Newbie hiker questions

imported
#1

I’m planning on doing the AT thru-hike in 2012. I have a lot of questions!

How exactly do you plan on where to resupply?

What is the shortest and longest distance between resupply spots?

Is there a map that shows the entire trail and resupply spots? And I guess a “resupply” spot is simply a town nearby with stores?

Why do people opt to stay in hostels and/or hotels instead of in their tent?

What is the best hat to wear for when it rains? Or do you just put your hood up instead?

Can you long pants such as UnderArmour pants be worn instead of baggy hiking pants? Or are the hiking pants better because of the pockets?

I’ve never worn a large backpack on my back. Is it possible to run with a moderately packed 65 liter pack on your back? Or is it too bouncey and heavy?

Is this pack good enough?

REI Flash 65 Pack
http://www.rei.com/product/778468

Does anyone actually eat any HEALTHY food on the trail? Or is it all high-energy snacks?

Should I buy a 3-season tent, or 4-season tent? And I assume it should be a 2-person tent so that my backpack can fit in it, or no?

As far as layering, would a self-wicking long-sleeve UnderArmour shirt be good? Then a fleece on top of that, and then a rain/wind resistant shell?

Would this fleece be good enough?
Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
http://www.rei.com/product/796004

Marty

#2

Could someone link me an ‘outer shell’ jacket that would be sufficient for rain, wind, snow, etc? I’m trying to buy exclusively from REI (www.rei.com), but any example would help - thanks!

Marty

#3

OK Marty, you can breath now. Start off my checking out this site and looking at the gear lists the through hikers have used - also check out the ALDHA site and other AT sites (whiteblaze.net). I suspect you will find the answers to all your questions (and those you have not thought of yet). If not, 42.

Mapmaker

#4

Marty,
I’m guessing that you haven’t done a lot of backpacking before. Instead of trying to answer your very specific questions, here’s my general answer. Start small and work up. Borrow a tent and sleep in the backyard with a pad and sleeping bag (borrowed if possible if you don’t have these yet.) Put up the tent in the wind and rain, just for practice. Load up a borrowed pack and take a day hike. Pay attention to the way the pack feels, how it rides on your hips, shoulders, back. Are the smaller pockets accessible while you’re wearing it? Then take a short overnight trip, alone or with others. Try out one or two specific pieces of gear to see how it does in the field. If it works, use it and go on to the next “system”. The best advice you’ll get on this site is to field test your gear in different conditions, frequently. And read lots of journals. Good luck - you’ll do fine.

mango

#5

good advice. Breath and read a bit. After you load your pack,try to step from the ground onto an open pickup truck tailgate. Theres a test for weight.

virginian

#6

Alright, got it. Thanks a lot all.

Marty

#7

I’ll throw in my two cents in on a few points. Getting some information from any number of internet sources and, especially, from experienced hikers is a good place to start your journey. Having said that don’t be too swayed by other’s suggestions, as what works for one may not work for another, as you gain experience you will become your best guide to what gear and procedures will work for you. I find that some of the less expensive and simpler gear turns out. in fact, to be the best for me. The benefit here is that as you decide to change out gear (and you will do this) your total cost will stay down and you won’t punish yourself for changing out all your gear and spending a fortune.

Here are some of the things I have decided on as I’ve gained experience. Some will disagree with these choices. I hike with a down sleeping bag. It’s lighter in weight and, I find, more versatile in meeting a wider range of temperatures in comfort. I carry a light raincoat, but only use it to stay warm and to try to stay dry in town. I carry an alcohol stove rather than a cartridge or gas stove, although I’ve used them as well over time and in certain situations. I carry clean clothes to sleep in, extra socks, and hike in trail runners or sandals. The variations one can use in a hike are almost endless!

Flash

#8

My suggestion for planning for an extended hike on the AT is to tune into AWOL’s website. It has many great features from planning the hike and distances to travel for averaging the total hike, to hiking gear, and plenty more. You can get all this information free on www.theATguide.com. Do your self a favor and buy one of his trail guides, they are being used extensively on the AT by NOBO’s, SOBO’s, Section Hikers and Day Hikers. Also, go on www.trailjournals.com and read the many trail journals to get an idea what the “pros” are doing. Great learning experience. Then when you are ready in '012 hike your own hike. Hike Safe and Good Luck!

drdick

#9

The giant Nippon prepress undertakers pioneer British inkjet large format flat based in Cambridge and founded in 2000.

Advertisement
The amount of the transaction amounted to 43.8 million euros.

To mark this acquisition, the president of Dainippon, Akira Ishida said that the investment was of a highly strategic to its business, anticipating the development of inkjet printing in many applications now covered by technologies print classic.

jonesla

#10

With regards to resuply, i didnt plan out any resupply stops more then a couple of weeks in advance. http://www.aldha.org/companyn.htm
this book is invaluable when on teh trail. it lists all teh shelters, water sources, and roads. itll then tell you where teh colse towns and resupply stops are in relation to trail. so you can jsut decide to resupply 6 days down the trail at a specific road. and tehn buy 6.5 days worth of food to get you there.

THe longest distance where you cant get off teh trail easily is the 100 mile wilderness. but even there you can get onto logging tracks and get to civilistation, if you need to.

as for hostels sometimes you need a zero day. and a proper bed, shower, and decent food. when on teh trail you have a choice of tent or shelter. i used both in different circumstances.

Have fun in your hike.

Scree Freak