The Long Trail (VT) — Sep-Oct 2026

  •   Category Weight
  • Shelter
    0.51 lb
  • Packing
    0.88 lb
  • Sleep System
    2.07 lb
  • Packed Clothing
    1.16 lb
  • Cooking & Food Protection
    0.45 lb
  • Hydration system
    0.28 lb
  • Electronics
    0.71 lb
  • Small Essentials
    0.29 lb
  • Worn clothing
    0 lb
  • Consumables
    7.34 lb
  • Gear I'm also considering
    0 lb
  • Total 13.69
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Consumable 7.36 lb
  • Base Weight 6.33 lb

THE TRIP: Planning to hike the Long Trail NOBO, starting September 10th and ending the first week of October. I will begin near the Massachusetts border and hike north to the Canadian border. Total hiking distance is approximately 277 miles, with about 66,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain.

START/END LOGISTICS: On September 12, my friend will drive me from the Burlington airport to the trailhead in Willamstown, MA. to begin my hike. After completing the trail, I’ll set up a shuttle to pick me up near the Canadian border.

EXPECTED CONDITIONS: Fall in the Green Mountains brings rapidly changing weather, and this NOBO itinerary moves into cooler terrain as the season cools. Expecting cool days early, trending colder later, with highs generally in the 50s–60s°F and nights in the 30s–40s°F, but with increasing potential for frost or sub-freezing temperatures at higher elevations, especially in the northern sections. Cold rain may be common, making hypothermia a primary risk management concern. The trail is notoriously rugged, steep, and muddy ("Vermud"), with slick roots and rocks potentially concealed by fallen leaves. Bug pressure will be low, but ticks remain a possibility. The hike will overlap with hunting season so I will wear some high visibility clothing.

DAYLIGHT HOURS: At the southern terminus on September 12th, sunrise around 6:29am, and sunset around 7:08pm (12 hours 39 minutes total). At the northern terminus on October 4th, sunrise around 6:51am, and sunset around 6:25pm (11 hours 34 minutes total).

I intend to primarily sleep in shelters/cabins at night. I plan to resupply often, both to lighten my pack and to experience more of small-town Vermont. My longest food carry will be 4 days.