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Thanks Kenai. I appreciate the support. Hopefully I'll get a second go soon enough! Looks like I'll be chasing an even faster record next time around :)

I wrote a little article about Anish for Appalachian Trials. It'd be awesome to see both AT records fall in one year!...

Very detailed response, Bill. From what I've read about Anish she does seem to favor the night hiking. I don't mind it much, did it over half the days I was out there on my attempt.

But hiking in...

Matt's never gonna catch a break :) I really hope she pulls it off. Kind of a weird timeline leaving this late but I'm sure she's thought it through.

I used just a tarp, no bivy and was fine. It hardly rains out there, and even when it did, it was warm.

I don't know when the bivy/tarp combo became a thing or why but it doesn't make much sense...

I ended up going with the cuben poncho-tarp instead and it worked great without the armpit abrasion. And it doubled as a pack cover!

It honestly only takes about 2 hours to make! Seriously, if you've got the money and are looking for a new shelter, buy some cuben fiber from Zpacks and try it out!

Relinking to the updated url: http://graysoncobb.com/diy-two-ounce-tarp/

Matt you continue to impress me! I am thoroughly enjoying reading your book. What an adventure! I am almost finished with my report http://graysoncobb.com/day-1-at-record-attempt/ and am continually...

Thanks for your kind words Matt. I ended up making it to just short of the NY/CT border, about 730 miles. I switched shoes once in Gorham from the hiker box and picked up my mailed pair at Kent Pond....

He very likely chose NOBO because the trails had not been cleared in Maine and were covered with blowdowns. The SOBOS who started in the first week of June this year had a tough time through the...

I'd just like to jump in with my two cents. After experiencing what it is like to attempt an unsupported hike, it's nowhere near as ambiguous or as complicated as these discussions always seem to...

Matt and everyone else, you all are great. I was running a serious deficit and my bullish stubbornness was keeping me from admitting I wouldn't be able to recover. I strained my calf two days ago and...

Dang man. Respect. I left Aug 21 a few years ago and dealt with snow and ice the whole way. Can't imagine leaving any later but if winter's your thing, you'll have a great time! Best of luck to you!

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I can't wait to get out there and do something like it again. Kayak is just sitting in the garage collecting dust :(

I ditched the headband from my headlamp and use a buff instead. It helped me drop 2 ounces by replacing miscellaneous items in my pack. I wrote more about it here if that interests you:...

Polycro is crazy durable for what it looks like. I keep thinking I'll need to replace it but it has yet to puncture or tear.

I'm gonna try tie outs for my next one. I think I can make a bigger tarp that is even lighter. The problem is cuben is soooo expensive!

I use a tarp and a bugnet over my head and a polycro groundsheet. You can get an integral designs siltarp for super cheap and incredibly light. Keeps out rain, bugs, <10oz, <$100, no more humid than...

I have the 50 degree EE Enigma and absolutely love it. I am a side sleeper and had no problem even with the short/slim version. I'm a small guy so it fit me well. The top cinches around your neck but...

Good question! I've been curious to see what other people do too. Cutting things can have a huge impact when done consistently. Every single thing in my pack has been modified. I cut the edges of the...

I wrote up some instructions on a tarp I made with cuben fiber: http://graysoncobb.com/2015/01/12/diy-two-ounce-tarp/. I've really liked it so far but I wouldn't have taped the edges if I were to do...

I don't know what the tarp was (it was a friend's). My preference is the Integral Designs Slitarp 1 for silnylon tarps and homemade for cuben fiber tarps. The rocks are blocking the wind on that side.

This was my set up on the JMT last year. No bivy. Wouldn't have done it any other way. Kept my head out the end to wake up to the stars. Only time I use a tent now is for winter. Had one night of...

Matt! I'm glad you enjoyed my blog. I've enjoyed yours as well as you can imagine! I totally agree, the BMT in GSMNP was incredible. The solitude back there is amazing too. Caleb, I haven't done any...