2020 kinda sucked for long distance hiking. March 5th was supposed to be my PCT start day, but COVID had other plans. I searched for other hikes to do, but everything seemed impossible; I couldn’t fly to Europe to do the camino, Australia to do the overland track, and the Andes and Patagonia in South America were a mess. Even local hikes were closed due to stay at home orders. Somewhere late last year, my thoughts shifted to the Appalachian Trail.
The AT had always been on my list, but as it often does, a little voice started speaking to me, the call grew louder and louder. Not only was the AT more accessible due to me living in the USA, it also did not have the strict permitting system of the PCT. I threw it all in - quit my job, and started my own business to give me the flexibility to travel for extended periods. The dream was coming true.
Now, I am only about 6 weeks away from starting the AT. I'd be lying if I didn’t admit I have hesitations! I’m confident on my physical ability, but the mental aspect of living outside and hiking for half a year scares me - in a good, and bad way. It’s getting very very real.
I’d dialed in a lot of my gear in prep for the PCT, but had to rethink a few things for the AT. I’ll be starting at the end of winter, won’t have a problem with water or longer food carries (my rough resupply plan shows 5 days max, and even then, I have options for mini-resupplies). Over the past two months, I’ve tried a few more configurations, switched some gear, and readjusted my load out until I am finally happy with where I ended up. Full weight inc. winter gear trekking poles, and 4 days of food comes out to 8.37kg or 18.45lbs. This doesn’t include what I am wearing or a liter or water. All in, I’ll be right on 20lbs. Not bad, esp since I’ll be bringing a good camera with me which weighs 2lbs by itself.
Being a gear nerd, here’s the breakdown:
Full pack weight for my Appalachian Trail 2021 NOBO hike.
The Big Three
Sleep System
I sleep pretty warm but am expecting it to be pretty cold for the first month. I am taking an Enlightened Equipment 20-degree Enigma quilt, Sea to Summit Aeros pillow, and Therm-a-Rest Uberlite sleeping pad. As the weather warms up, I’ll be swapping out the 20-degree quilt for a 30 or 40 degree on to save some space and a little weight.
Cook System
I’ve used the same cook set up for years. It consists of an MSR PocketRocket stove, 750ml Toaks Titanium pot/mug, and a Snow Peak spork (in blue so I always know which one is mine!). The setup weighs next to nothing and I have some of the best meals of my life out of this tiny setup.
Shelter System
I went with the ZPack Duplex tent. It’s not the cheapest, and for years I had avoided getting it because I typically don’t hike with trekking poles, which using poles as tent stays, a big part of the convenience of the Duplex. Everything I have read about the AT though, trekking poles are a must. So, I bit the bullet. I decided on the Duplex to give me extra room to bring my gear fully inside. I’m expecting rain and typically find that with 1-person tents you can fit your gear in, but often unavoidably end up pushing it against the side of the tent resulting in a wet surprise in the morning. Plus, by extending your poles to their full length, you can get an amazing amount of headroom in the tent.
For a backpack, I ended up going with the ZPack Arc Blast. I’ve had this pack for a while, but never really put it through its paces. For years my goto packs have been the ULA-Equipment Catalyst and Ohm. I felt like the Catalyst would be perfect for the PCT due to the fact that I can easily drop a bear canister in, but had been planning on using the Ohm for the AT. After a few shakedown hikes, I just didn’t like the way it packed out. Everything felt shoved in and it rode too big on my back. Even with a sub 20lb load, it looks gigantic. The Arc Blast takes everything in its stride. I have plenty of room and it sits small on my back. Plus, with the DCF material, I think I will get a little extra water resistance, which is never a bad thing on the AT. No rain, no pain, no Maine, as they say!
Full winter load out, inc. 4 days of food.
With 6 weeks to go, I don’t expect too much to change in my load out; maybe a tweak here or there, but the big things are dialed in. Bring it on!