View Full Version : To All past thru hikers.
I would like to know what you would do different if you were to hike the AT again. What would you change? What would you add? How would you lighten you backpack? What type hiking boots would you use? What type of food would you carry? Would you resupply more often to lighten the food load?
I would like your feedback on all parts of you thru hike. I plan to thru hike in 2012 and have never done a long distant hike before. In fact I have done very little hiking in the few years and I am 76 years old. I have always wanted the AT and tried in 2007 but has heart problems so had to stop. I have now had open heart surgery and a defibrilator install and the doctor says I should be alright to hike. One thing I do like about him is he is also a backpacker so he better understand what will work.
Thus I shall hit the AT on March 15TH of 2012. I plan to do a thru hike but if not go as far as I can. I plan to start off slow and let my lungs and body adjust to the mountains before I start trying to make much mileage. So any help or advice that you can provide would be much appreciated.
Tomman
[email protected]
You probably won't have the problem but if I were to hike it again I'd make sure I had enough money to finish. I've also reduced my pack weight since then. I started the AT with a 50lb pack which included 4 days of food. There's no need to start with over 20 lbs plus food and water.
Just take your time, about 8 miles per day for the 1st week ot two, then build up to 10 and 12 mile days. By the time you get to Hot Springs you'll start feeling better. Resupply as often as possible. IMO, it's silly to carry food when you pass within a few miles of a town. Since you're starting fairly early you'll have plenty of time to afford.
I also took two ibuprophen or aleve a night for the first few weeks whether I neeeded it or not. My theory was it would reduced any swelling that would or could occur in my knees overnight.
My next thru hike will change a lot because I have grown up, hike a lot more now and technology has changed so much but here are a few things that I could suggest that a lot of folks seem to do wrong (in my opinion):
get trail shoes vs. boots (unless you think you are super heavy or an un-stable walker - then maybe re-think thru-hiking)
plan very few if any mail-drops (only for select items - like contact lenses and new companion pages - stuff you can't just buy)
embrace "lightweight" as best you can but don't get too caught up in "ultra-light" - to me, there is a point of diminishing return - just don't carry a bunch of stuff - like water pumps - try to get your actual carrying pack weight with food and water at or under 30 pounds - - in mid summer, you should be able to get down to the mid-20s.
don't pump water - pumps break and clog and don't always work anyway - treat water with aqua-mira if you are going to treat at all
start out slow - like 8 miles a day all the way through GA - even if you can do more - - spend time gently stretching and relaxing if you finish early you'll be doubling that mileage and more before you know it.
obviously, due to your condition - pay close attention to your body but don't over-analyze - everybody gets stinky, super tired, and hungry - part of the deal
oh - watch your feet - don't use mole-skin - doesn't work (at least not for backpackers) - open blisters with a sterile needle and tape 'em down with duck tape (what I do) or a Dr. Scholl's blister pad - open em and let em dry out at night - they will callous over -- your feet will hurt for 100 miles - then they will be fine
4eyedbuzzard
01-02-2012, 10:14
Thus I shall hit the AT on March 15TH of 2012. I plan to do a thru hike but if not go as far as I can. I plan to start off slow and let my lungs and body adjust to the mountains before I start trying to make much mileage. So any help or advice that you can provide would be much appreciated.
Tomman
[email protected] another month and start April 15.
I started March 14th, no problem, just depends on the weather. Starting earlier allowed me to take time off to recover from an injury and still finish.
You're on the right track, start slow and build up. Good Luck.
Hey tomman there's actually a really good thread already about asking thru-hikers what they would do differently. It's given me a lot of tips and ideas for some things to do on my hike next year. Here it is: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?5505-what-would-you-do-differently&highlight=\%22differently\%22
I
Monkeywrench
01-02-2012, 17:56
- I'd go slower.
- I'd spend less time in town. (well, I say that now, but town has a very strong gravity when it's been raining and cold for 5 days straight).
- I'd try to worry less about making it to Katahdin and focus more on the day at hand.
- I'd do everything I could think of to lighten my pack.
- I'd blue blaze. A lot!
royalusa
01-02-2012, 18:31
My answer to this question is always "lower your pack weight!!!!". We thought we did a good job on analyzing and reducing pack weight before the start of our 2008 thru-hike. Well, 2175 miles later we determined that we did not do well at all. Our AT base weight was about 20 pounds. Now, we are around 10 pounds (if not a pound or two lower, depending on the season) and we enjoy hiking so much more. What really did it for us was listing every single item we carried in a spreadsheet and then asking ourselves, "do we really need it and if so, can it be replaced with a lighter weight item". Gone are the camp shoes, the "kitchen" (stove, pan, fuel, fuel bottle) and ground sheet for under the tent. Replaced with lighter items are water filter (clorox or Aqua Mira), packs, tent and sleeping pad (we now use just 6 sections of the z-rest rather than a full one). We read somewhere that cutting our base weight like we did means we now hike 5 more miles a day without expending any extra energy...now whether that is 100% true or not, who knows, but I can tell you it is a heck of a lot easier on our aging joints and is more fun (for us). As we tell folks asking this question, it's easy to carry a "heavy" pack for a weekend hike or even a several week hike....but carrying a "heavy" pack for 5+ months is not easy, nor necessarily fun (again, for us). But it's HYOH. You'll figure out what works for you. Good luck! Wishing you the best!
bamboo bob
01-02-2012, 18:44
I would only listen to long distance hikers about gear, food, miles etc. And I would only pay attention to people my own age and abilities, and sensabilities. Take no advice from 22 year old marathon runners unless you are one.
The PCT and AT are not the same. A tarp on the AT has to contend with much more than on the PCT.
Also avoid the post office as much as possible. A PO with a bad attitude can really mes things up for you.
Blue Jay
01-02-2012, 20:04
My list in the few years after my hike would have been much like those of the others in this thread. Now that I have flashed many times (fing long a$$ section hiking) I have realized my thru was absolutely perfect. All of it, even the cold wet tired and hungry parts were what was right for me at the time. Do what instinctively feels right to you and your hike will be perfect also.
My answer to this question is always "lower your pack weight!!!!". We thought we did a good job on analyzing and reducing pack weight before the start of our 2008 thru-hike. Well, 2175 miles later we determined that we did not do well at all. Our AT base weight was about 20 pounds. Now, we are around 10 pounds (if not a pound or two lower, depending on the season) and we enjoy hiking so much more. What really did it for us was listing every single item we carried in a spreadsheet and then asking ourselves, "do we really need it and if so, can it be replaced with a lighter weight item". Gone are the camp shoes, the "kitchen" (stove, pan, fuel, fuel bottle) and ground sheet for under the tent. Replaced with lighter items are water filter (clorox or Aqua Mira), packs, tent and sleeping pad (we now use just 6 sections of the z-rest rather than a full one). We read somewhere that cutting our base weight like we did means we now hike 5 more miles a day without expending any extra energy...now whether that is 100% true or not, who knows, but I can tell you it is a heck of a lot easier on our aging joints and is more fun (for us). As we tell folks asking this question, it's easy to carry a "heavy" pack for a weekend hike or even a several week hike....but carrying a "heavy" pack for 5+ months is not easy, nor necessarily fun (again, for us). But it's HYOH. You'll figure out what works for you. Good luck! Wishing you the best!
this person has two things figured out:
1) how to lower pack weight and
2) how to set yourself up to be in a really dangerous uncomfortable fix in bad weather
I'm just picking and being a little funny, but if I get my pack weight from 35 pounds down to about 27 pounds, that's good and meaningful and I'll go faster and more comfortably -- if I get it down to about 18 or 19 pounds, I'm really NOT going to go that much faster than at 27 pounds - certainly not factoring in the fact that I'm not sleeping comfortably at night and dodging hypothermia with the next cold rain storm.
Just my 2 cents
According to the ATC only 11 people over 70 have completed a thru-hike. I would have thought it was more, I hiked with several people over 70 this year.
Good luck, I hope you do well. Feel free to PM me if there's anything I can do to help. I'm near the trail in S. PA.
id sobo see it from a diffrent angle.
I would like to know what you would do different if you were to hike the AT again.
I would take triple the number of photos of people I'd me on the Trail than I actually had taken on my AT thru-hike.
Datto
you may just prefer a filter to drops... You may prefer a tent over tarp, etc. etc. My partner last year on the trail was 69 and loved his filter but went light on all his other gear, except food. I like a good tent, air pad, stove. Even w/ dog food I think my pack weighed less at around 30lbs. What I have changed is shoes - light and loose, most any decent runner. My pack weight has stayed about the same over the years. Weight saved on one piece of gear is traded for comfort or ease but more weight on another. Going sobo is great but Maine/ N.H. starting out, in my opinion would be more difficult. Don't get in a hurry or have a schedule. Figure out how many miles you like to walk on average and try not to go too far between resupply- as there is no need.Expect to be sore , tired, etc. for awhile. Above all enjoy yourself- smiles above miles
Nean has it dead on..stay within ur comfort zone no one else's. Take ur time rest and stretch it out when it feels comfortable to u I find that older folks can b more determined and scrappy then most enjoy the trail and keep on keepg on c u out there :)
brian039
01-03-2012, 19:40
I would have taken more pictures of people that I met. Everything else went pretty smooth, I spent more than I planned on but had enough money to cover it. Go at your own pace, but remember Katahdin closes when the weather gets bad or after Oct 15th, whichever comes first. There's a time and place to slow down and enjoy your hike but make miles when there aren't any roses to smell so to speak. I'd recommend not flip-flopping or you kind of get outcast from thru-hiker society, if that matters to you. No two thru-hikers have the same set-up but try to go as light as possible. The hike should be good for your heart but your joints will take a pounding, hopefully you're lucky enough not to get an overuse-type injury. You can try to prevent them all you want but it mainly comes down to luck. Take the hike one resupply at a time mentally and don't think about Maine until you get there. And yes definitely use the frequent resupply points to your advantage to lighten your load and if you get the opportunity to slack-pack, take it, your knees will thank you. Don't let anybody else tell you how you should hike your hike, meaning, there will be people out there who for whatever reason look down on people who take blue-blazes, slack-pack, etc. And the same goes for people who look down on people for following white-blazes only. It's a bunch of nonsense that should be ignored and you do what you want.
Differently? I'd blue-blaze, slackpack, and go SOBO.
My 1999 hike was "my own hike". (After all, nobody was hiking it for me.) But a second thru-hike for me wouldn't be nearly so "by-the-numbers" as my first.
As for gear, if you're still thinking about it much after the Smokies, you've pretty much missed the whole purpose of a thru-hike. JMO.
Tomman, Great Question! I admire you for setting out at 76.
I would have gone with a ULA Catalyst pack (made in the USA 3lbs) over my heavy Gregory pack. My Gregory is great but 3lbs vs. 5lbs 9 oz can make difference over time. I would have gone with a Big Ag Fly creek or tarp tent which are around 2lbs. Aqua Mira drops are way better than a pump. Invest in a good sturdy hiking shoe. Your shoes or boots should be about a half size larger than street shoes for going down hill. I took trekking poles and I would do it again!!!! Micro spikes for Ice early on or late for Sobo's like myself.
I should have invested in Gators. I would have used a smaller stove, Jet Boil is good but bulky. I like Snow Peak and MSR's Iso Butane products. I would have gotten a less bulky sleeping pad. Invest in a nice sleeping bag (do your research, the Marmot Sawtooth is alot of bang for the Buck) Montbell and Western Mountaineering are cream of the crop.
I recommend Patagonia Cap three tops and bottoms or Smart wool, a down sweater or a pirma loft sweater like the Patagonia Nano Puff. My EB first ascent worked well. Go with a 1 liter Platypus bag it can hold 1 liter of water or be folded away for storage. Poweraide water bottles work well on the trail.
If you are ever in East Tennessee and need some help come over to Little River Trading company in Maryville, Myself and my co-worker Wildcat, who is a triple crowner, can help you out.
If you or anyone needs any help with gear or trail advice come visit us at
http://www.littlerivertradingco.com/location-contact/
LRTC
2408 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Maryville TN 37408
At your age you may want to consider flip flopping, I hike with Tattor Chip age 63 who flipped. He did not have to worry about getting to Kathadin in time.
k2basecamp
01-03-2012, 23:40
I would stay away from trail runners. I prefer mid weight boots for support and protection. Flip- lops to wear around camp at night or lightweight sneakers (racing flats). Also good for stream crossings.Avoid staying at shelters you'll sleep better. Great for eating lunch or dinner at but move on for sleeping.Train beforehand with a walking program and carry a pack on alternate days to avoid stress fractureson the trail.
I think it wise to take any specific suggestions as only tentatively "right" for you personally (including any from me ...). Often it seems that I read a post and find that my approach on something is completely different. So listen to the ideas but then form your own conclusions.
k2basecamp's suggestions above are a good example. "Stay away from trail runners" --- I used trail runners on the AT despite an early (snowy) start, and was happy that I did so. I don't use flip-flops or any sort of camping shoe (and wouldn't want to carry them), and I found very little in the way of stream crossings on the AT. "Avoid staying in shelters": I stayed in shelters most of the time (caveat: easier perhaps with an earlier start) and this almost always worked out fine.
I certainly agree with the "train beforehand with a walking program" suggestion, but in fact I had foot surgery 3 months before I started the AT, and healed up so slowly that I had very little before-trip training. A bit of a tougher start as a result, but the trip went fine, I was able to toughen/strengthen up as I went along.
I don't mean to say that any of these ideas are 'wrong' (!), just that there is often more than one valid way to go about things in the varied and crazy world of backpacking.
most foot and leg injuries are caused by weight on the foot,
not what is on your foot.
Tomman,
I had open heart surgery this past October for a valve replacement. Working to get back in shape, takes time. I've done a fair amount of hiking in the past and looking forward to getting back at it.
Take your time, and listen to your doctor. Good luck and have fun !!!
Don't forget that all your gear items can be changed at any time. You can send home stuff you don't need, buy stuff you forgot, buy new stuff to replace stuff you can't stand anymore. Your whole hike can be a gear testing extravaganza if you want. The gear is the least of it.
If I did my hikes over again, I think I would try and worry less about mileage and not push myself so hard. I did enjoy the mileage, but I think maybe I forgot to enjoy other things as well.
Don't forget that all your gear items can be changed at any time. You can send home stuff you don't need, buy stuff you forgot, buy new stuff to replace stuff you can't stand anymore. Your whole hike can be a gear testing extravaganza if you want. The gear is the least of it.
If I did my hikes over again, I think I would try and worry less about mileage and not push myself so hard. I did enjoy the mileage, but I think maybe I forgot to enjoy other things as well.
Enjoyed meeting your mom this summer!!
jacquelineanngrant
01-05-2012, 14:02
I am sending the majority of my food ahead this time. Buying along the trail gets really expensive and time consuming. If you use flat rate boxes and ship everything before you leave (post offices and hostels will hold these for you) you already have a large part of the cost of a thru out of the way.
About_Time
01-06-2012, 17:42
At your age you may want to consider flip flopping, I hike with Tattor Chip age 63 who flipped. He did not have to worry about getting to Kathadin in time.
+1 on this recommendation. I think NOBO till around August 1st and then get to Maine and hike the other way. That gives you the best shot of doing the entire trail.
Chaco Taco
01-06-2012, 19:16
Im going to have a whole new system this summer. Most trail time as possible. Less time in towns. Less time in town equals more money and more time on mountaintops and in the woods.
motleybrews
01-10-2012, 02:46
Tomman, Great Question! I admire you for setting out at 76.
I would have gone with a ULA Catalyst pack (made in the USA 3lbs) over my heavy Gregory pack. My Gregory is great but 3lbs vs. 5lbs 9 oz can make difference over time. I would have gone with a Big Ag Fly creek or tarp tent which are around 2lbs. Aqua Mira drops are way better than a pump. Invest in a good sturdy hiking shoe. Your shoes or boots should be about a half size larger than street shoes for going down hill. I took trekking poles and I would do it again!!!! Micro spikes for Ice early on or late for Sobo's like myself.
I should have invested in Gators. I would have used a smaller stove, Jet Boil is good but bulky. I like Snow Peak and MSR's Iso Butane products. I would have gotten a less bulky sleeping pad. Invest in a nice sleeping bag (do your research, the Marmot Sawtooth is alot of bang for the Buck) Montbell and Western Mountaineering are cream of the crop.
I recommend Patagonia Cap three tops and bottoms or Smart wool, a down sweater or a pirma loft sweater like the Patagonia Nano Puff. My EB first ascent worked well. Go with a 1 liter Platypus bag it can hold 1 liter of water or be folded away for storage. Poweraide water bottles work well on the trail.
If you are ever in East Tennessee and need some help come over to Little River Trading company in Maryville, Myself and my co-worker Wildcat, who is a triple crowner, can help you out.
If you or anyone needs any help with gear or trail advice come visit us at
http://www.littlerivertradingco.com/location-contact/
LRTC
2408 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Maryville TN 37408
When I'm in the area, I always make it a point to come see you guys. Mainly for fly fishing gear, but the next time might be during my thru next year
Blue Jay
01-10-2012, 13:05
I am sending the majority of my food ahead this time. Buying along the trail gets really expensive and time consuming. If you use flat rate boxes and ship everything before you leave (post offices and hostels will hold these for you) you already have a large part of the cost of a thru out of the way.
The only problem with this is that often on the trail your tastes change. For example I hate pop tarts off the trail, looking at them makes me sick. On the trail I cannot eat enough. Please by all means do this, often you will get quite popular giving food away.
Blue Jay
01-10-2012, 13:05
I am sending the majority of my food ahead this time. Buying along the trail gets really expensive and time consuming. If you use flat rate boxes and ship everything before you leave (post offices and hostels will hold these for you) you already have a large part of the cost of a thru out of the way.
The only problem with this is that often on the trail your tastes change. For example I hate pop tarts off the trail, looking at them makes me sick. On the trail I cannot eat enough. Please by all means do this, often you will get quite popular giving food away.