The forest called me home

Hello everyone! This is Ed or Minuteman. I am an aspiring full-time adventurer. Growing up in New Hampshire has given me a lot of time outdoors, specifically “The Whites.” Most of my hiking in my early thirties consisted of long mileage day hikes (30+ miles) or 5-10 mile trail rides. By hiking this way, I reached many New Hampshire peaks and covered a lot of rugged terrain. If you’ve ever hiked through New Hampshire, you’ll know what I mean when I say rugged.

Since high school I have been interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail. It was always: “someday,” or “when you’re older and more settled.” Then life happens and you settle. Go on day hikes, camp overnight, and go for long walks whenever possible. That itch never completely goes away.

In early 2023 I made the conscious decision to start making it a reality. Not only were the mountains calling me home, but I longed for the challenge. Through my martial arts and fitness routines, I have adapted well to doing difficult things and pushing myself. Opportunities often seem like obstacles. I wanted more. Self-reliance is a powerful statement.

Gear

The first stop was the equipment. That started with days and days of researching the internet and reaching out to people who had been actively backpacking for the past two years. I realized how outdated my equipment was and that a completely new team was essential for this new endeavor.

I started narrowing down a list based on weight, volume, durability, and ease of use. If something checked all the boxes appropriately, I moved it to the potential list. Over time, I had a rough list of equipment that I knew I would grow with and could modify as my process became more refined. I slowly gathered gear, ordered some as Christmas gifts, and bought some as I could afford them. The slow drip gave me time to really consider each option in my package. Between October 2023 and March 2024 I gathered gear, planned hikes, did research and yes; the stairs master. Hours and hours on the main staircase.

On the move

In June 2024 I did my first test hike with a friend who was also curious to get back on the trail. We decided on a “semi-pemi,” which is a partial Pemi-Loop with several variations. That particular week in June was hot during the day on the exposed Franconian ridge and cool at night. Water was available during the two mile hike or at camp during a full day of hiking at our own pace. With that, our backpacks were heavy with extra water and a LOT more gear than we needed. Many mistakes were made, but we accepted the challenge and made it to camp (maybe limping a little). Overall, the hike was memorable, apart from the ball flights. We spent the second day packing on the Franconian Ridge, we were blessed with perfect weather and once in a lifetime views!

Once home, I immediately started looking for ways to simplify my backpack. It took me two more overnight walks to get my pack to a comfortable weight and volume. After the semi-final adjustment on my backpack, I hiked the entire 2025 season with the same setup. I felt comfortable in most climates and terrain. Wow, I saw it all at The Whites that summer, ninety degrees in days, 35 degrees in nights, wind, rain, sleet, you name it. It was all in 2025, it sealed the deal for me.

Mission

Fast forward to March 2026. I’ve made more adjustments, have a much better prep routine, creative trail meals, options in place depending on numerous factors, and am currently preparing for my first overnight shoulder season at The Whites. I have several two- or three-day adventures planned in New Hampshire and Maine this spring and summer and will keep you posted. I will then hike The Long Trail in Vermont with a flexible start date in early September.

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