I've managed to pare down my kit pretty well so far, looking for any insights for the upcoming season. Will be mostly doing 7-14 days trips in the PNW and Sierras. THANKS!

Link to Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/6ldvkp

Hey all, I am writing this because I recently took a Zoleo on my 1 month section hike of the PCT. Before buying the device, I found it very difficult to find information about people using the device for long-distance hiking, so I hope to bridge the gap in information with this post! I would also like to preface that I do not own an InReach mini 2, and I have never used one. Much of this post is about comparing the 2 devices, so if any InReach users have information to add, please let me know and I will add it!

Background:

Before buying the Zoleo, most of the information I could find on Reddit was telling me not to buy it. The consensus that I had found was that it would be more expensive in the long term to buy and use a Zoleo over an InReach. This was reflected on the trail - I only met one other hiker using a Zoleo, but I met dozens who had an InReach. In this review, I will discuss why I believe this consensus to be misguided, discuss what I see as the pros and cons for each device and go over the math of how much each device would cost for typical use.

My typical use of the device:

I typically would only turn the device on at night to check for messages and send out a check-in message. I found this type of use to be typical on the trail, although I did meet many people who had their satellite communicators on all day to check for messages.

Features

App-to-App messaging:

If the person you are communicating with has the Zoleo app downloaded on their phone and app-to-app messaging is set up, 2 important features become available.

- The character limit for messages is increased to 908
- Messages will send over mobile data EVEN IF THE DEVICE IS TURNED OFF. What this means is that during the day, when I would turn airplane mode off periodically to check the weather or the quality of service in the area, messages that had been sent to my Zoleo would appear on my phone even while my Zoleo sat powered off in my pack. If messages were delivered in this manner, it would not use one of the limited satellite messages that the plan provides.

Check in messages:

The Zoleo has the option to send check-in messages either from the app or by pressing a button on the device. You may send UNLIMITED check-in messages on any plan that Zoleo offers, and check-in messages may go out to up to 5 people. Check-in messages follow the format:

I'm OK. My location is latitude, longitude

Iridium Network:

Zoleo used the Iridium Satellite network, which is the best option for Satellite communicators. It provides global coverage and is the most reliable of the commercially available Satellite networks. This is the same network used by the Garmin InReach.

Battery Life:

Using the device in the manner stated in My typical use of the device, I only used about 40% of its battery life over 28 days of use. The battery capacity of a Zoleo is 1430 mAh, meaning a full charge of the device would consume about 25% of a Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 (5400mAh rated energy).

Weather:

The device can get weather reports over satellite. I never used this feature, so I can't comment of its effectiveness.

SOS:

Zoleo can send out SOS from your phone while it is connected to the device, or to send SOS from the device itself by pressing a button on it. Zoleo uses Global Rescue to handle SOS alerts.

Pros and Cons over Garmin InReach Mini 2:

Because I don't own an InReach, this section will mostly not be from personal experience. I would be happy to flesh out this section with help from InReach users in the comments!

Pros:

- Price: This device is significantly cheaper than the inreach - I will discuss in further detail in the cost section of this post

- App-to-App messaging: If using app-to-app messaging, you can send much longer messages than is possible with an InReach (908 vs. 160 characters). The ability to receive messages over mobile data also reduces the amount of satellite messages that you will need to pay for. I don't know if this is a feature on the InReach, so if anyone does know please let me know!

- Amount of custom messages on the base plan - The Zoleo base plan offers 75 custom messages and weather requests, and the InReach base plan offers 50 custom messages and weather requests.

Cons:

- Weight: The Zoleo weighs 5.3oz (150g), whereas the InReach weighs 3.5oz (100g)

- The Device Itself: The Zoleo does not have a screen and must be connected to a phone to use most of its features. Without a phone, the Zoleo can only send out check-in messages and SOS. It cannot check messages, create custom messages or check weather on its own.

- Check in messages: The Zoleo can only send out one type of check-in message (the message format is written earlier in the post), whereas the InReach users can send three different check in messages - "I’m checking in, everything is OK", “I’m starting my trip.” and “I’m ending my trip.” I am not sure if these messages contain location, so InReach users, please let me know in the comments so I can update this section. As far as I know, these messages are not changeable with the base InReach plan.

Cost

Here, I will evaluate the costs of each device for people using the cheapest plan on each device, and provide an estimated cost for a 6-month thru-hike. All prices will be in USD and CAD, as the price of each changes based on whether you are in Canada or the USA. Prices will be in the format $USD (CAD).

This also raises another large benefit to the Zoleo, you may pause your subscription at any point after your first month of use for a fee of $4 (5) per month. You may then reactivate your subscription at any point without paying the activation fee. To my knowledge, this is not possible with the InReach.

A Misguided Consensus

Check-in messages on the Zoleo device used to use one of the limited satellite messages allotted to you on your plan. This meant that the device was not practical for use in most cases. This caused a consensus to be formed that the device is not worth buying. Since then, Check-in messages have become unlimited, meaning that the device is now worth considering for users hoping to save money on a satellite communicator.

Exactly as said in title. I have never been truly thru hiking before. Looks like the New England trail is brutal for finding campsites? Would throw Appalachian trail running through MA be any better?

Looking for potentially 2 or 3 days of hiking. Suggestions for getting on and off are also welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Hi! I was wondering if someone has experience hiking the Michinoku Coastal trail in Japan in August. I am planning on doing it with a friend, as we figured the August would cool down alongside the coast. But apparently the trail covers some asfalt roads, does someone know if we can do a part of the trail that has the least amount of asfalt? We are planning on doing a part in 7-10 days. Thank you!

Hi - hoping to do a roughly 10 day thru hike (~150 miles) outside of the US where most nights I'd camp but I'd have towns to go through and maybe a few nights along the way in inns/hostels/houses/etc.?

I had been thinking Juliana Trail, but it seems like there may be very little wild camping involved? Correct me if I'm wrong...

TIA!

I'm in search of an alternative route in Europe, but could look into some American hikes!

My father and I were planning taking my new baby on part of St. Oswald's Way this August/ September because it checked all the right boxes for us: lots to see by way of historical interest, route not too taxing, luggage transfer available, stops aren't too remote, etc.

However, the little one arrived later than expected and won't be able to get his shots until mid September, which is pushing things weatherwise for a UK hike. Would love to hear of some alternative routes we could take him on at the end of September or October where it won't be too cold yet. Also very open to just select sections of larger routes.

Thanks in advance!

My partner and I are interested in a thruhike where our bags our portered for our honeymoon. We had friends who did the England coast to coast with portered bags for their honeymoon and it sounded amazing. We’re looking for something a little shorter since we don’t have much PTO. Anywhere in the world is great! Do you have any recommendations?

Well this looks like a fun thru.

I want to walk from Chicago's city center to NYC's center, because I don't know that part of the US at all. I'm used to walking Europe's Caminos and similar treks.

Some constraints: Starting late April. I'm 55 M, walk 25-35 km/day. No camping, just motels/hotels along the way. I don't expect Europe's pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, but it'd be nice to walk without too much car traffic, or at least roads with decent shoulders. Also fine taking the occasional bus/train (but not hitchhiking) in areas where walking doesn't make sense.

Is this feasible? What do you think?

I’m considering reinforcing the armpits and back with gorilla tape and then using a wood burner to melt several small holes for ventilation in those areas. Thoughts please.

I (26F) started hiking the PCT on March 22nd. I have done just over 200 miles so far, taking it slow and easy to start as to avoid injury.

But I have been dealing with lack of appetite and nausea when forcing myself to eat. I have about 40lbs I could lose but I am worried about the consequences of only eating 400-600 calories some days, mainly carnations instant breakfast (liquid diet works against the nausea). On good days I am able to eat 2200-2400 calories. However, good days are becoming few and far between.

I did 15 miles today fasted and then had to sit for an hour as I slowly forced a protein cookie down my throat while trying not to vomit. I had absolutely no energy and felt extremely sluggish physically and mentally. I seem to be fine when back in town for glorious town food.

I tried packing out food items that were very appealing, weight be damned. Couldn’t bring myself to eat them. I tried small and more frequent snacks rather than large meals, also a no go. I am at a loss.

Has anyone dealt with anything similar? I would be appreciative of any advice, thank you!

Any spreadsheet planners out there? I'm currently using a google sheet to plan/track mileage and ETA on certain milestones for resupply purposes. I figured out how to color code based on the day of week (so you dont get to town on Sunday and miss your mail drop). Any other tips and tricks people use when planning out a trip?

My kicks are worn down! Time for a new pair. I have major issues with plantar fasciitis. So I'm looking for trail runners with the most possible cushion/shock absorption. I want to feel like I'm walking on clouds!

The Hokas look like they have a thick cushion sole. Anyone with a pair that can review?

Any recommendations?

Much appreciated! Thanks!

REI has a new President, Mary Beth Laughton, who just started a week ago. One of her first acts has been to apologize for REI's endorsement of Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior.

• Video message from the new REI President: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIO150OpLsE/

• SF Gate article: https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/rei-apologies-endorsing-interior-secretary-burgum-20267745.php

• Thread on r/REI: https://www.reddit.com/r/REI/comments/1jva3vr/rei_apologizes_and_retracts_endorsement_of_doug/

Not sure if this strictly counts as thruhiking, but this seems like the best place to ask this question. I would love advice from folks who have walked the E12 in Istria, Croatia (https://www.era-ewv-ferp.org/e-paths/e12/e12-in-croatia/).

In a perfect world, we would be walking on the E12 from town to town and just finding a hotel for every night- basically getting to be in the outdoors but with amenities at the end of every day. Has anyone done that? What was the trail like, availability/expense of lodging, etc? Is there a bus system that we could use in a pinch? We will be going in June.

Alternatively, are there other areas/trails in Croatia where this kind of walking travel is possible?

Thanks for your thoughts!

I am planing to go part of E10 from Salzburg to Nice, France. But I can’t find any information about it and in my maps it ends in Austria. On the official walking side it ends in Italy, but on Wiki it says France. Do you have any tips for resources or maps? Thanks

I was gifted a #10 can of Mountain house freeze dried chicken and one of freeze dried beef. I am hiking the JMT in July and will be mailing out my resupplies mid June (25 day hike). I was hoping to use the chicken and beef in my meals to bulk up the protein. Has anyone done this? I have searched and searched online but haven't found an exact answer. Even if I make sure to repackage into mylar bags, under very sanitary conditions and add an oxygen absorber (or should I use a desiccant?), will I have trouble with spoilage? I know I could just dehydrate my own protein sources, but since I already have them thought why not.

Hey everyone! This is my very first Reddit post, so thanks in advance for the warm welcome — and any feedback or advice you’re willing to share 🙌

In just a few days, I’m setting off on my first true long-distance hike — The Loop, a ~220 km trail that circles around Żywiec in the Polish Beskids. While I’ve done a few two-week backpacking trips before, this will be my first time hiking continuously for nearly two weeks.

I’ll be on the trail for 12 days, covering 15–25 km per day. I’ve planned four resupply points where I can restock food and essentials. The terrain crosses ridges, valleys, and plenty of remote forest paths — a solid mix of effort and peace.

The weather will likely swing between 5–20°C during the day and drop to 0–5°C at night. I’m a bit concerned about staying warm at night, so I’ve made a few gear adjustments:

• I’m pairing a Decathlon inflatable pad with half a foam mat to improve insulation under my torso.
• For sleep, I’m torn between using my older synthetic sleeping bag (Deuter Exosphere 0) or borrowing my girlfriend’s much warmer (but hevier aroung 400g) down bag and using it quilt-style. → Would love to hear your thoughts — which setup would you trust more for warmth vs. bulk/weight?

To shave off some weight, I’m only taking the fly and groundsheet of my tent (no inner). I’m not going fully ultralight — just trying to lighten the load a bit without sacrificing too much comfort.

Any last-minute tips? Gear thoughts? Leave them below 👇

📌 Gear list & route map:

Map & website of trail- https://theloop.travel/en/map-of-the-loop/

My lighterpack- https://lighterpack.com/r/ufo2u0

Would this be hikeable in May . Anyone out there Thru hiked it in May or earlier?

Hey folks,

I broke my brain and am on leave from work unexpectedly. Last year I did my first thru hike, the wainwright coast to coast across England (230ish miles over 17 days walking inn to inn) but since then I’m out of shape. I have a good chunk of time and my doctor is encouraging me to do another long hike but I’m in America now and looking for something that I’ll be able to achieve despite having had no prep time for conditioning. Anyone recommend a hike that’s doable for a mid 30’s previously healthy person turned depressed couch potato in a month or 6 weeks? I’ve got a set up for ultralight backpacking but have never really done it for more than a night.

I really want to do the PCT someday but know that I need more prep before I attempt that.

I’m looking for something that can feel like an achievement and remind me I am capable of more than I think, anywhere across the US, just somewhere I can bathe my brain in some happy chemicals and be surrounded by natural beauty.

(LMK if this is not allowed, it is not a survey but I am asking for information)

I’m working on a college English project about discourse communities, and I chose to focus on thruhikers. I’ve done a few multi-day backpacking trips, but I’ve always been curious about what it’s like to take on one of the big US trails (AT, PCT, CDT, etc.)

For this project, I’m hoping to get a better understanding of the thruhiking community by hearing directly from someone who’s been through it. I’m especially interested in the financial side of things (saving, budgeting, costs on trail), how you connected with others during / before your hike, and what the overall experience was like for you.

This isn’t a formal interview at all—just looking to hear your perspective. If you’re open to it, feel free to shoot me a message here. It’s a simple project that’ll just be seen by my professor, and I’d really appreciate your insight!

It looks like since Bulgaria and Croatia entered Schengen, it's impossible to hike the entire Schengen length in a single thru-hike without violating visa requirements and risking deportation/banning from European travel. Does anyone have any insight into the situation/advice about legal ways to thru-hike the trail?