Handstand – (Liz Kidder)

The Woman Behind the Handstands

Liz Kidder, known throughout the hiking community by her trail name “Handstand,” represents a powerful story of transformation through the wilderness. Her journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a respected long-distance hiker and influential content creator embodies the healing power of nature and the courage to choose an unconventional life.

On an undisclosed date in her mid-twenties, following her second DUI arrest in 2014, Liz made the decision to quit drinking. It was a choice that would fundamentally reshape her life’s trajectory. But sobriety left a void, and Liz found herself searching for something to fill the space alcohol once occupied. She discovered something that would save her life and define her future: hiking.

Her trail name “Handstand” comes from her background in gymnastics and circus arts, particularly hand balancing. She’s known for performing handstands at scenic overlooks and mountain summits, a signature that has become her calling card across social media. These athletic feats aren’t just showmanship, they represent her commitment to challenging herself and embracing life fully.

Building a Legacy on the Trail

Since getting sober over nine years ago, Liz has logged over 3,000 miles across some of North America’s most challenging and beautiful trails. Her thru-hiking resume reads like a bucket list of epic adventures:

• Appalachian Trail (2018) – 2,190 miles, completing her first thru-hike northbound over 161 days (April 2 – September 10), hiking to raise awareness around addiction and support Link House, Inc.’s Maris Center for Women
• Vermont Long Trail (2021) – 273 miles through the Green Mountains
• Colorado Trail (2023) – 500 miles of high-altitude adventure
• Pacific Crest Trail (2024) – 2,650 miles, completing her second major thru-hike northbound
• Peak Bagging – Completed New Hampshire’s 48 4000-footers, working toward New England 4000-footers and Adirondacks High Peaks

With her PCT completion, Liz has expressed serious interest in becoming a “triple-crowner” by tackling the Continental Divide Trail, taking on the challenge one step at a time with her characteristic philosophy: “One thing at a time.”

The Philosophy of Handstand

What sets Liz apart in the hiking community isn’t just her mileage, it’s her approach to the trail and life. She champions a philosophy of authenticity over arbitrary rules, famously stating: “I strongly believe there’s no right or wrong gear, no better or worse gear, it all just comes down to personal preference, circumstances and what works for YOU.”

Liz’s content often features her distinctive personality: her meticulous organization system (she describes herself as having “a Type A mind and a Type B soul”), her collection of Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs and tents, and her passionate defense of mummy bags over quilts (“I’m anti-quilt. I will not be convinced otherwise”). She’s known for her detailed gear shakedowns where everything has a designated home, her love of tortilla wraps with peanut butter and honey, and her raw, unfiltered perspective on the hiking life.

Her career as a dreadlock artist, running Liz Kidder Studio where she creates, maintains, and extends dreadlocks using specialized crochet methods, provides the perfect complement to her hiking lifestyle. This unique profession allows her to work on her own terms, scheduling clients around her adventures rather than the other way around. She embraces a minimalistic lifestyle that doesn’t require making a ton of money, giving her the freedom to hike when wanderlust calls.

A Voice for Recovery and Inspiration

Through her YouTube channel (37.8K subscribers, 3 million+ views) and Instagram presence (@lizkidder, 16.9K followers), Liz has built a dedicated following by sharing not just the scenic vistas, but the real, sometimes messy truth about life on trail. Her vlogs capture everything from triumphant summit handstands to challenging weather conditions and the honest struggles of long-distance hiking.

Her message extends beyond hiking technique and gear reviews. Liz is remarkably open about her ongoing journey of sobriety, her 2023 kidney donation, and her survival of a near-fatal skydiving accident. She lives by the motto: “Do what you want. Figure out what your dream life looks like and create it. Stop worrying about what you’re ‘supposed’ to be doing. Start now!”

Liz rejects society’s standard for a “normal” life, particularly what she calls “the whole 9-5 thing, and retiring at 65,” which she describes as “the literal DEATH of life.” This rebellious spirit resonates deeply with viewers who feel trapped by conventional expectations and dream of a different path.

A Partner on the Trail

Liz used to hike with her now ex-husband, whom she described previously as “the most fun & supportive partner.” Together they’ve tested gear like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P tent, which features her favorite dual-entry doors and vestibules that fully open. Their partnership represents the balance between solo adventures and shared experiences, with Liz maintaining her independence while having someone who understands and supports her unconventional lifestyle.

As of very recent times, December 2025, they have split up.

Gear Partnerships and Influence

Liz has developed a strong relationship with Hyperlite Mountain Gear, becoming a brand ambassador and gear tester. The company discovered her genuine enthusiasm during her AT thru-hike and invited her to test a prototype tent, a moment she describes as feeling “so special.” Five years later, she remains fiercely loyal to the brand.

Her gear collection includes multiple HMG packs (Windrider 55, Unbound 40, Daybreak), tents (Mid-1, Unbound 2P), and an extensive organization system of pods and stuff sacks. She’s passionate about the CNOC water bladder (“the unpoppable bladder”), Darn Tough socks with lifetime guarantee, and her weathered gear that shows the patina of thousands of miles.

Connect with Handstand

Liz continues to share her adventures and hard-won trail wisdom with the community. Whether she’s planning her next thru-hike, creating dreadlocks for free-spirited clients, or inspiring others to break free from conventional life paths, Handstand remains an authentic voice in the thru-hiking world.

As Liz herself says: “I really believe in that whole cliché ‘life is short’ concept, but no… FOR REAL.” For anyone considering their first thru-hike or battling their own demons, Liz’s story stands as powerful testament that the trail can offer more than just miles, it can offer freedom, purpose, and a life lived on your own terms.