Gossamer Gear Team

Trail Ambassadors

Ed Barkowski

is an explorer and rambler who lives minimally and loves a good adventure. Ed's conscious love for the out-of-doors was born in New Hampshire's White Mountains when, as a teenager at Proctor Academy, he participated in a compulsory 7-day backcountry orientation. A few years later, he would sail - as part of an experiential education program - the entire Eastern seaboard, from Boston to Puerto Rico, with about 20 fellow classmates. During this time at sea, Ed's minimalistic spirit was born. In 2001, Ed thru-hiked Vermont's 280 mile Long Trail and in 2003, after graduating from UNH, Ed fulfilled a longtime dream and traveled West, rambling through the deserts of Arizona and Southern Utah. Ed has hiked many National Parks and other visually stunning landscapes, such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Death Valley, Havasu Falls and Big Bend. He also spent a couple of seasons in Alaska, including an extended ferry voyage through the Inside Passage, falling in love with the truly unimaginable scale of the mountains, a striking abundance of wildlife and the freshest air he's ever breathed.

Home: The Appalachian Trail

Age: 28

Website: www.hikeforchange.com

Favorite Training Ground:
Southern Utah

Current Plans:
In 2009, Ed is embarking on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail with his companion, Kat McCourt, which will benefit the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches, and Train 4 Autism, a foundation that is raising awareness and funds for research and treatment for those living with autism and their families.

Favorite Gossamer Gear Product:

Gorilla