Thru Hike Books

[Woody213]

I am looking for some books about planning a thru hike specifically the AT. I know there are lots of articles and info on the web but I prefer good ole paper. Ive done a lot of backpacking but nothing really long distance. 9 days in Adirondacks, and a lot of 3 and 4 days around the NE. I am not looking for guidebooks, where stuff is. More prep and such

[gbolt]

Make youur first Thru-Hike a Success by Brian Lewis is one I read awhile back. Copyright 2012. The author admits that these are just his idea's and concentrates on the Triple Crown trails not just the AT. All that he states can be find on Whiteblaze and he admits to as much. However, it is a quick and easy read / reference to reinforce good planning and help finalize an individuals thoughts. May be just what your looking for.

[Woody213]

ill definitely check it out. sounds like it'd be perfect.

[rocketsocks]

Has some interesting stats in it. Still available on book shelves to peruse and see if it's what your lookin' for.

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Distance-Hiking-Lessons-Appalachian-Trail/dp/0070444587/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1406450368&sr=8-14&keywords=how+to+hike+the+appalachian+trail

...another.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Hike-A-T-Nitty-Gritty-Long-Distance/dp/0811735427/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406450540&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+hike+the+appalachian+trail


...and although a little dated, still some good basic info, if you really know nothing going into this venture.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Appalachian-Trail-Prepare-Hike/dp/1568250509/ref=pd_sim_b_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Q4QG9KCPMN2EWDB3GWZ



someone posted this a while ago, I think it's worth a read, and then some...could go a long way to keeping you sane.

http://warrendoyle.com/ATBook.html

[Don H]

There are books out there as mentioned but I would suggest you find someone who's done it recently and pick their brain.
Also the AT Guide and the articles here are full of great information.

[rocketsocks]

There are books out there as mentioned but I would suggest you find someone who's done it recently and pick their brain.
Also the AT Guide and the articles here are full of great information.

Don nails it...

Woody- Sounds like you've already done plenty of hiking and what your looking for is some help with logistics of the AT...as Don says, get one of the guide books available.

[lemon b]

Listen to people who have done one. Remember it is not a race and there are going to be plenty of positive minded hikers giving you mentsl support.

[shelb]

Your public library will have some - or it will be able to "borrow" titles from other libraries within the "cooperative" library system. I was able to get access through, the inter-library loan program. to over 20 books!!!! This year, I found several other newer books that had been added!

I like this route because then I am not purchasing any books that I would not like. For example, one book (Grandma Gateway) was exceptional. However, another new book (will not name out of respect for the author) was horrible - both in the way it was written and the story told (VERY grateful this was free because I never finished it!).

[BuckeyeBill]

Check out Appalachian Trials (http://www.amazon.com/Appalachian-Trials-Psychological-Successfully-Thru-Hiking-ebook/dp/B0074U5L58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406612054&sr=8-1&keywords=appalachian+trials+by+zach+davis) by Zack Davis. It deals with the Psychological and Emotional Guide To Successfully Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail.

[Wülfgang]

I've read Appalachian Trials and AWOL on the AT. Both good books that I feel don't sugarcoat it.

Personally, I think it can be a mistake to read too many books or narratives on the subject because you can end up having expectations that can lead to unhappiness or frustration on the trail. Granted, I am only a prospective thru hiker, but based on all my other hiking and backpacking experience, too many expectations for a trip are not good. You need to be able to adapt on the fly.

[RabbitHole]

I just finished up Skywalkers book and loved it. Very matter of fact and really makes you feel like you were with him hiking.

[Teresa&Lisa2016]

I really got a lot out of Appalachian Trials. I think it helped me really make the decision to do the trail next year and also help me discern WHY. I was able to realize it wasn't out of frustration of my current job, or running away from whatever problems, it is truly because I know this is a dream of mine. It is a really honest book that gets you asking yourself big questions and setting realistic goals and expectations. Highly recommended.

[DLP]

I really liked Long-Distance Hiking by Dan Feldman http://www.amazon.com/Long-Distance-Hiking-Dan-Feldman-ebook/dp/B00EUB3VXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407347279&sr=8-1&keywords=long+distance+hiking

He polled thru hikers and came up with graphs and charts and statistics about gear, food, injuries, why people quit, etc, etc.

Best wishes!