Zach Johnston

Snap and pop! These were not the sounds I heard when pouring a bowl of cereal, but rather the sudden destruction of my ankle as I crumbled to the ground. I instantly knew ew chapter of my life had swiftly begun. One I certainly wanted no part of. As I began to untangle my legs below me, I made a bleak observa tion – “That is not the way my left boot was pointed when I put it on!”

As I began my research for my Long Trail, a couple of things became clear very quickly. The first was that I needed to get lighter. Way lighter! As a Vermonter with a compromised ankle, I know the Long Trail can be unforgiving. Roots, rocks, and ruthless up and downs. On the one hand, I have the advantage of knowing the hiking in Vermont and the conditions well. I also know the challenges of the Long Trail are real, and the rocks and roots don't care if you are a local. Having a lower base weight for me will be critical.