The Real Hiking Viking – (Tom Gathman) – Ever Onward

From Scout Sniper to Trail Legend

Tom Gathman, known across the thru-hiking world as The Real Hiking Viking, represents the purest embodiment of the trail’s transformative power. With his signature bushy beard and infectious enthusiasm, this former Marine Corps scout sniper has redefined what it means to live an adventure-driven life, logging over 30,000 miles on foot and inspiring thousands to chase their own wild dreams.

Born and raised in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Tom served four years in the United States Marine Corps Infantry, including two combat deployments to Iraq. After receiving an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Bucknell University and took what seemed like a simple part-time job at Vargo Titanium, a lightweight camping gear manufacturer. That decision would alter the trajectory of his entire life.

In May 2012, Tom was working the Vargo vendor booth at Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia; the legendary festival straddling the Appalachian Trail where thousands of thru-hikers gather annually. Surrounded by jubilant hikers celebrating their journeys, something clicked. Before he even left Virginia, Tom called his father to announce he was taking a leave of absence from college to pursue a thru-hike of the AT. With his family’s unwavering support, he spent the next year preparing for the 2,185.9-mile journey that would change everything.

Building a Legend, One Mile at a Time

Since that fateful day at Trail Days, Tom has compiled one of the most impressive hiking resumes in the community:

Appalachian Trail (2013) – His first thru-hike through Warrior Hike’s “Walk Off the War” program for combat veterans, covering 2,190 miles and discovering a new way of living

Continental Divide Trail (2014) – 3,100 miles that Tom describes as his favorite trail to date, cementing his love for the wild spine of America

Pacific Crest Trail (2015) – Completing the prestigious Triple Crown by conquering all three major U.S. long-distance trails

Appalachian Trail Winter SOBO (2015-2016) – Perhaps his most legendary achievement: an unsupported, solo southbound thru-hike of the entire AT in winter. With minimal winter hiking experience and just days to prepare, Tom departed Katahdin in early December 2015, battling treacherous snowfalls, sub-zero temperatures, and icy river crossings. He later admitted there were days where every single step of 30 miles made him want to cry, but he persevered to summit Springer Mountain in Georgia.

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (2022) – After 25,000+ miles on foot, Tom spontaneously pivoted to bikepacking when forest fires shut down the CDT. Despite zero bikepacking experience, he tackled the 3,087.5-mile route, quickly achieving 123-mile days with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain.

By 2017, Tom had attracted more than a dozen sponsors and developed his signature ultralight backpack, the Zerk 40, in collaboration with Mountainsmith. He’s worn exclusively Altra shoes paired with Point6 socks through thousands of miles, claiming he’s never had a blister with this combination.

The Philosophy of The Real Hiking Viking

What distinguishes Tom in the thru-hiking community isn’t just his staggering mileage or hardcore winter achievements. It’s his raw authenticity and relentless pursuit of adventure, regardless of how impractical or spontaneous it might seem. His Thanksgiving 2015 decision to attempt a winter AT thru-hike perfectly exemplifies this: “I just thought of this idea… and within 10 days, I was doing it.”

Tom champions high-mileage days, typically 25-30 miles, sometimes pushing 40 or even 54 miles when attempting fastest known times. His gear philosophy has evolved dramatically over the years, experimenting with everything from heavy to ridiculously ultralight setups, always seeking optimization without sacrificing the joy of the journey.

He’s also refreshingly honest about his body’s limitations. Now in his early 40s, having pushed himself through Marine Corps service and tens of thousands of trail miles, Tom acknowledges that his body “just isn’t what it was five years ago.” His transition to bikepacking reflects this wisdom, seeking new challenges while being pragmatic about physical impact.

A Voice for Adventure and Freedom

Through his website, Instagram, YouTube, and varied brand partnerships, Tom has built a substantial following by embodying total commitment to the adventuring lifestyle. He’s served as crew chief for legendary ultrarunner Scott Jurek’s Appalachian Trail record attempts and collaborated with numerous outdoor brands including Vargo, Mountainsmith, Fujifilm, Point6, and Priority Bicycles.

Tom’s message extends beyond trail reports and gear reviews. He advocates passionately for the necessity of wilderness experiences in modern life. As he puts it: “You need to be physically in these wild places to have a powerful, meaningful experience you will never get just by reading a book, seeing a picture, seeing a video… You can start to expand your actual known existence if you actually go to these places, and keep going to them.”

He lives by the principle that the most rewarding experiences require persevering through significant challenges and obstacles. “You can’t possibly have the absolute most appreciation for things if every single day is the best,” Tom explains. “If you don’t have days that are just so shitty you want to quit and cash it in for the easy route.”

As the “crazy uncle” to nine nieces and nephews, Tom sees value in living this non-traditional existence as an example that life can be lived differently. He’s accumulated experiences rather than regrets, and he’s habitual about it… a self-proclaimed “repeat offender” who returns to the same trails again and again because they feel like home.

Connect with The Real Hiking Viking

Tom continues to push boundaries and inspire adventurers worldwide. Whether hiking, bikepacking, or dreaming up his next spontaneous adventure, The Real Hiking Viking remains proof that freedom, purpose, and fulfillment can be found by those brave enough to walk (or pedal) their own path.

As Tom says: “The more experiences I have, the more they become serendipitous; where I always feel like I’m in the right place at the right time, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.” For anyone considering leaving the conventional path behind, Tom Gathman’s story stands as powerful evidence that answering the call to adventure can lead to a life fully lived.