⛰️ Appalachian Trail Thru-hike 2021 SOBO

  •   Category Weight
  • Pack
    1.09 lb
  • Shelter
    1.34 lb
  • Sleep System
    1.46 lb
  • Cooking & Hydration
    0.52 lb
  • Toiletries
    0.3 lb
  • Extra Clothing
    1.74 lb
  • Utility
    0.52 lb
  • Worn Clothing
    2.56 lb
  • Total 9.54
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Worn 2.56 lb
  • Base Weight 6.98 lb

Full-comfort, ultralight setup for a SOBO thru-hike of the AT, beginning in late July August / early August from Katahdin. Need to be light enough to move fast – aiming to complete the whole trail in under 100 days, meaning I need to average ~22 miles per day. Factoring in resupply every 4-5 days, that's more like moving ~25-30 miles each day, with any zeroes quickly increasing the average mpd required.

For gear, aiming to go ultralight enough that I can move fast, but not so light that I'd easily find reasons to quit by going "stupid light" – ex: bringing no warm gear and getting too cold, or bringing inadequate rain gear and having to bail whenever a storm rolls in. Aiming to optimize around hiking 10-12 hours per day, but bringing a nice 2 person tent to make site selection easier than it'd be with a tarp and to have room for friends to stay.

For packing, a lightweight backpack designed around accessibility such as the Pa'lante Ultralight, Joey, or Desert Pack pairs great with a fanny pack up front for the most commonly used items (phone, ditties, snacks, sunscreen, etc.). To reduce weight, I can easily drop the umbrella, switch to a tarp, drop the puffy, switch to a 1/8" CCF pad, or swap to a lighter weight quilt. If I want to add in more comforts, I can bring back the Inreach Mini and external battery pack.