What’s In My Pack for the Appalachian Trail FKT

Free Outside
Aug 3
3 min read

When you’re trying to set a self-supported Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, every ounce counts. Which feeds right into why I spent two weeks training right on the AT with my gear (and a laptop). I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed and nothing I don’t.

But, in every adventure that is over a week and includes a resupply, things are a little fluid. So, this is the general start of what I am taking with a bit of opportunity to change things up along the way should the need arise. Hopefully all you gear nerds like this.

Pack

Ultraspire Fastpacking Prototype — I tested this fastpack for approximately for 400 miles. It should be hitting the markets in the near future. In the testing process, we made a few tweaks, and now it’s time to test it on a larger scale.

Sleep System

Z Lite Sleeping Pad (cut down) — It's basically a glorified yoga mat, not comfortable, but the pad is long enough to give my hips and shoulders a bit of cushion.

Solo Tarp – Gossamer Gear — Lightweight and breezy. But it proved to work in the wind and rain storms during training camp.

EE Revelation Apex Synthetic Quilt — Synthetic because I don’t trust myself to keep down dry. Plus, it’s warm enough and light.

Power & Navigation

Battery Banks — Check your local hiker box for any discarded in my wake.

InReach Mini 2 — Y’all like live tracking right?

iPhone — I love supporting the Steve Jobs Trust

Coros Vertix 2 Watch — Long battery life in low power mode and peace of mind on the backup tracking method for verification.

Clothing & Accessories

Janji AFO Visor — Keeps sun and style high. And it lets people know I am in my 30s

Janji AFO Middle Short 5" Ultra — Pockets are a necessity, and the right length for thigh freedom.

Janji Trekker Snappy Shirt — Button-up meets breathable. I cut off the sleeves to make myself look edgy and show off my tattoos.

Leve Alpha 90 Hoody — A midlayer with more warmth than weight!

Old Visp Rain Jacket — Ultralight, minimalist, and still holding together (barely). 5 years and still kicking

XO Skin Quarter Socks — Anti-blister but I will be changing these bad boys often

T1 Mount To Coast Shoes — Lightweight, durable, and the lacing system means they will not come untied. I put over 800 miles on a pair of them, so they hold up. No single pair will get that type of abuse this time.

Tiger Bandana — For flair, sweat, or looking fierce.

Transition Lens Glasses — One pair to rule all light conditions.

Bug Net — The only thing between me and full mental collapse.

Tyvek Ground Sheet — My bedroom floor.

Water & Hygiene

Sawyer Squeeze Filter — Classic. Effective. Way easier than trying to suck water through the mini.

Frog Togg Cooling Towel — Keeps me chill(er).

Squirrel’s Nut Butter — Because chafing leads to four-letter words.

[Duct Tape & Antibiotics] — First aid meets DIY surgery.

Other Essentials

Distance Carbon Z Poles – Black Diamond — For balance, propulsion, and dramatic trailhead photos. I had one pair get stuck, but I am back to make my own mistakes a second time. Slow learner over here.

Ultraspire Lumen 850 Duo Waist Light — So bright it’s going to feel like daytime all night long. Also, the fog gets pretty thick and the waistlight is closer to the ground.

This is the gear I’m trusting for over 2,000 miles of punishment. No sponsors told me what to pack — I came to all of these decisions under my own free will.

If you want to follow along, support the journey, or just see how long I stay mentally sane, check out https://corsa.run/live/freeoutside/

Consider supporting the Trevor Project as I try to shine light and make a difference with this FKT: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

See you on the trail (or on the map).