LDH Book - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

This book doesn’t fall into the catagory of the AT guide book.It’s written by Roland Mueser and entitled, LDH-Lessons from the Appalachian Trail.He began his thru-hike in April of 1989 and,in his 6 months he interviewed 136 AT hikers along the way.Also interviewed hikers into the early nineties.He compiled stats on just about every aspect of hiking the AT.
Granted these surveys were conducted in 89 thru 91 but,possibly every area covered holds true today,with a few exceptions.I feel it’s one of the most informative books about life on and off the AT.Once you open the book,it’s hard to lay it down.I highly recommend it as a read, for a hiker starting their first hike of the AT.It’s listed in Amazon.com and is an inexpensive book to read.

Bill Harris

#2

I like his book because it is the only one that surveyed enough hikers to get a broad spective of thru hikers. It gives some good information into how fast, how long, how many days off, etc.

Some people are critical of the book because it was done 15 years ago now. So, I’d like to see the critics repeat the survey so we can see how things have changed in 15 years. But, until that happens, it’s still among the best sources of data for planning a thru-hike.

Peaks

#3

Peaks,I was pleased to hear I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the book.One place in the book Mueser made the statement that, over the pervious 20 years to his book,hiking hadn’t differed that much.As far as the opinions of critics,I make my own decisions(I’m sure you do also) about what I read or see.Your’er right about someone else compiling an up to date book on hiking.I don’t think there is anyone now, who would conduct indepth surveys of stats to equal Muesers.After hiking on the AT for 4 consecutive years,I find his information to be pretty much up to date.That’s my opinion.Thanks for your input.
Peaks,are you hiking this year? :boy

Bill Harris

#4

I like Mueser's book an awful lot. It is rigorous, but folksy-friendly. There have been at least a few changes in hiking style since then, however. Here is a telling question:

25. Did you carry a staff? (65% yes) If yes, what kind?

  • A ski pole (10%)
  • A specially made walking stick (20%)
  • Something picked up along the way (35%)

Trekking poles are far more common now, in my judgement. Also, lightweight backpacking has grown immensely since his survey. As one measure, he found that only 2% of hikers wore sneakers.

Eric