SOBO advice needed!

imported
#1

Hey all you crazies who have done a SOBO hike! (I say crazy in the nicest way possible) :slight_smile: I am planning my thru hike for 2014 and I have a few questions.

1.) Is planning to start at Katahdin June 1-3 too early? Am I going to be running into cold weather at the beginning? (I have never been to the east coast and I am not sure of summer temps.) Also, I want to see the beauty of fall through Virgina and Tennesee. Are there quite a few SOBO hikers that start that early? I want to have peace (hence the reason I decided ME/GA was a better option for me) but I would like to experience the community feel of being on the Trail.

2.) Money is a big question of mine. How much do you start out with? I know it has a lot of how much you prep food wise and how many packages you prepare to send out but I have read alot of people would just rather resupply in town. Thoughts???

3.)Clothing. I am planning on taking a couple of NON cotton shirts, a pair of quickdry zipaway pants(pants zip off into shorts), 2 pairs of wool socks (1 set to use for gloves if nescessary, 2 pairs of underwear one set of town clothes, Chacos and a Northface jacket. I have seen people who bring several layers of different clothing. Is it necessary for 3 of everything? I don’t mind being stinky and I understand it rains and when it rains on the Trail it pours but I dont know if the extra weight of clothes in my bag is worth it.

4.)Anybody else planning on doing a SOBO hike starting around the same time?? :slight_smile:

Thanks for any suggestions and for reading this entirely too long post!!

Happy Hiking!!

chelsea

#2

5.)Sleeping bag and hammock.
I plan on using the ENO Singlenest hammock. My thought process is easier stealth camping, don’t have to carry tent and a sleeping pad, way less weight and I am guessing plenty of trees to use. :slight_smile: Good decision? Absolutely stupid decision?

Sleeping bag. I have a 41 degree bag picked out? Too much not enough??

chelsea

#3

I have 2 northbound and 1 southbound thru-hike on the AT. I would start @ mid July. You will miss the bugs and have a lot more of the nice fall weather and views. You will still nee a sleeping pad and youmay want to get a warmer bag. You do not have to stealth camp on the AT.

Macon

#4

You will need to have either a sleeping pad, or an underquilt for your hammock. Hammock is absolutely the way to go, but you have to keep your south end covered for warmth. Even in my house (air conditioning) my south end gets a little chilly sleeping in my WBO Traveller 2x1.7 hammock, because you have the convection–air all around you. This is going to add another 10-14 oz to your pack. Thermarest has a torso length z-pad that I use as an internal frame for my golite 50 pack. It also keeps my south end warmer in the hammock. This weekend I was sleeping in the 40’s with the hammock, pad and big agnes lost ranger-15 and was fine. The BALR-15 has no bottom insulation, saves bulk and weight and the good news is you can often get bags in the springtime on the clearance rack at REI. Look into big agnes, as many of the bags have no bottom insulation and a pocket for a sleeping pad in the bottom. Of course, some others might too. I just know BA.

Birdog

#5

A rule of thumb here is to have $4000.00 to $4500.00 available, but you can hike for a lot less. :cheers

Gorp-Gobbler

#6

I have been reading these journals for a long time and long distant hiking longer.
lets think about what is true.
Comfort
don’t get rid of it for a few lbs.
people talk about bugs a lot for a 1 lb addition carry a anti bug suit cost 25 dollars any where.
I had a ultra lite 2 lb tent I gave it up for a 4 lb tent I don’t have to walk to town if I want to rest I stay at home in my tent and take a zero day in the comfort of my own bedroom.
sleeping pads are they needed? cold or hot.
I had a sleeping pad weight 2.5 lbs I gave it up for a second sleeping bag 1 is 0 rated down one is 20 rated down
great blanket, pillow and sleeping pad as needed. wgt gain none.
think allways of multi use.
Why carry stoves, fuel and extra pans
there is wood every where and one pan is enough for cooking
and one for coffee and other muti use.
save the weight and carry a little extra food.
think protein instead of carbs. Protein gives delayed power
carbs instant but no staying power. And start swapping before your hike not later.
Ed at drdata5@att.net

just passing by

#7

June 1 is early. Most start a bit later. It won’t be too cold in the mountains.
40 degree bag is ok. If you finish in Nov, you’ll be pretty cold in the snow.
Money is a personal choice when it comes to motels, hostels & restaurants. I resupplied in town along the way for convenience and the cost was the same as normal living.
Two sets of every day clothes will do - maybe a third pair of socks. Warmer clothes at the end with a skull cap, thin gloves, tights & jacket.
Use a poncho for rain & skip the rain suit.
A garbage compactor bag for the inner liner of your pack works like a charm.
Good Luck

2005 thru hiker

#8

Just one clarification.
It will be chilly in June - should see some snow too - but it’s reasonable weather.

2005 thur hiker

#9

June is too early if you want to see fall colors. Late July or even Aug. 1 would be a better time to start. Plus you won’t be eaten alive by bugs if you start later. And bring a better sleeping bag. I recommend a 20 degree down bag for the fall. You could start with the lighter bag and have the 20 degree mailed to you in VA.

WCT

#10

Hey Chelsea,
My friend and I are planning to start at Katahdin in late May. Glad to know we’ll have company!

Ryan

#11

I’m starting around July 1, despite the remaining black flies. I have a cheap headset, but it’s probably going to prove useless. May the gods be merciful to us all.

Nick