A veteran on a much needed break needs help!!!

[jstuart5487]

My name is Joshua, and this is my first post in the forum. I am in the United States Army, and have completed 6 tours in Afghanistan. I am currently gearing up for my 7th tour and have been graciously awarded some much needed time off. I have decided that I need to get away from all of the noise of everyday military life. I have decided to go on a backpacking trip down the AT from Fontana Dam to Springer, and have no experience as a conventional backpacker. Before you balk at this, or decide to discourage me, i need to tell you a little more about myself. I am a very experienced special operations soldier and have 6 years of experience living out of a ruck-sack. I am in top physical condition and am accustomed to covering 15-20 miles under very heavy loads. My navigation skills are good, if not great, and I am completely self-reliant.
I am here because I have no idea where to begin as far as planning this trip, and I am willing to take advantage of any information that your experience has to offer. I would ask specific questions, but I am not entirely sure what to ask. While I am sure that I could push my way through this without help, I want to make this as enjoyable and as relaxing as possible. Any information that you guys can offer as far as gear selection, re-supplies, camp-sites, and realistic distances per day ( also, i love to fish, so some prime fishing holes would make me happy). I would like to thank you for your help in advance, and I hope to make some friends for future adventures.

Very Respectfully,

SSG Stuart, Joshua R.

[Ladytrekker]

Let me be the first to say Welcome and thank you for your service. This section is so doable for you and as far as gear goes do a search for gear there are alot of threads and you are in the right place you will gets lots of feedback.

A very grateful American.

[vamelungeon]

Go to a good outfitter and get lighter stuff than the military issues. Military hardware is designed for one-size-fits-all and to take abuse year after year, so it's heavy and doesn't always fit everyone all that well. Don't take MRE's, use dehydrated/freeze dried food. Get some good trail runners instead of boots.

[jstuart5487]

Thanks for your reply. I am not as worried about the gear selection as I am about the unknown variables of where to start and resupply. I always like to go out the door with a detailed plan, because that's how I've always made it home safely. I am very happy that i discovered this forum, because everyone seems so knowledgeable and friendly. And the wealth of information is almost overwhelming. I have no doubt that this site will be a valuable tool in my future endeavors.

[jstuart5487]

Dehydrated food... will definitely look into it. I'm definitely burnt out on MRE's. I have a pair of Merell's that are broken in and comfortable, so I think that I am going to try those. They worked well in the Hindu Kush. I am also considering bringing my vibram five fingers, but I don't know yet.

[Sierra Echo]

You should get a copy of the 2011 Northbound A.T guide.

[jstuart5487]

I will pick one up tomorrow. Thank you.

[ScottP]

I have decided to go on a backpacking trip down the AT from Fontana Dam to Springer, and have no experience as a conventional backpacker.

That's a great section. Backpacking as a hobby seems to be much easier than carrying all the stuff you need in the army. You should do fine.

I am in top physical condition and am accustomed to covering 15-20 miles under very heavy loads. My navigation skills are good, if not great, and I am completely self-reliant.

There's nearly zero navigation on the AT. I think the average distance between a blaze (white square the size of a chalk eraser marking the AT) is around 6 or 7 feet.

15-20 miles a day with heavy gear is a lot. Don't feel the need to carry heavy stuff on the AT. Also, there will probably be more up/down than other hiking you've experienced, as the AT is designed to go from gaps to peaks

I am here because I have no idea where to begin as far as planning this trip, and I am willing to take advantage of any information that your experience has to offer.
I would ask specific questions, but I am not entirely sure what to ask. While I am sure that I could push my way through this without help, I want to make this as enjoyable and as relaxing as possible. Any information that you guys can offer as far as gear selection, re-supplies, camp-sites, and realistic distances per day ( also, i love to fish, so some prime fishing holes would make me happy). I would like to thank you for your help in advance, and I hope to make some friends for future adventures.


Gear--Less is better. 'Base weight' is the weight of the gear that is normally in your pack. Food, water, and what you would wear in warm/dry conditions don't count. Base weights between 5 and 15 pounds are reasonable for non-winter hiking.

Realistic distances can vary--it depends not only on how good of shape you're in, but what you're in shape for and the experience you want out of your hike. A 'normal day' distance between 10 and 30 is reasonable. You'll do significantly less mileage on days where you need to resupply or plan some form of rest.

Resupply is very easy--every 3-5 days is a comfortable timeframe.

As far as info, you'll want some sort of trail guide. I recommend the ALDHA companion--you get a free electronic copy for spending $10 to join ALDHA. Then you can print off sections as you need from home, public libraries, etc. Maps are nice, but are far less useful and essential than you would think. The guides let you know where there is obviously good camping, water, roads, resupplies, etc.


3-4L of water-carrying capacity comfortable. There aren't many dry stretches, and that will give you enough water to 'dry camp' if you so choose.


As far as food, you'll want healthy dried stuff that cooks easily: instant oatmeal, minute rice, quinoa, instant grits, dried fruit, powdered milk, nuts, etc. It's perfectly fine to carry some fresh fruit/veggies if you want.

Bagels/pita/tortillas +cheese, peanut butter, jam, nutella, etc. are good snacks/meals, as are things like crackers, breakfast cereal, granola bars, etc.



Thanks for serving


Hermes

[Feral Nature]

Thank you for your service.

[jstuart5487]

ScottP: I am hoping to cover 15 miles a day. Its supposed to be more relaxing, instead of a workout. Although I may run, if the urge strikes me. I will keep your advice in mind and attempt to pack as light as possible. However, I am running into conflicting information in the topic of essential vs. non-essential gear. I will look into the ALDHA. I am beginning to get the feeling that a map and compass, while highly recommended, aren't absolutely necessary, because this leg seems to be fairly straightforward and well marked as far as I can tell. I will definitely have a comprehensive trail guide before i depart, however. The fact that potable water is plentiful is comforting. Dehydration isn't fun. As far as food goes, I think that i might lean upon jerky, dried fruit and nuts as staples because they are offer the most healthy calories. I don't eat grains, but that is a discussion best left for another thread. Thank you again for the advise.

I appreciate your grattitude, but I am not quite sure how to respond. I just answered the call like so many have before me, and so many will long after I am gone. I did it out of a sense of duty and a love for the people of this country, so when someone thanks me or wants to shake my hand, I don't really know how to respond. Ask any veteran who joined for the right reasons, and you will get the same reaction. We aren't good at accepting gratitude because we are used to being thanked for something that we know in our hearts is right.

Once again, thank you all for your invaluable advice.

[Lone Wolf]

www.hikinghq.net
talk to sgt. rock

[Hooch]

www.hikinghq.net
talk to sgt. rock

Agreed. It's not just a catchy name, Rock is a retired Army 1SG. Best of luck on your hike, soldier. If you've ever been to Ranger School, which I'm almost positive you have, you'll have no problems in the WNC/NGA mountains. It'll almost feel like home.

[Two Tents]

Thank you for your service. It sounds like you'll do fine. You have made it through some heavy crap being a special forces operator. Forget the 2 is 1,1 is none thing when backpacking. More like 2 is too many and 1 is probably too heavy, Ha Ha! Just go with what you will need to be comfortable. Even if you aren't all that well equipped you can get by with your history of making do in bad situations. Have fun and try not to over think every little detail. It is after all just walking.

[bigcranky]

You'll be fine. Seriously. That's a great section, with good climbs and some rewarding views.

Don't worry about your gear. Take a tarp or a light tent, a warm-weather sleeping bag, and some light weight hiking clothes. Your PT clothing would probably work; I hike in nylon shorts, a synthetic short sleeve shirt and trail runners. Bring a light fleece for cooler temps at night. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful, and you'll want some sort of water treatment. Everything will fit into a 50 liter ruck. Bring several water bottles, as you'll want plenty on the trail in this heat.

Resupply: You can get some food (and a nice meal) at Nantahala Outdoor Center. When you cross US 64 you can hitch east 10 miles into Franklin, NC, where you'll find a nice selection of supermarkets. Easy hitch, too. Then plan to hitch at Dick's Creek Gap into Hiawassee for resupply, and then get your final resupply at Neels Gap at the outfitter (or get a ride to Walmart just down the mountain.)

A Databook or one of the guidebooks will be a HUGE help on this hike. It'll tell you where the next water is (which is very important in late summer,) as well as the location of road crossings and towns for food and a shower.

I hope you have a good hike. Civilian backpacking is way different from the military, but mostly in a good way. Set an easy pace, and enjoy the freedom to walk without worrying about stuff.

[Snowleopard]

Joshua, go to the White Blaze home page and on the left side you'll see a list of articles, http://www.whiteblaze.net/index.php
One set of articles is about resupply. On most of the day you only have to carry 3 or 4 days food. You'll be regularly passing close to towns where you can resupply. Link to first resupply article, a little dated but still good: http://whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=resupplypart1

Gear will depend on what time of year you're doing it and what part. For Fontana to Springer in summer, you could get by pretty light weight. The less weight the more comfortable you'll be. Some of the very lightest gear is expensive, but it costs nothing to leave out stuff extraneous to your hike. SGT Rock's article is a good starting point: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...678#post206678

.

[Sailor (The other one)]

Thank you for your service. And come home safe.
Go here: http://www.whiteblaze.net/index.php , the home page of this site. Go half way down the page and look to the left. You'll see the articles section. Has just about everything you need to know, in detail.
One other thing. I'm a very cynical, untrusting pessimist. But on my five section hikes on the AT, I've met an incredible number of helpful people. I had lots of problems as I learned,, but someone always stepped up - or appeared magically - to help. You'll find good people on the trail.

[Rain Man]

I will pick one up tomorrow. Thank you.

You should get a copy of the 2011 Northbound A.T guide.

I'm guess she meant to say Southbound, as you will be heading south. Not that it matters a whole lot, but does make it a bit easier to read in the right order.

Thanks for your service! (And don't fret about how to respond, just stay safe.)

I'd guess 15 miles a day for you would be just about ideal. And you have some regular resupply possibilities. Don't be shy if someone offers you trail magic, offers to meet you with supplies.

Did you say when you are headed out? If soon, will want to check on water supplies for August. Some can dry up, but I don't think water will be a real problem. That section of trail has two trail maintaining clubs. You might want to contact them, too. They are "the horse's mouth" for up-to-date trail issues and advice too. In Georgia, it's the Georgia AT Club at http://www.georgia-atclub.org/. In that part of North Carolina, it's the Nantahala Hiking Club at http://www.nantahalahikingclub.org/.

www.hikinghq.net
talk to sgt. rock

Lone Wolf is correct!

RainMan

.

[-SEEKER-]

Joshua,
You have been given some very good leads here for planning your hike.
I am one of those who makes it a point to thank others for their service and if possible shake their hand. Nothing is expected in return. If you are not sure how to respond, just try a simple "you're welcome" or even just a nod of the head. We certainly don't wish to make you uncomfortable.
Thank you for your service and I hope you have a wonderful hike that brings you a great deal of peace and relaxation.

[DLANOIE]

Hey man, thank you so much for putting your life out there for me and mine! Best of luck on your hike.

[Liv2Ride]

Joshua. The water on the trail is not potable. It's not coming from a faucet. You will need to either filter it or treat it with chemicals. There are a few that drink straight from the water source and don't treat or filter their water but most folks will agree that it is wise to always use one method or the other. There are a bunch of ways to treat or filter water and depending on who you talk to the preferred way will vary.

Someone here suggested carrying 3-4 liters of water. In my opinion that is too much to haul all of the time. Definately have the means to hold 3 or more liters such as for camp use or for hot or dry stretches but don't bother carrying that much unless you know for sure that you need to. Check out your guide for known water sources and gage your decision on how much you need to carry based on whether it's a known year round source, a seasonal source, and what others are saying that have recently hike the stretch. Each liter of water weighs a tad over 2 pounds. That's roughly 6.5 pounds for 3 liters. 2 liters and max 3 liters should be more than enough to get you between most stretches. There are those that think 1 liter is enough between water sources but without knowing what your needs are and without knowing exactly where the next water source is I would carry more than 1 liter but no more than 3 liters. The camelbak bladder that you were issued is good to go unless you prefer to use gatoraid bottles, aquafina bottles, platypus bottles, etc., etc.

It may sound silly but I recommend that you pick up a set of hiking poles. The wal-mart variety will do in a pinch. After this adventure you can always decide if you want to invest in a more expensive gear.

Trail guides are invaluable but my Army mentality insists that I still carry a topo map and lightweight compass for the area that I am backpacking. Possibly a overkill for the AT but because I typically backpack in wilderness areas versus the AT it gives me a sense of comfort knowing that I have the ability to "see" more of my surroundings thereby giving me more options.

Gear is a personal choice and what works for one may not work at all for you. There are a number of gear lists that are out there that people have posted but review them with a clear head because what works for an experienced super ultralighter may make for a miserable or dangerous experience for someone without experience or someone that wants a few more creature comforts. That said, I totally agree that the lighter you can get your pack the easier the hike will be. Just don't leave out the components that you believe that you need to feel in control, to be safe and to be comfortable. Multi tasking individual items is one way to carry less.

If you are planning to drive and leave your vehicle at a trailhead, park it at the location where you intend to end your hike and get a shuttle to where you intend to begin your hike.

Good luck and enjoy the peace before heading back down range.

Hooah!