Day zero is just a few weeks away

The holidays are behind us and 2026 has just begun. I’m counting the weeks until I take my first steps on the AT. I can’t believe it’s only a matter of weeks. My dream will soon be reality.

My husband, son, and daughter will be traveling with me to Georgia. We booked a cabin for the night before the big day. Then, on day zero, my son and I said goodbye to my husband and daughter; preparing to cross together under that beautiful stone arch. We will begin the first week of my trip north. It will be an incredible experience to walk with him. Since you walked the trail in 2021, I hope your presence and knowledge will help me become familiar with this new lifestyle. Maybe you can even convince him to stay a little longer.

Obsession

I spend most of my free time watching tons of YouTube videos about the AT, its travelers, and the gear they choose. After watching all those backpacking videos, I splurged on a zero degree quilt. This decision is justified by the poor repair I made to my 15 degree mummy bag. My dog ​​caught a tooth in his foot area a few years ago and lost his down insulation as a result. After testing my existing sleep system on some pretty cold nights, my feet were very cold. So, I’m excited to try the quilt when it arrives. I’m a hammock person anyway, so a quilt seems like a natural choice. Also, my original sleeping pad had a few leaks after testing it on just a few cold nights. The company was amazing and sent a replacement in 4 days!

Obsess too much?

I managed to implement my plans to include the AT in most conversations, probably to the point of annoying anyone listening. Talking about backpack weight, gear changes, daily mileage goals and days in the city. I’ve been using trail lingo like zero days, zero days, trail sections, and being a purist. I even made the adventure and the intention to complete it my New Year’s resolution. 2026 is the year of adventure and new beginnings!

Test equipment

To prepare for the big hike, I’ve been testing all my gear to make sure it works for me. Through extensive trial and error, I think I’m satisfied with my choices. Of course, there was some reflection on the important sacrifices. It was essential to identify luxury items and determine whether or not they were worth their weight. I’m struggling to avoid packing up my fears. Your fears can be very heavy for you, metaphorically and literally.

After deciding on all the gear I’m bringing, except for the quilt, I loaded up my backpack and weighed the finished kit. Total weight is 35 pounds. That includes 5 days of food, a Nalgene full of water, and a full Smart water bottle, plus the mummy bag. The mummy bag probably weighs a little more than the quilt, so you’ll save a few valuable ounces.

Controversial food storage

There is one more controversial item I have chosen to pack: a bear canister. I am fully aware of the weight penalty. Don’t try to dissuade me from taking it. I tried using a bear bag and hated it. Yes, it saves a significant amount of weight and volume, but I love the container. Food never gets crushed, provides a seat, and is very easy to store away from camp. In comparison, bear bags can be difficult and timely to hang, the food often gets crushed, and there is no seat. If you want to crush your food, go ahead and sit on your bag. Do what feels right to you!

Testing the weight

I have hiked for several days carrying this weight without problems. Test voyages will continue as frequently as possible. Equipment testing, especially the shelter and sleep system, will also continue until day zero. And I can barely contain my excitement for that day!

happy walk

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