Felix
07-24-2005, 16:26
Hi folks, I was hoping that I could get some input on the choice between doing a SOBO thru hike and doing a flip flop (which would start in Harper's Ferry, go north, then either fly to GA and go up, or start back at Harper's Ferry and head south). The hike would begin in early to mid August. If possible, I'd like to do the full-on SOBO trip because I think I'd get more enjoyment out of doing so, compared to the mental gap that a flip flop has. My two concerns, however, are pretty major: fitness, and winter camping experience.
Fitness: I'm 26 and run 3-6 miles a day (the distance depends on a weather, time, etc.), but I am also overweight (I weigh roughly 195-200 lbs). If I attempted the SOBO hike, I'm concerned that my conditioning is such that I will just be asking for a disaster during the rougher terrain. A flip-flop, heading north from Harper's Ferry, however, would seem to give me more time to get into better shape before the really difficult parts of the trail. Is this a realistic time frame to go north from Harper's Ferry? Also, I understand that injuries are always a risk, so I guess my concern is that the risk of a SOBO hike might outweigh the benefits. I expect to not be terribly swift during the first days, especially if I start a SOBO hike, due to conditioning and the Trail itself. Any comments?
Winter Camping: Much more of a concern to me is my lack of experience with winter camping. I've got decent camping experience during the warmer months (nothing like a thru hike, though), but have only once gone winter camping, and that was a long time ago. Is this reason enough to not attempt a SOBO hike, or are the dangers reasonably easy to address as long as I use common sense? Do people think that winter camping is mainly an issue of the right gear, or is it dangerous enough that attempting a SOBO hike without having done winter weather camping experience is too dangerous regardless of equipment? Are there certain areas on the Trail that make a late SOBO hike unwise because the weather will require more experience than what I've got? I'm mainly concerned with being too far north too late in the year.
I know people that can send me supply drops, so that shouldn't be an issue.
I've really wanted to hike the Trail for several years, but I've only now found an extended period of free time to consider it. Assuming you think the idea is not a recipe for disaster, any suggestions regarding gear are welcome as well. Shucks, suggestions are just plain old welcome. After all, if good sense dictates, I can just hike south from Harper's Ferry instead of north, and do half the trail.
Thanks for the input.
Fitness: I'm 26 and run 3-6 miles a day (the distance depends on a weather, time, etc.), but I am also overweight (I weigh roughly 195-200 lbs). If I attempted the SOBO hike, I'm concerned that my conditioning is such that I will just be asking for a disaster during the rougher terrain. A flip-flop, heading north from Harper's Ferry, however, would seem to give me more time to get into better shape before the really difficult parts of the trail. Is this a realistic time frame to go north from Harper's Ferry? Also, I understand that injuries are always a risk, so I guess my concern is that the risk of a SOBO hike might outweigh the benefits. I expect to not be terribly swift during the first days, especially if I start a SOBO hike, due to conditioning and the Trail itself. Any comments?
Winter Camping: Much more of a concern to me is my lack of experience with winter camping. I've got decent camping experience during the warmer months (nothing like a thru hike, though), but have only once gone winter camping, and that was a long time ago. Is this reason enough to not attempt a SOBO hike, or are the dangers reasonably easy to address as long as I use common sense? Do people think that winter camping is mainly an issue of the right gear, or is it dangerous enough that attempting a SOBO hike without having done winter weather camping experience is too dangerous regardless of equipment? Are there certain areas on the Trail that make a late SOBO hike unwise because the weather will require more experience than what I've got? I'm mainly concerned with being too far north too late in the year.
I know people that can send me supply drops, so that shouldn't be an issue.
I've really wanted to hike the Trail for several years, but I've only now found an extended period of free time to consider it. Assuming you think the idea is not a recipe for disaster, any suggestions regarding gear are welcome as well. Shucks, suggestions are just plain old welcome. After all, if good sense dictates, I can just hike south from Harper's Ferry instead of north, and do half the trail.
Thanks for the input.