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View Full Version : Do you smoke on LD hikes?



rickb
08-25-2007, 11:14
This poll asks if you smoked on you last section, thru or long distance hike.

wrongway_08
08-25-2007, 11:22
I dont smoke - either stuff, smells, looks bad, better stuff to spend money on. So thats a no for me.

Skyline
08-25-2007, 11:24
Former 3 pack/day smoker; haven't since 7/22/96. How in the world do people who smoke backpack the AT?

Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-25-2007, 11:24
I quit that nasty habit decades ago. It would wrinkle my beautiful dinosuar hide. :D

Footslogger
08-25-2007, 11:24
This poll asks if you smoked on you last section, thru or long distance hike.

=======================================

Not sure ...I never checked. Now and then I get up quite a pace but doubtful that I generate smoke.

'Slogger

(Sorry ...just had to jump on that one)

rickb
08-25-2007, 11:28
How in the world do people who smoke backpack the AT?

Mostly on breaks or in camp. I don't know of anyone who smokes while walking.

Lone Wolf
08-25-2007, 11:42
Former 3 pack/day smoker; haven't since 7/22/96. How in the world do people who smoke backpack the AT?

Ask B. Jack. He's been doing it for years. Course he ain't normal anyway. :)

Lone Wolf
08-25-2007, 11:44
Mostly on breaks or in camp. I don't know of anyone who smokes while walking.

I've seen Jack do it going up hill

Freeleo
08-25-2007, 11:47
the question/poll quite obviously neglects to take into account all the possible plants one might partake in setting fire to and inhaling into the lungs......as i am thinking you might have already concidered this... the responses, if responded to honestly, would dramatically change the results....so why is there not an answer to mark that takes into account that evil herb reefer.....some might do both some might only do one and not the other....that is definately something to ponder when concidering who smokes on LD hikes.....and how the resulst might change........and please assume nothing of my habits from this post please...i do not smoke cigarettes or cigars, especially wouldnt want to when hiking

Alligator
08-25-2007, 11:54
I pretty much only smoke when I hike. Not while actually walking though.

Lone Wolf
08-25-2007, 11:56
the question/poll quite obviously neglects to take into account all the possible plants one might partake in setting fire to and inhaling into the lungs......as i am thinking you might have already concidered this... the responses, if responded to honestly, would dramatically change the results....so why is there not an answer to mark that takes into account that evil herb reefer.....some might do both some might only do one and not the other....that is definately something to ponder when concidering who smokes on LD hikes.....and how the resulst might change........and please assume nothing of my habits from this post please...i do not smoke cigarettes or cigars, especially wouldnt want to when hiking

so you're saying you smoke dope

Freeleo
08-25-2007, 12:01
rather pointing out that smoking cigarettes is not the only thing "smoked" on the trail and the question "do you smoke on the trail?" does not provide any kind of response to take those other things into concideration...thats all

wrongway_08
08-25-2007, 12:05
so you're saying you smoke dope


knew that was comming! :)

SGT Rock
08-25-2007, 12:07
I like to smoke a cigar in camp every once in a while. Didn't see that one listed. And no, it ain't a blount.

rickb
08-25-2007, 12:07
Poll is meant to ask about smoking cigarettes.

Smoking weed, or stogies around a campfire, is a whole nother kettle of fish, and is not the purview of this scientific inquiry into the predilections of the thru-hiking subculture.

Thank you for respecting the researcher’s intent.

Extraneous commentary is stongly discourged, as in keeping with the bylaws and original intent of the polling manefesto laid out in the user agreement.

Amigi'sLastStand
08-25-2007, 12:50
I smoke a lot less than normal, but still smoke. And yes, I smoke while I walk. I can also run a mile in just under 5:30.

Furlough
08-25-2007, 13:32
Never have never will.

Furlough

Skidsteer
08-25-2007, 13:33
I smoke a lot less than normal, but still smoke. And yes, I smoke while I walk. I can also run a mile in just under 5:30.

Same answer for me 'cept I can only manage to break 6:00 in the mile.

Lone Wolf
08-25-2007, 13:35
my best is 8hrs 10min for 50 miles

Skidsteer
08-25-2007, 14:14
my best is 8hrs 10min for 50 miles

Don't know if I'll ever go for 50, but I'm aiming to try a 26 in the next couple years just to see how tough it is.

Freeleo
08-25-2007, 14:25
Don't know if I'll ever go for 50, but I'm aiming to try a 26 in the next couple years just to see how tough it is.

if you can run 26 miles then you can quit smoking;)

RiverWarriorPJ
08-25-2007, 14:34
Jim Beam & cigs are most of my pack weight.....

Sly
08-25-2007, 16:28
I tried to quit this season, but that was a bust, still smoking.

Wonder
08-25-2007, 16:31
When I set out last year, it was with the intent to quit. Ended up that I was quite a popular person since I allowed myself some rolling tobacco. I don't think I could quit on trial.........too many smokers

Lilred
08-25-2007, 17:02
Quit smoking in Oct. of 2000. Haven't craved one since.

ozt42
08-26-2007, 00:22
I quit just before christmas last year and I still dream about smoking, the closest I've come to smoking since I quit was on my section hike this summer...

Krewzer
08-26-2007, 08:42
I tried to quit this season, but that was a bust, still smoking.


When I set out last year, it was with the intent to quit. Ended up that I was quite a popular person since I allowed myself some rolling tobacco. I don't think I could quit on trial.........too many smokers

I haven't smoked in about 25 years now and have absolutely no intentions of every smoking again. Quitting was the hardest damn thing I've done for myself, but the very best thing.

I tried the "quitting thing" by leaving them behind on a two week hike once. I spent the first week in a total funk of withdrawal and bought a pack at the first chance I had (actually more like 5 packs). It was just too much. I found I had to be completely focused and disciplined to get off cigarettes. The trail just wasn't the place for me.

Hang in there Sly, you'll be better off without them. Don't beat yourself up because it didn't work this time. Few actually make it the first time, or the second or third. It usually takes many attempts (I lost count). Give it a rest and start over, the sooner the better.

And Wonder, you're popular anyway. The smokes have nothing to do with it.

fehchet
08-26-2007, 12:49
I hiked from Erwin to Hot Springs and back in 7 days last spring. I spent a day in Hot Springs too. My feet took a week to recover.

The Weasel
08-26-2007, 13:39
Anyone quitting has my admiration, including (but not limited to) Krewzer. So many people sabotaged all my efforts (especially, but not only, me) until I was scheduled for heart surgery. Only then did "the likelihood of hanging clear my mind wonderfully."

The Weasel

kyhiker1
08-26-2007, 14:39
I havent smoked cigs in about 10 yrs. and would be foolish to start back.I must admit though that I do enjoy the occasional cigar at the end of a long trail.

SteveJ
08-26-2007, 17:01
I havent smoked cigs in about 10 yrs. and would be foolish to start back.I must admit though that I do enjoy the occasional cigar at the end of a long trail.

I know the question was about long trails, presumably a long-distance hike, but I think I saw that it includes section hikers, so I'll throw my 2 cents in.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=17784&catid=member&imageuser=6309

Have never considered my self to be a smoker. Have never smoked cigarettes - my mom would have killed me (she gave me and my brother and I an incentive she offered when we were 12 or so - if we hadn't taken a puff from a cigarette on our 16th b'day, she'd give us $100 - worth a lot more in 1974!). that being said, I do take along a small, flat tupperware container with 4 or 5 cigars on just about every trip! I may average smoking 1 cigar every 6 months - but find that I enjoy them a lot more when at the beach, on the trail (esp when by a good water source and can wash my face before bed), etc....

Egads
08-26-2007, 17:27
I have 3 friends & relatives who died from lung cancer. :(

All were chain smokers.:mad:

Egads

aaroniguana
08-26-2007, 20:17
I lost my mother to lung cancer recently. After nearly 30 years I've been smoke free for almost 3 months and I intend to stay that way. I started by making my workplace smoke free. I'm going to miss those guys...

shelterbuilder
08-26-2007, 21:12
I lost my voicebox this past May to cancer - they didn't say the cigs caused it, but they didn't say that they were not the cause, either. Oh, well, ***** happens...you wipe yourself and go on!

Jim Adams
08-26-2007, 22:33
Jim Beam & cigs are most of my pack weight.....

...So true!! But usually Jack Daniels and Marlboros.
I smoked 2 1/2 packs a day on my 1990 thru and 2 packs a day on my 2002 thru. I loved to smoke while hiking and it would drive the weekend hikers in the Whites crazy because by the time you got there from Georgia you were in such good conditioning that you could always out climb them by large distances. I would always be sitting at the top puffing when they arrived totally out of breath. I told them that I couldn't have a cigarette until I got to the top, that was the reason I was so fast. They would freak!:banana
I quit 28 months ago and don't miss it.

geek

stranger
08-27-2007, 02:07
I've smoked while long distance hiking (500 miles). I do plan on quitting before my thru-hike attempt next year but we will see how that goes. I've done long distance hikes as a non-smoker and to be honest didn't notice much difference in terms of difficulty, and my smoking hikes were done when I was older.

Obviously smoking is not good, in any way shape or form, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, on or off the trail. But honestly, you can still knock out the miles with relative ease once you get in trail shape. In 2001 I was passing hikers in the Shenandoahs who started at Springer, and I started in Waynesboro, smoking didn't seem to affect my pace or endurance much.

However, I can't help but feel like an ass when I take a break after a nice long stretch of trail and light up, and watch the others in disbelief that you are doing so. It's that "what are you an idiot" look. Then there's the cost, the smell, and the stench of whatever you are carrying your used butts in, and then there's lung cancer.

But yes...you can hike long distances and smoke, but I would strongly suggest smoking away from other hikers, away from shelters, and carrying your butts in a empty film canaster or 1-2oz Nalgene bottle. The smell of used butts goes right through a plastic bags!

Time To Fly 97
08-27-2007, 08:59
I smoke 1 or two a day to increase lung capicity. Helps on the uphills! Jack's got it right LOL!

Happy hiking!

TTF

chiefdaddy
08-27-2007, 19:54
But maryjane is my friend :D

Wonder
08-28-2007, 08:12
I haven't smoked in about 25 years now and have absolutely no intentions of every smoking again. Quitting was the hardest damn thing I've done for myself, but the very best thing.

I tried the "quitting thing" by leaving them behind on a two week hike once. I spent the first week in a total funk of withdrawal and bought a pack at the first chance I had (actually more like 5 packs). It was just too much. I found I had to be completely focused and disciplined to get off cigarettes. The trail just wasn't the place for me.

Hang in there Sly, you'll be better off without them. Don't beat yourself up because it didn't work this time. Few actually make it the first time, or the second or third. It usually takes many attempts (I lost count). Give it a rest and start over, the sooner the better.

And Wonder, you're popular anyway. The smokes have nothing to do with it.

Goodness knows I wasen't then.......I was a total newbie who had no business being out there.....I had no clue, having never backpacked before. I had the luck of being taken under the wing of a repeat hiker who showed me the ropes...........Nokia, I can never that you enough for that

JAK
08-28-2007, 10:00
I would use some vaseline before the chaffing got that bad.

Bluehaus71
08-29-2007, 06:09
No, but I used to a long time ago.

superman
08-29-2007, 09:26
I smoked for 35 years. I liked smoking. I used to blow peoples minds when I’d light up a cigarette after finishing marathons. When my sons were in high school, I gave them lecture #34. My sons actually numbered my lectures. On holidays, we still laugh about which lecture had which number. Lecture #34 was the one about “don’t do drugs.” That was when my younger son pointed out that I was doing drugs by smoking cigarettes. I got mad…I’d never done drugs…how could he equate my smoking with doing drugs? I checked into it and he was right. If you’re going to talk the talk you have to walk the walk so I had to stop. I opted for the Nicoderm 6-2-2 program. I failed the first time because I didn’t follow the program. I was pretty casual about wearing the patch. I was incredibly mad at myself when I started smoking again. I waited about a month and on 6 December 1996 I smoked my last cigarette thanks to strictly following the 6-2-2 program on the second effort. Now I’m hypersensitive to smoke…it’s yet another reason to avoid shelters.

CoyoteWhips
08-29-2007, 19:48
I lead a life so free of any vice that I require a cigar every few years to keep from accidentally ascending into Paradise, rather than over the next ridge.

JAK
08-29-2007, 20:10
I might try a pipe someday, before it becomes too trendy.

Dr O
08-29-2007, 20:30
I lead a life so free of any vice that I require a cigar every few years to keep from accidentally ascending into Paradise, rather than over the next ridge.

Paradise is a vice. Those who can stand hell while yawning are the truely viceless. :p

chelko
08-30-2007, 10:09
For me there is nothing better than sitting around camp after diner with a small fire(not this year) and sipping some Maker's Mark or Crown and lightin up that Romeo & Julieta Vintage number four. It makes the days miles all seem worth it to me.

bfitz
08-31-2007, 02:25
Seems to me most of the LD hikers I have encountered smoke (and drink). Even those that don't normally do so at home find something about a smoke around the fire at the end of the day hard to resist...I'm reminded of Jester's poem "Can I Bum A Cigarette?"...one of the masterpieces of hiker poetry...maybe he'll post it here if someone asks him nice....

Wonder
08-31-2007, 10:18
Jester.......
Will you please post "Can I Bum a Cigarette" Pretty, pretty, please.....with sugar on top....:D

Jack Tarlin
08-31-2007, 13:25
Bfitz....

Most of the long-distance hikers you encounter smoke and drink?

Um, I think this says more about the company you keep than it does about what most hikers are actually like! :D

The majority of hikers don't smoke or use tobacco; a large ammount smoke other things; most drink recreationally; many don't drink much or not at all.

And remarkably, they all seem to get along.

SteveJ
08-31-2007, 15:20
For me there is nothing better than sitting around camp after diner with a small fire(not this year) and sipping some Maker's Mark or Crown and lightin up that Romeo & Julieta Vintage number four. It makes the days miles all seem worth it to me.

my son came back from Europe a few months ago and a couple of Cuban Montecristo's showed up in my humidor.... dunno how!

talk about smooth......:D

birdygal
09-02-2007, 23:16
I just quit after 37 yrs of smoking 2 pks per day 3 months ago I did great till last week when my mom passed away I have not smoked yet and don't intend to but I sure have been craving one this past week. I used the prescription drug Chantix I tried every other method thruout the years it does work great especially for heavy and long time smokers

bfitz
09-04-2007, 00:20
Bfitz....

Most of the long-distance hikers you encounter smoke and drink?

Um, I think this says more about the company you keep than it does about what most hikers are actually like! :D

The majority of hikers don't smoke or use tobacco; a large ammount smoke other things; most drink recreationally; many don't drink much or not at all.

And remarkably, they all seem to get along.I bet at least 65% percent have some tobacco sometimes.

Krewzer
09-04-2007, 11:08
I bet at least 65% percent have some tobacco sometimes.

....how much money you got?

http://www.google.com/search?q=percent+smokers+2007&hl=en&start=0&sa=N
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517110542.htm
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=28213
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE7DC1330F935A15755C0A9609482 60
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2007_news/07-129.htm
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=39853
http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/greystone_46436.htm

...........still got money?

bfitz
09-04-2007, 13:14
....how much money you got?

http://www.google.com/search?q=percent+smokers+2007&hl=en&start=0&sa=N
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517110542.htm
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=28213
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE7DC1330F935A15755C0A9609482 60
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2007_news/07-129.htm
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=39853
http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/greystone_46436.htm

...........still got money?

I meant 65% of thruhikers.....

JAK
09-04-2007, 13:23
Also, keyword was 'sometimes'.

I smoked cigarettes for a few years. Medical reasons.
Doctor said I wasn't getting enough tar.

the goat
09-04-2007, 13:44
....how much money you got?

http://www.google.com/search?q=percent+smokers+2007&hl=en&start=0&sa=N
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517110542.htm
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=28213
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE7DC1330F935A15755C0A9609482 60
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2007_news/07-129.htm
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=39853
http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/greystone_46436.htm

...........still got money?

none of those links says anything a/b smoking rates among thru hikers.

horicon
09-04-2007, 15:09
I will take a drink in town.

Jack Tarlin
09-04-2007, 15:33
Bt02 wil "take" a drink in town?

Well......OK. I guess. But most folks pay for 'em. :D

bfitz
09-06-2007, 00:21
I'll take a cigarette from Jack's pack.

SteveJ
09-25-2007, 23:09
enjoy 'em while you can afford 'em....proposed $3 / cigar tax moving through the house:

http://www.scnow.com/midatlantic/scp/news.apx.-content-articles-BTW-2007-09-21-0019.html

at least it's down from $10 / cigar!

Socrates
09-25-2007, 23:19
I usually smoked 3 a day while I was out there and breathing was USUALLY never an issue... I'll be smoking again next year too... And I discovered that I can be quite the good alcoholic in trail towns. Yay!

Socrates
09-25-2007, 23:21
Jester.......
Will you please post "Can I Bum a Cigarette" Pretty, pretty, please.....with sugar on top....:D

And if I'm not mistaken, I bummed a cigarette from you at the hostel and you ended up giving me the rest of your pack.. How nice you were ;)

Newb
09-26-2007, 08:00
I smoke after sex. It's ok, though, 'cause I bought some asbestos underwear.

springfieldjones
09-26-2007, 10:57
I have been addicted for years and have tried to quit. I smoke much less hiking. I found American Spirits cigs are chem free, no added nicotine, and are organic. They smoke very slow and don't make me cough. Since I switched to them, I smoke less than half what I used to and I can smoke them on the trail. No breathing probs and no side effects. I also have a sardine habit, but we will talk on that later.

Newb
09-26-2007, 13:19
I have been addicted for years and have tried to quit. I smoke much less hiking. I found American Spirits cigs are chem free, no added nicotine, and are organic. They smoke very slow and don't make me cough. Since I switched to them, I smoke less than half what I used to and I can smoke them on the trail. No breathing probs and no side effects. I also have a sardine habit, but we will talk on that later.

I used the opportunity of hiking the Georgia section of the trail this past April to quit for good. I just hit the trail without smokes and suffered for a few days. The exertion of hiking helped me get over it. I haven't had one since..though there have been a few insane cravings. I simply will never smoke again.

There was an English fellow named "Ant" that I met at Walasi-Yi who had also quit a few years before. I'd almost given in to a craving when he "talked me down" that afternoon. I owe him a debt for that.

Freeleo
09-26-2007, 13:34
No breathing probs and no side effects.

all in due time.....denial is a funny thing...dont kid yourself and quite now...

jrwiesz
09-27-2007, 15:25
...that evil herb reefer...

Probably more benefits to it, than the "evil" many factions with their agendas lead societies to believe.:-?

I tend to agree with Footslogger; I can get a pretty rapid pace going:D , but never noted to be burning rubber.

Cosmic Crusader
10-23-2007, 20:46
When I attempted a thru hike about 10 years ago I did ...
now just when I sleep too close to the fireplace... lesson learned in Smoky Mountains National Park of all places...

Well after 20 years of smoking I did quit on my 37th and it was not very easy. I had decided many years ago I would enjoy it and I did, I never had the cough, I never really wanted to quit and I always knew in the back of my mind that the heart attack that killed my father, grandfather, and the ones that almost got several other members of my close family - well had something to do with their smoking habit.
I miss it every day some more than others and some not at all - but I do enjoy this living thing and I am quite sure the hike will be better without ciggs and all the tent and jacket burning I did in the past. I also now enjoy spending that 100+ a month of my past cigg bill on hiking gear and other items. Bottom line is if you do smoke enjoy the hell out of it cause its prob gonna cost you dearly, and if you just do it because your an addict - stop and spend your money on something you really enjoy - ie beer, liq, gear, strip clubs, beer, more better food ... the list goes on but mostly repeats...

EWS
10-24-2007, 00:20
Fifteen days since I quit! It isn't easy, but I feel much more in control of myself without the handicap.

nitewalker
10-24-2007, 07:44
no smoking for this kid. i quit smoking back around the 3rd grade when my dad caught me lighting fire crackers and smokin butts. we are all in the middle of nowhere and all of a sudden this voice comes roaring from the top of a nearby hill calling my name to get my ____ a$$ home now..that was the end of it 4 me.. no more butts.......my hiking partner frenchie has been known to hike while smoking..lol.................peace out, nitewalker

nitewalker
10-24-2007, 07:48
:-? i was once hiking behind a girl who was unknown and all i could smell was hair burning but no smoke....:D

superman
10-24-2007, 08:12
Smoking can definately be bad for you. I walked into a bar in Phu Loi where a bar girl walked up to me and asked me to light her cigarette. I whipped out my zippo to light her cigarette. She had just filled her hair with hair spray which ignited like a torch. People beat her head to put out the flames. That couldn't have been healthy. There's a good chance that I didn't win her heart or mind.:-?

nitewalker
10-24-2007, 08:16
Smoking can definately be bad for you. I walked into a bar in Phu Loi where a bar girl walked up to me and asked me to light her cigarette. I whipped out my zippo to light her cigarette. She had just filled her hair with hair spray which ignited like a torch. People beat her head to put out the flames. That couldn't have been healthy. There's a good chance that I didn't win her heart or mind.:-?



im sure she wouldnt last in california right now! its crazy over there rite now....:( are any of these fires affecting the PCT or any of the other trails in the area?:-? ....

birdygal
10-24-2007, 16:21
Fifteen days since I quit! It isn't easy, but I feel much more in control of myself without the handicap.


4 1/2 months since my last one and I am still struggling but then I had a 2 pack a day 37 yr habbit to let go of.

Krewzer
10-24-2007, 21:43
Fifteen days since I quit! It isn't easy, but I feel much more in control of myself without the handicap.


4 1/2 months since my last one and I am still struggling but then I had a 2 pack a day 37 yr habbit to let go of.

Hang in there...it ain't easy, but it's worth it. There's better stuff to do.

It was the 70's and I knew I had to give something up or die. Of all the crazy stuff that was hap'nin, and for no particular reasons, it boiled down to drinking whiskey, chasing women or smokin' cigarettes. One of them had to go. Being stubborn I chose the hardest. It took a bit of doing, but I don't think much about smokin' anymore. The drinkin never has hurt me much... if I stay away from the cheap stuff or young folks who think they can drink it all. But chasin' women? They're gettin' damn near impossible to catch and even more expensive than cigarettes. And the wife, she don't like it much. Which makes me awful glad I didn't give up drinkin'."
"....tales from a gravel road down south."

Uncle Silly
10-25-2007, 13:12
Mostly on breaks or in camp. I don't know of anyone who smokes while walking.

I know quite a few folks who smoke while walking. I generally wait until I get to a good break spot to have a smoke, but as a friend pointed out this year, I'd get more hiking in if I just smoked while I walked. (Tho I'd have to take time to roll cigarettes before leaving camp; it's hard to roll a cigarette while hiking...)



I smoke after sex. It's ok, though, 'cause I bought some asbestos underwear.

What are you doing wearing underwear during sex?!!?? Wait, nevermind, I don't really wanna know....