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View Full Version : I am a Wannabe Hiker, please help



Martigan
07-12-2007, 14:35
I want to Thru hike the AT. I am doing all the research and planning I can. If I am in the wrong place, please let me know. I just want to say hi to everyone for now. Do you think it will be O.K. if I just hang around and learn from everyone here? I would like to know all there is to know about hiking the trail. Thank you.

Lone Wolf
07-12-2007, 14:37
I want to Thru hike the AT. I am doing all the research and planning I can. If I am in the wrong place, please let me know. I just want to say hi to everyone for now. Do you think it will be O.K. if I just hang around and learn from everyone here? I would like to know all there is to know about hiking the trail. Thank you.

you're in the right place. plenty of info on this site. don't listen to me though, i'm full of *****t.:D

wilconow
07-12-2007, 14:38
You can learn a lot here, but the best way to prepare is to go out on the trail.

Chaco Taco
07-12-2007, 14:38
Welcome:welcome

I am also Thruhiking. Class of 2009 hopeful.
The adventure begins once you make the decision to do it. You will learn alot here but the true test of knowledge is what you learn about yourself as a hiker when you are out on the trail. Get out and go

Heater
07-12-2007, 14:41
Lone Wolf hit it 100% spot on the money. :)

:welcome

Martigan
07-12-2007, 14:43
thank you all. I plan on doing shorter weekend hikes of the trail before doing it all at once. Myself and three other guys are planning it together. We are hopefully going to get it done in 2009. I am a very out of shape couch potato right now, but I have dreamed of doing this for years. My main motivation is to overcome my sedintary life as it is now. I can already see that I will learn much from this group. Thanks!

RockyBob
07-12-2007, 14:47
thank you all. I plan on doing shorter weekend hikes of the trail before doing it all at once. Myself and three other guys are planning it together. We are hopefully going to get it done in 2009. I am a very out of shape couch potato right now, but I have dreamed of doing this for years. My main motivation is to overcome my sedintary life as it is now. I can already see that I will learn much from this group. Thanks!


Small section hikes are great. The main thing above all else is to enjoy yourself. And also not to listen to Lone Wolf. Just kidding LW

:welcome

Old Grouse
07-12-2007, 14:59
When you get to be my age, every specialist you run into tells you to lose weight and exercise by walking. Man, I just love getting that advice, then coming home and reporting it to my wife! "Sorry, honey - doctor's orders!"

rhjanes
07-12-2007, 15:04
When you get to be my age, every specialist you run into tells you to lose weight and exercise by walking. Man, I just love getting that advice, then coming home and reporting it to my wife! "Sorry, honey - doctor's orders!"
I'll have to remember that one! :D ;)

Panzer1
07-12-2007, 15:57
Why don't you post your gear list? We'll give it the once-over.

Panzer

FanaticFringer
07-12-2007, 16:37
Lone Wolf hit it 100% spot on the money. :)

:welcome

I'll second that.

Martigan
07-12-2007, 16:45
Why don't you post your gear list? We'll give it the once-over.

Panzer

Sorry Panzer, I have not even gotten to that point yet. Right now I am focused on saving money to supplement my income while I am gone. I presently work at a university where they will give me a sabbatical, but that would be unpaid. So far from what I have been reading from different sources, I will have to at least spend about $5000 for a succesful trip. However, this does not include supplementing my income while I am away for 5 or 6 months which would be in the range of $18,000. So alltogether to make my dream come true, I have to save at least $23,000 in the next two years. Wish me luck.

Chaco Taco
07-12-2007, 16:57
$5000??? Have you not purchased any gear?
Unless youplan on staying a a hotel every night, look at spending about $2000-$2500 on the trail.
If you are buying gear, check out sierra trading post online. Good deals.
Oh yea, and weight is everything.

Lilred
07-12-2007, 17:14
Sorry Panzer, I have not even gotten to that point yet. Right now I am focused on saving money to supplement my income while I am gone. I presently work at a university where they will give me a sabbatical, but that would be unpaid. So far from what I have been reading from different sources, I will have to at least spend about $5000 for a succesful trip. However, this does not include supplementing my income while I am away for 5 or 6 months which would be in the range of $18,000. So alltogether to make my dream come true, I have to save at least $23,000 in the next two years. Wish me luck.


I'm in the same boat as far as needing that kind of money saved up to do a thru hike. Yeah, you could do the trail for $2500, but I'd rather double that amount and not have to worry about money on the trail.

I was completely ignorant of backpacking when I came to this site. You'll learn everything you need to know about gear and logistics here. This place is a goldmine. :welcome

Time To Fly 97
07-12-2007, 17:18
Hi Martigan,

Start now.

Put your monthly savings into interest bearing accounts. Over two years time, compounding will shave off a few thousand. The sooner you start, the happier you'll be be when you MUST HAVE that steak or want to splurge on a hot tub in hanover, etc.

Happy hiking!

TTF

Shutterbug
07-12-2007, 17:37
Hi Martigan,

Start now.

Put your monthly savings into interest bearing accounts. Over two years time, compounding will shave off a few thousand. The sooner you start, the happier you'll be be when you MUST HAVE that steak or want to splurge on a hot tub in hanover, etc.

Happy hiking!

TTF

I certainly agree with putting the savings in an interest bearing account, but if he is starting now to save $23,000 over two years he won't be eaning a "few thousand." He will earn about $750.

Panzer1
07-13-2007, 01:38
It sounds like you might also add the cost of the gear to the $23k. Gear can be cheap or it can be expensive, depending on your taste. If you don't presently have any gear you could end up spending several thousand on gear also.

before you buy gear check with the fokes on this thread to see it they would recommend that particular piece of gear. That way you may save money. I know folks that did it the other way around. They bought the gear and then posted it here only to be told that they really didn't need it or could have found something lighter or cheaper.

Panzer

hopefulhiker
07-13-2007, 07:44
Welcome to Whiteblaze. This is one of the best info sites on the net to dig for information. Just like anything there are different hiking philosophies but this site includes posts from some of the most experienced hikers on the AT.. ( I am still an amateur)

sixhusbands
07-13-2007, 08:42
You are in for a journey that will give you memories and friends that will last for a long time. While I agree that weight is critical, please get in some kind of shape before you go. Strengthen your legs, core and heart. Legs are easy.. steps up and steps down. The heart gets tougher as you do more aerobic exercise ( walking , running, cycling). The core is vital for carrying the load up over and down the trail. (crunches, ball training, pilates)

When you are in good shape , you will enjoy what the AT has to offer , rather than hoping or dreading the next mile.

Are you going north or south?

SoonerTex
07-13-2007, 08:55
Sorry Panzer, I have not even gotten to that point yet. Right now I am focused on saving money to supplement my income while I am gone. I presently work at a university where they will give me a sabbatical, but that would be unpaid. So far from what I have been reading from different sources, I will have to at least spend about $5000 for a succesful trip. However, this does not include supplementing my income while I am away for 5 or 6 months which would be in the range of $18,000. So alltogether to make my dream come true, I have to save at least $23,000 in the next two years. Wish me luck.

I feel your pain. I am in the same situation, other than I have most of my gear. I am self employed and have to set aside at least 6 months worth of income for when I am on the trail. I do get to hike and camp on a limited basis, but will not be satisfied until I can do a Thru. You will learn alot from this site, as I have. Keep your sites on your goal and it will happen.

SoonerTex

jesse
07-13-2007, 10:32
Martigan,
Welcome to WB, from a MSU alumni, class of 1977. GO DOGS!!!
The first step is to get off the couch and start walking. Does not cost anything. I do not think it is a good idea to use a long hike to get in shape. Being physicaly fit is a everyday, life style. People who attempt to thru hike out of shape have a greater chance of injury, than those who are in good shape.
I would also suggest getting out and do as many weekend trips as you can. There are probably trails out on the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge. Is there a hiking club at MSU? If not you might be able to start one. I was in Tupelo a year or so ago, and stopped at a outfitter, and found out they have a active hiking club there, sorry can not ren\mber the name.
Any way good luck.

Martigan
07-13-2007, 11:09
Thank you all for your good advice. I plan on doing smaller hikes like starting out with a few miles and then finally getting up to 15 to 20 miles a day. I do not plan on thru hiking the AT for at least a couple years.

Martigan
07-13-2007, 11:11
Hey Jessebrent,

Go dogs!! I will look into a hiking club here on campus. I have been on some of the hikes down on the noxubee. They have some pretty good ones. You can bike those, but is better if you hike. Thanks!

leeki pole
07-13-2007, 11:40
You might check out Witchdance just off the Natchez Trace. A nice 2 day backpack, perfect for a weekend.

And jessebrent, my daughter is probably going to State next fall...hard for a Rebel to endure....;)

jesse
07-13-2007, 12:15
Leeki,

Ahh! A house divided!

I know what you mean. I have a half sister, and a nephew at "Ole Miss".