The Unthinkable Feat: Conquering the American West in 31 Days
Imagine this: traversing the rugged, majestic peaks of the American West, not for a leisurely vacation, but as a lightning-fast, self-powered expedition. This was the reality for Kilian Jornet, a name synonymous with pushing the absolute limits of human endurance. In an undertaking that The New York Times aptly described as "objectively absurd," Jornet accomplished the monumental ‘States of Elevation’ project. His mission? To connect every single 14,000-foot peak in the Western United States. And he didn’t just summit them; he conquered 72 of these giants, covered a staggering 629 miles on foot, an additional 2,568 miles by bike, and amassed an unfathomable 403,691 feet of elevation gain. All of this, in a mere 31 days. For Jornet, it seems, the impossible is merely a starting point.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Jornet shortly after his return to Norway, where he could finally embrace precious time with his wife, the equally accomplished world-champion skyrunner Emelie Forsberg, and their three children. Forsberg also plays a pivotal role at Nnormal, the innovative gear company co-founded by Jornet and the renowned shoe manufacturer Camper. The very name ‘Nnormal’ is a clever fusion of ‘Norway’ and ‘Mallorca,’ the two distinct locales where their footwear is conceived and rigorously tested.
"I try to have a minimalist approach, but as humans, we’re not made to go into extreme environments," Jornet shared during our conversation via Zoom. "If I go naked, I would probably die pretty soon, or if I go running, my feet will get pretty bruised if I’m not wearing shoes." This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the delicate balance Jornet strikes: embracing simplicity while acknowledging the essential role of well-chosen, high-performance equipment.
So, what does a minimalist yet supremely effective gear arsenal look like for a man who redefines human capability? Let’s delve into the crucial components of Jornet’s ‘Starter Pack’ that enabled his record-shattering States of Elevation journey.
Sustainable Strides: The Nnormal Tomir Gore-Tex Shoes
At the heart of any runner’s, and especially a skyrunner’s, journey lies their footwear. For Jornet, the choice is clear: Nnormal Tomir Gore-Tex shoes. These aren’t just shoes; they represent a philosophy. Nnormal is built on a foundation of instilling sustainable practices within gear manufacturing. "Probably the most important system is the most complicated," Jornet explained, highlighting the inherent challenges. "It’s very costly to be constantly rotating things… how can we have [a company] that’s not based on overconsumption?"
Their solution? Crafting incredibly durable running shoes designed to last – a stark contrast to the industry norm where shoes are often discarded after a few hundred miles. Jornet’s Nnormal shoes are built to withstand usage for two to four years. For the grueling thousands of miles of the States of Elevation project, he relied on just two pairs of these robust shoes. The Tomir model, a waterproof and winter-ready iteration, offers a testament to this durability. It features hardy, yet surprisingly light, Vibram lugs for superior grip, an abrasion-resistant upper, and an asymmetrical lacing system that allows for personalized pressure relief on the foot. The specialized trail-running midsole provides the necessary cushioning and support for relentless terrain. Alongside these, Jornet also carries his Nnormal trail running jacket, a constant companion on his adventures.
The All-Seeing Eye: Coros Apex 4 Watch
In the realm of high-performance athletic endeavors, data is king. However, the conventional reliance on smartphones for navigation and tracking can be a critical vulnerability when you’re miles from civilization. "The phone’s battery will die instantly," Jornet noted, underscoring the impracticality. This is where his Coros Apex 4 shines.
This lightweight mountain watch is Jornet’s indispensable tool for a multitude of functions: staying connected, meticulously collecting data from every run, navigating treacherous terrains with GPS to avoid perilous situations, and even documenting his daily physical and mental state. The Coros Apex 4 boasts an impressive battery life of approximately 65 hours with GPS tracking engaged, more than sufficient for Jornet’s demanding ascents and descents. Its dual-frequency GPS and specialized climbing algorithms for ascents further enhance its utility. "I’m not obsessed with data, but it helps me to analyze every project and every race, and to stay safe," Jornet confided. For him, data isn’t about vanity; it’s about informed decision-making and safety in extreme environments.
The Gut Game: Lyvecap Probiotic Supplements
Ultrarunners and endurance athletes face unique physiological demands, and nutritional needs can be particularly challenging to meet when traversing remote landscapes. Jornet has been proactively monitoring his gut microbiome for the past five years, collaborating with universities and leading research institutions to understand how his microbial ecosystem adapts to factors like high altitude. "We see different pieces growing and dying," he observed, revealing a surprisingly candid detail: "And yes, I was carrying bags of poop with me [during States of Elevation]," he admitted with a laugh. This level of dedication to understanding his body’s internal workings is remarkable.
When possible, Jornet nourishes his gut with lactobacillus, a bacterium linked to enhanced athletic performance, increased endurance, and reduced muscle soreness. While lactobacillus is naturally found in unpasteurized fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, Jornet’s on-the-go solution is Lyvecap probiotics. His endorsement is strong: "If you have a good immune system and good bacteria in your stomach, I have never had problems," he stated, even noting his aversion to filtered water in the backcountry. While this practice is not universally recommended, it speaks to Jornet’s deep trust in optimizing his internal health.
Fueling the Fire: The Maurten Drink Flask
The caloric demands of Jornet’s expeditions are astronomical. During States of Elevation, he was burning approximately 9,000 calories per day. Consuming this sheer volume through solid food alone would be logistically overwhelming, requiring him to carry an immense amount of weight. "If I’m just taking gels or carbs, I will not be able to eat that much," he explained. "It’s just too heavy."
To pack in the necessary calories efficiently, Jornet employs a clever trick with his Maurten Drink Flask 550. He supplements his drinks with a couple of glugs of high-calorie liquids like olive oil, butter, or coconut oil. This simple yet effective method allows him to dramatically increase his caloric intake on the move, ensuring his body has the energy reserves to tackle the relentless demands of the mountains.
The Analog Companion: Field Notes Notebook
In an era dominated by digital devices, Jornet maintains a cherished connection to the analog world. He always carries a paper notebook, though he doesn’t adhere to a specific brand. "I just go into a local bookstore and buy whatever notebook is there," he said. This humble notebook serves as his portable repository of thoughts, observations, and inspirations.
He uses it to sketch maps and capture the essence of the landscapes he traverses, to jot down memorable encounters with people and nature, to meticulously record his thoughts on the gear he’s using, and to brainstorm ideas for future ambitious projects, whether it be skiing, running, or climbing. This analog practice provides a grounding element, allowing him to process his experiences and cultivate his creative vision in a tangible way.
The Jornet Ethos: More Than Just Gear
Kilian Jornet’s ‘States of Elevation’ project is a testament to the power of human will, meticulous planning, and the strategic selection of equipment. His gear choices reflect a deep understanding of his body’s needs, a commitment to sustainability, and a profound respect for the natural world. From durable, eco-conscious footwear and reliable navigation tools to innovative nutritional strategies and the simple act of journaling, each item in his starter pack plays a crucial role in enabling him to achieve what most would deem impossible.
His approach isn’t about accumulating the most gear; it’s about choosing the right gear, using it wisely, and combining it with an extraordinary level of physical and mental discipline. Jornet’s story, and the tools that facilitate his epic journeys, offer an inspiring glimpse into the peak of human potential and the symbiotic relationship between athlete and equipment in the pursuit of extraordinary achievements.