Thru hikers from WB

[PackHorse]

I have been curious.... So much information/education is traded here on WB. Those of you that have thru hiked, how prepared are those starting out in Springer? Have most people attempting a thru been on WB (or other sites) and are they pretty well prepared? Or when your leaving the parking lot do you see those that are obviously not ready.

Linda

[garlic08]

I can only contribute to your second question. I think most AT hikers have not been on WB, and many, including me at the time of my AT hike, have never even heard of it. I never heard or saw any mention of WB while actually on the AT, even though I met a few of the well-known people who post here. (Afterwards, at home in Colorado, a friend mentioned it and I thought I'd check it out.)

I saw a wide mixture of experience on the AT. One day on a challenging section of trail, I saw one hiker near panic and the next person I saw displayed obvious confidence, competence, and quiet enjoyment.

A friend warned me I'd see just about everything on the AT, and he was right. I even met a prostitute (trailname "Quickie" of course).

[colorado_rob]

I can only contribute to your second question. I think most AT hikers have not been on WB, and many, including me at the time of my AT hike, have never even heard of it. I never heard or saw any mention of WB while actually on the AT, even though I met a few of the well-known people who post here. (Afterwards, at home in Colorado, a friend mentioned it and I thought I'd check it out.)

I saw a wide mixture of experience on the AT. One day on a challenging section of trail, I saw one hiker near panic and the next person I saw displayed obvious confidence, competence, and quiet enjoyment.

A friend warned me I'd see just about everything on the AT, and he was right. I even met a prostitute (trailname "Quickie" of course).

Agree entirely, this was my experience: Nearly zero WBers on the trail, which surprised me. I met one single person at a camp who, after some various discussions, figured out I was a fellow WBer and actually "made" me (who I was on here).

Huge experience range, from seasoned long-distance veterans to hiking 1st timers. It was especially cool seeing the hiking rookies quickly learning the ropes to actually start being comfortable and enjoying themselves and a significant percentage of these fine folks making it a long way on the trail, some of course making it all the way.

You sure meet all types; my favorite was an ex convict who also had open warrants in two states and he was "bragging" about it, including comments that when he passed through NJ and NY he would not be making any town stops....

[bigcranky]

My partner and I hiked the Georgia section in March a couple of times, once in each direction, so we saw a lot of beginning thru-hikers. We met one person who was on Whiteblaze. Some of the beginning thru-hikers were well-prepared (including the guy from WB), but most were not. There were a lot of VERY large packs, and a fair amount of anxiety, but the hikers helped each other for the most part.

[Coffee]

Over nearly 3 years and almost 2500 miles of hiking, I've only met two WBers on trail (actually not on trail but in trail towns and neither was on the AT).

[dbright]

If you look at the Thru Hiker list on WB you will see less than 200 people have registered a start date for there thru hike in 2016. That is not many compared to the number of thru hikers each year.

[PackHorse]

So has the question ever been asked... What percentage of hikers leaving Springer are well prepared (gear wise)? And how much does that increase the odds of success? Is a person 2 or 3 times as likely to succeed? And the opposite would be true as well, poor performing gear without funds to replace it would be a big handicap. Or does the "trail provide"? ; ) ( I guess it did for "Quickie")

[mountain squid]

From my observations over the last 10 years, many hikers are not well-prepared and very few are from WhiteBlaze. This year, out of 724 total hikers (443 planning to hike to Katahdin), only 11 were from WB. Check out my 'observations' thread for more stats and observations.

(The WB stats are probably somewhat skewed. I typically don't ask if someone is on WB unless I recognize their username/trailname and if they don't recognize mine the topic doesn't arise. I reckon there are a few more than identified each year but probably not by much.)

See you on the trail,
mt squid

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[rafe]

I've met very few WBers on the trail. I've met a few at hiker gatherings and work parties. I met one working at Shaws in Monson. But it's hard to know just from trail names, and I don't always get those either. I've run into a couple of hikers from the old AT-L listserv as well.

[Slo-go'en]

Whenever I refer to WB on the trail to a group of hikers, they all seem to know what I'm talking about. They may not be active users, but know of, or have visited the site. I don't often get back blank stares.

As for how many are ill prepared, I think it's more a matter of many of them really not knowing what their getting into. Internet learning only goes so far. You either adapt or go home.

[garlic08]

...Internet learning only goes so far. You either adapt or go home.

Yeah, learning from the internet would be like reading a book about swimming and jumping in the water. Especially if the book has contradictory advice, and eleven different ways of doing it from ten different people.

[PackHorse]

As for how many are ill prepared, I think it's more a matter of many of them really not knowing that their getting into. Internet learning only goes so far. You either adapt or go home.The AT - It has it's ups and downs...

That would be the next "level" of preparedness. .. skill in using the gear and knowing what their getting in to. I would think the third level is the mental fortitude do complete it. But those are things you can't tell immediately by looking at someone.
I guess my example would be... I can tell by the tack on a horse and the wear on the persons half chaps if I should be concerned about their safety on the trail. Usually pans out.
Just wondered if most show up prepared (by doing research here or otherwise about gear that performs well), or if at the "starting line" you can pick out who will probably complete the journey. I'm sure the first night... who sets up camp well, settles in, knows their equipment is quite telling.
I think there are stories out there, about the Katz's, that we don't hear.

[Just Bill]

Whenever I refer to WB on the trail to a group of hikers, they all seem to know what I'm talking about. They may not be active users, but know of, or have visited the site. I don't often get back blank stares.

As for how many are ill prepared, I think it's more a matter of many of them really not knowing that their getting into. Internet learning only goes so far. You either adapt or go home.

I'd concur that many know what WB is, out of curiosity I ask here and there. As mentioned by other- screen names, names, and trail names don't always match nor would I know Slo-go'en unless he said "Hey I'm Slo-go'en". I met Praha4 (WB name) who actually goes by Florida Mike on the Long Trail. And of course I met several folks at Harriman and have met other folks through WB.

Of the older folks, many simply don't know and to be honest aren't big internet folks in general so that's to be expected.
Younger folks display looks that range from horribly uncomfortable, general distaste, and embarrassment. Maybe something to think about perhaps when debating generational issues and such... Not that WB's public relations campaign is anyone's concern I get the feeling it's not a real popular place amongst many hikers, which is too bad, as there is much to learn and many opportunities to share.

From the front page-
"There are currently 615 users online. 85 members and 530 guests"
So applying a great generalization I think is true- the vast majority of "WB'ers" don't actually have accounts.
And as we all know some of us that do post more than we should.

Point being- There are lots who use this site, but may not participate in it. There are a few of us who participate the hell out of it, lol.
Course I have my actual face an my actual name- most don't. Of the WB'ers I could recognize in person, I'd have to say I'd only know more than a handful of you from seeing your face on Facebook or something else- not from this site.
I've met about a few dozen folks who knew me.
Being lurkers, or even rare posters there was no way for me to know them.

As far as being prepared... Two things that still surprise me;
How vastly unprepared/inexperience folks are who take on any hike of, of any length, on the AT in general.
How amazingly welcoming and easy it is for people to do that on the AT in general.

I can't think of another trail that this contrast would be possible.
That's not a complaint, just a shock to someone who learned a bit more traditionally. I actually find it pretty amazing.

[rafe]

Just wondered if most show up prepared (by doing research here or otherwise about gear that performs well), or if at the "starting line" you can pick out who will probably complete the journey. I'm sure the first night... who sets up camp well, settles in, knows their equipment is quite telling.

Actually, it's not at all like that. Some will make it, some won't, but prior backpacking experience has surprisingly little to do with odds of success. It has more to do with one's ability to tune out discomfort, pain, dirt, drudgery, boredom, loneliness, etc. It has lots to do with one's ability to derive pleasure, recreation, meaning, enrichment, connection, etc. in any possible situation. Living for the moment, as they say.

It's a mind game, in other words. I was amazed at how little it had to do with mastery of outdoor skills or prior backpacking experience.

[dudeijuststarted]

IMO being prepared gear-wise doesn't make or break a thru hike. There are so many resources for pack shakedowns in the first few days (hostels, AT veterans) that blaming gear is a cop-out. Mountain Crossings is within a few days walk from the start and someone who really wants to succeed will take a shuttle there early if need be. I have definitely been in shuttles with people who were quitting coming off of approach trail.

The AT is no-joke difficult. You gotta want it.

[PackHorse]

Actually, it's not at all like that. Some will make it, some won't, but prior backpacking experience has surprisingly little to do with odds of success. It has more to do with one's ability to tune out discomfort, pain, dirt, drudgery, boredom, loneliness, etc. It has lots to do with one's ability to derive pleasure, recreation, meaning, enrichment, connection, etc. in any possible situation. Living for the moment, as they say.

It's a mind game, in other words. I was amazed at how little it had to do with mastery of outdoor skills or prior backpacking experience.

I guess that is what I was asking. That is so surprising to me, I wouldn't have expected it.

[Lone Wolf]

So has the question ever been asked... What percentage of hikers leaving Springer are well prepared (gear wise)? And how much does that increase the odds of success? Is a person 2 or 3 times as likely to succeed? And the opposite would be true as well, poor performing gear without funds to replace it would be a big handicap. Or does the "trail provide"? ; ) ( I guess it did for "Quickie")

proper gear, training, experience, planning does not increase chances of success. it's a mind game

[Just Bill]

As for how many are ill prepared, I think it's more a matter of many of them really not knowing that their getting into. Internet learning only goes so far. You either adapt or go home.The AT - It has it's ups and downs...

That would be the next "level" of preparedness. .. skill in using the gear and knowing what their getting in to. I would think the third level is the mental fortitude do complete it. But those are things you can't tell immediately by looking at someone.
I guess my example would be... I can tell by the tack on a horse and the wear on the persons half chaps if I should be concerned about their safety on the trail. Usually pans out.
Just wondered if most show up prepared (by doing research here or otherwise about gear that performs well), or if at the "starting line" you can pick out who will probably complete the journey. I'm sure the first night... who sets up camp well, settles in, knows their equipment is quite telling.
I think there are stories out there, about the Katz's, that we don't hear.

Yes and mainly no.
I was a superintendent for some time, hiring and firing carpenters and often used the tool trick to eyeball somebody.
Course I switched jobs at one point and took the change to get a new set of pouches. I winked at one of the foreman giving my shiney new pouches the eye and by the end of the week I was the foreman.

So gear ain't it really, and often enough a hiker will take the start of a hike to replace or change out to new gear.
Using it and how you carry yourself can't be hidden though.

Andrew Skurka and Jennifer Pharr Davis... are pretty well known these days.
Both were total newbie dumasses likely to be laughed off the trail given the opportunity on their first AT hike.

Folks who should finish don't, folks who shouldn't start finish. While I can't think of any trail (maybe the Camino I guess) that could claim the same- the AT is unique in that any jackass can finish, and any rockstar can fail.

Most of the Katz's are gone in a week or so- no story to tell really. Course almost half of the hikers are gone in a month regardless.
Of those that finish the AT in particular, I'd have to agree that mental skills far exceed any technical abilities.

That said, put many of those folks on an unblazed trail with a map and compass...
Take away the data books, apps, shelters and town stops every 3-5 days...
Cut them off from the community of maintainers, hikers and magicians helping them out...

And they might still make it... but probably not. And probably shouldn't try.

The AT isn't that type of trail, which is bad for those who fool themselves into thinking it is.
And great for those without the background to tackle anything else.
Not all of us grew up in scouts, camping with family, or with similar opportunities.
The AT presents a unique opportunity for people to participate in what otherwise would be impossible.

Be happy folks show up at all. Don't look down on any who do.
We all need a first step, even if we can agree it's occasionally a foolish leap.
The AT is a good place for it, some need to leap, the worst that can happen is they die.

"Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain-passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action. Even the sick should try these so-called dangerous passes, because for every unfortunate they kill, they cure a thousand." John Muir

[rafe]

I guess that is what I was asking. That is so surprising to me, I wouldn't have expected it.

Surprised the heck out me too. I met a father and two sons, first day on the trail, assembling and firing up their (Whisperlite) camp stoves for the very first time. I don't know if they made it to Katahdin but I know they were still on the trail two months later.

And at the same time -- I know of several seasoned hikers who quit thru hikes half, two-thirds, or three-quarters of the way through. Myself included.

I'll allow as how there may be a correlation between experience and success -- if that experience includes plenty of tough hiking in prolonged crappy conditions. Hard to imagine what a thru hike is like until you've tried it.

[PackHorse]

As far as being prepared... Two things that still surprise me;
How vastly unprepared/inexperience folks are who take on any hike of, of any length, on the AT in general.
How amazingly welcoming and easy it is for people to do that on the AT in general.

I can't think of another trail that this contrast would be possible.
That's not a complaint, just a shock to someone who learned a bit more traditionally. I actually find it pretty amazing.

Again... amazing!

So this totally turns my theory upside down...
First, you need the mental fortitude.
Second, add a little gear and a few skills ( or get both along the way! )