FAQ
Your Frequently Asked Questions – Answered!
Have questions about your membership, the application process, charges, etc.? Scroll below for answers to our most common questions:
General FAQ
What is THRU-r?
THRU-r is a community for long-distance hikers. We provide ways to learn and connect for new and experienced long-distance hikers, and encourage everyone in our community to treat others as we do on trail – with kindness and respect. THRU-r is an application-only private community – for long-distance hikers.
Who is THRU-r for?
THRU-r is for new and experienced long-distance hikers. You can learn more and sign up for a membership on our Member Levels webpage here.
How do you define a “long-distance hike”?
We define a long-distance hike as a continuous trek of 50 miles or more – so more than a weekend backpacking trip or shorter trips. Our new and experienced hikers have or plan to hike hundreds or thousands of miles in one section or thru-hike.
I’m not a long-distance hiker but want to learn more about it. Can you help me with that?
Yes! We offer many zero-cost ways to learn about the world of long-distance hiking: Including our Podcast, Blog, Resources Page, and YouTube Channel. We are also on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads!
Trail Family+ Memberships
What is a Trail Family+ membership?
Being part of our Trail Family+ is a membership-based subscription where hikers can up-level their experience, prepare for trail, and connect on a deeper level. We offer multiple monthly online events and panels, video recordings, a video library with organized subject matter, exclusive forums, a gear exchange, challenges, and will be offering first access for in-person events and store discounts in the future. You can read more about our Trail Family+ membership on the Member Levels webpage here.
What is the duration of a Trail Family+ membership?
You can choose a monthly membership which is valid for 1 month after you sugn up, or you can choose an annual membership which is valid for 365 days after you sign up.
How much does the Trail Family+ membership cost?
Monthly membership costs $20.50 per month; Annual membership costs $15.50 per month, and is billed annually at $186.00 per year. That’s a 25% discount versus the monthly membership!
How do I sign up for a Trail Family+ membership?
You can sign up to be a Hiker Pro on our Member Levels page.
Will my Trail Family+ subscription automatically renew?
Yes, your monthly and annual Trail Family+ membership will automatically renew unless you have canceled it (see below for directions to cancel).
How do I cancel my Trail Family+ membership?
To cancel your Trail Family+ membership, sign in to your account and navigate to your Profile. Scroll down and click the word “Membership” on the right side of the top navigation bar. Under “My Memberships” you will see “Trail Family+” and then the word “Cancel” underneath. Click “Cancel” and you will be taken through the cancellation process. Once you cancel your Trail Family+ membership, you will become a free Trail Family member with the same login information – and you will have the free Trail Family membership benefits. Once cancelled, you will not be billed in the next billing cycle or any after that.
What happens when I cancel my Trail Family+ membership?
Once you cancel your Trail Family+ membership, you will becone a free Trail Family member with the same login information – and you will have the free Trail Family membership benefits. Once cancelled, you will not be billed in the next billing cycle or any after that. If you would like to cancel your free Trail Family membership, please email us at info@thru-r.com
Free Trail Family Membership
What is offered in the free Trail Family membership?
Our free Trail Family membership includes a Hiker Profile, access to private events, access and participation on the THRU-r Map, forum access, direct messaging and friend request capabilities. The free Trail Family membership is basically an all-in-one Facebook, Reddit, and Eventbrite platform – exclusively for long-distance hikers! You can learn more about our memberships on our Member Levels page.
Why do you offer a free membership?
We offer free memberships to pay it forward and help the hiking community! We never want inability to pay to be a barrier for connection and learning – which is why we offer some great zero-cost ways to get involved, connect, and learn.
I am currently a free Trail Family member. How do I upgrade to Trail Family+?
You can upgrade your free Trail Family membership to a Trail Family+ membership by signing in to your account, and then going to the Member Levels page to sign up for the Trail Family+ membership. After you sign up, you will go through the approval process and will get access to Trail Family+ after approval.
Will I be charged for a free membership?
No you will not be charged for a free Trail Family membership. If you believe you were charged in error, please email us at info@thru-r.com
Contributing Content
What is a Contributor?
Contributors are a group of experienced hikers who provide video content for our Video Library, attend our Trail Family+ events as mentors, and interact in the private Trail Family+ forums.
How can I become a Contributor?
If you are an experienced long-distance hiker, you may apply to be a Contributor by filling out the Contributor Application.
Account
How do I manage my Trail Family+ subscription and update my payment method?
You can manage your subscription (Trail Family & Trail Family+) by logging in to your account and navigating to your Profile. From there, you have options to edit your Billings, Settings, and Membership information – which can be found in the top navigation bar.
How do I upgrade my free subscription to Trail Family+?
You can upgrade your free Trail Family membership to a Trail Family+ membership by signing in to your account, and then goung to the Member Levels page to sign up for the Trail Family+ membership. After you sign up, you will go through the approval process and will get access to Trail Family+ after approval.
How do I cancel or change my membership?
To cancel your Trail Family+ membership, sign in to your account and navigate to your Profile. Scroll down and click the word “Membership” on the right side of the top navigation bar. Under “My Memberships” you will see “Trail Family+” and then the word “Cancel” underneath. Click “Cancel” and you will be taken through the cancellation process. Once you cancel your Trail Family+ membership, you will becone a free Trail Family member with the same login information – and you will have the free Trail Family membership benefits. Once cancelled, you will not be billed in the next billing cycle or any after that. If you would like to cancel your free Trail Family membership, please email us at info@thru-r.com
How do I update my profile and manage my personal settings/email notifications?
You can manage your Trail Family or Trail Family+ membership settings by logging in to your account and navigating to your Profile. From there, you have options to edit your Profile, Billings, Settings, and Membership Information – which can be found in the top navigation bar.
Troubleshooting
I can’t access my account, what do I do?
Forgot your password? No problem! Simply navigate to the “Log In” page and click “Lost Password?” to reset your password. If you need further assistance in accessing your account, please email us at info@thru-r.com
VIRTUAL TRAIL ANGEL
Become a virtual trail angel with a one time, monthly, or yearly donation!
100% of your donation goes to long distance hikers in the form of trail magic (minus the small paypal fee). As we give trail magic, we will be giving donors a shoutout on Instagram and YouTube so you can see how your donation is helping hikers.
Becoming a virtual trail angel is great if you want to give to hikers but aren’t near the trail.
Direct Your Donation
On the donation page, you’ll be able to direct your donation to support building this community or for trail magic (you can even specify types of food, beer, gear, etc.)! Unless otherwise noted, we will use your name on file when we give you a shoutout on social media.