View Full Version : New member, first post, and need some advice...
Hi all,
First off, I've only started to research the AT very recently and this site is definately one of the best ones Ive seen, so hats off to everyone contributing.
I have come to the realization, 3 days ago actually, that i would like to complete a thru hike. From all the info i have gathered, it seems that people spend months, if not years, planning their hike. Do you think it is possible to be able to plan my hike within the next couple of weeks with my goal being a start at Springer Mountain on the 15th of April(starting from scratch as of right now)? Not to mention that i still have to get back to the states from Australia (where i am currently living). A lightbulb went off in my head the other day and i realized this is my greatest window of opportunity to thru hike the AT bc my schedule for the next 6 months or so is basically whatever i want it to be.
Also, if you dont think the 15th of April is feasable, what would you say the latest start date could be? Is a 5 month hike out of reach for an intermediate hiker?
Thanks in advance for any advice:banana
droptopbenz
03-28-2009, 10:03
it's possible if you have the time and the funds!
Hi all,
First off, I've only started to research the AT very recently and this site is definately one of the best ones Ive seen, so hats off to everyone contributing.
I have come to the realization, 3 days ago actually, that i would like to complete a thru hike. From all the info i have gathered, it seems that people spend months, if not years, planning their hike. Do you think it is possible to be able to plan my hike within the next couple of weeks with my goal being a start at Springer Mountain on the 15th of April(starting from scratch as of right now)? Not to mention that i still have to get back to the states from Australia (where i am currently living). A lightbulb went off in my head the other day and i realized this is my greatest window of opportunity to thru hike the AT bc my schedule for the next 6 months or so is basically whatever i want it to be.
Also, if you dont think the 15th of April is feasable, what would you say the latest start date could be? Is a 5 month hike out of reach for an intermediate hiker?
Thanks in advance for any advice:bananaIf more people went to the trail without trying to plan for this or for that the experience that they would have would be much better......
Tipi Walter
03-28-2009, 10:20
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Whiteblaze. You didn't mention having any gear, or when you get your gear, how it will work for you comfortwise: pack comfort, shelter system, etc. This stuff takes a bit of time to organize.
Otherwise, if you have the gear and some cash, well, what's there to plan? Find the trailhead and start off. How much food you carry is personal, I'd probably start out with 5 or 8 days worth of food myself, and go from there. All the other stuff can be gained and learned from the hundreds of AT backpackers sharing the trail with you. Resupply, water, the works. Once you have your home on your back, (and get the details of stuff left behind worked out: car storage/house stuff, etc), there's no planning needed, you'll have a thumb to hitch and feet to walk and an open trail with like minded souls ahead of you.
4eyedbuzzard
03-28-2009, 10:25
Lot of logistics to handle--travel plans--and Visa if you're not a US citizen. You'll need to start on all that ASAP.
Gear isn't really much of an issue, you can buy it there or here within a day or two. You'll likely have to hit an outfitter once you're here for some stove fuel anyway. Read up on gear here--confusing because there are so many opinions (and sometimes heated debates) but you'll get the general idea that within reason, lighter is better--and better doesn't always mean expensive.
Good luck on your hike.
Big Dawg
03-28-2009, 10:25
Definitely possible. Do you have any gear? If not at all, or not completely, this site can help you put a kit together. Best of luck!
Pacific Tortuga
03-28-2009, 10:30
:welcome anything you want to know and stuff you might not wanted to know is here. you just need to sort through it all.
warraghiyagey
03-28-2009, 10:44
If your goal is to hike the Appalachian Trail and it is what you are focused on, two weeks is plenty to make it happen. . . a bit rushed maybe, esp. if you're in Aust. but once you get to the trail, it's all good, you learn what you need, make adjustments along the way, and enjoy.:sun
Spirit Walker
03-28-2009, 12:17
It is possible to get ready in three weeks. If you have visa problems, you could also do either a southbound hike, starting in Maine in late June, early July, or you could do a flip flop where you start in central Virginia in mid or late May, hike north to Maine, then come back to Virginia and hike south. The ATC website has some descriptions of alternate hikes along that line.
garlic08
03-28-2009, 12:26
A five-month hike is easily possible for an intermediate hiker with a little focus. Many hikers make it in far less time than that, and a few do it in three months or less.
The later you start in May the worse the summer heat is going to be in the mid-Atlantic, though. Mid-April is an excellent time to start--you'll probably miss most of the snow.
You don't need to plan much at all. Get a guidebook, start with a few day's food, and play it by ear from there. There's a place to buy gear and more food, if you need it, thirty miles up the trail, and more food every few days after that. Enjoy!
Yes, im a US Citizen and proud of it! I needed a little change of pace from the 9 to 5 lifestyle that i was finding myself falling into so i made a move to Australia for that change. I have been living in Australia for about 3 months.
I have some gear, but after reading through whiteblaze (ive literally been reading through and taking notes going on 5 hours now), i am realizing I'm going to have to start for the most part fresh. From what i have read, the trip (including gear) will cost me between $4 and $6K...i can handle that and i definately have the time. The fact that i am in Australia now is actually beneficial bc i have all my bills, etc already set up to be paid automatically and "people" (ie family) arent expecting me to be around for the next year or so anyway.
Thanks for all these responses, i really appreciat the help. I am also amazed at how postive the feedback is on this site and how useful the info is.
4 specific questions that i have come up with are:
Are "dropp-offs" necessary and what is involved in setting them up. Would i need someone else to be mailing the stuff to the area or do i somehow do that myself? It seems that there is a lot of extra planning that goes into that.
What degree rating should i have on my sleeping bag (i would prefer not to have seperate sleeping bags for colder temps and warmer temps)...would a 30 degree rating suffice, or do i need to go 20 degree?
It seems that people pack VERY light when it comes to clothing (literally a couple pairs of socks, a couple pairs of undies, 1 or 2 shirts, etc) I just need confirmation on this...or is it really preference?
I understand that flexibility is something i need to keep in mind, but as a rule in thumb, is it a good idea to have a pretty set schedule mapped out for myself? For instance, ive seen stuff laid out for a 12 mile average, 15 mile average, 18 mile average...
I will have more questions to follow so thanks in advance...
hopefulhiker
03-28-2009, 13:27
Yes, im a US Citizen and proud of it! I needed a little change of pace from the 9 to 5 lifestyle that i was finding myself falling into so i made a move to Australia for that change. I have been living in Australia for about 3 months.
I have some gear, but after reading through whiteblaze (ive literally been reading through and taking notes going on 5 hours now), i am realizing I'm going to have to start for the most part fresh. From what i have read, the trip (including gear) will cost me between $4 and $6K...i can handle that and i definately have the time. The fact that i am in Australia now is actually beneficial bc i have all my bills, etc already set up to be paid automatically and "people" (ie family) arent expecting me to be around for the next year or so anyway.
Thanks for all these responses, i really appreciat the help. I am also amazed at how postive the feedback is on this site and how useful the info is.
4 specific questions that i have come up with are:
Are "dropp-offs" necessary and what is involved in setting them up. Would i need someone else to be mailing the stuff to the area or do i somehow do that myself? It seems that there is a lot of extra planning that goes into that.
What degree rating should i have on my sleeping bag (i would prefer not to have seperate sleeping bags for colder temps and warmer temps)...would a 30 degree rating suffice, or do i need to go 20 degree?
It seems that people pack VERY light when it comes to clothing (literally a couple pairs of socks, a couple pairs of undies, 1 or 2 shirts, etc) I just need confirmation on this...or is it really preference?
I understand that flexibility is something i need to keep in mind, but as a rule in thumb, is it a good idea to have a pretty set schedule mapped out for myself? For instance, ive seen stuff laid out for a 12 mile average, 15 mile average, 18 mile average...
I will have more questions to follow so thanks in advance...
Yes, Take a 20 degree down sleeping bag or down quilt... Also consider a silk liner.. There is a company in New Zealand that makes good silk liners.. {They also make possum fur nipple warmers), cheap...
There is a lot of support on the trail, especially if you have the money.
The lighter the better... It is definetly worth spending a little more to save weight...
Check out Jack Tarlin's ressuply article here on WB...
Blissful
03-28-2009, 14:13
If it's just you, no financial constraints, work and time are okay, gear in fairly good shape or will be shortly, why not? You're young - go for it.
For me I spent years because of family and finances. Either way one can be successful on this hike. It's more about mental attitude and the desire to do it then prep, whether it takes one years or months or weeks.
It's just walking... so don't stress, it's totally doable. Just get your gear and start walking.
Lots of good advice on this site about gear... my advice would be the lighter the better... If you can manage it, try to not carry more than 30 pounds including food and water.
Really though, just dig into Whiteblaze, go to your local outfitter, and do your research. Then, get your gear, backpack being the last thing you get.
Glebbber
03-29-2009, 15:18
100% doable.
well...im 100% locked and loaded. I changed my return flight from Australia from December to this wednesday, april 2nd (thats actually my birthday!). Thanks for all the positvie feedback on here. This site is a wealth of information and im up to about 20 pages of notes. I will probably be posting some more specific questions in the near future, but first i have to get back to the states!
Big Dawg
03-30-2009, 08:54
Awesome,,, great to hear. Have fun!:sun
I am going solo, will there be people out there willing to hike alongside, or should i try and find someone to meet up with before i get there?
superman
03-30-2009, 21:05
Thios may help you.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=95200#post95200
Blissful
03-30-2009, 21:08
I am going solo, will there be people out there willing to hike alongside, or should i try and find someone to meet up with before i get there?
Many people will be out there to link up with. Have a great time.
You'll have no problem hooking up with a partner once you get on the trail. Have a great time!!! Happy Hiking
I started my northbound AT thru-hike on April 10, 2000 and finished October 21, 2000 so no problem at all starting at Springer on April 15th -- I wasn't averaging anything unusual as far as mileage per day and had a fabulous time the whole way. One of the best experiences of my life and wouldn't have ever passed up the opportunity.
Datto
Spirit Walker
03-31-2009, 23:35
RE: Going light - if you are starting in April, bring some gear for cold and wet weather, at least to Damascus, if not Pearisburg. We had snow in mid-May and it was really cold and wet in the Shenandoahs on my first AT hike. I carried my fleece the whole way but mailed my gloves and wool hat and rain pants ahead. You may also get cold wet weather in NH and Maine if you are there in late September or October.
You don't need to purchase food supplies ahead of time, but you may wish to buy maps and a thruhiker guide. You can mail the maps in a drift/bounce box along with extras of anything you buy in larger quantities (i.e. Advil, socks, batteries).
Starting in April there will be many other hikers on the trail. If you are in decent shape, you will catch up to some of the people ahead of you as well.
stranger
04-01-2009, 06:55
Hey JOMO, you can absolutely go. Plus right now, you can get round trip airfares to the US for like $900-1100 Aussie! Go to www.webjet.com.au
I'm living in Sydney if you want to catch up, send me a private message. I have alot of experience along the trail. Where are you in Aussie?
Personally, I could leave here tomorrow, drop in to my folks and say hello, catch the train to Georgia, and be walking in 4-5 days time no worries, but I've done all that before, so it's no big deal.
It depends on experience and finances in my opinion. I say go for it!
Jomo, you may be interested to know that I lived in Australia for three months in 2006. Upon returning to the US, I decided to hike the trail in March '07 and was on the summit of Springer by April 16th.
You can absolutely do it.