The Altra Lone Peak: A Breakthrough for Thru-Hikers

The Evolution of Trail: What it takes to be #1. 

For the second year in a row, the Altra Lone Peak trail shoe was voted the #1 overall thru-hiking shoe across the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. The Altra classic was awarded top honors from both The Trek’s 2019 Top Footwear on the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey as well as Halfway Anywhere’s 2019 Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide Survey. 

There’s no question that these three iconic thru-hike trails present intense obstacles, grueling challenges and painful stretches, so when it comes to gearing up for the trails, it's important to take your equipment seriously. With thru-hiking season right around the corner, we wanted to highlight the features that take the Altra Lone Peak thru the competition and to the top of the list.

OUTSTANDING OUTSOLES

From MaxTrac™  to DuraTread™, all Lone Peak shoes offer durable, grippy outsoles that are built to excel on both technical and tame terrain. 

LONE PEAK 4.5 LOW and LONE PEAK 4 LOW RSM

MaxTrac™ outsole and multi-directional lug pattern provide grippy traction on any terrain. 

LONE PEAK 4 MID and LONE PEAK 4 MID RSM

DuraTread™ outsole excels on dry dirt and rocky terrain. 

READY-TO-GO GAITERTRAP™

Rocks. Sticks. Sand. Dirt. Snow. Twigs. The list goes on.

When you’re hiking thousands of miles, it’s inevitable that you’re going to experience all sorts of pesky materials. Even one tiny pebble can lead to a lot of discomfort. 

That’s why every pair of Altra trail shoes comes equipped with GaiterTrap™ technology. Gaiters are an item that many people start without, but quickly learn how important they are to have. And trust me – you don’t want to learn the hard way. 

The GaiterTrap™ on the Lone Peak, and all other Altra trail shoes, makes it easy to quickly and securely attach your gaiter so you can keep the debris out of your shoes, keep your socks clean from stickers and ultimately take one more thing off your mind. Gear up with a gaiter and tell rocks to kick rocks.

MORE SPACE, MORE BALANCE, MORE COMFORT

Here’s a little secret about thru-hiking: You’re going to spend a lot of time on your feet. So it should go without saying that it’s important to keep your feet as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.  

The longer you’re on your feet, the more vulnerable they become to swelling, developing toe blisters and cramping up due to lack of space. And that’s a big part of what makes Altra shoes many thru-hikers' top choice on the trails. 

Like all Altra shoes, every Lone Peak is built with FootShape™ technology and Balanced Cushioning. The FootShape™ toe box allows your toes to relax and spread out naturally while Balanced Cushioning encourages proper, low-impact form at every step. The result is more comfort, more stability and a more natural step cycle. 

At Altra, we’re embracing the “brown boot killer.” Gone are the days of stiff, heavy hiking boots. Replacing them are lighter, more flexible, more comfortable trail shoes. You get the benefits of a hardcore hiker – namely durable, grippy outsoles – in a lightweight package with added breathability, stability and comfort. 

Think about it. When you’re hiking two thousand plus miles, every ounce adds up. They make a difference. Especially on your feet as you continue to lift, step, repeat for miles and miles.  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES 

While the entire Lone Peak family is built on proven, trail-tested technology, different versions offer different features to help you decide exactly which model is right for you. 

SKELETAL STONEGUARD™  
Available on the Lone Peak 4.5 Low, the StoneGuard™ mimics the skeletal structure of your foot for dynamic flexibility and lightweight rock protection. Chances are, you’re going to encounter a few rocks throughout your thru-hike journey. The soles of your feet will thank you for using the StoneGuard™ to fend off hundreds of miles of rocks, sticks, twigs, roots and other unpredictable terrain.

ADDED ANKLE PROTECTION 
Both the Lone Peak 4 Mid and the Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM offer everything you love about the original Lone Peak with added ankle protection. Pair a mid Lone Peak with a gaiter for additional defense against ankle scrapes from rock grazing and rogue roots.

ABOUT THE TRAILS

The Triple Crown of Hiking 

THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (AT)

Appreciating the Appalachian 

Magical Milky Way views. Breathtaking ledges. Inspiring sunsets and stimulating sunrises. National landmarks. Sun-kissed peaks and snow-capped mountains...  

Everyone will have a different experience on the AT. No two journeys are alike. But there are some things that remain consistent for everyone who takes on the journey: Jaw-dropping experiences and unforgettable scenery.  

Reward yourself with a picturesque gaze from the Pinnacle Summit in Pennsylvania. 

Take in 100% of the 360° views from Clingman’s Dome in Tennessee.  

Get your blood pumping and live life on the edge of McAfee Knob in Virginia.

Every mile presents opportunities to make new memories. Just be sure to bring a camera, because there are 2,180 of them. 

Quick facts:

Location: Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the AT extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.  

Distance: Approximately 2,180 miles. (Fun fact: It’s the longest continuously marked footpath in the world.)

Highest Point: The highest point of the AT is 6,643 feet. (Clingman’s Dome) 

Average Time: The average time to complete the trail is between 5-7 months. 

THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL (PCT)

Plenty of WOW in the West 

Mountains. Deserts. Rivers. Gorges. Lakes. Forests. 

You’ll see it all as you journey across three states, two countries and one trail.  

Diverse, spectacular scenery plays a starring role throughout the PCT. From dry deserts to lush green landscapes. Vast volcanic regions to the deep blue waters of deeper blue lakes. 

Experience the unique erosion of the Vasquez Rocks in California.  

Witness the wonder of Tunnel Falls in Oregon. 

Take in the endless views of the North Cascades National Park in Washington. 

It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it. 

Quick facts: 

Location: Located along the west coast of the United States, the PCT spans from Campo (on the United States/Mexico border) and travels through California, Oregon and Washington, ending in Manning Park (on the United States/Canada border).

Distance: Approximately 2,650 miles. 

Highest Point: The highest point of the PCT is 13,153 feet. 

Average Time: The average time to complete the trail is between 6 and 8 months.  

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL (CDT)

Continental Contrasts  

Following the rugged and relentless Rocky Mountains from Montana to New Mexico, the CDT is a trail that forces hikers to endure, but also enjoy the elements. Snowy stretches and colorful backdrops decorate this long, elevated excursion. 

Explore the granite peaks perched throughout the Wind River region of Wyoming.  

Stomp through the snow of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. 

See for yourself why Montana is known as Big Sky Country. 

Quick facts:

Location: Following the Continental Divide of America, the CDT spans from Montana to New Mexico.  

Distance: Approximately 3,100 miles.

Highest Point: The highest point of the CDT is 14,278 feet.  

Average Time: The average time to complete the trail is between 4 and 6 months.