Any AT Backpackers?

sassyfrass2014

I'm planning on starting section hiking the Appalachian Trail starting in spring, but I'm still a pretty newbie backpacker. FI is very into it, and he's got me dreaming of a thru hike with him someday. I've been pulled into the world of gear research and thru-hike memoirs and I love it! Are any Knotties backpackers? Any chance I'll get to meet a few of you this spring on the AT?

labro

sassyfrass2014 said:

I'm planning on starting section hiking the Appalachian Trail starting in spring, but I'm still a pretty newbie backpacker. FI is very into it, and he's got me dreaming of a thru hike with him someday. I've been pulled into the world of gear research and thru-hike memoirs and I love it! Are any Knotties backpackers? Any chance I'll get to meet a few of you this spring on the AT?

My dad goes out on the AT with a group of guys as a newbie hiker but I've personally never done more than a few short hikes on the sections that are easy to get to from Atlanta. Definitely go to REI in Dunwoody for your boots and supplies though! I'm sure you're well aware of the cost but the investment in some good pairs of socks and a nice pair of hiking boots is well worth it! Plus they have some guys working there who really know the product well.

southernbelle0915

We're backpackers, but haven't done the AT. It's definitely on the list. I'd love to hear how it goes, because we were going to try and do a section this summer, but I got pregnant. Pros and cons, I keep telling myself...

WhatawagSBNy

I have done over 600 miles in segments, 4 long stretches and one only just over 50 miles plus sitting out a hurricane which left us on a mountain side with our tent set up in a cave while the world outside went crazy. Then for 3 days we could not cross the brook at the bottom since it was a raging river until the accumulated water went on it's way. So it ate up our time and supplies . I doubt I would ever have time to do the whole thing at once. But piece by piece in sections of 100 to 200 miles, yes.

There are small favorite sections of the trail I love and growing up here just north of Franconia Notch in New Hampshire, some stretches that are favorite day or overnight hikes that I have done, 12 to 25 miles including trails to the AT, at least 30 times. Other favorite trails cross the AT . More than 30 quick day trips up Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the summit of Mt. Washington, then down any of the 5 trails that will get you down in time for Sunset.
More than that on Franconia Ridge, which I have done at least early summer and in fall, all but 4 of the last 25 years.

Hiking is better than a shrink, and much cheaper. So if you pass through NH wave from the top of Mt. Lafayette or Twin Mt. or Mount Washington all off which we can see from one of the hills on our property.

Cookie Pusher

DH hiked a section of it when he was in scouts, but that was many, many moons ago. I don't do physical exertion (bad back, bad knees, bad ankles, bad feet... I really should just stay in bed forever), so I'm not much help, but I hope you have a safe trip!

kaitlynmichelle

We hike a lot and do overnight trips but I've never done anything to that scale. I work at an outdoor store so we have a ridiculous amount of gear. It is honestly ridiculous at this point the amount of outdoor stuffs we have.

Best advice we usually give would include good quality boots and socks, and a bag that properly fits you. I see too many people buying packs that are a low price or that doesn't fit but they like the style the most. They do not enjoy their trips so much.

WhatawagSBNy

Oh, yes . Function over style, every time. Boots, lots of clean dry socks, a well fitting pack and a rain slicker. And don't forget enough cord to hang food out of reach of bears, raccoons, weasels and other scavengers. All the fancy gear in the world is no help when it snows in June and August, and there are no Stores to replace food a bear ate.

Sections I have done, in North Carolina, NY, VT and NH, I can report that there is a healthy bear population. They are shy, but if you are picking blueberries in the morning, they come for breakfast, and they will stand across the clearing and HUH HUH huff loud and stare right at you, and you look right back and stand shoulder to shoulder with your hiking partner and step backwards to the side off of the trail . And walk away , while they have their breakfast first.

And in spring and summer, before you make camp in a clearing, look up. Mama bears have favorite babysitting trees. Two cubs, 20 to 60 pounds will go up a tree and stay there together for hours while MAMA bear hunts. You do not want to be below the treed cubs when MAMA returns.

kns1988

I've been hiking for many years and I've hiked a lot of the AT in Virginia and Pennsylvania, but I'm new to backpacking. My advice would be to pack what you think you need and then take stuff out! You don't need as much as you think you will. Also, get some good wool socks. My friend did the whole AT last year and it was a life changing experience. I would love to do it someday.

Have fun!

sassyfrass2014

@kns1988FI was actually raised on a sheep farm and his mother knits wool socks, hats, etc from the sheep that they raise! She knits FI's winter gear for him and is actually really good. 

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm SO excited, especially since we've really worked out a timeframe of when we can do a thru-hike. Not for a few years, but it makes it very real!

I've also purchased my first pack. I went with the Osprey Ariel 65 and I'm already in love with it!

slothiegal

I'm so jealous!  H and I talked about doing the AT when we were out on the east coast, but never got around to it.  

My first pack was an Osprey, and I loved it.  Keep us updated!