What do I need for a Long Trail hike?

[Kirby]

Not really sure what one needs for a LT section. I might hike Rutland to the border this summer if I decide against another foray into the 100 mile wilderness, although I'd like to climb Katahdin once more before I leave for college.

[Deadeye]

Not sure how much detail you're after, but you won't often see temps below 40* in VT in July/August. Can get some frosty nights in September, but those are usually the calm, clear nights with perfect sunny days.

Rutland to Canada is about 2 weeks, and a beautiful, varied trail. Bring your own shelter, even if you like to use the shelters - the more popular ones are often full. OTOH, you can spend a lot of weekday nights alone, particulary north of Stowe.

[wakapak]

my guess is that you won't need anything that different than you needed on the AT. Just get yourself an LT guidebook so you know where to re-supply and the distances between places, and water sources and such.

[dloome]

Not sure if you're referring to gear, or what, but...

The Northern section is quite markedly more rugged than the section contiguous with the AT- I would definitely plan for more time between resupplies than you would on the Southern end.

As far as gear, I would think more along the lines of if you were hiking in the Whites. It's not nearly as harsh, but areas like Camels Hump, Mansfield, Jay Peak and several areas in between can be cold and exposed. I can recall a few surprisingly chilly nights on the Northern end of the LT.

You need the Long Trail map published by The Wilderness Map Company and the End to Enders Guide by the GMC. The store in Jay sells both, but is often out. There is a bookstore in... Newport, VT I think (?) that also sells both, if you haven't gotten them before you head out. I got the full guidebook before I first hiked it in 2006 and didn't end up carrying it. The thing is massively heavy.

Anyway, hope you can use some of that and good luck. Watch out for moose.

[Kirby]

Has the 2009 end to enders guide been published?

Guess I'll buy that map.

[Kirby]

Should I buy the end to end guide or the annual long trail guide? I just need info about towns and shelters and stuff like that.

[Low Impact]

Yo Kirby -

I End-2-Ended the LT in 07. I have to disagree with DEADEYE - I saw 35 degree temps south of Mansfield on my hike in August. Cold temps are certainly possible - especially above 4,000 ft. I'm sure you know this.

I would grab BOTH the Long Trail Guide, and the End-2-Enders Guide. LTG will give you trail/shelter descriptions and the E2E will give you town/lodging info. You don't need an actual MAP on the LT more than you would have on the AT. It's more personal preference.

Again, I have to disagree with DEADEYE. Even in the dog-days of Summer, north of the Maine junction - I camped pretty much alone at a shelter every night. Space WAS NOT a problem. Nothing like the AT in March or April.

Rutland to Canada is an awesome section. North of Brandon Gap - the trail slowly starts to get rugged. Think the Whites in terms of difficulty and weather. Allow time. It's gorgeous. Enjoy it.

Also - if you really want some SERIOUS info - attend the GMC's annual Long Trail E2E Workshop on May 21st. I'll be there as a panelist. It's a great little opportunity to learn more about the trail and what to expect.

Either way - you're going to have a stellar time. If I had to choose between N. Vermont or the 100 Mile, **** - I'd be hard pressed. Both are beautiful, rugged, and remote.

[DuctTape]

Should I buy the end to end guide or the annual long trail guide? I just need info about towns and shelters and stuff like that.

Just the end-to-end guide and a map are great... and AT gear as well, it's more or less just like the AT.

[vonfrick]

when you going kirby? me and warrghy are going to start in dalton around june 23rd and head up through vt. i did the lt in 07, but he's never been on the rutland to canada section. after that we're gonna be running shaws for a week for dawn then sh'es dropping us at baxter and we're walking back to monson. maybe this time we'll get to stop and say hello!

[vonfrick]

oh and i have to agree, vt is friggin cold.

[Slo-go'en]

Except for Camels Hump and Mansfield, the north half of the LT is pretty quiet. In the high use areas, the GMC wants you to stay in shelters unless they are full, and then you have to go off to where there are tent platforms. I'm not sure I'd bother with a tent, but since you never know, it would be worth having something.

The only thing I've used for my many trips to the LT is the GMC guide book of the Long Trail.

The section from RT4 to RT2 is reasonably easy,(and where you'd be most likely to run into boy scout or outward bound groups and the like) but doing 10 miles a day north of Mansfield is a full days workout and there will not be many others around.

I'm thinking of doing the LT again this fall in September.

[Kirby]

I'm gonna start August 1st from Rutland, hopefully finishing in time to get back down to Rutland for the long trail festival.

I might hit the 100 mile wilderness after, sorta depends when classes start at American in the fall.

Vonfrick:
If you two are ever in Portland, and I'm not hiking or on my way to school, get in touch.

[Kirby]

It the end-to-end guide published every year?

[BackTrack1]

I think it was last updated in 2007.

[Kirby]

Just picked up a Long Trail map, my local EMS did not have the end to end guide, guess I'll buy it online. Planning this trip had ought to cure the serious case of Springer Fever I have.

[Kirby]

I think it was last updated in 2007.

OK, just don't want to buy an older one if a new one is coming out.

[BackTrack1]

OK, just don't want to buy an older one if a new one is coming out.

I think you can only get them online through the GMC,
have a good hike, the northern section is very cool.

[Kirby]

It's interesting that you have to submit a journal when you apply for the end-to-ender patch.

[Jeff]

[QUOTE=Kirby;796710]I'm gonna start August 1st from Rutland, hopefully finishing in time to get back down to Rutland for the long trail festival.

The festival website says this years event is August 8th. Better reconsider your start date.

http://www.nvnohi.com/ltf/info/info.html

[BackTrack1]

It's interesting that you have to submit a journal when you apply for the end-to-ender patch.

yea, its kinda weird, but ive hiked a couple trails like that, i guess its so they can keep a semi accurate count of how many people actually hike the trail E2E, you dont really have to give them a complete journal, just a breif description of your trip so they know you were really there, thats all i did .
good luck and have a good hike !