Hey, All!! Was just wondering how many TWWers have done the entire APP trail. I'm planning on doing it next year (need to save up money, get some more hiking experience in) in honor of a deceased family member.

I just wanted to start a thread and see if anyone has any advice, preferences on camping equipment, tips, and favorite parts of the trail.

Thanks!

3/17/2010 1:08:17 PM

All I have to say is : Tyrannosaurus Rex.
You will eventually understand what I mean

3/17/2010 1:27:50 PM

are you planning to do it all in one shot, or staggered over time?

I personally haven't done it. But a friend of my roommate did it all at once. If you really want some info, I may be able to get you in touch with him.

3/17/2010 1:30:46 PM

^^

3/17/2010 1:32:44 PM

I thru-hiked in 2000. I'm doing a slide show next Tues (Mar 23) at Great Outdoor Provision Co in Cameron Village if you're interested.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370522482456&ref=mf

I've got a fair amount of AT planning stuff on our website too. Feel free to hit me up with any questions.

http://www.sourcetosea.net

3/17/2010 1:35:42 PM

I'm planning a Thru Hike. I've heard I need to start out (Southbound) maybe mid March/Early April at the latest.

Otherwise, I'm clueless on gear. All my crap is weekend worthy, not 6 month, 3 season, light weight worthy. So I'm starting from the ground up, hence the 1 year planning.

Thanks for the info, I'll deff check out the slide show!

3/17/2010 1:42:41 PM

message_topic.aspx?topic=588561
that isn't exclusive to the AT though

3/17/2010 1:44:31 PM

If you're going southbound (from Maine to GA), you'd start around June 15 or so. Most folks starting in GA start around Mar 15 - April 1. There's been a steady trend for folks to start earlier each year for some reason (anecdotally, alot say it's to miss the "herd" that start every year).

I wouldn't start any earlier than April 1, and that still leaves you PLENTY of time to get to Maine before they close the park around Sept 15.

My wife and I have played with maybe hiking it again, but wouldn't leave until May 1. We're hike a fair more miles every week than most folks, and would plan on a 4-month hike. FWIW, most people take about 5.5 months or so. I took 6.5 months the first time

3/17/2010 1:49:01 PM

That's good hiking stuff, but I need long term advice. I'm more concerend about cost, what are realistic goals for distance, how NOT to get killed by black bears (lol)....

3/17/2010 1:51:36 PM

My bad, I meant north bound, georgia to maine. See why I need help?!

3/17/2010 1:56:15 PM

Make sure to come out next week. I'll go over a bunch of that logistic stuff then, and there's usually a good question/answer session after the slideshow.

3/17/2010 1:57:43 PM

Definately. I'm more concerned that since I weight maybe 110lbs, I'm going to have issues with carrying supplies and such. Also, is it safe for a girl go to at this alone, or do I need to bribe some December graduate to live in my basement til March and go with me? LOL.

[Edited on March 17, 2010 at 2:05 PM. Reason : ..]

3/17/2010 1:59:04 PM

You'll be fine. I'd put a real effort into getting your packweight down as light as possible, but it's really not that big of a deal to get things under 20 lbs (food and water included) for 3-4 days. My wife and I try to stay under 15 pounds or so most of the time, but we can share gear, so that helps some.

3/17/2010 2:14:22 PM

Quote :

"Also, is it safe for a girl go to at this alone"

maybe this is old-school boy scout thinking, but you shouldn't do this alone, boy or girl...i wouldn't worry about getting raped on the trail, but i would be more concerned with being alone if something were to happen (you get sick, you twist an ankle, you fall, etc.)

[Edited on March 17, 2010 at 2:35 PM. Reason : .]

3/17/2010 2:34:52 PM

If she goes northbound with the rest of the pack, there will only be 234782 hikers around. People looks out for each other, and folks usually end up hiking in informal groups pretty damn quickly for a week or two at a time. The best thing to do now is get some miles in with a backpack on, IMO.

Meatshick, when do you plan on doing this?

3/17/2010 2:41:00 PM

^ good point...i've never done any extensive part of it, so i wouldn't know...sounds good, though

3/17/2010 2:45:33 PM

Hell, you've kind of got to work at hiking alone if you start in Georgia during peak season.

3/17/2010 2:47:18 PM

TheBullDoza did it southbound 2 years ago?

[Edited on March 17, 2010 at 3:26 PM. Reason : date]

3/17/2010 3:19:55 PM

I'm giving myself a year to prep, and grow enough balls to quit a well paying, very stable job that I love. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

So March 2011. I'm going to slowly buy up equipment and do some "test" runs this summer. I'm taking 2 weeks in August to do a sectional, maybe the Shenandoah section (though I heard it may be a tad too touristy for my taste)...but it'll give me a good idea.

3/17/2010 3:48:13 PM

I plan on doing this in a few years (6.5 actually) when I get out of the Navy. This is one of the most stressful jobs I can imagine and I think doing the Appalachian Trail would be a really good self-cleansing experience..... for lack of a better term.

3/17/2010 5:38:04 PM

I feel the same. I've been at my job for 2 years, and I love it. However, I have my "list" of things I had hoped would be done by now. I realize my time frame is slowly dwindling...and I'm finally single again, no debt except student loans, and I'm not SO far into my career I can't come back. My cousin recently passed, and he did the entire trail in 6 months. It was the best time of his life, and all the people he met along the way have stepped up and really helped the family out with good stories about him along the trail. I feel I need to do this for him, for my family, and for myself.

3/18/2010 9:59:11 AM

This is something I've always wanted to do.

[Edited on March 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM. Reason : .]

3/18/2010 1:34:46 PM

Quote :

"maybe the Shenandoah section (though I heard it may be a tad too touristy for my taste)...but it'll give me a good idea."

once you walk 100 yards from the road, you should escape 90% of the tourists.

TheBullDoza did a southbound thru hike and I did the first 500 miles with him. My advice is to do your research! And whatever you do, don't walk into REI and say "outfit me." You'll end up spending tons of money on 50 lbs of mostly worthless stuff.

I'm into lightweight backpacking, and it's a misconception that lightweight = $Texas. For example, I use a homemade stove from a Pepsi can. Total cost, zero dollars. A lightweight stove from the store will cost at least $30 and weigh a few ounces more. The advantage is that a store-bought stove will heat much quicker (good on cold days!)

3/18/2010 2:11:33 PM

I figure my biggest expense will be a good pack, a 1 person tent, and a 25 sleeping bag. Tho I have to say, I was eyeing the titanium cook pot...even tho it was $75

I think I'm going to end up in the Smokies instead, and in the meantime I'm going to buy my pack, load it with abotu 15lbs, and start walking and hiking every weekend.

3/18/2010 2:18:24 PM

If I were doing it all over from scratch, I'd put my $ into a really nice sub 2 lb sleeping bag before getting anything else.

Don't waste $ on that titanium pot. A $5 greasepot is bigger, weighs less, and hell, it says "GREASE" on the side.

I'd carry a tarp again. A 8x10 silnylon tarp ($75)is HUGE for one person. Get a bug net thing for summer and shelters for about $25.

+1 on the homemade alcohol stove. Cheap, foolproof, and light.

If you keep you packweight down, I really don't think your pack makes all that much difference. Hell, by pack was a glorified bookbag and it worked fine.

You might want to think about doing a weeklong stretch with a resupply somewhere in the middle to really get a feel for long-distance hiking. Getting into town, buying your stuff, grabbing lunch, a hostel (maybe) is a HUGE part of thru-hiking. You can also send home crap you didn't need instead of carrying the whole way too. Maybe Hot Springs to Damascus, or some other way to park your car, catch a bus up the trail, then hike back.

[Edited on March 18, 2010 at 2:48 PM. Reason : .]

3/18/2010 2:43:53 PM

I'm honestly just not "experienced" enough to really rough it yet. I've done camping and some hiking, hence why I'm giving myself a full year to go out at all seasons, do some real trails, pack up on supplies, and learn the ropes.

And, as a side note, if anyone is willing to point out a good place to hike for a few over night trips, teach me some skills, and not laugh too hard when I run at every tree branch breaking while screaming "HILLBILLIES"...then I'll pay for gas and food. No joke. I need the exposure and knowledge.

3/18/2010 2:48:14 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Trailside-Guide-Hiking-Backpacking-New/dp/0393313344/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268938796&sr=1-1

3/18/2010 3:01:31 PM

Haven't read that book, but Karen Barger is the shiz. Met her once, and she really knows what she's talking about. She's hiked the Big 3 (AT, PCT, CDT) and numerous other trails.

3/18/2010 3:08:19 PM

Quote :

"For example, I use a homemade stove from a Pepsi can. Total cost, zero dollars. A lightweight stove from the store will cost at least $30 and weigh a few ounces more. The advantage is that a store-bought stove will heat much quicker (good on cold days!)"

Quote :

"+1 on the homemade alcohol stove. Cheap, foolproof, and light. "

i disagree on the homemade stoves...yes, they WILL work, but they're much more fickle and much more delicate than the ones you pay for (trangia being the most popular)...i understand the appeal, but i think half of it is bragging rights that you didn't spend any money (especially if you steal it out of a recycling bin, then it really IS free! ) and you made it yourself

when you compare heat output and the cost of fuel, alcohol stoves are comparatively expensive to use because denatured alcohol isn't cheap (yes, you can get away with 91% rubbing, but it doesn't work very well, in my experience)...in the long run, i much prefer my whisperlite internationale since i can carry less fuel and spend less time heating up my food (also don't need a windscreen, which is just one more thing to take along)

sometimes i think it's just not as simple as "lighter is better"...i have an alcohol stove, and i love it...but it simply doesn't compete with my whisperlite (and i suspect there are lighter/smaller options out there these days)...yes, you pay for the convenience and peace of mind, but sometimes that's worth the cash (to me, at least...i'm not a poor college student anymore)...i guess my point is that you really have to consider the trade-offs since there is no universally best solution

Quote :

"And, as a side note, if anyone is willing to point out a good place to hike for a few over night trips, teach me some skills, and not laugh too hard when I run at every tree branch breaking while screaming "HILLBILLIES"...then I'll pay for gas and food. No joke. I need the exposure and knowledge."

you're more than welcome to come with us...there's a group of us (boys and girls both) that go monthly (for the most part), especially once the weather becomes nicer...we'll do some multi-night trips like linville gorge (next weekend...woot!), but also some easier one-night ones

i'm sure there are a number of people here that go pretty regularly

3/18/2010 3:24:31 PM

I'm all in...as long as you all don't laugh that right now I'm rocking an actual bookbag, and Nikes. All my camping stuff was past it's prime (Like...I used it in Girl Scouts )...gotta save up for the real stuff now.

Let me know about those trips, I'm very interested!

3/18/2010 3:40:54 PM

Quote :

"I'm all in...as long as you all don't laugh that right now I'm rocking an actual bookbag, and Nikes. All my camping stuff was past it's prime (Like...I used it in Girl Scouts )...gotta save up for the real stuff now."

hah, don't worry about that...it's only been recently (like...the past year or two) that i've been getting more specific and better gear...some of it is trial and error, and as mentioned above, some of the stuff isn't really necessary...a couple of the folks in the group still use some basic gear, and that's not really a bad thing (it helps that the more experienced hikers/backpackers throw in some extra stuff, just in case)

you don't NEED fancy/expensive gear to backpack well or comfortably, but i'm not ashamed to admit that nice gear can make it easier and more enjoyable

i'll let you know about whatever we do in april...i'm pushing for a one-nighter since i'm taking off a friday (we're leaving thursday night) to do linville...i'm partial to the idea of black balsam/art loeb off the blue ridge parkway, but we'll see

[Edited on March 18, 2010 at 3:47 PM. Reason : .]

3/18/2010 3:46:42 PM

Quote :

"All my camping stuff was past it's prime (Like...I used it in Girl Scouts) "

The old girl scout mess kits are awesome....I stole one from the ex and now that's the only cook ware/bowl/utensils I take when I go on a trip.

3/18/2010 3:49:26 PM

I'm actually taking a week of for July 3-13th with a more experienced friend. Anyone who wants to ride along is more than welcome We're debating on the Smokies right now.



I finally threw out my old sleeping bag I've had since I was like..14. This thing compacted down to the size of a smart car and must have weighed at least 4lbs. It was ridiculous. I'm sporting a Target one, LOL. I've always been lucky to go out with friends that have all the equipment, so I was able to leech off their investments.


Expense is a big deal, but I figure if I save and buy little by litte, my 1/4 crisis will at least have some decent camping gear for the 6 months of self discovery. I really want a nice pack. I'm feeling manic about it since I went into REI and saw the stock.

3/18/2010 4:07:04 PM

Quote :

"when you compare heat output and the cost of fuel, alcohol stoves are comparatively expensive to use because denatured alcohol isn't cheap"

I don't want to derail the thread but I used HEET and never paid more than $3 for a 12 oz bottle. I could boil my dinner with about 1/2 to 3/4 oz of fuel depending on the weather. Windscreen? I used heavy-duty aluminum foil. The entire setup, stove, pot stand (also homemade), folded up windscreen and spoon all fit in my cook pot. Like I said I think the real advantage of canisters is the faster boil time. Also you sometimes find people's spare canisters in shelters so it might end up being cheaper.

BTW Meatstick, I think you should buy your pack last, not first. That way you'll know what size you need, based on all your other stuff.

3/18/2010 4:43:15 PM

That's an idea. Thanks I figure maybe I can just load down and old pack I have...I just need to get used to being a mule.

3/18/2010 4:47:32 PM

and I just thought, you should check out whiteblaze.net

It's an AT message board and the threads can be taken with a grain of salt, but there are excellent articles to get you started. I don't know if you like poring over this type of thing, but I LOVE gear and I like to read. There are lots of good hints that you might not have thought of. For example, hikers just love their Nalgene bottles. But a Naglene weighs 4-5 oz, and bringing two of them will run you half a pound! Why do that when a 1L bottle of Aquafina weighs 1oz and comes with free water

There's a guy on whiteblaze named Sgt Rock who has great articles and his own hiking website.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=206678#post206678

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=132370#post132370

http://hikinghq.net

3/19/2010 7:06:04 AM

Quote :

"$3 for a 12 oz bottle."

you can get a gallon of denatured (which burns more efficiently than the heet, imo, and doesn't leave any soot) for $12 at lowe's...gasoline for my whisperlite is only ~$2.75/gallon

Quote :

"Windscreen? I used heavy-duty aluminum foil."

i did that until the foil wore out, which didn't take long at all...again, my personal preference is to pay for something that will last longer, rather than cheaping out on something that i'll need to replace fairly regularly (again, my experience)...i don't like the idea that i have to be gentle with my gear in order for it to last, and the peace of mind that comes with having something durable is worth the cost

again, that's my personal opinion...i certainly don't mean to criticize anyone that chooses to go that route...i applaud them for their resourcefulness and dedication, and if it works and it makes them happy, that's all that matters, right?

it also helps that i'm not some tiny dude that can't carry any weight...for example, i carry my leatherman new wave with me everywhere (not just backpacking) and that sucker is HEAVY for a pocketknife (8.5oz!), but i wouldn't want to be without it...will i need every tool? of course not...will i even need half of them? probably not...but i'd certainly rather have it with me in case i DID

you also don't have to spend a lot of money to get good gear...i got the $120 REI TiWare set for $16 at a garage sale a couple of years ago...it was so cheap because it looked trashed, but that was just because someone had burned food on them...after cleaning up, they work fine, heat faster and weigh less than aluminum, and the nonstick coating is a big plus...are they worth $120 to me? not at all...but they were certainly worth $16 considering the k-mart grease pot (a favorite of mine, to be sure) is $8

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=28250

i think it'd be cool to compile a list in one of these tww threads about some worthy value-minded backpacking options...i know they're other places, too, but a compilation would be nice

[Edited on March 19, 2010 at 9:39 AM. Reason : .]

3/19/2010 9:37:32 AM

Thanks, Nerdchick! You've been ridiculously helpful. How long have you been hiking?

3/19/2010 9:38:12 AM

I've always meant to do the AT...haven't been backpacking since high school (the boy scouts), and now thanks to all you people I'm missing it! ;-)

3/19/2010 10:16:53 AM

Don't listen to that weight weenie(nerdchick) take a canister stove. MSR pocket rocket is cheap, weighs next to nothing, and canisters are everywhere. Boils water much faster that alcohol. My pocket rocket totally annihilated nerdchicks alcohol stove in a boil off

Mine travelled most of the AT with thebulldoza after he lost his

3/19/2010 10:49:57 AM

I know this maybe a tad early...but I wonder if we could start up a "classifides" for hikers...day trips, week trips etc. Doesn't hurt to pool supplies together, and share rides and experiences.

Anyone interested on doing the entire AT with me next year (on that note), lol.

3/19/2010 10:51:38 AM

Quote :

"MSR pocket rocket is cheap, weighs next to nothing, and canisters are everywhere."

i've got one of those, too

isobutane is freaking expensive, though...i also hate that it sits on top of the canister (tripods FTW)

heck, i want a primus omnifuel

[Edited on March 19, 2010 at 10:56 AM. Reason : .]

3/19/2010 10:52:33 AM

I am also a fan of the pocket rocket....light, small, and boils water fast.

I was all about making fires when i got to camp for the night. Pretty much every night of the trail i had a fire, especially in the winter. I would just pull out coals from the fire, set my pot on top of them and leave the rest to heat transfer. Its not the fastest way by any means, but it allowed me to save fuel, and i enjoyed using the "free" heat.

You have lots of options, each with its own ups and downs. You will be fine with whatever you choose. I would just look at how easily you can get the fuel (which on the app trail is pretty easy), how much space it takes up and how much it weighs. As mentioned before, in the winter, you wont feel like fucking around with alcohol stoves.

Answer: Pocket Rocket and use camp fire imho

3/19/2010 11:19:11 AM

http://backwoodsok.org/


Has anyone done that before? Would it be helpful?

3/19/2010 11:19:22 AM

i've done orienteering in scouts, on my own for fun, and the class at ncsu...it's important to be able to read a map and know how to use a compass if you're in a wilderness area without defined trails (or in cases where the trail is hard to find or where recent weather events may have changed it), but i'd argue that it's much less necessary when you're hiking a well-defined trail in a well-populated area (which the AT qualifies for, IMO)

i think it's a good idea to know how to read a map and use a compass, though, even if you have a GPS and/or are hiking a well-established trail

3/19/2010 11:27:08 AM

I'd go to it just for the information...I wouldnt say its necessary by any means. The app trail is well marked and the paths are pretty well maintained... I have however ran into people walking the wrong way on the trail before though....lol....ol wrong way.

One time, In virginia aka the green tunnel, I was starting off early and all of a sudden, a mile down the path someone poked on out of the woods. Guys name was rock fish. We got to talking, he was sectioning, and I eventually got around to telling him i was MEGA....He told me i was going the wrong way....After some convincing, he turned around

3/19/2010 11:27:40 AM

LOL, I'm probably the one that will get turned around. I get lost DRIVING downtown Raleigh...

I convinced a friend to come with me on that Sunday thing. I figure any extra info doesn't hurt.

[Edited on March 19, 2010 at 11:31 AM. Reason : ..]

3/19/2010 11:31:14 AM

maybe orienteering wouldnt be bad for you to look into

3/19/2010 12:40:00 PM

I would recommend the Pocket Rocket, or Snow Peak stoves. I had built my own alcohol stove, and while I thought it was cool to use, the others were better and more versatile. The alcohol stove was very finicky in wind, even with my wind screen, and not as fast as the pocket rocket type stoves. Plus you can regulate heat on these, so if you want to simmer something, you can... that makes a big difference on meal types. Don't forget you're gonna have to hike in and out of towns to the post offices to pick up your supply packages of food, etc... after hiking 20 miles, the last thing you may want to do is a 4 mile round trip into a post office... so take that into consideration.

My room mate did 1/2 of the AT until he got Lyme disease, and my Aunt and Uncle did it. Research, get out there and prepare. All this advice is a great starting point, but you'll learn what works for you which is what really matters. I picked up hiking a couple of years ago and love it, you will too...

Oh, and do the Art Loeb, it's beautiful.

3/19/2010 4:48:05 PM

Just checked out pics and read up on art loeb...WOW! I think i may reconsider the smokies in July and do this instead! Very happy too...found out Friday I have 25 vacation days saved up for this year (I never take days off)...I see many hiking trips coming up.

3/20/2010 12:42:17 PM