Slackpacking
Overview
Slackpacking is a style of day hiking along a long-distance trail segment while carrying a relatively light pack, often made possible by arranging transportation or temporary gear storage off trail.
Key points
- Involves hiking trail miles with a lighter-than-normal pack.
- Usually coordinated through shuttles, rides, or local lodging.
- Reduces carried weight at the cost of added logistics.
- Sometimes used for specific sections rather than entire routes.
- Perceptions of slackpacking vary within trail communities.
Details
In slackpacking, hikers leave some of their overnight gear and heavier items at a lodging, trailhead, or other secure location, then hike a section of trail carrying only essentials for the day. At the end of the segment, they reconnect with their stored gear, often through shuttles or predetermined meeting points.
This approach can be appealing in areas with steep terrain, limited camping, or frequent road crossings. It may also provide variety in a longer journey or facilitate recovery after strenuous periods.
Slackpacking requires additional coordination, whether through formal shuttle services, public transportation, or arrangements with friends or local businesses. It may not be feasible in more remote sections where access points are infrequent.
Trail communities hold a range of perspectives on slackpacking, but from a descriptive standpoint it is simply one of several ways to experience portions of a long-distance route.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.