whats the deal with everybody going by trail names on the AT?you have to wait for a special moment to don your name or most of you go out there with a name in mind
the big hurt
Trail names?
system
#2
Some folks have screen names they use. Some have a personal alter-ego they enjoy. Some seek names that have emotional/spiritual connections. Some wait to see what the trail or other hikers come up with. The problem with that is it may not be a name you really want to be known by for several years.
Reason for trail names - partly it is the fact that there are so many hikers out there. Trail names allow you to be unique, not just one of the 14 Bobs, 22 Mikes or 11 Joes on the trail. It is much easier to remember Hobbling Mule than Joe Brzezinski.
Ginny
system
#3
Some folks actuallly get all worked up about trail names–how you’re “supposed” to get them, whether to use them at all–but for many of us, the use of trail names is just plain fun.
ramkitten
system
#4
The deal is that when folks started hiking the AT is was for a great many reasons, most of which involved periods of transition. As a result people naturally began to redefine themselves. Trailnames were a way to announce that redefining.
As far as how to get one, I think it’s best to let it find you on the trail. It makes for a more memorable experience, and probably a unique story to tell.
Don’t worry about getting a name you don’t like. IMO that’s a ridiculous fear. No one chooses what you answer to but YOU. The trail community is not a bunch of A-holes who are going to insist on calling you something you hate.
RenMan
system
#6
…are rarely picked out by their owners. If you start the trail without one, you wont have long to wait before you are anointed. Every year there is yet another Frodo, Strider, GoingHome, etc, so just give it some time if you want a truly memorable one that represents you. Just ask people like Lekiless, Indian Dancer & TAGGOSI (The Outspoken Great God of Stupid Ideas).
Remember, if you don’t like the trailname someone gives you, just don’t answer back when they use it.
30-30
system
#7
Don’t waste your time trying to pick a name…it’s better just to wait and see what comes. I never would have dreamed up “Tell it like it is” or “Tell it” for short but I had it given to me and now I think it’s a great trail name!
Wait and see…you’ll get one soon enough on the trail.
Tell it like it is