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jcheil
03-17-2013, 10:53
I had always planned to do a thru hike sometime around 2018 or 2019.

But for some unknown reason, or force within me, I sat at my cube typing away as a software developer last Friday afternoon and suddenly just said, "to hell with all this...life is too short". I went into my boss's office at that moment and told him I needed a Leave Of Absence for 4-5 months. I explained what I wanted to do and kept my fingers crossed.

Well, let's just say, my trail name could be "Awol v2.0" because they do not offer LOA's. However, he told me that he'd hire me back the day I return, so I guess it's not all that bad. And the irony of the "Awol v2.0" thing is that as you can tell from the little bit I mentioned above, my story/life is exactly, except for the slight ages in our children, the story of David Miller (Awol). So maybe I'll just shorten my trail name to "2.0" (two point oh) :) Obviously you have to be a computer geek to get the irony of that name.

So, I'm planning on leaving April 10th. I'm on a mad shopping spree right now to get everything I need. So suggestions are welcome.
I used to camp/hike (weekends) all the time back when I was a teenage living in Western Massachusetts, but have never hiked since then. Oh yeah, and been in FLorida since then too - so I am fearing the cold!

I will be asking a bunch of questions over the next couple of days so please bear with me and thank you for your answers.
And if anyone is leaving around that time, please let me know. I am hiking alone, but my Girlfriend and I are staying at the AFSP Lodge on the 9th and I start walking on the 10th.

This is the craziest, most snap decision I have EVERY made; but it just feels like the right thing to do at this point in my life.
Jay

aficion
03-17-2013, 11:00
Seems to be going around. Enjoy yourself, the trail, and all the new friends you are going to have. Treasure abounds.

rocketsocks
03-17-2013, 11:07
Jay, I suppose this is what is meant when Thoreau said to live deliberately, or at least the first step towards. Have a great hike, so many roads to choose, and you only just begun.....Cool

treesloth
03-17-2013, 11:26
Jay - I'm midlifin' it a bit myself here lately... and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I'm going to "AWOL" it myself and barring some unforseen circumstance, my attempt is slated for 2014. Don't know how long you've been down here but for me it's been long enough that I'm a total softie with the cold and concerned with that too. But having grown up in Pa and visiting every winter, I at least know what I'm getting myself into. I guess I'll be starting within a week or two of this time a year from today.

You hopefully only have 4-5 weeks of chilly weather left to deal with, depending on the fronts. These late winter storms are having their way, hope you don't see any of them. Good luck to you and have a great hike.

Feral Bill
03-17-2013, 11:42
Some books to start with: The Complete Walker IV and Advanced Backpacking
Everything you need to know in a convenient format.

Datto
03-17-2013, 11:49
April 10th is a great time to start a northbound AT thru-hike. That is when I started my AT thru-hike and for that year I couldn't have picked a better start date. You avoid much of the cold (you'll still have a little) and yet have plenty of time to reach Katahdin in one season.

Suggestions:

Gear -- Focus your dollars on lightening the weight of these three things that make a difference in being light weight:

* Backpack (make sure this is under 3 lbs empty weight -- if you have no idea what to buy, start with a Granite Gear Vapor Trail)
* Tent/Tarp (look closely at an 8x10 silnylon tarp -- lightweight but can still protect you from the wind and rain -- Youtube videos will show you how to set it up)
* Sleeping Bag -- 20*F bag or 15*F bag from a reputable brand name (if money is no object, get a Western Mountaineering down bag or a Marmot down bag)

If you can, get an insulating jacket that has man-made insulation since you'll be wet much of the time and the insulation of your jacket will likely be wet some of the time (down doesn't insulate much when it's wet). Don't buy a fleece jacket and expect that to work.

Clothes -- only take one of something (one hiking pants, one shirt, one rain jacket, one insulating jacket, one swim trunks/shorts) except for socks (take two pairs of socks). Don't take camp shoes -- just wear your regular hiking shoes. Don't take rain pants -- just take a rain jacket only.

You can get a down sleeping bag because you should be able to protect the down in a sleeping bag inside your backpack (whereas a down jacket will be outside your backpack and exposed to all the rain you're likely to experience). Keep the down sleeping bag inside it's stuff sack that it came delivered with and put that inside a trash bag that goes inside your backpack.

Sleeping Pad -- See if you can get used to sleeping on a Ridgerest. If not and you have lots of money and need a fancier pad to make it more comfy, look at a NeoAir pad (you'll need to keep it from being punctured but it is comfy).

Make sure to take three eyehooks and some string so if the wind and rain get bad, you can block the front of the shelter with your tent/tarp to keep the rain from coming in on you by stringing up your tent/tarp.

Take a Mylar space bag (made by the Space company or a company that starts with American something) -- those are the Mylar type bags that held up. If you run into bitter cold, you can put the Mylar bag inside your sleeping bag, put your body and heated hot water bottles inside the Mylar bag and you'll likely be toasty and will be able to get sleep even in the most bitter of cold nights on the AT.

Use Gatorade bottles for water bottles -- they're lighter than Nalgene bottles, they hold up well to the stresses of an AT thru-hike and when they get the green mold on them, you can just thrown them away and get new ones rather than having to clean out a Nalgene bottle.

Make sure you buy a pair of collapsible hiking poles -- they will help save your knees on the climbs and descents of the AT. You may be able to use them as the structure for your tent/tarp also. Leki is the brand that has the greatest market share.

Here are my articles with Datto's AT thru-hiking tips:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?8136-Article-Datto-s-AT-Thru-Hiking-Tips

Here are my articles to help the Class of 2013 AT thru-hikers (which you will be a member):

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?88908-Datto-s-List-OfTop-Ten-Likely-Benefits-From-Completing-Your-AT-Thru-hike&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?90391-Class-of-2013-Opportunity-Knocks&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?90526-Class-of-2013-Your-worries&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?90587-Class-of-2013-Chart-of-Mileage-For-A-Few-AT-Thru-hikers&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?90642-Class-of-2013-Why-Not-Just-Stay-Home&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?91005-Class-of-2013-Top-Five-Things-To-Make-You-Reconsider-Your-Upcoming-AT-Thru-hike&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?91338-Class-of-2013-Your-On-Line-AT-Trail-Journal&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?91308-Class-of-2013-Your-Celebrityness&highlight=
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?91524-Class-of-2013-Why-Not-Do-Something-Else-Rather-Than-an-AT-Thru-hike&highlight=


Datto

Datto
03-17-2013, 11:55
Also, get something to carry a large amount of water (such as a 96 oz Nalgene Canteen). The trips in the evening to get water can be way down a cliff and you'll want to get enough water for the evening meal as well as the water for the next morning, all in one trip in the evening.

Make sure you take some kind of material to protect your sleeping bag from the underneath side when you sleep in an AT shelter -- there could be barbeque sauce and other niceities on the surface of the shelter and you'll want to protect your expensive sleeping bag from that gak. Look at kite-weight Tyvek as the material -- it's lightweight and it holds up to the strain of an AT thru-hike.


Datto

Datto
03-17-2013, 12:11
As I'd said above about protecting your knees from the strains of uphills and downhills. The knees are the 2nd weakest part of your body. The mind is the 1st weakest.

An AT thru-hike is a test of adaptability so you'll want to relax from a day-to-day standpoint (and be happy you're away from the pressures of day-to-day coding and learning to enjoy the moment on the AT), even though it may have rained continuously for seven days. Humor is important. Also, there are lots of steep uphills and downhills on the AT -- it's something those who thru-hike get used to and just accept rather than saying, "Oh no, another one". If you start on April 10 at Springer Mountain, GA you have plenty of time to get to Katahdin in central Maine (my AT thru-hike took 195 days and I averaged about 12 miles per calendar day). You'll want to shorten that number of calendar days by a couple of weeks (I finished in a blizzard).

Money -- for an AT thru-hike you'll likely need a total $5,000 available to you from the time you leave your front door to the time you return to your front door.

Resupply -- if you have someone at home mailing things to you, that's great. If not, then you can buy along the way. Lots of articles here on Whiteblaze that tell you how to do that.

Planner -- get the ALDHA Companion (http://www.aldha.org) to help you with the stops along the Trail and the AT Databook (gives you the distances from one point to another) and the AT profile maps (profile maps help you plan your hike while you're on the Trail since the maps will show you the steepness coming up).

Places to make up mileage if you fall behind -- Virginia north of Waynesboro all the way to the southern Connecticut state line. In the beginning, don't rush -- that will save your body from the physical ravages of the terrain in Georgia and North Carolina and help to prevent your body from being injured (you'll always have scrapes and bumps).

Most difficult trail sections -- First place for difficulty is New Hampshire and Maine -- second place for difficulty is Georgia and North Carolina.

Water Treatment -- many people start with a water filter and then discard the filter soon after starting and instead, use Aquamira, Potable Aqua tablets (that's what I use -- not for people with thyroid problems) or Polarpure. Reason: the water filter is a big pain, weighs a ton, and the bad water always gets into the good water. Most AT thru-hikers eventually choose to use something with less weight and trouble and send the water filter home.


Datto

Datto
03-17-2013, 12:23
Boots -- most thru-hikers use trail runners (such as the New Balance AT series of trail runner shoes). There's a good chance your feet will expand on your AT thru-hike after a couple of weeks. Mine jumped from a street shoe size of 10.5B to a street shoe size of 12.5W and a trail running shoe size of 13 wide. That expansion has stayed with me since my AT thru-hike. You probably won't want to use those old-school heavy boots -- way too clunkly for an AT thru-hiker. Think light-weight. It's five million steps from Springer Mountain, GA to Katahdin in Central Maine.


Datto

Datto
03-17-2013, 12:27
Hat -- I use a balaclava type fleece hat that can cover the face if need be and that worked well for me on my AT thru-hike. After a couple of weeks you'll only be wearing it at night when you're sleeping. Make sure your rain jacket has a hood to cover your head in the driving rain.


Datto

Datto
03-17-2013, 12:31
Backpack cover -- you'll need one to protect your backpack from rain. Most use a lightweight silnylon backpack cover. Don't use a trash bag as a backpack cover -- the tree and bush branches will tear that up as you're hiking and your stuff will get wet while the silnylon backpack cover will hold up much better and keep most of your backpack dry (in case you haven't guess, everything will get wet and you'll be hiking in the rain much of the time for the first month or so and the last month of so of your AT thru-hike).

Also, there's another AT guide that has become popular in recent years that may allow you to lessen the number of map/guidebook items. I can't remember the name of it but you'll be able to see the name of that guidebook soon when someone jumps in to provide that guidebook name here for you.


Datto

q-tip
03-17-2013, 12:39
Great for You!!! I have some pretty extemsive gear lists with costs if you are interested, please send a PM
Q-tip

etboy
03-17-2013, 12:40
Good for you! You only live once.
If your at a complete loss on equipment, techniques etc, I would suggest Andrew Skurdas new book, its up to date, and in my opinion THE book that every new hiker should purchase. Also get a digital scale and weigh EVERYTHING. It is absolutely amazing how those extra half/three quarter ounces start adding up, let alone the almost eight ounces you can lose, not lugging that lightweight pillow/cushion along (don't ask).
Best of luck. Hope to see you on the trail.

jcheil
03-17-2013, 13:47
Thanks for all the great suggestions! Please do offer any more advice, I will greatly accept it.
And I have David Miller's guide book for 2013, I like that one best out of all that are available.
I'll have some specific questions that I will post later, if I cannot find them being answered in past threads.

Thanks so much again. I have to admit small periods of being nervous the past 48 hours since I made this decision but 99% excited. But, this AM I just paid for the plane tickets to Atlanda, and the room at the lodge, so I guess there is almost no backing out at this point!

q-tip
03-17-2013, 14:07
Base Gear List-7






Big Three:
Base Kit
Cold Base Kit
UL Kit
$ Cost









Granite Gear Crown 60
35.50
35.50
35.50
$200


o Cuben Pack Cover-
1.00
1.00
1.00
$55


· TT Contrail (Wild Oasis Tarp)
32.00
32.00
15.50
$200


o Ground Cloth
1.70
1.70
2.40
$8


o Stakes (10)-
4.00
4.00
4.00
$35


o Stuff Sack-
0.70
0.70
0.70
$20


· WM Alpinlite 15D (Kodiak 0D Tamarak 35d)
34.30
57.00
19.00
$465


o Stuff Sacks
2.00
2.00
2.00
$0


· Thermarest Neo Air (Foam Pad)
14.00
14.00
6.00
$130


Pad Stuff Sack
0.70
0.70
0.70
$0


Total:
125.90
148.60
86.80
1168.00



7.87
9.29
5.43










Clothing (Carried)













· MB Wind Pants-(Go-Lite Tumalo Pants)
3.10
7.00
3.10
$90


· Marmot Mica Jacket-(Go-Lite Tumalo Jacket))
7.00
12.00
7.00
$140


· Marmot Dri-Climb Vest
0.00
6.20
0.00
$100


· Mont Bell Down Camp Jacket-
6.60
6.60
6.60
$160


· Silk Lite Weight Sleep Shirt-
2.80
2.80
2.80
$24


· Silk LiteWeight Sleep Leggings-
0.00
0.00
3.20
$24


· Sleep Socks (1)-Wool
2.60
2.60
2.60
$4


· Hiking Socks (X-tra-1)-
2.60
2.60
2.60
$5


· Sock Liners (X-tra-1)-
1.00
1.00
1.00
$5


· Nike Hiking Leggings-
4.70
4.70
0.00
$50


· Fleece Hat (1)-
2.00
2.00
0.00
$10


· Running Gloves
1.00
1.00
0.00
$30


Camp Gloves
0.00
1.00
0.00
$5


· Garbage Bag Rain Shirt-
0.00
1.50
0.00
$0


· Stuff Sack-
0.80
0.80
0.80
$25


· Dirty Girl Gaiters
1.20
1.20
1.20
$20


· Pillow Cover
1.70
1.70
1.70
$25


Balaclava
0.00
2.00
0.00
$10


Bandana
1.00
1.00
1.00
$3


MLD Mitten Covers
0.00
1.20
0.00
$4


Camp Shoes
9.00
9.00
0.00
$15


· Mesh Camp Shoes
0.00
0.00
0.00
$10


Total:
47.10
67.90
33.60
$759



2.94
4.24
2.10










Hygiene/Medical/Emergency/Stuff













· Tooth Brush-Toothpaste
2.00
2.00
2.00
$3


· First Aid Kit-
1.20
1.20
1.20
$10


o Medical Tape-
-
-
-



o Gauze-1 Roll-
-
-
-



o 3 Band Aids-
-
-
-



o 3 Alcohol Wipes-
-
-
-



o Tweezer-






· Toilet Paper-
0.50
0.50
0.50
$1


· Hand Sanitizer-
1.00
1.00
1.00
$1


· Vitamin I-
0.00
0.00
0.00
$10


· Medications-
6.00
6.00
6.00



· Sun Screen-
0.00
0.00
0.00
$2


· Lip Balm-
0.00
0.00
0.00
$1


· Duct Tape-
1.00
1.00
1.00
$4


· Emergency Kit-
2.00
2.00
2.00
$8


o Needle-Thread-
-
-
-



o Safety Pins (4)-
-
-
-



o Tent-Pad Repair Kit-
-
-
-



Bladder Parts






· Bic Lighter (1)-
0.40
0.40
0.40
$1


· Waterproof Matches (1 Box)-
0.30
0.30
0.30
$3


· Spare Batteries-
0.00
0.00
0.00
$5


· Pen-Paper-
0.50
0.50
0.50
$0


· Head Lamp-
3.00
3.00
3.00
$40


· Trail Maps-
0.00
0.00
0.00
$25


· Deet-
1.00
1.00
1.00
$3


· Extra Plastic Bags-
1.00
1.00
1.00
$0


Food Bags






Garbage Bag-Grocery Bags






Stuff Sack
1.40
1.40
1.40
$25









Total:
21.30
21.30
21.30
$142



1.33
1.33
1.33










Cook System:













· Soto Stove + Windscreen
3.30
3.30
3.30
$65


Windscreen-Alcohol
0.00
0.00
0.00



· Stuff Sack (Stove)-
0.80
0.80
0.80
$0


· Fuel (4 oz)-
7.00
7.00
7.00
$4


· Oil Camp XLS Cook Pot-
7.90
7.90
7.90
$26


Pot Cozy
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00


· Spoon- (2)
1.50
1.50
1.50
$5


· Stuff Sack (Food)-
1.60
1.60
1.60
$25


· Bear Rope-
2.50
2.50
2.50
$0


· Towel-
0.50
0.50
0.50
$5


· Pot Stabilizer
1.00
1.00
1.00
$8


Bear Vault













Total:
26.10
26.10
26.10
$138



1.63
1.63
1.63










Water Treatment:













· Steri Pen w/ Batteries-Case-
4.60
4.60
4.60
$125


Spare Batteries
1.00
1.00
1.00
$10


· Aqamira Tabs
0.50
0.50
0.50
$6


· Nalgene UL Water Bottle (1)-
3.00
3.00
3.00
$6


Nalgene Soft Bottle
2.00
2.00
2.00
$8


· MSR Bladder (80 oz)-
6.20
6.20
6.20
$25









Total:
17.30
17.30
17.30
$180



1.08
1.08
1.08










Wearing:













· Ex Officio Long Sleeve Shirt-
7.10
7.10
7.10
$30


· Running Shorts-
3.20
3.20
3.20
$25


· Hiking Socks-
2.50
2.50
2.50
$4


· Sock Liners-
0.90
0.90
0.90
$3


· Hiking Poles-Leki-
19.40
19.40
19.40
$125


· Montrail AT + Train Runners
26.60
26.60
26.60
$75


Olympus Tough TG-320
5.50
5.50
5.50
$150


· Knife/Whistle/Compass-
1.40
1.40
1.40
$35


· Heart Rate Monitor-
3.20
3.20
3.20
$200


· Knee Brace
6.00
6.00
6.00
$30


Ankle Brace
8.00
8.00
8.00
$90


· Running Hat-
2.00
2.00
2.00
$20


· Glasses
3.00
3.00
3.00
$40









Total:
88.80
85.80
85.80
$827



5.55
5.36
5.36










Electronics:













· MP3/Headphones/Charger-
3.00
3.00
3.00
$85


· Cell Phone/Charger
4.30
4.30
4.30
$60


Camera Charger + Spare Battery
2.30
2.30
2.30
$20









Total:
9.60
9.60
9.60
$165



0.60
0.60
0.60










Other:













· Ditty Bag-
1.20
1.20
1.20
$12


o Credit Cards (2)-
1.00
1.00
1.00



o Cash-
-
-
-



o Drivers License-
-
-
-



o Insurance Card-
-
-
-



o Phone Card-
-
-
-
$25


o Extra Reading Glasses (1)-
0.70
0.70
0.70
$10


o Emergency Numbers-
0.00
0.00
0.00
$0









Total:
2.90
2.90
2.90
$47



0.18
0.18
0.18



Total Cost:



$3,426
















Food-Water













Water Carried-
33.00
33.00
33.00



Food-4 Days-2.0 Lbs/Day (32 OZ.)
128.00
128.00
128.00










Totals:
161.00
161.00
161.00




10.06
10.06
10.06










Grand Totals:













Base Weight In Pack:
250.20
293.70
197.60




15.64
18.36
12.35










Weight Worn:
88.80
85.80
85.80




5.55
5.36
5.36










Skin-Out Base Weight:
338.20
397.86
295.75




21.14
24.87
18.48










Weight Pack+Food+Water
411.20
454.70
358.60




25.70
28.42
22.41










Total Skin Out Weight:
500.00
540.50
444.40




31.25
33.78
27.78










Total Skin Out/Body Weight (150 #):
3238.20
2940.50
2844.40




202.39
183.78
177.78

wornoutboots
03-17-2013, 17:04
Sweet Decision!!! Enjoy the Adventure!! & Your are Right.... Life is too Short, Live Everyday!!

k2basecamp
03-17-2013, 18:47
Yes, life is short. I assume you gave your boss sufficient notice and that's why you're leaving April 10th and also why you may be hired back at the end of the year. Unless you have been doing marathon training be sure to start out slow. Shin splints are common overuse injuries especially with the newer lightweight trail shoes. Many don't understand the effect of carrying additional weight on their backs combined with footwear that loses much of its impact ability and stability when wet which they will be most of the time.

jcheil
03-17-2013, 18:57
Yes, life is short. I assume you gave your boss sufficient notice and that's why you're leaving April 10th and also why you may be hired back at the end of the year. Unless you have been doing marathon training be sure to start out slow. Shin splints are common overuse injuries especially with the newer lightweight trail shoes. Many don't understand the effect of carrying additional weight on their backs combined with footwear that loses much of its impact ability and stability when wet which they will be most of the time.

I can't decide on footwear. I always hiked the weekend trips back in the day with boots, but I got a pair of trail runners lasdt year and have used them for general walking around (granted not up and down mountains) and "feel" like they support my feet well, and are lightweight. PS I am 6'2" 135lbs (and I eat non-stop; sorry to all that are trying to lose weight, I guess it's just something in my genes)

Does anyone "know" what actually causes blisters? Too loose footwear, too tight, not enough sock thickness, etc?

k2basecamp
03-17-2013, 19:10
Do you have a tapeworm?

prain4u
03-17-2013, 19:10
...... what actually causes blisters....Too loose footwear, too tight, not enough sock thickness, etc?

........Yes. :)

MuddyWaters
03-17-2013, 19:13
Could have just taken vacation for the first couple weeks, (if you could), and that way if it didnt work out, you wouldnt have ever quit.

k2basecamp
03-17-2013, 19:13
You do have a tapeworm, I thought so !

MuddyWaters
03-17-2013, 19:25
Does anyone "know" what actually causes blisters? Too loose footwear, too tight, not enough sock thickness, etc?

Blisters are caused by increased use of the feet, that the skin on the feet is not accustomed to.
Weight, mileage, footwear fit, footwear flex, socks, footwear breathability, even sock fit or type, all can play role

Even thru hikers who have made it far up north can get blisters if they do several much longer mileage days in a row than they are used to. The real cause, is subjecting the foot to more than it is used too.

I dont get blisters, I wear only the thinnest socks I can find (no cushion cyling /running mesh top), and highly breathable trail running shoes.
I carry a light pack, always under 25 lbs, and dont mind hiking in water or with wet feet at all.

I generally keep my shoes fairly loose as well, except for downhill.

jcheil
03-17-2013, 19:40
Could have just taken vacation for the first couple weeks, (if you could), and that way if it didnt work out, you wouldnt have ever quit.

Well, the company i work for filed Chapter 11, 3 weeks ago also. So although they MAY survive, I would be so crushed to miss this 'window" to leave for a hike if we all lost our jobs in June. So, in a way, it's a calculated risk.

Astro
03-17-2013, 21:08
Could have just taken vacation for the first couple weeks, (if you could), and that way if it didnt work out, you wouldnt have ever quit.

Just like AWOL

Datto
03-17-2013, 21:48
I can't decide on footwear. I always hiked the weekend trips back in the day with boots, but I got a pair of trail runners lasdt year and have used them for general walking around (granted not up and down mountains)

You may want to look into getting some Spenco Inserts (Hiker is the model as I remember). These are much better than the insoles that come delivered with New Balance type trail runner shoes. By the way, you take out the existing trail runner insoles before you put the Spenco Inserts into the trail runners -- you don't put the Spenco Inserts on top of the existing inserts.

I used Spenco Inserts the entire length of my AT thru-hike (as well as the length of the Pacific Crest Trail) and they are so much better than the insoles delivered with trail runners.


Datto

Datto
03-17-2013, 21:52
Also, If I were you I'd consider buying trail runners one size larger than you're currently wearing to allow your feet some expansion room as you hike north carrying that backpack. Your feet may start flattening out and if you don't have room inside the trail running you could get blisters when the waterlogged skin becomes soft and easily rubbed raw while carrying that backpack.

Trail runner type shoes usually last me 500 miles or so -- you'll want to be able to get resupplied with new trail runners periodically up the Trail.

Datto

jcheil
03-18-2013, 07:36
Just like AWOL

That's why I'm going to be "Awol v2.0" or just "two point oh" for short :)

Old Hiker
03-18-2013, 07:59
BAN-ZA-A-A-I-I-I-I-I- !!!!!

Go for it - sounds great. Datto has a lot of GREAT advice. I wore boots my 500 miles last year (- same brand - same type - 4th set over 6 years, 1 set still in the box, broken in and waiting for my next attempt -) never had a blister until my soft tissue injuries forced me to compensate by limping. I just hate wet feet.

Ridgerest closed cell pad did great for me. Finally got used to sleeping on the ground! SoLong 6 tent for room - LightHeart Gear dot com.

Log onto steep and cheap dot com - sign up for their alerts - some pretty good deals on name brand stuff you may want, but it's catch as catch can. You have to see it to grab it. The Black Diamond headlight is so great I've gotten 4. Got a 20* bag (down), compression bags, etc. The Honey Waffles on sale with Lance Armstrong's face on them are pretty good and pretty cheap right now.

Keeping a journal?

Good luck. Happy hiking.

jcheil
03-18-2013, 08:37
Yes, that was going to be one of my questions (the journal). I plan on writing a very detailed one. I'm a software engineer, so that means I overthink everything, and over-detail everything thus my journal will end up being in size competition with "war and peace" :)

I'd like to find a journal site/app where I can create my journal entries, attach pictures, GPS coordinates, etc while I am "offline" (i.e. if I have no cell/internet service) and then when I finally do have service, hit a button and they all get uploaded and any replies get download to me. I know I could do it manually with a variety of notepad apps, etc, but it would be awesome if someone wrote a journal/pix/gps app already (Android OS).

58starter
03-18-2013, 09:42
2.0 wish I was going with you, but I can't do a thru hike this year. I will be hiking March 30 -April 5 but farther north.
When you are spending your money on gear. Best spent on tent, sleeping system, pack. The rest can be changed out at any time and even thrown away when worn out. Get a good pair of hiking boots and break them in now.
Happy hiking.

Snowleopard
03-18-2013, 10:32
Datto's got a LOT of great advice.
You'll have a lot of fun.

Shoes/boots: probably, start with the trail runners you have now. Don't use cotton socks, just wool or synthetic. You need to figure out if they are too short for going down hills -- do your toes hit in front going down steep hills. If you don't have hills, find a steep ramp or bank, or even just raise one end of a board a foot or two.

Start walking more, with a bit of weight in a pack, BUT DON'T OVERDO IT. You don't want to start out with blisters or injuries. Increase weight and distance gradually. If your trail runners do OK with this, you're all set for shoes. You will need to replace them down the trail and you might need go up in size if your size grows.

Hoofit
03-18-2013, 19:12
I had always planned to do a thru hike sometime around 2018 or 2019.

But for some unknown reason, or force within me, I sat at my cube typing away as a software developer last Friday afternoon and suddenly just said, "to hell with all this...life is too short". I went into my boss's office at that moment and told him I needed a Leave Of Absence for 4-5 months. I explained what I wanted to do and kept my fingers crossed.

Well, let's just say, my trail name could be "Awol v2.0" because they do not offer LOA's. However, he told me that he'd hire me back the day I return, so I guess it's not all that bad. And the irony of the "Awol v2.0" thing is that as you can tell from the little bit I mentioned above, my story/life is exactly, except for the slight ages in our children, the story of David Miller (Awol). So maybe I'll just shorten my trail name to "2.0" (two point oh) :) Obviously you have to be a computer geek to get the irony of that name.

So, I'm planning on leaving April 10th. I'm on a mad shopping spree right now to get everything I need. So suggestions are welcome.
I used to camp/hike (weekends) all the time back when I was a teenage living in Western Massachusetts, but have never hiked since then. Oh yeah, and been in FLorida since then too - so I am fearing the cold!

I will be asking a bunch of questions over the next couple of days so please bear with me and thank you for your answers.
And if anyone is leaving around that time, please let me know. I am hiking alone, but my Girlfriend and I are staying at the AFSP Lodge on the 9th and I start walking on the 10th.

This is the craziest, most snap decision I have EVERY made; but it just feels like the right thing to do at this point in my life.
Jay

Somettimes those snap decisions are the best ones - I did the same thing in 2010, was reading a hiking book in Barnes and Noble one day, my wife said"go do it!", four weeks later I was was being dropped off at the Springer approach trail! ha!
Well I got 1200 miles before tha dear tick took me out, in Pennsylavania.
Be warned!!!
It, the "Trail", is very addictive and you may spend the rest of your waking hours either on the trails or home, fine tuning your next hike!
Do your self a favor and don't put a time limit on your thru-hike unless it is absolutely neccesary, you have until the middle of October to ascend Katahdin...
All the best - hope to see your picture back here at the top of Katahdin later in the year!

Rock Lobster
03-18-2013, 19:37
There are as many gear suggestions as people, but it comes down to what's right for *you* so a few questions before I offer any suggestions:

1) What gear do you already have that might be suitable to bring?
2) What is your approximate gear budget?
3) How important is comfort to you? How much discomfort are you willing to endure, on a daily basis, for several months?
4) Do you have any physical or health issues that might affect how much you can carry?
5) What do you know about your hiking style? For instance, do you walk fast or take your time? Are you a "grinder" that wants to walk every daylight hour or do you want leisure time?

jcheil
03-18-2013, 21:06
There are as many gear suggestions as people, but it comes down to what's right for *you* so a few questions before I offer any suggestions:

1) What gear do you already have that might be suitable to bring?
2) What is your approximate gear budget?
3) How important is comfort to you? How much discomfort are you willing to endure, on a daily basis, for several months?
4) Do you have any physical or health issues that might affect how much you can carry?
5) What do you know about your hiking style? For instance, do you walk fast or take your time? Are you a "grinder" that wants to walk every daylight hour or do you want leisure time?

1) What do I have now - I currently have, the pair of Smartwool Trekking socks I brought yesterday :) That's it!
2) Budget for gear - $3k-4k
3) Comfort - I've been in Florida 25 years. I HATE cold. That is my BIGGEST fear on this whole trip.
4) Health Issues - I have some spine discs in my neck (oh yeah, I *MUST* have a pillow) and lower back that can annoy me if i over-do-it, but a couple days of pain meds always fixes that.
5) Hiking style - I'd say I really like to push. I generally like to get an early start and would likely walk till dark, perhaps with some 9extended maybe) breaks in the middle. And I am a fast walker in general. BUT, I think I'd like to *TRY* to change that. I've been in a hurry my whole life. I think this is the perfect time for me to smell the roses.

And thanks so much everyone. I am sure you have given this advice many times before.

erieite
03-18-2013, 21:32
I am a 57 yr old who has had a lifelong dream to hike the AT. I am so with you on this adventure. I am seriously considering next year (2014) for my thru-hike. Hike on!

Rock Lobster
03-18-2013, 22:29
That is a pretty serious gear budget, which is awesome. It means you can go pretty light while maintaining a high level of comfort.

Here are some general suggestions that might help you get started, but never rely on the advice of folks you've never met. Pick one piece of equipment you want to start with (pack, perhaps?) and visit all of the gear shops in your area. Tell them what you're doing, and the info you just posted about your needs, and ask them to help you select something. Don't buy anything that first trip - just visit all the stores and you'll quickly get an idea who knows what they're talking about and who's just a bunch of college kids on break. Then go back and work with them.

Pack - For you, probably not the area to go ultralight. Minor back issues could quickly become major ones with the wrong pack, and advil won't get you through 2200 miles because you won't have a few days to recover. Start with the Deuter ACT Lite, REI Flash and Osprey Atmos. Heavier but possibly more comfortable options include the Gregory Contour and Osprey Aether. There are others in the same classes, but these are the most popular and good places to start. With your back, avoid anything frameless.

Shelter - If you want to stay warm, skip the tarp and hammock options and stay with the classic backpacking tent. There are many, many options that will weigh about 2-3 pounds and vary in price from $200-$500. Some top picks: anything by TarpTent (I like the Moment for comfort), and the Big Agnes Fly Creek Platinum. Spend lots of time online to narrow these down. Unfortunately a lot of them aren't stocked at most retailers for you to lay around in and get a feel for.

Sleep System – Spend your money here. Most people carry a bag rated around 30 degrees for a thru-hike. Supplement that with a silk liner, or a slightly heavier but warmer synthetic liner, and you can add 10 degrees to that rating. I recently did a lot of research on bags when I upgraded, and settled on the Mountain Speed at 32 degrees, on sale for $240, and 15.5 oz - the downside is it's pretty narrow. Mountain Hardwear, Western Mountaineering, and Montbell all make good bags. The North Face Cat's Meow has been popular for a while (but is heavier!). I'd recommend a down bag with a silk liner - just take care not to let it get wet. For a pad, avoid the closed-cell and inflatable kind and go for a self-inflating mattress for the most consistent warmth. Thermarest is the big dog in this market, and the Prolite is a warm, comfortable, and supremely durable pad.

Footwear – Make sure that it’s designed for your feet. It’s hard to find someone who truly knows shoes, but when they start talking about rands and lasts, start listening. There is no “best” shoe because there is no standard foot. I really like the Merrell Moab for its design and durability…but alas! It’s the wrong shape for me. So I don’t wear them anymore. Try on lots until you know what fits. One caution: avoid minimalist trail runners with next to no cushion; you will likely pay for the weight savings with back pain. Rocks are hard, and the shock will transfer up your skeletal system.


Cooking - Another question I should have asked is your level of outdoor experience. If it's low-medium, go for the Jetboil (I prefer the Zip; the starters seem to always wear out anyway) which has an integrated pot/mug. They're perfectly designed for boiling water quickly and with an absolute minimum of hassle. I held out for a long time but am a firm convert after last summer. If you like to tinker or experiment, try a homemade alcohol or beer can stove. Guys that have these tend to love them - probably because the end product is the result of their own energy, which is more satisfying. It's not for me - I just want hot water, right now...Jetboil.

Water – Filters are nice in that you can carry less water and drink from any source. They’re also heavier. I used exclusively filters until switching to Aqua Mira for a week last summer. I found it forced me to take more breaks while I waited the 5 minutes for it to mix. Steripens are another option that’s become popular. If you expect to carry water with you regularly, use AM or a steripen. If you expect to “camel up” at each source, you’re probably better off with a filter.

That’s the big stuff. You can pretty much just bargain hunt for clothes, raingear, and accessories like a headlamp. As a techie, you might be tempted to bring the office to the woods – don’t. Solar chargers won’t work on most of the AT because of the shade, for one. Plus, you’ll miss half the experience. My dad came out and spent two weeks on trail with my friend and I last summer – and we spent most of it laughing at him when he stopped to check his phone’s AT app and GPS. We’d argue over where we were, and our hiker’s intuition won every time. Bring a phone – but keep it in your pack, not your pocket. A kindle is a nice bit of gear if you’re a reader. Maybe a small ipod. Beyond that, skip the gadgets.

Hope this has been helpful. I’d love to hear how it goes, and if you have any other questions I’m happy to help!

flemdawg1
03-19-2013, 10:09
Since you have $3-4k go to your local running store or Dick's Sporting goods. Get some Patagonia Capilene 1 or set of long underwear, some synthetic shirts (a single ss and ls), a pair of long hiking pants and a pair of shorts. Then go to Mountain Crossings (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/default.asp) and let them help you get the rest. You'll drop about 1500-1800. But you will have the right gear, it will all fit and it will mostly be lightweight stuff.

If you decide to do it some other way (and there are almosts infinite other ways to do it (from thrift stores to mail order to REI)). Here's a good tried and tre gear list to guide you: http://www.backpacker.com/november_08_pack_man_/articles/12659?page=4

fredmugs
03-19-2013, 13:30
Does anyone "know" what actually causes blisters? Too loose footwear, too tight, not enough sock thickness, etc?

Here's what has caused the worst blistering for me:

1. Hiking too fast (I try to hike around 75% of what I could do given the terrain so instead of say 3.5 MPH on a flat I go about 2.75)
2. Boots
3. Lacing too tight (switching to wide width trail runners was huge)
4. Hiking socks (tried a lot and they all make my feet sweat too much - I mostly hike in cheap WalMart socks now)
5. Sock liners. Too restrictive and cuts down on the toe box wiggleability

Datto
03-19-2013, 18:28
A couple of other things to consider taking:

1) Earplugs so you can get some sleep in the shelters. Animals making sounds out in the woods, things scratching along the back baseboard and all the snoring may keep you awake.

2) Body Glide -- should be able to get a small (couple ounces or so of weight) container/stick from Dick's, REI or similar. Body Glide will come in handy when those shoulder straps or the waist belt or something else starts grinding a groove into your groove.


Datto

Datto
03-19-2013, 18:31
Wearing earplugs at night in the AT shelters will block all indications of sounds from the outside world that you'll think you're in management.


Datto

jcheil
03-19-2013, 19:07
You guys/girls all rock! Thanks so much.

I started a journal: http://www.trailjournals.com/twopointoh

I do have a LOT of "outdoor" experience. I camp frequently and am in the woods nearly every weekend, just never "backpacked".

As far as footwear, when you say your feet get tired, I guess I am wondering how I would know they are just "tired" or that they are "hurting" because of improper footwear/support/etc. Like if the bottoms or arches of my feet are hurting, is that a sign of improper footwear or is that normal "use"? I want to be able to spot a potential problem before it becomes a major problem.

Rwood
04-10-2013, 22:04
You may already be on the AT, but congratulations!!! You made the right decision. There's a lot of good info on this WB.

All the way Jay!