Nope! Anyone can join the OV 100 Challenge. Our mission is to connect more people to the Vital Outdoors, and this challenge will help keep you motivated to train, work through challenges, & accomplish something that maybe you wouldn't do otherwise. We welcome any & all people to take on the challenge!
However, if you are a Live Ultralight Member, you'll enjoy additional perks such as a lower price for registration and discounts on OV gear year round!
Last Year's Participants













The Challenge: How Does It Work?
There is extreme value in pushing yourself to new levels. Setting a new Personal Record is always gratifying and often surprising! This summer we'd like to help you experience what you may not have previously thought possible.
We get it.
With families, day jobs, & a myriad of other responsibilities it's hard to spend a lot of time out on the trail. Most thru-hikes are out of the question!
Or are they?
The OV 100 Challenge 2023 is designed to help push you beyond your current limits to accomplish something great. With an interactive training framework, regular Zoom calls, and support from other challenge participants, this challenge event can help you finish a dream hike this summer!
Here's how it works:
-You set your own goals you want to reach (choose the trail you've been wanting to hike, how long you want it to take, etc.)
-We provide the interactive framework that will help you plan, prepare, & train.
-Throughout training, share updates & give encouragement to other participants in the private Challenge Group to keep motivation high
-During the trip window (June 16th through July 23rd) we all hit the trail together!
-After reaching goals, building comradery, & connecting with the outdoors during our trips, finishers will receive their finisher prizes.
Whether you're a casual or advanced hiker, the training framework is personalized for you. With over 70 years of combined experience, we're giving you everything you need for better planning, training, & execution.
What People Are Saying:
"The program helped me to get stronger. It also helped with education on hydration, nutrition and general safety."
-CJ
"COMPLETED!! What a trek.
Some stats:
7 nights, 8 days.
Appalachian Trail: Duncannon to Harpers Ferry
125 trail miles, 135 miles total (w/ blue blazes and resupplies)
18,900 ft of total elevation.
4 nights of rain.
2 blisters
1 Amazing adventure…. More to come, still recovering, lol, but feeling great. "
-Ken
"My daughter and I made a goal to get 100 miles together over two months. My daughter is 9 years old. We had Kings Peak as our final adventure of our 100 mile summer. This was such a fun adventure with her and awesome to see her push herself at such a young age!"
-Brandon
"We had a blast and it was a great experience to share with my son. Thanks to this group that really helped me with my physical prep."
-Ryan
"I learned so much on this hike and through this experience. I feel so much more prepared to take on future adventures… There were some items in the swag box that literally saved me out on trail on this trip: Mtn Ops STM packs, Squirrels Nut Butter."
-Jonathan
"Thanks OV for making this challenge. I did not do as well as I wanted but a definite learning experience."
-Patrick
"Thanks much to OV for putting this together and thanks for all the camaraderie throughout the training program. This has been a truly great experience."
-Tim
"The trip planning and trail research topics were very informative. I had never heard of the Knobstone until I started researching for this trip."
-Jeff
"I appreciated the group mentality without having to hike and train with a group."
-Lance

Important Dates
Registration Window: 1/23/23 through 2/23/23
Training Kickoff: 3/17/23
Trip Window (Hiking Time!): 6/16/23 through 7/23/23
Trip Submission: 7/24/23 through 7/31/23
Wrap Up Celebration: 8/4/2
FAQ
Do I need to be a Live Ultralight Member to join the OV 100 Challenge?
Do I have to hike 100 miles all at once?
You can either hike 100 miles all in 1 trip (this trip can be as short or as long as you need - it just has to fit within the trip window of June 16th to July 23rd) as part of the Nonstop style, or you can break up the 100 miles into several smaller overnight hikes as part of the Stacked challenge style. Both are valid methods for completing the challenge.
We will have you track you miles & create a gpx file to submit between July 24th and 31st. Those that complete the Nonstop method will receive a finisher's hat and pin, and those that complete the Stacked method will receive a finisher's pin.
How can I involve my family & friends?
The best way to involve family & friends in the OV 100 Challenge is to have them sign up as well! Each participant will get their own swag box, training framework, & finisher's prizes.
However, even if they don't want to officially join the challenge, inviting your friends and family to hike with you is a great way to keep yourself accountable while building lasting relationships and memories. There is also additional safety in numbers.