Why are you quitting your job and going hiking for a year?

Short answer: Because it will be super awesome.

Little bit longer answer: Hiking the 3 big National Scenic Trails in the United States has become a goal of mine. I hiked the PCT in 2023 and now to complete that goal I need to hike the AT and the CDT. If I can get them both done in one year, then that means one less cycle of disrupting my career and life and stuff.

How do you get food and stuff?

Short answer: I mostly buy it along the way.

Little bit longer answer: Contrary to popular belief, I will not be foraging for berries and mushrooms to sustain myself. I will be in town every handful of days to resupply on food and any other supplies I might need.

How do you get to town?

Short answer: it depends

Little bit longer answer: on the Appalachian Trail (AT), many towns and resupply points are located directly on the trail, so I will hike straight through the town and will not require transportation. Other times on the AT, and most of the time on the CDT, I will need vehicular transport to get from a spot where the trail crosses a road. This often consists of hitchhiking, but sometimes there will be a local business or individual who offers rides for free or a small fee.

How Heavy is your backpack?

Short answer: about 13 pounds without food and water

Little bit longer answer: my base weight will be about 13 pounds when I start on the Appalachian Trail. When the weather gets warmer, I will be able to swap to some lighter gear and send some gear home because it won’t be necessary. In ideal conditions I will get my base weight down to around 8 pounds.