Appalachian Trail

[InVOLuntary]

Please don't.

It was a joke.

 

[SDV]

Always wanted to do this

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

I've done a couple of week long hike before. Short I know, but I've never had the chance to take a longer ones. I don't expect it to be easy. Which is why I'm starting to get ready for now. I'm probably going to a couple more week long hike over the summer/fall.

Week long treks are always nice but they do squat to prepare you. If you use the year to prepare yourself mentally, train your endurance, and build your muscle (and fat if you're skinny) then you can definitely do it. I've worked with a handful of people over the years who have done the AT, PCT or CDT. Hell I know a couple (now married) that met on the trail. Even met a guy who yoyo'd the AT one year (south to north then north to south). From all accounts its a great experience but it can be hell if you dont know what to expect. There is a reason so many drop, but there is also a reason why the number of thru hikers keeps rising-besides films like Wild & A Walk In the Woods. All thru hikers that Ive talked to have said the same thing; invest in boots and your gear above all else because they've seen 1st hand many strong hikers bow out due to failing boots or bad gear. Ive also talked to some old time trail dogs and they all tell me the AT keeps getting easier every year. More stores, shelter and drop points along the way. Then there are advancements in gear, technology and better trail maintenance than in previous years that also ease the load. So long as you are prepared mentally and have the right gear, the AT is yours if you want it. Good luck dude. :good!:

 

[Toujours Pret]

I've done some stretches from the Hudson to Kathadin, very pretty, but it's pretty rough at times.

 

[Grey_pilgrim]

Week long treks are always nice but they do squat to prepare you. If you use the year to prepare yourself mentally, train your endurance, and build your muscle (and fat if you're skinny) then you can definitely do it. I've worked with a handful of people over the years who have done the AT, PCT or CDT. Hell I know a couple (now married) that met on the trail. Even met a guy who yoyo'd the AT one year (south to north then north to south). From all accounts its a great experience but it can be hell if you dont know what to expect. There is a reason so many drop, but there is also a reason why the number of thru hikers keeps rising-besides films like Wild & A Walk In the Woods. All thru hikers that Ive talked to have said the same thing; invest in boots and your gear above all else because they've seen 1st hand many strong hikers bow out due to failing boots or bad gear. Ive also talked to some old time trail dogs and they all tell me the AT keeps getting easier every year. More stores, shelter and drop points along the way. Then there are advancements in gear, technology and better trail maintenance than in previous years that also ease the load. So long as you are prepared mentally and have the right gear, the AT is yours if you want it. Good luck dude. :good!:

Thanks! I think the mental part will be the toughest for me. I'm in decent shape. I have no problem investing in good gear and boots. I have a pair of Carolina boots that are my everyday shoes but they wouldn't work well for long distance hiking. I'm trying to sort through all the available info on gear/shoes to see what will work best for me.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Thanks! I think the mental part will be the toughest for me. I'm in decent shape. I have no problem investing in good gear and boots. I have a pair of Carolina boots that are my everyday shoes but they wouldn't work well for long distance hiking. I'm trying to sort through all the available info on gear/shoes to see what will work best for me.

Boots can be tough. Ive seen/talked to a lot of thru hikers while doing trail maintenance on the PCT. The Solomon trail running shoes were pretty common for a while. A lot of guys prefer the shoe to the boot because of the breathability (no more swamp foot). Some even do away with boots or shoes entirely and go with Chacos (seen it with several thru hikers). Asolo, Vasque, Salomon, Lowa are pretty common boots for thru hikers but beware of the drawbacks that a full leather boot has. If I were you I'd go with a mid level Salomon boot that some integrated mesh features.

 

[Grand Vol]

I swear by the Vasque Breeze GTX myself. Light enough to be comfortable, sturdy enough to wear a long time.