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If you’re new to thru-hiking, you’ve probably heard the term “slackpacking” thrown around in trail forums and planning groups. It sounds counterintuitive, aren’t thru-hikers supposed to carry everything on their backs? While that’s traditionally true, slackpacking has become an increasingly popular option that can make certain sections of a long trail more manageable and enjoyable.
What is Slackpacking?
Slackpacking is the practice of hiking a section of trail without carrying your full overnight pack. Instead of hauling 25-35 pounds of gear, food, and supplies, you hike with just a small daypack containing essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, and a first aid kit. Your main pack and overnight gear are transported ahead to your destination by a vehicle or trail service.
The term comes from the idea of hiking with “slack,” a lighter, more relaxed burden that allows you to cover miles without the usual weight grinding down on your shoulders and knees.
How Does Slackpacking Work?
There are several common slackpacking arrangements:
Shuttle services and hostels near popular trails often offer slackpacking support. You’ll stay at their accommodation, leave your main pack there in the morning, and they’ll drive you to a trailhead. You hike toward town while carrying only a daypack, and your gear stays safely at the hostel waiting for your return.
Flip-flopping with hiking partners is another approach. If you’re hiking with others who have rest days planned, they might drive your pack ahead while you hike, and you return the favor when it’s your turn to take a zero day.
Trail angel support sometimes comes from generous locals or former hikers who offer slackpacking logistics to thru-hikers, though you should never expect this service.
Section hiking from a base camp works when you’re near a town with affordable lodging. You can stay in the same place for multiple nights and hike different sections each day without your full pack.
Why Do Thru-Hikers Choose to Slackpack?
Physical recovery is one of the biggest reasons experienced hikers incorporate slackpacking. After weeks or months on trail, your body accumulates wear and tear. Slackpacking lets you maintain your mileage and momentum while giving your shoulders, hips, and joints a break from constant heavy loads.
Injury management becomes crucial on a long trail. If you’re dealing with knee pain, a strained shoulder, or blisters, slackpacking a section can prevent a minor issue from becoming a trail-ending injury. The reduced weight can make the difference between pushing through and having to leave the trail entirely.
Conquering difficult terrain is easier without a full pack. Some sections of trail feature steep climbs, exposed scrambles, or particularly rocky terrain where a heavy pack significantly increases difficulty and risk. Slackpacking these challenging sections allows you to navigate them more safely and confidently.
Increased daily mileage becomes possible when you’re not carrying 30 pounds. Many hikers find they can cover 25-30 miles slackpacking versus their usual 15-20 with a full pack. This can help you make up time if you’ve fallen behind schedule or want to reach a specific destination by a certain date.
Pure enjoyment shouldn’t be underestimated. Slackpacking lets you experience the trail with fresh legs and a spring in your step. You’ll notice more details, have energy to explore side trails, and arrive at camp or town without feeling completely depleted.
The Drawbacks and Considerations
Cost is the most obvious downside. Slackpacking services typically charge $30-60 per person, depending on the distance and logistics involved. For thru-hikers on tight budgets, these costs add up quickly and might not be feasible.
Logistical complexity increases when you’re coordinating shuttles, timing, and pickup locations. You’re now dependent on someone else’s schedule, and plans can fall through due to weather, vehicle problems, or miscommunication.
The “purist” debate exists in the hiking community. Some hikers feel that carrying your own gear for every mile is fundamental to the thru-hiking experience. While this is a personal philosophy, it’s worth knowing that slackpacking is widely accepted and practiced by thousands of successful thru-hikers. Your hike is your own, and there’s no single “right” way to complete a trail.
Limited availability means slackpacking isn’t an option everywhere. It’s most common near towns and road crossings on popular trails like the Appalachian Trail, but remote sections might not have any services available.
Weather vulnerability becomes a bigger concern. If you get caught in unexpected weather without your full shelter and warm layers, you could face a dangerous situation. Always carry essential safety gear even when slackpacking.
Essential Tips for Slackpacking Safely
Always carry the Ten Essentials in your daypack. This includes navigation tools, sun protection, insulation (a warm layer), illumination (headlamp), first-aid supplies, fire starter, repair kit, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, and you need to be self-sufficient.
Carry more water than you think you’ll need since you won’t have your full pack to carry your water filtration system. Pack extra snacks too, you’ll be moving faster and burning calories.
Have a backup plan in case your shuttle doesn’t show up or you can’t complete the planned mileage. Keep your phone charged and have emergency contact numbers saved.
Communicate clearly with whoever is transporting your pack. Confirm pickup times, locations, and what to do if plans change. Get their phone number and make sure they have yours.
Don’t leave valuables in your main pack. Keep important items like your wallet, phone, and any critical medications with you in your daypack.
Finding Slackpacking Opportunities
Most trail guidebooks and apps like FarOut or The Trek note which towns and hostels offer slackpacking services. The trail community is also invaluable, fellow hikers you meet will share information about services they’ve used.
Popular trails have established infrastructure for slackpacking. The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail all have numerous options, especially in sections that parallel roads or pass near towns.
Is Slackpacking Right for You?
There’s no requirement to slackpack during your thru-hike, and many hikers complete entire trails without ever doing it. However, it’s a valuable tool to have in your thru-hiking toolbox. Consider slackpacking when you’re nursing an injury, facing particularly brutal terrain, or simply want to experience the joy of hiking without the burden of a full pack.
Remember that thru-hiking is about completing a long-distance trail in a way that’s sustainable and meaningful to you. Whether you carry your pack every single mile or slackpack occasionally, you’re still putting in the work, covering the distance, and earning your trail experience. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
The most successful thru-hikers are those who listen to their bodies, adapt their strategies as needed, and make choices that keep them healthy and moving forward. Slackpacking is simply one more option in your arsenal for making it all the way to the end.