View Full Version : AT Thru - 2012
Anyone planning on being on the AT next season?
I've got an early start planned for mid-February next year.
angrysparrow
03-26-2011, 09:58
Whiteblaze is probably a better venue for this question.
Anyone planning on being on the AT next season?
I've got an early start planned for mid-February next year.
My wife and I are giving serious thought to it....myself more than her...but her interest is piqued. I'm at the point where if she doesn't go...she would support my efforts. We're both retired so we have the time. I'm considering hiking a month of it this summer so I could start later in the season next year...or make it possible to hike less miles per day. Lots of options and things to think about between now and then.
Miguel
Whiteblaze is probably a better venue for this question.
Why? Can't we ask if people from this forum will be hiking on the AT next year? Some people from this forum don't like the atmosphere over there, compared to over here. This is a community for hammock hangers, not AT Enthusiasts. If the OP wanted to know what AT Enthusiasts were going to be hiking the AT next year, they should try Whiteblaze. :D
I kinda agree ..... We should be able to discuss a thru on here if it's hammock related ....... :eek:
Mockingbird
04-13-2011, 19:54
Anyone planning on being on the AT next season?
I've got an early start planned for mid-February next year.
I plan to start in GA early March 2012, using a hammock for shelter.
i should be hitting the trail in georgia in early april 2012. gonna be rocking a kilt and a hammock, looking forward to all the hanging.
Take-a-knee
06-07-2011, 17:12
Whiteblaze is probably a better venue for this question.
I would really question that.
kayak karl
06-07-2011, 17:29
WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS?? or are u just looking to hook up?
kayak karl
06-07-2011, 17:39
WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS?? or are u just looking to hook up?reason i ask is HF trimmed my gear
list a lot.
Cannibal
06-07-2011, 21:20
Mid-Feb? Plan accordingly!
It's gonna be cold, wet, windy, and cold. I would almost call rain gear a must on the southern AT until late March. Even if it doesn't actually rain, snow, sleet, or hail (probably will) the rain gear will do a marvelous job of keeping you warm on those windy days and nights. The bonus, the views are fantastic and forever!
Got a gear list put together yet? What's on your wish-list? Whiteblaze is a very good resource and the archives have pure AT gold contained within them. If you can get past some of the nonsense, there really is great info to be found over there. Baltimore Jack's Resupply Guide was probably the single most valuable piece of information I found online prior to my AT hike. Still, there are one or ten of us over here that have put boot to that trail. That Blackbird you have listed is a lot of cookie weight...just sayin. :D
its_all_good
06-28-2011, 08:19
@dipatlo My girlfriend and I (and our two dogs) are planning on hiking the trail next summer. We're not starting till April though so we probably won't get to meet.
We're actually pretty new to the hammock camping world (new enough that we don't even own any yet), but we want to try them out this summer and see how it goes. If it's as good as it sounds then we won't be turning back and we'll be hitting the AT next summer with our awesome hammocks! We're looking at going with the WBBB and a top quilt and most likely CCF pads (unless there's a miracle and money falls from the sky so we can get under-quilts). Haven't decided on the tarps yet, but again as cheap and as light as we can go works for us. Maybe the Edge tarp from Warbonnet since they give you a pretty decent package deal. In the meant time any input seems like good input so I'm all ears.
i should be hitting the trail in georgia in early april 2012. gonna be rocking a kilt and a hammock, looking forward to all the hanging.
Looking forward to meeting some good folks out there, so maybe we'll run into each other hbaum
@Cannibal - Yeah, I know the weather can be super craptastic that time of year, but unfortunately, that's our down time at work so it's the most feasible scheduling wise. I've only got a couple more things to buy/make to complete my kit, but I'm looking at a base weight of around 13 or 14 pounds. I'll post a gear list later. I have a few shake down hikes planned for the cooler months.
As far as the WBBB goes, well, I pretty much refuse to give it up. :lol:
My wife said to me, you are going to take that long hike aren't you? this was after I showed her my finished tarp and hammock. If possible I will leave about the first week in march if all the stars and planets and finances are aligned and the lottery comes in.
cinnamon
08-09-2011, 06:53
It's gonna be cold, wet, windy, and cold. I would almost call rain gear a must on the southern AT until late March. Even if it doesn't actually rain, snow, sleet, or hail (probably will) the rain gear will do a marvelous job of keeping you warm on those windy days and nights. The bonus, the views are fantastic and forever!
depending on the wheather at the time rain gear may be needed thru the end of june, if nothing else it will it will you something to change into when you get to camp.... i did the southern 1/4 from springer mt. in 2003 and it rained on me for close to 30 days out of the 42 i was out for. was a ground dweller at the time but will say this, practice, practice, practice, setting up / tearing down your tarp. hope it goes well for ya
I can still remember some freezing mornings more than 30 years ago at those Georgia shelters to this day. didn't have problems with rain till the smokeys but that Georgia mileage was freezing.
SnakeSession
09-05-2011, 14:50
I'm in the planning stage and getting the gear together for the AT solo starting in GA in 2012. Looking at a early March start. I'm near the mountains and will practice cold hiking/camping this winter with my hammock to get my cold sleeping system figured out.
Let me know if you want a re-cap of what I learned last winter in prep for mine lol What wonderful lessons.
Typingsux
09-06-2011, 14:07
If I sell my business I'm doing this next year.
Hammock for the nice nights, and tent for any rainy nights.
I find most tarps weigh more than good tents.
Mid-Feb? Plan accordingly!
It's gonna be cold, wet, windy, and cold. I would almost call rain gear a must on the southern AT until late March. Even if it doesn't actually rain, snow, sleet, or hail (probably will) the rain gear will do a marvelous job of keeping you warm on those windy days and nights. The bonus, the views are fantastic and forever!
Got a gear list put together yet? What's on your wish-list? Whiteblaze is a very good resource and the archives have pure AT gold contained within them. If you can get past some of the nonsense, there really is great info to be found over there. Baltimore Jack's Resupply Guide was probably the single most valuable piece of information I found online prior to my AT hike. Still, there are one or ten of us over here that have put boot to that trail. That Blackbird you have listed is a lot of cookie weight...just sayin. :D
PLUS: some of the support services aren't open or at least not fully functional for that early of a start. You may need to be prepared for arriving to a sign that says, "Open in 3 days" or similar.
Being a section hiker, I also second Baltimore Jack's guide to supply along the AT, stellar advice.
And, though it pains me to say, as Cannibal says, If/When I get to thru, I 'm leaving my Blackbird at home, going with something smaller / lighter. Being only 5' 7" I happily fit a Grand trunk UL To me, not quite as comfortable, but by using it I have more "cookie room" :D Plus my top AND under quilts both fit the Black Bishop Bag, whereas with the blackbird, I pretty much need to carry the TQ separately.
Cannibal
09-06-2011, 14:52
Coffee (aka: HammockEngineer) taught me that. Cookie weight should be the determining factor in any thru-hike gear selection. Sugar/fat snacks are beyond priceless out there! :D
CrankyOldGuy
09-07-2011, 13:00
Let me know if you want a re-cap of what I learned last winter in prep for mine lol What wonderful lessons.
Yes, please!
Yes, please!
A brief recap:
I'm an incredibly cold sleeper.
Improper bottom insulation may lead to a frozen butt.
Pads may work for some - but not for me. If I manage to stay on a pad, it's still never been enough. Blue CF Pad = Blue Slip'n'Slide.
High loft down insulation is something I never knew I loved until last winter.
The weight and bulk of winter gear effected what else I could carry (less food! :scared::() and made me want to trim the weight of what I carry year-round, so the winter weight didn't kill me.
Nothing has kept me as warm as a pod.
CrankyOldGuy
09-08-2011, 08:08
Rook, our hammock/quilt set-ups are pretty similar, rated for 45 degrees-ish. Do you do anything to add warmth, like a down jacket, thermal underwear, etc.? Have you tried a mylar space blanket between your hammock and UQ and if you have, does it work?
Rook, our hammock/quilt set-ups are pretty similar, rated for 45 degrees-ish. Do you do anything to add warmth, like a down jacket, thermal underwear, etc.? Have you tried a mylar space blanket between your hammock and UQ and if you have, does it work?
I'll be taking one smartwool sweat shirt, balaclava, maybe cuben mits over socks on the hands? Since my stealth can be worn as a jacket I'll be fine in all but the coldest weather. I plan on using a 2lb wearable sleeping bag as a pod in the coldest temps - but sending it home asap.
45 is super comfy still - should be ok without the pod down to 20 before I start getting too cold to sleep.
Oh - and thick down socks in the winter - always kept dry for sleeping in!
I carried my blackbird in 2011 and I'm doing it again in 2012. We are starting pretty similar times. Hope to run into you on the trail! I'm starting earlier this year b/c it was so hot last year (started 3/21). If you want to chat shoot me a message. Enjoy the journey. As we say "last one to Mt. k wins." you will understand that soon enough.
Due to "events" - I'm pushing back to May 1st
CrankyOldGuy
11-14-2011, 17:17
Does the later start date change your thoughts on the wearable sleeping bag? Have you considered something like Papa Smurf's hammock sock?
creekfreek
11-15-2011, 01:24
Planning on heading North March 22nd.
Does the later start date change your thoughts on the wearable sleeping bag? Have you considered something like Papa Smurf's hammock sock?
It does and I did! My Hammock Sock shipped today! (Funny timing!)
Yep - since it'll mostly be summer temps (sadface) I'll be downgrading from a pod to a sock.
Sock weighs 7.85 oz
Pod weighed 30+ oz
Anyone planning on being on the AT next season?
I've got an early start planned for mid-February next year.
I'm envious! I would love to camp in my Blackbird from Georgia to Maine!!
I was out of work last year and planned to hike the AT starting in March 2011, but luck would have it, I started a new job 14 March 2011. It was one I couldn't turn down, so here I am sitting at my desk in sheer envy, and dreaming of hiking the AT, but I cannot take that long off to do it. I kick myself for not doing it when I retired from the Army. I was younger then, and I could afford it since I was getting full pay for three months after my retirement. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20. One of these days I will be hitting that trail. Until then, I will be stocking up on all the good information and gear. :drool::drool:
fallkniven
11-15-2011, 07:51
I'll be heading south next year. I plan to start in the middle of summer, and hike into the winter. I'm sure I'll probably walk past one of you hangers next year. And I agree, I don't like whiteblaze either.
Meriadoc
11-15-2011, 20:25
Thought I'd chime in. I'm heading north early April 2012 with my WBBB.
I credit HF with making my hike much better even before I start. I got turned on to hammocks through planning my AT thru and couldn't be happier.
Streetgang
11-15-2011, 20:31
My son is going to do it. He'll be leaving in late March or early April... He's got to finish his high school senior year before Mrs SG and I will allow him to leave. He'll have his 18th birthday on the trail.
Trail birthdays are a blast. I will never forget mine from this year and look forward to mine out there this next year too!
Streetgang
11-15-2011, 21:17
In a way, I want to be with him for his B'day, but I know as dad, I'll only get in the way. I do plan on spending the first week on the trail with him. My wife doesn't want him to go alone so that's our way of making her more comfortable with the solo trip.
You are never solo on the AT. I'm an extreme extrovert and I sometimes got my own hotel room in towns so I could get some peace and quiet alone time.
rtramseyer
11-16-2011, 00:40
My plan is to leave mid-April for a NOBO thru. I'm a wimp about cold & even that date sounds early - and here you are coming from FL to leave in Feb. But I do understand about working with the circumstances you've got to work with. Here's hoping for an unusually warm spring.
Thanks to everything I've picked up from this site I've accumulated all my gear (made a few pieces myself including hammock & UQ, bugnet, pack cover & black bishop bag).
Good luck to all of us. Can't wait!
This year was way too warm (let's call it like it was HOT). I was hiking in the Smokies in 80*F by the time you are starting in GA. Warm is nice to sit around in but the exercise for long periods of time, not so much.
rtramseyer
11-16-2011, 01:02
Was that totally freakish weather or what? Maybe I should rethink my start date. I have good endurance and don't plan on spending much time off trail but I'm not a fast hiker. would hate to miss out on lovely weather early on only to hike in summer time heat & then get hit with cold in NH /Maine.
Flounder
11-16-2011, 03:58
I plan on a 2012 NOBO thru, with a fluid start date sometime between mid February and early April. It all really depends if I can get my feet right. Plantar Faciitis put the kibosh my training. Good news is I pick up my custom orthotics from the Podiatrist on Thursday.
I've got the gear, the money, and the post hike job lined up already. I don't know if I could spend another year at my current job. I know all the negatives regarding early starts, but would readily welcome it versus another month of working...
I plan on a 2012 NOBO thru, with a fluid start date sometime between mid February and early April. It all really depends if I can get my feet right. Plantar Faciitis put the kibosh my training. Good news is I pick up my custom orthotics from the Podiatrist on Thursday.
PF is just one of MANY MANY issues I developed while training for my thru. It went away finally - but there are other issues I still have to deal with.
Good luck - I HATED having PF.
As far as the heat is concerned - for me this year, I have an amazing opportunity to record two new albums - music is the ying and nature is the yang for me. So to make it happen I start in the studio in January. Roughly 8 hours a day until I finish 16+ songs and THEN I can leave. I might be done in April so I could leave then, I'm saying March 1st to be safe. So it's "Hike it the heat." or "Maybe next year."
And we all know what usually happens to folks who choose "maybe next year."
kayak karl
11-16-2011, 08:24
im planning to leave springer 1/1/12 and hike until my business falls apart and i need to come home.:rolleyes:
I hiked this year with a guy who started on 1/1/11. He got off the trail after 10 days. Went to Florida and did the Florida trail then jumped back on the AT.
yep, that's what usually happens. It is darn cold out there in Jan and Feb. It's still cold out there in March and April... I did GA-ME in 2010, started March 13th. Had a few warm days in March and April, then got really warm until Maine in Sept. My WBBB was great. KK, good luck out there! I'll be at the SoRuck and expect I'll see you there at NOC around the 13th. Best wishes to all you 2012ers. It is awesome out there!
gunner76
11-27-2011, 09:35
It has snowed in the NC mountains as late as early May so be prepared for cold temps just in case.
I've got more than just a bit of envy. I would love to hike the AT. I will someday. Good luck to you on your venture.
Sunny(okc)
Sprigganarmy
12-08-2011, 15:06
I'll be heading out NOBO on March 3rd. I'm new to the hammock world and plan to buy my first hammock with my next paycheck.
Longskirt
12-21-2011, 23:06
Will be starting a long section of the AT around April 1, 2012, following the birth of a grandchild mid-March. I'll start N of Smokies & hike until sometime in late June, because another grandchild is due in early July.
I'll hopefully be hammocking all the way. Does anyone have or know of a list of hostels or other town spots where hammocking is possible. Or do you know of a good trail journal that has good coverage of such places. I don't worry about finding places to hang when on the trail, but hate sleeping in beds in at town stops.
It sure looks like I may be seeing lots of hammockers on the trail and that is great.
I worry more about hot weather than cold. I can get acclimated to hiking in the heat, but don't think I can sleep if temp stays above low 70's at night. And mosquitos at night when it's still to hot to go to bed to escape them - misery! But misery does make for good stories ;)
Planning on NOBO Feb 28th with some variability if need be
hoping last week's hernia surgery is well on it's healing ways.
heck, it's only hiking ;)
yes, learning lots via HF
my apt is in total gear explosion and I love it!
Anyone planning on being on the AT next season?
I've got an early start planned for mid-February next year.
I am planning on leaving for Springer on the 27th of March. Since it's almost 11 hours each way, I will be spending the night somewhere near Springer on the 27th and get up early on the 28th to officially begin my hike. I am SOOOOOO excited!
~Hairball (trail name and WB name) for some reason I couldn't use it here so I'm the LazyCat :D
Makes me want to plan a week long hike starting at Springer, just to hopefully meet a few of you folks who will be headed NoBo. I can't do more than a week due to work, but one of these days I will be headed NoBo to Maine. :) Until then, I will just sit here at my desk in envy... :(
I'll be heading out NOBO on March 3rd. I'm new to the hammock world and plan to buy my first hammock with my next paycheck.Try it out, experiment a lot and make sure your insulation, but top and underside is sufficient before heading out.
starting my section hike on springer this year in june, i know its gonna be warm but its when my schedule be in the clear. but should be out for about 4 weeks.
A couple of us are starting on 2/28. Always fun to meet cyber family in real life. 58 days!
A couple of us are starting on 2/28. Always fun to meet cyber family in real life. 58 days!
yeah buddy!! :)
After another great learning experience (no sarcasm) I've realized I'm not really ready to finish a thru-hike of the AT (financially, physically, mentally) and I don't want to start one if I'm not sure I'll finish. Going from six months to four months was another factor. I know I've said the "maybe next year" attitude doesn't typically pan out, but I want to thru-hike for the right reasons and I'm confident another year of backpacking will help me decide once-and-for-all if and when I'll attempt a thru. There's a Stephen King quote that stands out in my mind, "Come to it any way but lightly. Let me say it again: you must not come lightly to the blank page." Just change "blank page" to "Appalachian Trail". I want to be confident and able to 'hike my own hike'.
I have an idea of what I'm going to do instead this year, I still plan to spend a few months trail-side but not as many (probably two) and without the time constraints. I also plan on doing a lot of traveling state-side to backpack in new places and see parts of the country I haven't seen yet. I know I've got a lot more to learn.
After another great learning experience (no sarcasm) I've realized I'm not really ready to finish a thru-hike of the AT (financially, physically, mentally) and I don't want to start one if I'm not sure I'll finish. Going from six months to four months was another factor. I know I've said the "maybe next year" attitude doesn't typically pan out, but I want to thru-hike for the right reasons and I'm confident another year of backpacking will help me decide once-and-for-all if and when I'll attempt a thru. There's a Stephen King quote that stands out in my mind, "Come to it any way but lightly. Let me say it again: you must not come lightly to the blank page." Just change "blank page" to "Appalachian Trail". I want to be confident and able to 'hike my own hike'.
I have an idea of what I'm going to do instead this year, I still plan to spend a few months trail-side but not as many (probably two) and without the time constraints. I also plan on doing a lot of traveling state-side to backpack in new places and see parts of the country I haven't seen yet. I know I've got a lot more to learn.
please keep us posted of your plans.
I'd be highly interested in following and learning from afar :mellow:
Learning comes in many forms.
and always...HYOH :)
RustyFurnace
02-29-2012, 20:20
Have any of you AT hammock hangers had any problems finding places to setup your hammocks???? I'm starting my section hike the 2nd week in July at Cades Cove then over to Spence Field, north on the AT for 6 days. I can't imagine that finding two trees would be a problem but there are five hammock hangers that have never hiked the AT, so I thought I should ask.
affreeman
03-01-2012, 16:51
Have any of you AT hammock hangers had any problems finding places to setup your hammocks???? I'm starting my section hike the 2nd week in July at Cades Cove then over to Spence Field, north on the AT for 6 days. I can't imagine that finding two trees would be a problem but there are five hammock hangers that have never hiked the AT, so I thought I should ask.
Sounds like you're hiking in the Smokies. Note that you are required to sleep in the shelters in the Smokies, with the exception that AT thru-hikers are allowed to camp if and only if the shelter is filled to capacity.
Cannibal
03-01-2012, 16:56
Have any of you AT hammock hangers had any problems finding places to setup your hammocks????
I spent a few minutes looking once. Got a little worried for a few seconds. :lol:
No, never had any problems finding a couple of trees to hang between for the night. Although, a few times my 'best site' was not ideal. That was the result of wanting to stay with the group I was with at the time. Another couple of minutes down the trail and it wouldn't have been an issue.
SGT Rock
03-01-2012, 19:05
No, never had any problems finding a couple of trees to hang between for the night. Although, a few times my 'best site' was not ideal. That was the result of wanting to stay with the group I was with at the time. Another couple of minutes down the trail and it wouldn't have been an issue.Same here.
You will have to do some creative reasoning on the AT in the Smokies to be "allowed" to use a hammock but it has never been an issue for me.
affreeman
03-02-2012, 14:48
Much easier finding a place to hang a hammock than finding a place to pitch a tent.
I remember stopping at Partnership Shelter (so I could order a large pepperoni pizza and take a hot shower) then pressing on a couple of miles after dinner (that's eating my regular dinner after eating the large pizza. I miss being able to eat like that!) and hanging between a couple of trees on the side of the hill below the trail as it got dark. Spent a perfectly comfortable night in a place you never could have pitched a tent.
And one afternoon hiking through Shenandoah National Park I was chased along a ridge by a wild thunderstorm. I found the first spot in the trees where the undergrowth was more or less open and got my tarp up just as the storm arrived. Then I was able to hang my hammock and get my gear sorted out protected from the rain, crawled into my hammock with a book and my transistor radio, and spent a cozy, comfortable evening out of the weather. It's a great feeling, and I miss it.