Finally finished the Long Trail in Vermont after 3 failed attempts

I used to just pack light and wing it on weekend trips, but I kept quitting around day 4 when my feet gave out. Last month I tried using trail runners instead of boots and actually planned my resupply stops ahead of time. Has anyone else had their whole setup change just by swapping one piece of gear like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

wesley_thompson4d ago

Oh man congrats on finishing! That is no joke the Long Trail is brutal. I can totally relate to the gear swap thing. I did the exact same thing a couple years ago but with my pack weight. I was carrying this 65 liter monster and switching to a 40 liter frameless pack changed everything. Suddenly I could move faster and my feet didn't hurt as much because I wasn't hauling 40 pounds of junk. And then I started using trail runners too and that was like another upgrade. It's wild how one little change like shoes or pack size can make or break a thru hike. Glad you finally got it done my friend.

verafoster4d ago

Boots exist for a reason though. Trail runners are flimsy and you roll an ankle on rocky sections way easier. Sometimes heavy gear keeps you from rushing and making dumb mistakes. Did you ever think maybe the failed attempts were from bad planning instead of your footwear?