I am not experienced as a backpacker, in fact I have no equipment as of now. I am young and foolish and relatively fit, though… is it possible that I could, with enough planning, hike the AT alone next summer in under 100 days? I only have about 110 to spare, so it would have to be timed perfectly. Is this possible? Could I have some suggestions (on gear as well plz!) All comments are greatly appreciated!!
Eric
I guess you are young and foolish if you are thinking of doing the entire trail in 100 days.It’s been done in much less than that but only with support and the hiker carrying very little. #1) You will have to AVERAGE 22 miles a day and that is WITHOUT resupply in towns along the way. #2) Trying to time something like that perfectly is almost unheard of. I, personally, feel it would take a lot of the joy out of the trip by having to resort to a ridgid schedule of miles, etc. #3) If you want to continue to plan for this you may want to begin with a set of maps/trail guides which run over $200 new. You may be lucky to find a used set somewhere. #4) Gear. Get ready to lay out some sheckles for sleeping bag(s), stove, cook set, water filter, boots (2 pair), clothes, sleeping pad, tent, backpack, etc…Oh, save the backpack for last. No need to do overkill. Find out what you are carrying and then find a pack to fit it. Good luck in your endeavor and say “HI” if you see a grasshopper on the trail. :happy
grasshopper
100 days is cake, do what you want to do. I did 109 in 2006’, with 26 zero days, maybe a few more. The hard part is actually trying to make it in 100, trust me…you will want to stay out there. PCT 08
RainMaker
when you you discover that you cannot maintain 24 miles per day (the 90 day daily amount), which will become clear to you around mile 5 of the first day, forget about about the mad race, resolve to find out what your body, mind and spirit finds comfortable, and carry on. Best of luck to you.
Conan
Conan
Eric,
100 miles a day is very attainable if you want to do it. If you are in decent shape and get in even better shape as you go along it is possible, however difficult. I’ve done some real fast hikes and some slow ones. I can tell you that the risk and liklihood of injury greatly increases when you are covering miles like that on a daily basis. Being entirely fixated on mileage has its down sides as well. You can meet some real great and interesting people whom you’d like to hike with, or at least share a shelter with at the end of your hiking days. At 24 miles a day you won’t find many hikers keeping up with that pace and you may find everyone you run into a stranger. That can make the hike quite lonesome and is something to consider.
Best of luck to you whatever your choice, pay little attention to the detractors–>they may note be answering for you but for themselves. It’s quite refreshing to hear people say you can’t do this and can’t do that only to do it!
Parm
parm
Yeah it’s possible to hike a great distance in a short amount of time but in my opinion you will be rushing past all of the trail culture which is unique to the AT. I am a very efficient hiker and can do 30+ miles if the terrain permits, but on my thruhike in 2006 i decided to take it easy and experience all the trail and the people who surrounded it had to offer in a 6 month span. To each his own and as you will hear a thousand times or so, “hike your own hike.” Just make sure you enjoy yourself or what’s the point?
“Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself…To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountains which sustain life, not the top.” (Robert Pirsig)
Canyonman
I don’t suggest doing it in 100 days. It would be extremely hard on your mind and body. You will not have the opportunity to enjoy the journey. However, if you would like to try it. First try walking 25 miles in the woods/roads near your home carrying your full backpack and see how you feel. Remember you will have to do that distance everyday on the trail. As an experienced long distance hiker, pressuring yourself with a tight deadline can ruin your trip. I would suggest doing what you can in 100 days and then finish it some other time. Or just wait until you have more time. You may want to look into the Long Trail in Vermont. This was my thru-hike and it was an amazing experience. It would take you no more than 30 days. Have Fun!
Leigh
Why not just hike half the trail and enjoy the experience more. It will take less than 100 days. Hike from Harpers Ferry to Georgia or Harpers Ferry to Maine. Then catch the other half when you have time in the future.
pika
Take your 100 days, enjoy everyone of them, and where you end you end.It’s the journey, not the destination.
Boquack