Prep For Thru-Hike 2012

imported
#1

A few questions I have as I prepare my gear and body for the 2012 Thru-Hike:

I was thinking about searching for a partner for the hike but don’t know anyone personally that is as motivated/insane/fit/crazy as me, and wants to do this. Would you advise against or for searching for a hiking partner?

I know this is not the gear forum, however I have some general gear prep questions:

There seems to be people using different sleeping bags through the JMT and Tahoe sections, I’m looking at the western mountaineering ultralight at 1lb 13oz - would this suffice for the entire trail? I’ve noticed my lightwieght silk liner tends to help warm up my bag any advise with sleeping bag liners?

Alchohol or Tablet stove? And why?

Does anyone have experience with the Skyscape X (Tent)? It’s appealing, but the price tag seems high, and I’m almost leaning towards just buying the fabric and putting one together myself, esp at that price.

Thanks,

Murphy

“Mad Dog” Murph

#2

If you start on or near ADZPCTKO, you’ll have plenty of partners if you want. I leapfrogged with a fellow hiker for 1700 miles before we actually hiked together and we remain best of friends eight years later.

The 20F bag should be fine.

The stove is your choice. All types have pluses and minuses. I used an alcohol stove until I got tired of it and sent it home. I have gone stoveless since then and that has improved my hiking.

The Skyscape looks very similar to the LightHeart Gear tent, which is on sale now. I have not seen nor used either.

Good luck.

Garlic

#3

“I was thinking about searching for a partner for the hike but don’t know anyone personally that is as motivated/insane/fit/crazy as me, and wants to do this. Would you advise against or for searching for a hiking partner?”

Not sure what you mean by motivated/insane/fit and crazy… (I take it as those that are looking at the trail almost as an endurance sport.) If that’s the case then I will assure you there will find your equal out there (I supect that the real “crazies” will be out in force next year for a variety of record attempts.)

As far as finding a partner. Go out and hike your own style. You will likely meet someone that has a similiar approach. Generally, you will find the insane/fit… up near the front of the pack but that will take a while to develop since there is a wide range of start dates.

One problem with making arrangements prior to the hike is that people often have an inflated view of their insaneness and fitness and can’t walk the talk.

Have fun!
Malto

gg-man

#4

I will begin my hike alone but as I tell my wife, your never alone on these big and popular trails. I started the Colorado trail alone this year and hiked several days with differant people some of which I am friends with now and still communicate with.

Don’t worry about a partner if you start with out one. You will be sure to partner up with someone or a group of someones’.

I will not be able to start at the kick off so I will be behind most.

Take care and hope to see you on the trail.

Pacemaker

Pacemaker