Hello everyone! I am 18 and am taking a 10 day hike of the appalachian trail this summer…my first ever long hike. I am SO excited…anyone have any advice/suggestions/ideas?
Thanks!
Fatima
FIRST TIME! - Appalachian Trail
system
#1
system
#2
No, not yours, your pack’s (yes, I know I’ve just given the pack an identity, as I’m sure some of you can attest). Lay out all of your gear, and decide what you really need, and what you can live without for a week. Then see if there is a smaller, lighter alternative for the gear you decide you really need. It doesn’t need to be expensive to be lighter ($6 blue sleeping pad vs. ThermaRest). Your feet/knees/hips/back/shoulders/etc. will thank you (there I go again). Best of luck to you on your adventure!
bugleboy
system
#3
I concur with bugleboy. First hike I sent on, on the AT my pack weighed 65 pounds and I thought that I needed every darned bit of it. I found out I didn’t. Don’t plan macho miles each day. Do what you are comfortable with. Take a hiking stick or hiking poles. You are right, it is something to be excited about and I hope your hike is a lot of fun.
Moon Man
system
#4
Which section are you doing & when? We could probably give you some tips & secrets you won’t find in no Wingfoot!
Orangeman
system
#5
I am going in July for 10 days from North Carolina to Maine I think…I have no idea what to expect!
Fatima
system
#6
it will probably rain the whole time you are hiking.
somebody will steal your stuff,
you will have nasty blisters on your feet
snake will bite you
I suggest hiking from the old Rainbow campground to NOC
30+ miles, and stay at the NOC for 5 days and have a blast learning how to kayak
Hiking is not for everyone.
(it could be addicting, so hike in moderation)
///////////////// may the Force be with you //////////////
Rico suave’
system
#7
I don’t quite understand what you mean when you say, “I am going for 10 days from N.C. to Maine.” Are simply saying that is the direction you are heading or do you really expect to reach Maine in 10 days after starting in North Carolina. If so, then I’ve got some shocking news for you—10 days won’t be quite enough. You might need an extra week or so!
LLogui
system
#9
To get from North Carolina to Maine in ten days I’m guessing you are going Greyhound. Unless of course, you are the Our Lady of Fatima. In that case, it should take you a little less time.
Bilko
system
#10
more importantly, are you serious when you say someone will probably steal our stuff?
are theft and snake bites as frequent as your reply implies?
i am a newbie, doing the short hikes locally and planning a lot of weekend and week trips on the AT over the next year and a half before i do my thru hike in 2009.
and any quick tips on how one find a good local hiking group?
barbara
system
#11
Hikers should always carry a Kryptonite lock or heavy chain and padlock. When not wearing your pack, securing it to a tree or immovable object is the most important thing you can do.
Fatima NC -> ME '07
Orangeman