The Five Most Influential Backpackers Of All Time

[Cadenza]

To those of us spoiled by modern technology, titanium, sil-nylon, Gore-tex, and canister stoves,.....Horace Kephart's book "Camping and Woodcraft" may be a bit dated. But I still think it is the best book ever written on the subject.

Someday I intend to do a trip with turn-of-the-century technology. Canvas pack, natural fiber clothing, cast iron skillet, and a slab of bacon.....
Come to think of it,.....bacon is really all you need!

[rafe]

Myron Avery? Built the freaking trail, or rather bossed people around to get it done.

Ed Garvey? I'll bet Garvey was known to most AT thru hikers who finished in the '70s.

James R. Hare -- edited that fat two-volume set of AT journals, published in '75.

Darrel Maret, published "The Philosophers Guide" -- first of the AT thru-hiker guides, mid '80s.

[modiyooch]

I read Peter Jenkins' "Walk Across America" in 1979 and by 1980 I quit school and work, sold my car and started the AT.

[lemon b]

Difficult question. But off the top of my head.

1) Dad
2) Kay Wood
3) James Taylor (The Long Trail)
4) Baltimore Jack
5) Chip Leonard

Favorate Whiteblaze personality Tipi Walter.

Except for Mr. Taylor & Tipi I've actually talked all of these people while hiking. Kay was the most interesting. Jack just a regular guy and Chip well different. But awhole lot more understandable after eating. That cat's personality really changes after chowing down.

[Cookerhiker]

William O. Douglas belongs on the list somewhere. (How many SCOTUS justices have hiked the whole AT?)

If we had a thread with this question regarding the C&O Canal, Douglas would be #1 without question - hands down!