Hi! Just starting to form the idea of a 2010 S.bound hike. I have a lot to learn between now and then. Open to any good recommendations and information.
ModoVincere
Newbie - Appalachian Trail
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#2
eh, there’s not really much to learn. just start hiking and you figure it all out in no time. that’s half the fun, too.
“go light” is about the only advice you really need.
0101
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#3
If you don’t have much experience with hiking in general, do plenty of research on gear. In particular, try to find light-weight equipment, since it can make the difference between carrying a 30-pound bag and a 60-pound one.
There are many basic guides on through-hiking, and I suggest you read one of them to get an idea on logistical issues such as resupply, mail drops, getting on or off the trail, in-town accomodations, etc. This will help you determine what issues will be relevant to you. This forum is an excellent resource, but you have to know what questions to ask.
All the best.
Carefree
Carefree
system
#4
…and your particular hike depends on several factors…even the research and planning of your hike may largely depend, for instance, on your age, your gender, your personality, your savings account, etc…it’s true that ANYONE can accomplish this endeavor (and none of us like to be told we can’t because of ‘this or that’ reason), but certain realities can and do have a bearing on what type of hike YOU will engage in…for example : if you are female, 60, and LOVE being WITH people, a southbound hike may be less of a good choice than northbound (because sobo is a bit more difficult in the beginning and quite a bit more solitary as well)…if you are a male, with minimal income, 18 or so, and looking for a route AWAY from the
usual party scene, then southbound may be just the ticket…remember…though men, women, children, young, old, rich, poor, handicapped, WHOEVER, have hiked the trail, YOU will have to discover for yourself if you can do it…the best way to find out exactly how you will attempt this, is to get out there beginning NOW, and start hiking…that way you have plenty of time (Lord willing) to try out gear, explore terrain, discover which seasons you most enjoy hiking in, etc…i think it’s great you’re thinking about a thru-hike!..it’s an amazing, and often life-changing experience!..go for it!
maw-ee
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#5
Thru-hikers hand book is great. I used it on my last section hike and it is fantastic. As for gear just ask around.
SmokeEater
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#6
Dear ModoVincere:
Does your name mean, in Latin, “To conquer the world?”
In any event, some essentials for Thru-Hiking the AT:
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Use a closed-cell foam pad to insulate you from the ground when sleeping.
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Eat real food: oatmeal, raisins, honey, cheese, tomatoes, apples, that sort of thing.
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Have $6,000.00 available to you on the day you start hiking. This is over and above what you spent for equipment and whatever you paid to travel to your starting point.
Conan
Conan
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#10
Thanks for the input. I will take all of into consideration.
And the name means Way of Truth in Latin and Winning Way in Italian.
ModoVincere
system
#11
If you want to stay at hotels once a week and eat in restaurants regularly, don’t bring $3000. A 6 month hike could easily be done however on a budget of $115/week (after gear). How does that need supporting? It’s a stone cold fact. If you want to turn it into a walk between bars & motels, like many hikers do these days, then bring more $$$. To my way of thinking, that’s not what a thru-hike is about. YMMV.
JH
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#12
JH: You still haven’t supported your proposition; you’ve merely restated your belief that it’s possible. Do you understand the difference?
Conan
Conan
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#14
Jess J
Extra money fer a dog? Walk into a State Park campground or swimming area during mealtime with yer dog. People love dogs, even if there is a dirty hiker attached at the other end of the leash. You will hike away with a pack full of donated food and a full stomach.
Bob
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#15
JesseJ,
“non-support of prostitution” in your topic line? yeah i guess that would cost more money along the trail. I sure you meant “proposition”.
manfire