfect. Made from light, soft and compressible synthetic down, this vest keeps you warm without the weight and stays warm even when wet (but hey, when does it ever rain in Washington?). Weighing in at just 10 ounces and compressible to the size of your palm, the Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Vest might just become your favorite piece of gear. 

But wait, there’s even more! Throughout August, all Hike-a-Thon participants will have the chance to win an additional prize during our weekly drawings. We’d like to thank the following for generously donating prizes: REI, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Stanley, Mountaineers Books and Green Trails Maps.

*Prizes are subject to change at any time.