The Art of Packing Light (or Not): Lessons from the Triple Crown Elite
There’s something almost mythical about the Triple Crown of thru-hiking—completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. It’s a feat that fewer than 800 people have achieved, and it’s not just about physical endurance. It’s about strategy, adaptability, and, perhaps most crucially, gear. Recently, a survey of 82 Triple Crowners revealed some fascinating insights into what they carried, why they carried it, and how their choices evolved. But what struck me most wasn’t the data itself—it was the philosophy behind it.
The Great Gear Debate: Light vs. Heavy
One thing that immediately stands out is the divide between hikers who swear by ultralight gear and those who advocate for carrying a bit more. Personally, I think this debate goes beyond weight—it’s about comfort, safety, and the kind of experience you want to have.
The ultralight crowd makes a compelling case. They argue that lighter packs reduce injury risk, save money, and foster a minimalist mindset. One hiker even quipped, ‘The less useless stuff you carry, the more Oreos you can pack out.’ What makes this particularly fascinating is how it ties into a broader cultural trend of minimalism, where less is often seen as more. But here’s the kicker: minimalism isn’t for everyone.
On the flip side, some Triple Crowners push back against the ultralight dogma. They argue that total weight doesn’t matter as much as comfort. One hiker said, ‘Bring luxury items if you want to. Whatever weight you carry will become normal after 2-3 weeks.’ This raises a deeper question: Are we sacrificing joy for efficiency? If a heavier pack means bringing along a favorite book or a cozy sleeping bag, is that really a bad thing?
The Evolution of Gear Choices
What many people don’t realize is how much hikers’ gear changes over time. The survey showed that most Triple Crowners started with heavier packs (around 20.5 pounds) and gradually lightened their load to an average of 15.2 pounds by their final trail. This isn’t just about shedding weight—it’s about shedding uncertainty.
As one hiker put it, ‘Figure out your strengths as you go and let your gear adapt to it.’ This idea of adaptability is huge. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s popular or what others are doing, but the real lesson here is to trust your own experience. What this really suggests is that the best gear is the gear that works for you, not the gear that works for someone else.
Brands That Stand the Test of Time
When it comes to specific brands, a few names kept popping up. For backpacks, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Osprey, ULA, and Gossamer Gear were clear favorites. For tents, Zpacks dominated, with Durston and Big Agnes trailing behind. And for sleeping bags? Enlightened Equipment’s quilts were the runaway winner.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the most popular gear isn’t always the newest. Many Triple Crowners completed their journeys over several decades, so the brands they mentioned are likely the ones that have been around for a while. This makes me wonder: Are newer brands missing out by not catering to long-term durability? Or are they simply focusing on a different kind of hiker?
Footwear: The Wild Card
If you take a step back and think about it, footwear is the most personal piece of gear. The survey showed a wide spread of brands, with Altra, Topo Athletic, and Hoka One One leading the pack. But what’s truly striking is how individual the choices are. One person’s perfect shoe is another’s nightmare.
This highlights a broader truth about hiking—and life, really. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. A detail that I find especially interesting is how many hikers emphasized the importance of fit over brand loyalty. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best advice is to trust your own body.
The Bigger Picture: What This Tells Us About Hiking Culture
This survey isn’t just about gear—it’s about the mindset of the people who tackle these monumental trails. The Triple Crowners’ advice boils down to a few key principles: adaptability, self-awareness, and a healthy dose of skepticism toward trends.
In my opinion, this reflects a shift in hiking culture. It’s no longer just about endurance or speed; it’s about sustainability, both for the body and the mind. Hikers are increasingly prioritizing what feels right for them, rather than what’s marketed as ‘optimal.’
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this survey, I’m struck by how much it mirrors life itself. The choices we make—whether about gear, careers, or relationships—are deeply personal. There’s no single right answer, and what works today might not work tomorrow.
So, if you’re dreaming of tackling the Triple Crown, here’s my advice: Don’t get too caught up in what everyone else is doing. Experiment, adapt, and trust your instincts. After all, the journey is just as much about discovering yourself as it is about reaching the finish line.
And if you’re still debating whether to pack that extra bag of Oreos? Personally, I say go for it.
