Mp3 - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

This topic has been discussed, dissected and politicized on here many times. So without further ado… I noticed Samsung released a great little unit the YP-MT6Z. Here are some highlights: 1GB Digital Audio Player with 4-line LCD & FM Tuner, 42 Hours Playback (AA*1), 4-Line LCD, Doubles as a Flash Storage Device, FM Tuner with Recorder, WxHxD: 0.99x 2.39x 0.95in., Weight: 1.3 oz. You can get these on Ebay for around $89-99 new. You can find them at some online retailers for just a bit more.

http://shopping.msn.com/prices/shp/?itemId=20056580,ptnrId=164,ptnrData=300064

Guru

#2

I’ve considered purchasing an mp3 for my next hike. But when I saw d-low on the CDT this summer, he made a pretty good argument for sticking with an AM-FM radio. d-low had put tons of songs on his mp3 (or whatever device he had). As he was hiking he realized that by listening to his recorded music, he was missing the music which was currently on the radio.

Many hikers oppose music on the trail, but I like listening to music while I hike. And now that I’m not on the trail, when I hear those songs on the radio, I’m mentally transported back to the trail. Each hike (each year) has certain songs which make me remember the trail.

So, by using pre-recorded music on the trail, you could be cheating yourself out of good “take me back” moments in the years to come.

just a thought.

yogi

www.pcthandbook.com

yogi

#3

If you have some money to spend, you can buy a battery pack for about $70 dollars that will give you an additional 70 hours of battery time with your IPOD. Apple does not sell this battery however, it’s an external battery pack sold by BTI (Battery Technologies Incorporated) You can find information on it from www.ipodlounge.com.

Also, your IPOD will weigh in at 8 ounces once the battery pack is on it…so you’ll have to figure out if the long lasting music is worth the weight & price.

Matt McKinney

#4

I have a Scandisk MP3 that also has am/fm radio - the best of both worlds. And it was in the same price range as the samsung one listed above. Amazon always has good prices on them.

Blip

#5

I had an iPod Shuffle on my thru-hike this year and absolutely loved it. It weighs 0.78 oz. and can fit in your pocket/sports bra very easily. Plus, the optional Shuffle setting can make your day just that much more interesting–random songs played out of order seemed to complement the thru-hike well. Anyway, that’s my recommendation.

Day Tripper

#6

I’m not one who enjoys new music therefore what music’s on the radio now could never be a take me back moment.

I definitely am one to listen to some tunage when hiking, though… depending on where I’m hiking. Here in Alaska - no way due to the need to always be alert for a grizzly. Outside of Alaska, the Yukon, and BC, I’ve been known to indulge. Some moments on the trail music would be an ugly intrusion. Other times, usually when cooking breakfast, the first 30 minutes to an hour on the trail, at certain random times, or kicking back at the end of the day, music is mucho welcomed!

Just got myself a Dell Digital Jukebox Mp3 player with 30 GB (enough for over 10,000 songs!) I stayed away from Apple 'cause you can’t use it with Napster to Go. Since my CD collection only numbers around 30 and I don’t have access to all the music on CD that I like, I load up on Napster. I’ve put on just over 200 songs so far which would have cost about $198 on Itunes but it’s only cost 1 month worth of Napster so far - $15.00. Before my A.T. hike next March, I imagine I’ll have around 2,000 songs dloaded. Without a doubt I’ll never get tired of the music I’ll have. A 1GB player on a thru hike would never do it for me.

I Don’t Believe in Trail Names

#7

I thru hiked in 2002. I carried a Radio Shack radio about the size of a Bic Lighter. I enjoyed getting the local weather. More importantly, I enjoyed listening to the “local” music. I listened to blue grass music on National Public Radio in Tennessee, country music in Georgia, and caught my “home” stations while passing through southern Pennsylvania. Also, it was sometimes nice to hear a live human voice on those days when I was all alone. Still, if I wanted to find some kick butt music with a beat to chew up the miles, it was somewhere on the radio band. Worked for me. Stonewall

Stonewall