My sleep system was comprised of a 3mm Gossamer Gear Thinlight foam mat and a Cumulus X-Lite 200 zipperless sleeping bag. Much to my surprise, I was never cold sleeping despite temperatures dropping down to around 3C. I decided to not take a shelter and accepted this was a risk I was willing to take in the context of an FKT.

Having used the same type of foam mat for the last 1000km of the PCT, I was aware that its primary limitation was warmth. Because of this, I decided to carry a full-length mat with the intention of folding it in half to boost its temperature rating as required. Either way, I would elevate my legs by resting them on my pack. Due to the presence of mice in shelters, I reduced my packs food scent profile by placing it inside my garbage bag pack liner. This combined with placing my pack under my legs meant I had no issues with rodents. Ideally, I would have used a ‘scent-proof’ pack liner such as an OPSAK or a nylofume bag, but I just never got around to organising it.

I chose a sleeping bag over a quilt for simplicity and warmth. In the context of half-length foam mats, I find quilts to be finnicky and drafty. This is exacerbated when trying to elevate your legs whilst sleeping. I was happy with my choice to use a sleeping bag and found it much warmer than previous quilts I have used with similar amounts of down.

Compared to the AAWT FKT, I wanted to try a simpler (and lighter) approach to clothes. Ultimately, this meant cutting out my much-loved wind gear. This left me with rain pants for my legs, and a synthetic jacket and rain jacket for my torso. This combination worked well although I would still prefer to also take wind gear on normal hiking trips.

I also decided to try out using small bread bags as waterproof mitts. I used a piece of duct tape to create a thumb hole and was surprised by how well they worked. Their success was largely owed to the conforming shape given by the trekking pole gloves worn on top of them (see ‘Trekking poles’ section below). Without the trekking pole gloves, I doubt they would work anywhere near as well.

I also made a last minute decision to take an emergency poncho. I knew from last year that frequent passing showers are common in WA’s South West – even on ‘sunny days’. I figured the poncho would save time as I could put it on over my pack whilst walking. Given I had nearly all of my kit and electronics on the outside of my pack, it also meant I didn’t need to worry about them getting wet or repacking when rain clouds rolled in. I ended up using the poncho extensively and was very grateful I decided to bring it.

I spent lots of time trying to find the right pack, and ended up using a Macpac Amp Ultra 15L running vest. I liked this vest because I was able to access nearly my entire kit and ~14hrs worth of food whilst walking. In fact, the only things I couldn’t access whilst walking were my synthetic jacket, sleeping bag, and any bonus food that was in the main compartment. I’ll certainly be writing up a more detailed review of this pack in the future.

Other packs I considered included the Nashville Cutaway, Nashville Tiempo, Pa’lante Joey, Salomon Adv Skin 12 and Raidlight Ultralight 24L. Although I liked many of these packs, most were too big or too small for my needs.

My water storage and purification system comprised of 3 ~500mL running soft flasks and a Salomon XA water filter. I also had water purification tablets if needed. Although 3 soft flasks is hardly the lightest way to carry 1.5L of fluid, they collapse when empty, have wide mouths for pouring powders, and carry well in the running vest. They also granted me the flexibility of having multiple types of liquids at once (e.g. water, sports drink, soft drink, chocolate milk, meal replacement powder). I discuss my nutrition strategy more in the FKT Tactics article.

For this FKT attempt I decided to use Leki Ultratrail FX One Superlite Poles. I chose these poles because I wanted to use their glove attachment system (and because they’re ‘Superlight’). Rather than using trekking pole straps, these poles require you to wear gloves that hook into the poles. With these gloves I find I can generate more power and my muscles fatigue less. I consider the glove system a significant upgrade over trekking pole straps when performance is the focus (i.e. trail running, FKTs, fastpacking).

After somewhat of a disaster with an ill-fated shoe swap on the AAWT FKT, I knew that finding the right shoes was perhaps the most important part of this FKT attempt. In fact, I spent the entire 4300km of the Pacific Crest Trail testing out different shoes. I ended up using Hoka Speedgoat 5’s in the wider 2E width and was very happy with the choice. Given that most FKTs live and die by keeping feet happy, I talk much more extensively about my footwear choice and footcare management in my upcoming FKT Tactics article.