Planning a Burger King–Only NOBO Thru-Hike in 2027
I’m currently planning a March 2027 northbound thru-hike, with the goal of becoming the first person to complete the Appalachian Trail while eating only food purchased from Burger King.
To be clear, I plan to rely exclusively on Burger King items that I purchase in bulk from Burger Kings close to the trail. I’ll pack and carry these with me until I reach the next BK resupply.
I’ve mapped Burger King locations throughout the 14 trail states. Some sections appear surprisingly manageable, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic. Other sections will require much more careful planning and potentially carrying substantial quantities of Whoppers at one time. For example, after stopping at the BK in Farmington, Maine, more than 100 miles of trail remain in what could only be described as a Whopper desert. I expect to purchase and pack 47 double Whoppers with cheese for this section (9 days x 5500 calories per day / 1060 calories per burger = 47 burgers.) Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap and Franconia Notch through the Presidential Range toward Gorham will be similarly challenging BK gaps.
I understand that long-term food safety is probably the biggest obstacle. I am planning to use an insulated food pack combined with chemical heat packs similar to disposable skiing hand warmers. My thinking is that, with enough insulation, I should be able to keep the Whoppers/fries/onion rings/etc. within a reasonably safe temperature range for several days. I may also rotate the items inside the pack so that the ones closest to the heat packs do not become overly warm.
Also, I plan to gradually build up a tolerance to room-temperature fast food between now and March 2027. I’m going to start by making at least 50% of my diet consist of various two- to three-day-old fast-food items stored at room temperature. I’ll begin with fries and chicken nuggets before transitioning to burgers with mayonnaise.
I am looking for recommendations regarding insulated packs (ideally bear-resistant). So far I have not found anything that would suit my needs.
Any recommendations for chemical heat packs?
Also, what are your thoughts on using DoorDash or UberEats with regard to this being a supported hike rather than self-supported? My intention is to do the hike self-supported, but in many locations it would be far more practical for me to have my Burger King order delivered to me at a trailhead rather than me hiking or arranging a ride into town. Would the delivery car count as a support vehicle?
Finally, do you know of anyone else who has previously completed (or attempted) a single-restaurant thru-hike?
I recognize that this will add weight, expense, and gastrointestinal complexity to an already difficult hike. However, I believe the Appalachian Trail is ultimately about testing your limits, adapting to adversity, and having the courage to try new things.
Thank you in advance for the advice!