WhiteBlaze Pages 2024
A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook.
AVAILABLE NOW. $4 for interactive PDF(smartphone version)
Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store

Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: first time

  1. #1

    Cool first time

    im going to be hiking the LT at the end of june and throughout july. this is my first thru and im not quite sure what to bring. the big 4 obivsally and the basic stuff, but any extras? let me know.

  2. #2
    But I believe, yes I believe, I said I believe
    Join Date
    09-24-2006
    Location
    Between Kittery and Fort Kent
    Age
    33
    Posts
    2,576
    Images
    3

    Default

    What do you want to know? Have you ever backpacked before?

  3. #3

    Default

    nope. never.

  4. #4
    But I believe, yes I believe, I said I believe
    Join Date
    09-24-2006
    Location
    Between Kittery and Fort Kent
    Age
    33
    Posts
    2,576
    Images
    3

    Default

    What do you mean by the big 4? There are the three big things: backpack, sleeping bag, shelter.

    Outside of that you will need:
    stove
    clothing
    small first aid kit
    water drinking items(bottles, bladders, treatment, etc)

    I'm sure there's more, but those things immediately come to mind.

    I dont know much about the long trail, so I cant be much help as to what to expect on the trail.

  5. #5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kirby View Post
    What do you mean by the big 4? There are the three big things: backpack, sleeping bag, shelter.
    Sleeping pad.

    Going that early, I would suggest bug repellant, and possibly a headnet for the black flies. Careful as a deet based repellant will melt certain synthetic clothing.

    And make sure you bring a camera.
    "I too am not a bit untamed, I too am untranslatable,
    I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world." - W. W.

    obligatory website link

  6. #6
    Registered User 4eyedbuzzard's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-02-2007
    Location
    DFW, TX / Northern NH
    Age
    67
    Posts
    8,143
    Images
    27

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kirby View Post
    ...Have you ever backpacked before?
    Quote Originally Posted by Alyssa1 View Post
    nope. never.
    You should really get out on at least a few overnight or weekend trips prior to this. It really helps to work out all the odds and ends prior to a long hike.
    "That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett

  7. #7
    Registered User theinfamousj's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-23-2007
    Location
    UNC-CH, NC
    Posts
    705
    Images
    60

    Default

    Never been on the Long Trail, but seeing as how most folks on WB say it takes about the same gear as the AT: this gear list seems as good as any to get you started.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  8. #8

    Default

    You didn't ask, but I'll mention it anyway: I strongly suggest that you hike south to north. This will help get you into shape (physcially, mentally and emotionally) before you have to tackle the tough northern end of the trail.

    I agree; the gear that works on the AT will also work on the LT. The bugs seemed a bit worse on the LT, but it could have been just the time of year I hiked.

    If you'd care to look at my LT journal, it is located here:

    http://www.trailquest.net/RM2002ltjrnl.html .

    Good luck!
    RainmakerAT92
    www.trailquest.net

  9. #9
    Getting out as much as I can..which is never enough. :) Mags's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-15-2004
    Location
    Colorado Plateau
    Age
    49
    Posts
    11,002

    Default

    Ditto on the getting some practice backpacks first. They will get you in shape, let you test out gear...and they are fun!


    I wrote this primer for a beginners backpack I have lead in the past. While aimed for Colorado, the basics apply to most three-season hikes.
    http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.ph...rs-Primer.html

    Good luck..and have fun! The LT was my first long hike as well. It ruined me..for the best!
    Paul "Mags" Magnanti
    http://pmags.com
    Twitter: @pmagsco
    Facebook: pmagsblog

    The true harvest of my life is intangible...a little stardust caught,a portion of the rainbow I have clutched -Thoreau

  10. #10

    Join Date
    01-22-2007
    Location
    Middletown, Pennsylvania
    Age
    42
    Posts
    1,552

    Default

    A couple of my friends will be doing it right around the same time. If you see a beautiful woman named Angel and a crazy woman named Amanda, stick with them. And tell Angel to move to PA already.

  11. #11
    Registered User
    Join Date
    12-04-2002
    Location
    various places
    Age
    48
    Posts
    2,380

    Default

    The LT is a rough hike, I've made the trip twice, so that's something to consider when thinking about miles. Personally speaking, I find the section of the LT from Lincoln Gap to Canada rougher than anything along the AT south of New Hampshire.

    It's such a lovely trail though, so amazing. Also keep in mind that towns along the LT are not as hiker affordable as many along the AT, so staying at some B & B in Richmond can cost over $100 bucks depending on the time of the year.

    On going south, it's harder initially yes, but will get you in shape quicker mentally. The Long Trail isn't long enough to notice a big difference in fitness if you start out of shape in my experience, I've always felt it took me a good 300 miles to feel a difference, so not sure that starting in the south and hiking north will make a huge difference.

    Hiking north is kinda neat though, cause you finish at the Canadian border and the terrain gets better as you move north.

    Such a great hike!

++ New Posts ++

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •