Trek for Trevor

04/22/2026

How Far Away Is The Lightning?
If you see lightning, there is a way to estimate out how far away it is. This method is called the flash to bang method. When you see a flash of lightening start counting until you hear the thunder. Now divide that number by 5 and that is an estimate of how many miles away the lightning is from you.

However, several factors make it an estimate rather than an exact measurement:

Air temperature and humidity affect the speed of sound — warmer air speeds it up, colder air slows it down.

Terrain and echoes can distort the timing if sound reflects off hills or buildings.

Despite these limitations, it’s accurate enough for safety decisions: if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds (≈ 6 miles), experts advise moving indoors immediately, since lightning can strike well beyond the visible rain area.

Stay safe!

04/21/2026

This past weekend, Trek for Trevor was back home in Ohio!

We were honored to serve as the official hydration station for the Oberlin 5k—just minutes away from Trevor’s hometown of Grafton. It was incredible to see the community come together to support health and movement.

Staying fit was a huge part of Trevor’s life. He trained relentlessly so his body could handle those grueling 15–30 mile days on the Pacific Crest Trail. We applaud every single person who crossed that finish line this weekend, whether you ran, walked, or something in between! 🏃‍♂️💨

Movement is a gift. Whether it’s 20 minutes on a treadmill, a bike ride through the neighborhood, or a 5-mile trek through nature, we encourage you to make it a part of your daily routine.

What do you do to stay in shape for your next hike? Whatever it is, make a commitment to do something. Do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones... do it for Trevor.

And when you do, stay hydrated:
https://www.trekfortrevor.org/hiker-safety/hydration-strategies-for-the-backcountry-595mp

04/21/2026

“Out here, we’re guests—tread lightly, look closely, and leave safely.” Author unknown

04/20/2026

Prepared for the Backcountry: Expanding our Mission to Scouting America!

Trek for Trevor is honored to announce our latest Wilderness First Aid (WFA) grant, awarded to Scouting America Troop 23 from Terre Haute, Indiana!

This $2,795 grant provided 16 hours of intensive SOLO WFA and CPR certification for all nine members of Philmont Crew 616-L. While Philmont Scout Ranch only requires three certified members per crew, this group went above and beyond to ensure every member is equipped to handle an emergency during their 12-day trek in New Mexico this June.

“Trevor’s accident was preventable... one gap in preparation cost him his life. We believe he would be thrilled to see his legacy fund training for nine young people who are about to walk into the New Mexico backcountry.” — Doug Laher, Executive Director.

By investing in these Scouts, we aren't just preparing them for one trip—we are giving them life-saving skills for a lifetime of exploration. We are also excited to explore a potential national partnership with Scouting America to keep even more young adventurers safe on the trail.

Congratulations to Crew 616-L on completing your training at Camp Krietenstein! We wish you a safe and transformative trek at Philmont.

Read the full press release here: https://www.trekfortrevor.org/news/6knknk2j86dn4fbp3y5t90ozdi2cp2

Trek for Trevor supports Scouting America Troop 23 with WFA grant

04/20/2026

Mission in action! This past weekend, the crew from Scouting America Troop 23 officially completed their Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification training!

Thanks to a grant from Trek for Trevor, these nine Scouts and leaders from Terre Haute are now fully equipped with the life-saving skills they need before they hit the trails at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer.

It was an intense weekend of hands-on scenarios and medical prep, but seeing these young explorers take backcountry safety seriously is exactly why we do what we do. Trevor’s legacy is about more than just the love of the hike...it’s about making sure every hiker has the knowledge to come home safely.

We are so proud of this crew for their hard work and commitment to being "Prepared. For Life."

Check out some of the highlights from the training below!

Read more about the partnership: https://www.trekfortrevor.org/news/6knknk2j86dn4fbp3y5t90ozdi2cp2

04/19/2026

Hiking in a hail storm is one of those situations where your goal shifts from “keep going” to “stay safe and minimize exposure.” Hail can escalate quickly and cause real injury, especially to your head and hands. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Seek immediate shelter
• Get under solid cover if possible: a dense stand of trees (but avoid isolated tall trees), rock overhangs, or the sheltered side of terrain.
• Avoid open ridgelines, summits, and exposed areas—they’re the most dangerous.
2. Protect your head and body
• Your biggest risk is head injury. Use anything you have:
• Backpack (hold it over your head)
• Helmet (if you carry one for scrambling/climbing)
• Extra clothing or even your hands if needed
• Turn your back to the wind and crouch to reduce exposed surface area.
3. Avoid dangerous terrain
• Stay away from:
• Cliff edges (slippery + poor visibility)
• Loose rock (hail can knock debris loose)
• Water channels or gullies (can quickly flood)
• Trails can become slick fast—slow your movement or stop entirely.
4. Layer up quickly
• Hailstorms often drop temperatures fast.
• Put on a waterproof jacket and insulating layer if you have one to prevent hypothermia.
5. Don’t keep pushing forward blindly
• It’s usually safer to pause and wait it out than continue hiking with poor visibility and footing.
• Most hail bursts are short-lived (often 5–20 minutes).
6. Watch for lightning
• Hail often comes with thunderstorms.
• If you hear thunder:
• Avoid high points and metal gear exposure
• Spread out from others if in a group
• Stay low but not in water runoff paths
7. After the storm Be cautious of:
• Ice-like accumulation on trails
• Sudden temperature drops
• Rising streams
• Reassess whether to continue or turn back.

If you hike often, it’s worth carrying a few “storm essentials”: a waterproof shell, gloves, hat, and a small emergency bivy or space blanket

03/16/2026

In 2020, Trevor died on Apache Peak in the San Jacinto Mountains. Less than two weeks into a PCT thru-hike.

The San Jacinto Mountains, while located in the Desert Divide, are a high-alpine environment, and they arrive fast. Most northbound thru-hikers reach them before the end of their second week on trail.

That's why we built the Trevor Spikes program. Trek for Trevor, the nonprofit we founded after losing Trevor, partners with the Fowler-O'Sullivan Foundation to subsidize traction devices and ice axes for northbound PCT hikers at two locations: Nomad Ventures in Idyllwild and Triple Crown Outfitters in Kennedy Meadows South.

Our program provides 20% off Kahtoola MICROspikes, K-10 crampons, CAMP Corsa and Black Diamon Raven Pro ice axes to northbound PCT thru-hikers, and this year, a limited supply of the new MICROspikes GHOST (43% lighter than standard MICROspikes).

Traction devices aren't one-size-fits-all. Trail conditions should dictate your decisions. Selecting the right gear matters more than just having the lightest traction options on the market.
Safety where you need it, when you need it.

Learn more: https://www.trekfortrevor.org/trevor-spikes OR https://www.nomadventures.com/blogs/news-and-events/
If you know a 2025 NOBO thru-hiker, share this with them. It matters.

$TrekforTrevor

03/16/2026

Tomorrow marks six years since Trevor laced up his trail runners and stepped onto the Pacific Crest Trail.

On March 16, 2020 he started his dream of hiking the PCT. Sadly, he never made it home. What he started wasn't left on Apache Peak that day. He's left a legacy to keep hikers safe and prevent other families from experiencing the pain and anguish that ours did.

Trek for Trevor's inaugural 100 Day Trek starts tomorrow. Get outside. Move your body. Hike, walk, bike, breathe. Take pictures. Share what you see. Nature has a way of doing things to the soul that nothing else can. Hikers identify this with the phrase "The trail provides". Trevor knew that, and hopefully you do too. Follow along and share your adventures here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2539493386357954/

We're also kicking off a 50/50 raffle fundraiser to fuel Trek for Trevor's work to keep hikers safe. Here's how it works. 250 tickets. $10 each. One winning ticket drawn on June 24. The winner walks away with $1,250. Every dollar raised are invested into safety programs like the Trevor Spikes Program and Wilderness First Aid grants, safety program which save lives.

To grab your ticket, message Trek for Trevor or drop a comment below and we'll reach out directly. We accept Venmo, or PayPal. Once payment is received, we'll fill out your ticket and text you a photo of it with your ticket number clearly visible.

250 tickets. One $1,250 winner. Infinite reasons to get outside.

Do it for Trevor. Do it for yourself. Do it for your bank account!

03/15/2026

For many PCT thru hikers who have not yet started your trek north, we know some of you are still wrestling with the dilemma of caring a GPS satellite communicator vs. your phone with SOS capabilities...or both.

Last fall, Trek for Trevor; a 501-c3 nonprofit whose mission is built around hiker safety created this video in collaboration with "The Hiking Guy" to perform a deep dive into answering this question. https://youtu.be/YMQMBUzINMo?si=4318muKx--Z4wd0z

Is a phone alone with SOS capabilities enough? What are there benefits of carrying both? Do these benefits "outweigh" the additional ounces of carrying a satellite communicator device? Watch the video and make the best decision for you.

About Trek for Trevor: Trevor for Trevor was formed in memory of Trevor "Microsoft" Laher who lost his life in 2020 during his thru-hike attempt of the PCT. Our mission is to promote safe hiking and exploration through awareness, preparation and education. Trek for Trevor is also the primary sponsor of the Trevor Spikes program which subsidizes a 20% discount to PCT thru-hikers on traction devices and ice axes. For more information on the Trevor Spikes program, access our website at www.trekfortrevor.org

Every year, hikers find themselves in life-threatening situations — alone, injured, and without cell service. But what if one device could bridge the gap bet...

02/12/2026

On the most recent of the the SHARP END podcast, host Ashley Saupe interviews Doug Laher; co-founder of Trek for Trevor.

Episode 121 shares Trevor’s story, why Trek for Trevor exists, and the practical safety decisions that can keep a day on trail from turning into a tragedy.

Doug and Ashley also talk about the part nobody prepares you for, what it’s like to lose a child, and how grief reshapes your life... that it never goes away, you just learn how to carry it with you.

If this hits home, please listen, share it with a hiking partner, and drop a comment with one safety habit you never skip.

https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/episode-121
https://www.trekfortrevor.org/podcast/blog-post-title-four-3rppl-4n97r-w7dkj-a42kj-we596-e4wj3-pnytg

Nathan shares his incredible journey as an experienced climber, detailing his long-awaited ascent of Bird Brain Boulevard, the challenges he faced during the climb, and the life-altering fall that led to a dramatic self-rescue.

02/12/2026

Most hikers who get into trouble in the mountains make the same mistake Trevor did. They thought they were prepared.

Optimism bias is the tendency to believe bad outcomes happen to other people. Trevor told his parents - "There's a better chance that I die in a car accident than I will hiking the PCT".

Trevor was supremely athletic. 6'3" and 185lbs. On Apache Peak, he probably convinced himself "I'll be fine" or "it doesn't look that steep." And if not, I'll be able to stop myself from sliding down the mountain if I slip.

By the time reality set in, he was already in the "event horizon"; a physics term that in the most basic sense means "It's already too late. Nothing you do now matters." His margin for error was already gone.

And it's in that moment he found himself in the gap between confidence and competence…the place where avoidable accidents happen. It’s why Trek for Trevor exists, and why our work we do is so important.

We publish expert-written safety content from verified sources...authored by people who whose expertise can keep hikers safe. People like Jon King, who hikes over 1,000 miles a year on snow and ice in the San Jacinto Mountains and has spent decades studying the terrain that catches hikers off guard - like on Apache Peak.

In this article titled; "Traction Devices: What, Why & When" Jon discusses the critical difference between the gear that helps, and the gear that can save your life.

Trek for Trevor was born to honor Trevor's legacy and prevent other families from receiving the call the Lahers did on March 27, 2020. We do that by putting real knowledge in front of hikers before they need it.

If you believe expert safety education saves lives, please consider donating. Your support funds content like this and puts life-saving gear into the hands of hikers through our Trevor Spikes program and Wilderness First Aid training grants.

www.trekfortrevor.org/donate

https://www.trekfortrevor.org/hiker-safety/traction-devices-what-why-amp-when-9sgtz-55l72

MICROspikes® vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: Expert Jon King explains the critical differences, safety risks, and exactly when to use spikes, crampons, or snowshoes for winter hiking.