Calendar Year Triple Crown with Jackrabbit: 8,000 Miles, One Year, Zero Mushroom Knorr

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.” Support us by supporting our sponsors: CS Coffee: https://www.csinstant.coffee/ Janji: https://janji.com/ Garage Grown Gear: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/ 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 Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside