Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I talk with Connor “Jackrabbit” Chapdelaine, who’s attempting the Calendar Year Triple Crown—thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail all in a single year. We break down how the idea got planted during a hike on the AT, what it takes to train for 8,000 miles, and why he’s bringing a pillow, a stove, and maybe even a thermos.
Follow Connor/Jackrabbit online: https://www.instagram.com/JackrabbitHikes/
Connor shares his strategy for navigating snow in the Sierra, reroutes on the PCT, and fires on the CDT—plus his plan to survive town stops without spending his entire budget. We also get into ultralight gear hacks, and his favorite trail meals. Connor breaks down his food tier list (spoiler: mushroom Knorr = trail exile) and how his dad is helping run the back-end logistics with a label maker and full “dad command center.”
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If you’ve ever been curious about the logistics, gear, food, and mindset needed to thru-hike the PCT, CDT, and AT in one year, this episode is packed with real insight and ridiculous stories—including tuna and peanut butter wraps, dry-scooped coffee, and a thru-hiker potluck that no one asked for.
Chapters
04:00 The Aspiration of the Calendar Year Triple Crown
10:30 Overcoming Obstacles in the Journey
13:51 Planning and Timing for Success
19:25 Budgeting for the Adventure
24:20 Family Support and Logistics
25:12 Training for High Mileage
31:29 Food Choices on the Trail
37:58 The Quirks of Trail Humor
38:51 Trail Food Favorites and Disasters
40:56 Resupply Strategies and Bargain Finds
41:59 The Art of Coffee on the Trail
43:46 The Triple Crown Experience
45:38 Friendships Formed on the Trail
47:59 The Emotional Connection to Hiking
50:04 Gear Essentials for Long Trails
56:14 The Importance of Comfort Items
59:34 Post-Hike Plans and Future Goals
01:05:15 Memorable Trail Names and Their Stories
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Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
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