This year we have 3 big changes for our Appalachian Trail 2018 Thru Hike.
We are changing up our nutrition! No more Honey Buns and Snickers… ok, ok, we’ll probably have a few of those, but they won’t make up our entire diet. This year we are focused on eating as many whole, nutritious and mainly plant based meals that we can. Plus, for the first month on trail we are sending ourselves mail drops so we don’t have worry about grocery shopping.
Next, we are going ultra-lightweight with our gear. In 2016, we both started with base weights around 20 lbs. For 2018, we have our base weights dialed in at sub 12 lbs! No, your gear doesn’t get you to Katahdin, but less weight means faster hiking and easier recovery.
Lastly, we are changing up our mentalities. In 2016, we mostly saw the trail as a big 6 month vacation. Towards the end, we were “vacationing” more and more in our mindset. We ultimately had to get off trail for other reasons, but we want this year to be more focused on getting to Katahdin by treating it as a) a job we applied for and got, so we gotta give it our best and b) by listening more to our bodies each day to make sure we are focused on what we need to do to be successful at reaching Katahdin. Crummy days are going to happen, but we’re keeping our eyes on the prize.
6 thoughts on “Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2018: 3 Big Changes”
It sounds like y’all have a good plan this year. I enjoyed watching your videos last time, & i could tell you really enjoyed all the sights & friends made. I also think it was just what the two of you needed. But this year y’all need Mt. Katahdin. & i know you’ll make it. 2189 divided by 12mi/day = 6mos. Wish i could do it, i’ll just keep doing section hiking…… & watching your videos.
dennis kimbrell
We are really excited to see how this hike unfolds! We learned a lot in 2016 and we are ready to be back on trail! Thanks for following along with us!
Rachel
Glad you guys haven’t given up……too many just leave because they never prepared in the correct manner. It sounds you have the smarts.
Success in the miles ahead.
Eye4Hawk
Thank you Eye4Hawk! We learned a lot in 2016, so we are better prepared in many ways. We can’t wait to get out there!
Rachel
You will make it this time! You have the right mindset and we will follow you all the way!
Mary and Steve Beimer
Thank you both so much! We are happy to have you following along with us!
Rachel