SNP hike this summer

[kohburn]

doing the same thing ashman, did snickers gap to harpers ferry last fall with 5 friends

doing snickers gap to mannassas gap this weekend with another 5 friends (some from the last trip) and we are all hammocking. everyone that went last fall bought hennessy hammocks and are all hooked on hammocking.

[kohburn]

Myself and three of my newly converted hanger friends will be doing a 50 mile stretch of the Northern half of SNP in May. It is my understanding we can hang almost anywhere assuming we are following the campsite rules. I was curious if any others had issues finding suitable places to hang not co-located with shelters.

can hang basicly anywhere, don't foget to get a backcountry pass at the ranger station first. its free, but they want you to have it if you aren't camping in designated camp sites.

[Satman]

Thanks kohburn... lemme know if you ever need some add'l comrades on your trips... I am sure our group could learn a lot from the more experienced folks on this site.

[Kobear]

Glad to see this thread! I'll be hiking from just North of Roanoke to Waynesboro during the second half of June and trying out my soon to arrive hammock for its first real run. What insulation do you plan to use?

Are you guys talking about the milkshakes at Elkwallow Store? I've heard those are fantastic.

Lastly, I help to oversee a two mile stretch of the AT from Elkwallow heading north...I'll try and get out there before you guys come through to cut the weeds down.

[kohburn]

Thanks kohburn... lemme know if you ever need some add'l comrades on your trips... I am sure our group could learn a lot from the more experienced folks on this site.

I should be planning summer and fall hikes also (slowly working our way down virginia a weekend at a time)

[AndyB]

Myself and three of my newly converted hanger friends will be doing a 50 mile stretch of the Northern half of SNP in May. It is my understanding we can hang almost anywhere assuming we are following the campsite rules. I was curious if any others had issues finding suitable places to hang not co-located with shelters.

I'm assuming you are staying on the AT. At each shleter (hut) are tent sites marked with little "triangle" icons. I had no problems at all finding good places to hang. At some of the huts are sites that are not good for hangers (open overlooks, wrong side of hill, too exposed). Have fun and make sure to take your underquilts and tarps. Weather changes quick: On a recent trip, one day it was 85 and hot. The next day was 50 degrees and windy with rain. That's life in the SNP. Bring duct tape 'cause blisters are like taxes - guaranteed to cause pain!

[Kobear]

Can you explain the connection between blisters and duct tape???

[Darby]

Can you explain the connection between blisters and duct tape???

If you pre-tape the areas on your feet that are prone to blister (heels & the balls of your feet), you wont get em. If you get a "hot spot" on your feet, stop right then & tape it, you may still get a blister, but the duct tape makes it bearable to keep on hiking. Don't forget to remove the tape at night to let your skin breath. Re-apply in the A.M.

[Kobear]

I can't believe I never heard of that...toes?

[titanium_hiker]

Duct Tape works really well* as well when you do get blisters (stupid brand new boots)- you'll have some sort of thing like cotton waste, etc, (I had a few "make up removers" that are flat rounds an ~inch-and-a-half (maybe?) and don't weigh much nor bulk much) That you can arrange to give the blister some padding - all the way around it works well- and tape that to your feet. I think the tape stops some of the swelling, kind of strengthening your skin so it doesn't pop out- that's the theory, anyway.

TH

* caveat I don't tend to blister much, I must be blessed... YMMV, worked for me.