PCT thru-hiker & Ridge ambassador Robyn in her Solstice Sun Hoodie
In 2022 we launched our Trail Ambassador Program to support hikers who take on some of the biggest adventures across the U.S. From thru-hikes to bikepacking routes, the program is built around people who live outside and put their gear through the wringer day in and day out.
This year we partnered with our friends at Big Agnes to support the 2026 class of trail ambassadors. We caught up with them before they hit the trail to talk about favorite trail snacks, dream camp setups, layering systems, sun hoodies and what they’re most looking forward to this season.
Meet Melissa, Robyn, Frankie and Ben before they start their adventures this summer.
Melissa Myser — Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Melissa in her Solstice Sun Hoodie, a fleece and a Ridge Run Hat.
Why did you choose the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail is in my neck of the woods! When I moved to the East Coast a few years back, the first thing anyone asked me when they learned I love hiking is, "Have you done any of the AT?"
It feels like a rite of passage out here if you're into anything outdoors. Being here, and with my home being a bit more than halfway on the AT, this felt like a natural fit.
What’s one Ridge Merino piece you know will be in constant rotation on trail?
1000% the Solstice Sun Hoodie! It's the perfect fit, perfect weight and perfect all around layer for changing conditions on the AT.
Are you more of a “sun hoodie all day” person or a “change shirts at camp immediately” person?
Definitely a sun hoodie all day kinda gal!
What’s your ideal trail town meal after a long stretch in the woods?
Oh geez, a chicken burger and fries always hits after being on trail for multiple days… or even just one long day.
What’s one luxury item you refuse to leave behind?
My Kindle. I'm an avid reader, and having a break at the end of the day to read is the best way to wind down, relax and also reset for tomorrow's gains. It's essential in my eyes and well worth the extremely small amount of extra weight.
If your trail experience had a soundtrack, what artist would dominate the playlist?
Like a lot of people, I'm having a Noah Kahan summer, so his new album will most definitely be on rotation! While it may not be the most upbeat, it is certainly full of anthems for personal change, growth and reflection. Something we all need when going out for a long haul trail.
Robyn Petrik — Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
Robyn on the trail and off the trail in her Solstice Sun Hoodie
Why did you choose the PCT?
The Pacific Crest Trail was the first major thru-hike on my radar, and the incredible range of scenery and biomes it goes through captivated me. Pair that with the fact that the northern terminus is just a couple of hours away from my home in Vancouver, BC, and it was obvious that the PCT would be my first thru.
The PCT throws a little bit of everything at you — desert heat, alpine mornings, long climbs. What’s your layering strategy?
Temperatures have ranged so much already! On a warm night, I might be sleeping in just Merino underwear and bralette, but a cold night will have me in my Aspect base layers. During the day, I'm typically in bike shorts and living in the Solstice Sun Hoodie — it's been versatile enough for chilly mornings through hot afternoons.
What’s one thing you’re hoping to take away from this experience?
Stories! I love to collect stories and experiences, whether they come from the hiking itself, the scenery around me or spending time with all the amazing fellow thru-hikers.
What’s your favorite trail snack that other hikers judge you for?
I sort of accidentally brought two months worth of electrolytes with me from Canada, just knowing that they would be cheaper from home than anywhere on trail.
Which Ridge Merino item are you most excited to test for months on end?
I am obsessed with the Ridge Run Hat. It's super cute, but incredibly lightweight and the fact that the brim flips up for more line of sight is awesome. I'm so curious how it holds up under 2,650 miles in the sunshine!
If you could only bring one piece of gear besides the essentials, what would it be?
My most ridiculous luxury item is a tiny climbing block that a friend made for me, so I can do some block pulling every day in an attempt to retain some of my finger strength.
Follow Robyn on Instagram at @robynpetrik and her online journal on Buy Me A Coffee.
Frankie Behira — Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Frankie at camp wearing his Solstice Sun Hoodie
Why did you choose the Continental Divide Trail?
I love thru-hiking, and I haven’t done the CDT yet — so it’s next in line.
The CDT is known for huge weather swings. What’s your approach to staying comfortable out there?
Preparation. I plan my exit points and visualize my route, especially in high-altitude zones. And gear that actually works! For cold, rain, wind and heat, I use clothing that’s breathable, quick-drying, natural fabric and moisture-wicking — the goal is to stay dry.
What’s your go-to camp routine after a big day?
Something really simple: stretch for 10 minutes, study FarOut, look for water sources, side quests and cool campsites for the next day — then sleep.
Which Ridge Merino layer do you think will earn MVP status on this hike?
The sun hoodie for sure. It’s light, breathable when it’s hot, quick-drying, great for active insulation, and the Merino fabric is super smooth and high quality.
What’s one thing you’re hoping to take away from this experience?
I can’t think of just one thing. What I really want is to experience the CDT to the fullest — listen to nature, stay open to detours, push limits, make friends, laugh and live life.
What’s the weirdest or most elite trail meal you’ve ever made?
We picked about two pounds of fresh chanterelles on the Appalachian Trail and fried them in beef tallow, mixed with ramen. It was so good.
Follow Frankie on Instagram at @yvr.broke.hikers.
Ben Smolinski — Bikepacking The Northern Tier
Ben (wearing his Solstice Pro Hoodie) with his bikepacking setup
Which route will you be riding and why did you choose it?
I will be riding the Northern Tier Bike Route with a slight variation. I will be starting my ride in Cape Flattery, WA, the most northerly point of the contiguous United States and ending in Lubec, ME, at the easternmost point in the contiguous United States.
I chose this route for many reasons. I love seeing new places at a slower pace than simply driving through them. Getting to start in my home state is a plus, and I look forward to the epic mountain passes and rolling hills as the scenery changes throughout the U.S.
Bikepacking means long days in the saddle. What does your ideal riding kit look like?
Anything comfortable, reliable, and versatile.
- Merino base layer – to keep you warm when you need it and cool when you don’t
- Endurance bib shorts – to keep you comfy during long days in the saddle
- Lightweight sun hoodie – to regulate temperature and save on sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses – to cut road glare, eye strain, improve visual comfort
What’s one piece of apparel that can absolutely make or break a ride for you?
Socks. For me, without a doubt socks are the single most important and often most overlooked piece of apparel on a ride. Socks prevent pressure points, manage sweat and bridge the gap between stiff cycling shoes and comfort.
Are you someone who likes to grind out miles or stop constantly for random roadside attractions?
I love to grind long steady miles. But on big trips, the roadside attractions and occasional impulsive stops are what fuels me.
Which Ridge Merino piece are you most excited to bring on this trip and why?
I am most excited to bring my Solstice Pro Sun Hoodie. It’s super soft and ultra lightweight, a perfect combo that resists odor, regulates temperature, and is easily packable if I have to take it off. Plus, the natural UPF of 35 makes it a perfect choice for long days in the sun on the bike.
If you could invite any celebrity on part of your ride, who would it be and why?
Tom Cruise. It would never be boring. Hearing stories about different movie stunts, flying
airplanes, or jumping out of them, there would be an endless sense of adventure. Every
stop would turn into a mission, leading to spontaneous detours or checking out weird
roadside attractions.
Follow Ben’s ride on Instagram at @bensmolinski.
