PDA

View Full Version : Backpacking cat?



ChristaNJ
07-24-2011, 20:53
I was hiking in Worthington State Forest (NJ) this weekend and heard from a thru-hiker that there is a man hiking with a cat in/on his backpack. I didn't meet him myself and am very curious about his set up. Has anyone come across him? How is he carrying the cat?

Sierra Echo
07-24-2011, 20:55
He wouldn't be the first.
I heard of a thru hiker who carried cat from Springer to Kathadin. The cat sat on the top of his pack and kept the mice back at the shelter. He found it as a kitten and by the time he got to Maine it weighed 13 lbs.

sheepdog
07-24-2011, 21:14
that would be Geek

Jersey Tim
07-24-2011, 21:44
David Miller ("Awol") mentioned a guy who did this in his book, Awol on the Appalachian Trail. The guy's name was Hot Dawg, and there's a picture of the cat on top of his pack.

ShakeyLeggs
07-24-2011, 22:07
That would be Geek and Ziggy from 1990

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/9/0/7/Geek_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=11541)

Blissful
07-24-2011, 22:38
13061 I met this couple in Vermont last year who were backpacking with a cat.

PapaSmurf
07-25-2011, 10:04
July 14th we met a thru-hiker named "Mountain Man" and his cat "Sir". He was hiking with "Birch" and "LOL". They briefly stopped by Birch Run shelter for food and water. They had already put in a twenty mile day and decided to make it a thirty, so off they went. I heard that they stayed at Pine Groove Furnace later that night. Could they be in NJ already?

13167

PapaSmurf
07-25-2011, 10:07
Another photo of "Sir".
13168

Pedaling Fool
07-25-2011, 10:11
:-?


Never took my cat backpacking, but he sure does love my smelly backpack when I get back from a trip, so maybe...

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/9/3/6/2-17-08_005.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=26106&original=1&catid=member&imageuser=6936)

nufsaid
07-25-2011, 10:20
If the cat isn't carrying their own pack, or at least walking on its own legs, can it really be considered a backpacking cat? Maybe a backpacked cat is more appropriate? A backpacked cat is pretty cool. At least the dogs actually walk.

Brewerbob
07-25-2011, 12:28
:-?


Never took my cat backpacking, but he sure does love my smelly backpack when I get back from a trip, so maybe...

Now that is a cat. Those others are just little waifs. An extra 14lbs is a lot tho.


If the cat isn't carrying their own pack, or at least walking on its own legs, can it really be considered a backpacking cat? Maybe a backpacked cat is more appropriate? A backpacked cat is pretty cool. At least the dogs actually walk.It's a well known fact that cats are smarter than dogs. Why walk when someone will carry you?

sbhikes
07-25-2011, 14:13
Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?

Brewerbob
07-26-2011, 08:04
Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?You're bringing the wrong kind of cat. A cat that is bored outside? Maybe if you kept the cat IN a backpack the entire time. I'd be more worried about the cat running off. Need to get a kitten and get it used to following you around. Then you'd have a good trail cat.

nufsaid
07-26-2011, 08:44
It's a well known fact that cats are smarter than dogs. Why walk when someone will carry you?

As long as a cat is well mannered and kept on a leash I see no problem with them being on the trail.

Brewerbob
07-26-2011, 13:03
As long as a cat is well mannered and kept on a leash I see no problem with them being on the trail.You really don't know anything about cats do you? No self respecting cat is going to walk on a leash. They might put the leash around your neck.

trailangelbronco
07-26-2011, 14:07
Has anyone ever taken a monkey on the AT? That would be funny. Monkey's are cool. That could be entertaining in the shelters.

Majortrauma
07-26-2011, 14:53
Has anyone ever taken a monkey on the AT? That would be funny. Monkey's are cool. That could be entertaining in the shelters.
THAT is hilarious!!

WingedMonkey
07-26-2011, 14:56
Has anyone ever taken a monkey on the AT? That would be funny. Monkey's are cool. That could be entertaining in the shelters.

There are already enough monkeys on the trail.

trailangelbronco
07-26-2011, 16:22
I now want to get a Monkey to hike with. I will get him a lil backpack and hydration bladder. A little tent and sleeping bag, too. He will chase the bears off and throw poop at the Rangers in the Smokies. This will be a new trend and REI& EMS will start selling over priced Monkey Gear.

Me and Monkey will end up on the cover of LL Bean wearing heavy and over priced flannel.

My Monkey will be good on the trail. If he act's up, I'll just spank my Monkey.

mudhead
07-26-2011, 17:38
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/bad-monkey-chimp-chiller-ale/116126/


You know you would rather be on the cover of The Rolling Stone.

nufsaid
07-26-2011, 17:52
You really don't know anything about cats do you? No self respecting cat is going to walk on a leash. They might put the leash around your neck.

If cats are prone to violence all the more reason they should be leashed or contained in some type of enclosure.

trailangelbronco
07-26-2011, 19:30
There is a new joke brewing here.

A Cat, Bear, and a Monkey walk into an AT Shelter......

sheepdog
07-26-2011, 20:47
As long as a cat is well mannered and kept on a leash I see no problem with them being on the trail.


groan.......

Brewerbob
07-27-2011, 08:49
If cats are prone to violence all the more reason they should be leashed or contained in some type of enclosure.Who said they were violent? They know what they want and they expect complaince. You're parents displined you, were they violent?

Jim Adams
07-27-2011, 09:06
cats rock!

geek

tscoffey
07-27-2011, 09:29
If the cat isn't carrying their own pack, or at least walking on its own legs, can it really be considered a backpacking cat? .

For those who would demand that the kitty not be considered a backpacking kitty I say - HYOKH (Hike Your Own Kitty Hike);)

sbhikes
07-27-2011, 12:43
I've always wanted to take my parrot backpacking, but that would be too big a pain in the butt. Too much poop on my shoulder, too many scratchy claws grabbing my neck, too much ear-biting when the bird wants something and god forbid a hawk drop out of the sky and nab my bird. Oh, and no way would sleeping with a bird work. I tried that and it's really hard to sleep in a sleeping bag with a big giant bird sleeping standing up on your arm.

Brewerbob
07-28-2011, 07:45
I've always wanted to take my parrot backpacking, but that would be too big a pain in the butt. Too much poop on my shoulder, too many scratchy claws grabbing my neck, too much ear-biting when the bird wants something and god forbid a hawk drop out of the sky and nab my bird. Oh, and no way would sleeping with a bird work. I tried that and it's really hard to sleep in a sleeping bag with a big giant bird sleeping standing up on your arm.The backpacking cats might like it tho.

nufsaid
07-28-2011, 10:36
Originally Posted by sbhikes http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/Eloquent/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1184543#post1184543)
I've always wanted to take my parrot backpacking, but that would be too big a pain in the butt. Too much poop on my shoulder, too many scratchy claws grabbing my neck, too much ear-biting when the bird wants something and god forbid a hawk drop out of the sky and nab my bird. Oh, and no way would sleeping with a bird work. I tried that and it's really hard to sleep in a sleeping bag with a big giant bird sleeping standing up on your arm.




The backpacking cats might like it tho.

All the more reason for a leash requirement. I would support a exemption when staying in shelters. Any marking on equipment might be offset by mouse eradication. Of course PETA would likely have a problem with that.

Trailbender
07-28-2011, 11:17
I love cats, but I can't eat a whole one.

Brewerbob
07-28-2011, 13:19
All the more reason for a leash requirement. I would support a exemption when staying in shelters. Any marking on equipment might be offset by mouse eradication. Of course PETA would likely have a problem with that.Birds, mice; they're both crunchy and good with ketchup.

harryfred
07-30-2011, 21:03
13061 I met this couple in Vermont last year who were backpacking with a cat.
The cat looks a little too white but that could have been Yogi (was it a Calico). The dude lookes like SkidMark can not remember the chicks name.

harryfred
07-30-2011, 21:19
July 14th we met a thru-hiker named "Mountain Man" and his cat "Sir". He was hiking with "Birch" and "LOL". They briefly stopped by Birch Run shelter for food and water. They had already put in a twenty mile day and decided to make it a thirty, so off they went. I heard that they stayed at Pine Groove Furnace later that night. Could they be in NJ
alredy?

13167
STK The Lady Killer, aka Don Juan, aka Casanova, but you may call him Sir. I have heard of him but have not the pleasure to meet.

harryfred
07-30-2011, 21:25
:-?


Never took my cat backpacking, but he sure does love my smelly backpack when I get back from a trip, so maybe...

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/9/3/6/2-17-08_005.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=26106&original=1&catid=member&imageuser=6936)
My cats are the same way all over my gear figure that ia why I have never had a problem with shelter mice.

harryfred
07-30-2011, 21:27
Who said they were violent? They know what they want and they expect complaince. You're parents displined you, were they violent?
Cats are murder and mayhem in fur pajamas.

harryfred
07-30-2011, 21:28
cats rock!

geek
Hell nyeah they do:)

Jim Adams
07-31-2011, 12:29
Cats are murder and mayhem in fur pajamas.

THAT IS SOOOO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

geek

peanutbutter&jelly
07-31-2011, 14:34
the cat is yogi and the dude is skidmark can't remember the chicks name.met'em in the shinnys.great people....

nufsaid
07-31-2011, 15:05
the cat is yogi and the dude is skidmark can't remember the chicks name.met'em in the shinnys.great people....

Wonder who would be more likely to be seen "scooting" across a carpet. The cat or skidmark.

nufsaid
07-31-2011, 15:07
http://www.dr-dan.com/analsac.htm

nufsaid
07-31-2011, 15:21
I love cats, but I can't eat a whole one.

I love leftovers. I know in some cultures cats are considered a delicacy. Never tried one and have always wondered if they were light or dark meat.

nufsaid
07-31-2011, 15:36
Wonder who would be more likely to be seen "scooting" across a carpet. The cat or skidmark.

Cats are sneaky. My guess is this cat may have set up this innocent human to receive the trail name of skidmark.

couscous
07-31-2011, 17:56
Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?

"Sir" acts much like a dog. Comes when called, follows "Magic Mix" down the trail when not riding in his pack, gets along with "LOL"'s dog, doesn't bother other hikers. Basically, completely opposite of most cats.

Jim Adams
07-31-2011, 18:55
"Sir" acts much like a dog. Comes when called, follows "Mountain Man" down the trail when not riding in his pack, gets along with "LOL"'s dog, doesn't bother other hikers. Basically, completely opposite of most cats.

this is normal behavior for a trail cat.

geek

Skidsteer
07-31-2011, 21:14
Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?

As opposed to cats that stay home?

Jim Adams
07-31-2011, 23:54
Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?
Too many mice to get bored or out of shape....but they do grow fast with all of that protien!

geek

Brewerbob
08-02-2011, 10:08
I love leftovers. I know in some cultures cats are considered a delicacy. Never tried one and have always wondered if they were light or dark meat.In general I don't think meat eaters would taste very good. The grazers are the tastey ones.

harryfred
08-02-2011, 18:28
Still would like to know how Yogi made out, and any updates on Sir. believe there to be another cat on the trail met a hiker that "rescued" three kittens at Darlington shelter earlier this year. Two kittens found homes at the Doyle one with a ridge runner. I believe the third went on with another hiker.

stonedflea
08-05-2011, 13:11
this thread makes me smile. :) i'm sure sir is doing fine... his ownner's name is actually magic mix, not mountain man. magic saiidd he had a problem back in pa when it was so hot... since sir's black, he had to be careful not to expose him to the sun too much, so they took up night hiking. i did very early morning hiking with swayze to keep her from overheating. i'm not 100% sure where magic & birch are, but i guarantee they're almost halfway done w/ny, if not on into mass. we did do the 30 miles into PGFSP that day, and i ate the hell outta some cookies 'n' creme. :D -- LOL & Swayze

strollingalong
08-07-2011, 23:28
In the docu North to Maine theres a big hiking ginger cat that climbs up a dude and sits on his already huge pack in a storm.

CaptainNemo
08-12-2011, 01:07
Is the guy/cat combo from the documentary "North to Katahdin"?

wnderer
08-15-2011, 19:48
13588

Curly hikes with a cat in his backpack.:)

harryfred
08-15-2011, 20:07
this thread makes me smile. :) i'm sure sir is doing fine... his ownner's name is actually magic mix, not mountain man. magic saiidd he had a problem back in pa when it was so hot... since sir's black, he had to be careful not to expose him to the sun too much, so they took up night hiking. i did very early morning hiking with swayze to keep her from overheating. i'm not 100% sure where magic & birch are, but i guarantee they're almost halfway done w/ny, if not on into mass. we did do the 30 miles into PGFSP that day, and i ate the hell outta some cookies 'n' creme. :D -- LOL & Swayze
Magicmix:rolleyes: yeah I should have known that. Just bumping up the thread a bit to see if any one can give me an update on Sir. Wren is the one who first told me about him and I am sure she would also like to know. also still would like to know If Yogi ever made Katahdin.

CaptainNemo
08-15-2011, 22:50
I want a hiking cat! An orange one!

harryfred
08-18-2011, 21:13
Bumping it up one more time where are the hiking cats.

Jim Adams
08-19-2011, 17:32
Magicmix:rolleyes: yeah I should have known that. Just bumping up the thread a bit to see if any one can give me an update on Sir. Wren is the one who first told me about him and I am sure she would also like to know. also still would like to know If Yogi ever made Katahdin.

can only go to Abol Bridge...Baxter won't let them in the park...won't be on K.

in 1990 Ziggy did all but GSMNP and Baxter...only two places that they wouldn't let him on the trail.
GSMNP permit used to say "no dogs" but when they heard that Ziggy was coming, they blacked that out and stamped "no pets".

geek

harryfred
08-20-2011, 16:41
can only go to Abol Bridge...Baxter won't let them in the park...won't be on K.

in 1990 Ziggy did all but GSMNP and Baxter...only two places that they wouldn't let him on the trail.
GSMNP permit used to say "no dogs" but when they heard that Ziggy was coming, they blacked that out and stamped "no pets".

geek
Duh! (head smack) never quite put it together. Stiill would like to know how Yogi made out and if any one has seen MajicMix and Sir recently Wren is heading south from Katahdin now and would love a chance to hook up again.

WayOffTheTrail
08-26-2011, 12:08
I was curious about hiking with a cat when I saw this post (http://fivemillionfootprints.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-24.html) from a thru-hiker, which led me here. Looks like they are somewhere near Hanover.



Duh! (head smack) never quite put it together. Stiill would like to know how Yogi made out and if any one has seen MajicMix and Sir recently Wren is heading south from Katahdin now and would love a chance to hook up again.

harryfred
08-26-2011, 16:50
Thank you, I'll pass that info along Wren rarely visits WB and hiked with MajicMix and Sir I know she would be thriiled to run into them again.

stonedflea
09-16-2011, 09:02
magic's flipping up to katahdin out of gorham. :) so glad to have run back into him before his flip! i took a real nice nap with swayze and sir yesterday... they heart each other. :)

veteran
09-19-2011, 09:26
Just had to share this:


http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=13922&d=1316436793

ljcsov
09-19-2011, 10:45
I rescued a kitten a few months ago. She is very outgoing and almost dog like. You can rarely leave her alone and shes always up in your business! She follows me around the apartment and sleeps next to me at night. I would be afraid she'd run off and not come back on the trail.

Pedaling Fool
11-25-2011, 16:38
Maybe I should take him on the next trip, he's really been spending a lot of time on my pack lately
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Cat Pics/002.jpg



And if he's not on the pack he's in the leaf litter.



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/003-1-1.jpg (http://javascript<strong></strong>:void(0);)


http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Cat Pics/004-1.jpg (http://javascript<strong></strong>:void(0);)

Brewerbob
08-19-2015, 16:09
Cats are murder and mayhem in fur pajamas.

Yeah, aren't the cool?

Brewerbob
08-19-2015, 16:11
:-?


Never took my cat backpacking, but he sure does love my smelly backpack when I get back from a trip, so maybe...

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/9/3/6/2-17-08_005.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=26106&original=1&catid=member&imageuser=6936)

Your cat looks like the Tubby Twins; Samson and Paz. Paz is the "little" guy. His brother Samson is the muscle. 20 and 22 lbs respectively.

daveiniowa
08-19-2015, 18:21
Love the idea of the cat keeping the mice away!!! I am not sure I would be into carrying cat food, extra water, and a cat on my back. Then wake up one morning and find cat puke all over the floor of my tent. We have cats on the farm and they follow us all over when we go on walks around the farm. But after about ten or 20 minutes they tire out and lay down or we end up carrying them back home.

BirdBrain
08-19-2015, 18:34
Our Ragdoll weighs about 15lbs. I ain't lugging him around. :D

Traveler
08-20-2015, 08:03
"Best way to keep dinner fresh is to hike with it" W. Chin, China Super Buffet

EcoWarrior
09-04-2015, 12:04
I hiked with Ziggy and Geek in 1990. Ziggy did the whole trail and moused the shelters.