Backpacking cat?

[ChristaNJ]

I was hiking in Worthington State Forest (NJ) this weekend and heard from a thru-hiker that there is a man hiking with a cat in/on his backpack. I didn't meet him myself and am very curious about his set up. Has anyone come across him? How is he carrying the cat?

[Sierra Echo]

He wouldn't be the first.
I heard of a thru hiker who carried cat from Springer to Kathadin. The cat sat on the top of his pack and kept the mice back at the shelter. He found it as a kitten and by the time he got to Maine it weighed 13 lbs.

[sheepdog]

that would be Geek

[Jersey Tim]

David Miller ("Awol") mentioned a guy who did this in his book, Awol on the Appalachian Trail. The guy's name was Hot Dawg, and there's a picture of the cat on top of his pack.

[ShakeyLeggs]

That would be Geek and Ziggy from 1990

[Blissful]

078.jpg I met this couple in Vermont last year who were backpacking with a cat.

[PapaSmurf]

July 14th we met a thru-hiker named "Mountain Man" and his cat "Sir". He was hiking with "Birch" and "LOL". They briefly stopped by Birch Run shelter for food and water. They had already put in a twenty mile day and decided to make it a thirty, so off they went. I heard that they stayed at Pine Groove Furnace later that night. Could they be in NJ already?

IMG_3025.JPG

[PapaSmurf]

Another photo of "Sir".
IMG_3026.JPG

[Pedaling Fool]

Never took my cat backpacking, but he sure does love my smelly backpack when I get back from a trip, so maybe...

[nufsaid]

If the cat isn't carrying their own pack, or at least walking on its own legs, can it really be considered a backpacking cat? Maybe a backpacked cat is more appropriate? A backpacked cat is pretty cool. At least the dogs actually walk.

[Brewerbob]

Never took my cat backpacking, but he sure does love my smelly backpack when I get back from a trip, so maybe...

Now that is a cat. Those others are just little waifs. An extra 14lbs is a lot tho.

If the cat isn't carrying their own pack, or at least walking on its own legs, can it really be considered a backpacking cat? Maybe a backpacked cat is more appropriate? A backpacked cat is pretty cool. At least the dogs actually walk.

It's a well known fact that cats are smarter than dogs. Why walk when someone will carry you?

[sbhikes]

Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?

[Brewerbob]

Bringing a cat backpacking seems a little strange to me. Doesn't the cat get bored and out-of-shape?

You're bringing the wrong kind of cat. A cat that is bored outside? Maybe if you kept the cat IN a backpack the entire time. I'd be more worried about the cat running off. Need to get a kitten and get it used to following you around. Then you'd have a good trail cat.

[nufsaid]

It's a well known fact that cats are smarter than dogs. Why walk when someone will carry you?

As long as a cat is well mannered and kept on a leash I see no problem with them being on the trail.

[Brewerbob]

As long as a cat is well mannered and kept on a leash I see no problem with them being on the trail.

You really don't know anything about cats do you? No self respecting cat is going to walk on a leash. They might put the leash around your neck.

[trailangelbronco]

Has anyone ever taken a monkey on the AT? That would be funny. Monkey's are cool. That could be entertaining in the shelters.

[Majortrauma]

Has anyone ever taken a monkey on the AT? That would be funny. Monkey's are cool. That could be entertaining in the shelters.

THAT is hilarious!!

[WingedMonkey]

Has anyone ever taken a monkey on the AT? That would be funny. Monkey's are cool. That could be entertaining in the shelters.

There are already enough monkeys on the trail.

[trailangelbronco]

I now want to get a Monkey to hike with. I will get him a lil backpack and hydration bladder. A little tent and sleeping bag, too. He will chase the bears off and throw poop at the Rangers in the Smokies. This will be a new trend and REI& EMS will start selling over priced Monkey Gear.

Me and Monkey will end up on the cover of LL Bean wearing heavy and over priced flannel.

My Monkey will be good on the trail. If he act's up, I'll just spank my Monkey.

[mudhead]

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/bad-mon...er-ale/116126/


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