Find Your ‘Why’
Build a Pack’s co-founder says, “You stand to leave a lot on the table if you don’t try to understand your ‘Why’.”
Austin Augsburger (he/him)Nomad living out of his vanPCT Class of 2022, AT Class of 2023, departing on CDT in Summer 2025@squalohikes
Build A Pack co-founder, Austin Augsburger—who goes by “Squalo” on trail—understands that a thru-hike is far more than just walking thousands of miles. It's a transformative journey of self-discovery—and the key to unlocking that transformation lies in understanding your personal "Why."
His long-distance hiking experiences along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Appalachian Trail (AT), and upcoming Continental Divide Trail (CDT) follow an intentional approach. Each time he steps on the trail, his journey takes on a new chapter of personal growth driven by a carefully considered purpose.
Ithinkyoustandtoleavealotonthetableifyoudon'ttrytounderstandyour‘Why.’Trytogiveitsomethought.
What sets hikers like Austin apart is a belief that having a meaningful "why" when thru-hiking isn't just a luxury—it's essential. Without a clear purpose, Austin argues a thru-hike risks becoming merely an escape, a means to an end.
Simply put: a journey without intention is missing the profound potential for personal transformation. For purpose.
Youdon’tneedtosignificantlychangeyourhiketopracticea‘Why’ontrail.Youjustneedtogetintoahabitofremindingyourselfwhyyou’reoutthere.Youcouldwriteitdowneachmorning,sayoutloud,orevensilentlyinyourhead.Awarenesswillbringittolifeduringthemonthsyou’reontrail.
Austin recommends that thru-hikers take time before their journey to reflect deeply on what’s driving their intention to hike long distance. It’s not about crafting a perfect mission statement. It’s about honest self-exploration and grasping a true understanding of what you hope to accomplish, achieve, learn, or something entirely else.
To find your ‘Why’ you can start with some questions:
- What deeper meaning do you seek?
- How might this experience change you?
- What aspects of yourself are you curious to understand better?
- What kind of self-discovery are you after?
Deep moments of connection and clarity arise in every thru-hike, but Austin hopes this intentional approach will uncover a recipe that allows anyone to find similar magical moments—even if it’s a simple hike in their local park.
Austin argues that modern life constantly competes for our attention. Billions of dollars are spent daily trying to capture our focus through digital distractions. A deliberate, purpose-driven adventure becomes a powerful antidote to this constant noise.
By practicing intentionality on the trail, hikers can develop skills transferable to everyday life—learning to be present, building confidence, better managing mental challenges, and making conscious choices about where energy and attention is directed
Ifyoureallywanttogetthemostoutofyourthru-hike,youshouldbeintentionalaboutyourintentionforthejourney.
Each mile walked is an opportunity for growth, according to Austin. Whether it's understanding personal limits, practicing mindfulness, or simply experiencing a profound connection with oneself and the environment, a thoughtful "why" transforms a physical journey into a deeply meaningful personal odyssey.
Let this story be a reminder to all of us that the most important journey isn't measured in miles, but in moments of genuine self-discovery.
Austin's Triple Crown of 'Whys'
Each of Austin’s thru-hikes has a foundational “why” behind the journey. From his first thru-hike on the PCT, his most challenging hike on the AT, and now his upcoming CDT attempt, here are the intentions and mindsets he honed on trail.
PCT: Embarking to Learn
“How can I put myself in the highest state of mind day after day?”
On the PCT, Austin's first thru-hike in 2022, his "why" centered on cultivating a heightened state of mental awareness. He sought to understand how spending extended time in nature could help him maintain a positive mindset, minimize negative thought patterns, and become more intentional with his attention. Instead of solely focusing on reaching a destination, Austin viewed the trail as a living laboratory for personal development.
AT: The 90-Day Crucible of Determination
“What happens if I push myself to the limit over an extended period of time?”
His Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2023 presented a different challenge. En route, Austin pushed his physical and mental limits: attempting to complete the entire trail in just 90 days. His goal: to see if he could maintain focus and determination when confronted with extreme physical discomfort day after day. His purpose shifted to understanding his capabilities when truly tested, to learning what the body, mind, and spirit can endure on the most challenging of journeys. The trail became a proving ground for his mental resilience.
CDT: Mindfulness in Motion
“Is it possible to intentionally reclaim mental focus and personal growth one step at a time?”
For his upcoming Continental Divide Trail thru-hike starting late June 2025, Austin plans to dive deeper into personal growth. He intends to practice walking meditation, listen to personal development audiobooks, and explore what he calls "exploratory focus"—a state of mindful existence where walking becomes a form of moving meditation. His why hinges on leaning into willful mental awareness that leads to personal growth, specifically during long days that often become mindless for thru-hikers.
