View Full Version : AT Thru-hike: First round of QUESTIONS.
treehouseguy
07-22-2009, 20:50
I have been talking to some of my friends and family about this and I’ve decided to make a solid go at trying to make it happen next year. That said, aside from picking up various books and doing the research thing (which I’ll definitely get a jump on here shortly), I’d really appreciate it if you guys (and gals) would answer some of the more important questions I have, like:
1. What’s your budget?!? I need a number to shoot for to start saving for it. You can even high ball me… I don’t care… I just need a number.
2. How many of you do it Solo? I mean I know you meet a bunch of people along the way but how many of you start out all by your lonesome? That is one of the first things people ask me: “Who are you gonna do it with?” - “Myself?!? Who else?!?” Almost everybody I know has a life that they can’t take a break from…
3. And, for those of you who have done it before, what would you do different (or are doing different) next time?
I’ll leave it there for now. More to follow, I’m sure, but thanks in advance for the input! I love this site!!! :D
vitamaltz
07-22-2009, 21:01
I haven't thru hiked, but I live in a trail town and take in hikers. I've heard people say that starting out with a partner can be problematic because you may have different fitness levels or ideas about how many miles to put in during a day. Most people seem to meet others on the trail and form a predictable cohort that moves at the same pace.
When you get closer to the hike, PM me and I'll send you my contact info so you can look me up when you get to Waynesboro.
1. What’s your budget?!?
2. How many of you do it Solo?
3. And, for those of you who have done it before, what would you do different (or are doing different) next time?
1. $4500 minimum. I spent about $4700 10 years ago, but I enjoyed myself.
2. Most people go solo. This is only a problem if you have a problem with it.
3. I would take more blue blazes instead of being completely ruled by walking past every white blaze. I would backtrack a half mile from a distant shelter to the AT instead of going up the access trail and rejoining the AT a mile further up. I had it in my head that I HAD to pass ALL the white blazes.
Laurie Pottinger, of the ATC, explained they would never consider disqualifying someone as a 2000-miler for skipping such an area. Personally on a second thru-hike, I wouldn't worry about the certificate or patch.
I would try to see new stuff I missed the first time around. I would definitely take a LOT of blue blazes. And I would probably go south bound.
kayak karl
07-22-2009, 23:13
1- 5000
2- go solo
3- finish
TinaLouise
07-23-2009, 06:16
quick question here...
this money.... is that a total amount?? meaning that out of this $$ you'll be buying your gear, your food that you carry, your gear you have to replace while on the trail, overnight stays in hostles (is that the right word??), food/stuff you buy at tradingposts along the way & whatever else happens to come up...... Or does this amount assume that you've got your gear that you're starting out with?
Bearpaw is right on track with his answers.
1. I have a little over $5,000 saved but and shooting to spend less than $4,000.
2.I am planning on starting out solo. I know I will find someone or fall into a group within the first week or two.
3.Sorry, cannot answer this one yet. I am thru hiking next year.
Cannibal
07-23-2009, 08:45
You should probably go to Whiteblaze (http://whiteblaze.net/) and ask these questions if you haven't already.
1. AT LEAST $5,000. Do not forget about when you are done and have no job. It's not like you'll be in hurry to get one anyway. Have extra $$.
2. Unless you are a complete anti-social, solo is going to be tough if going northbound. You'll hear that question a lot, even during the hike. There is no way that I know of to accurately explain it to somebody that doesn't 'get it', just like the questions about bears and snakes. Hiking with a partner is excruciatingly difficult; I know. You'll end up hiking with a few people just because your hiking styles mesh well. Not a good thing to force. Just start solo and enjoy meeting all your new friends.
3. I'd spend a lot less money, otherwise, not a thing. Best days of my life so far and it's been an awfully good ride. :D
treehouseguy
07-23-2009, 09:35
Thanks Cannibal, didn't know about Whiteblaze - another site to burn up all of my free time! :D
Cannibal
07-23-2009, 09:37
Thanks Cannibal, didn't know about Whiteblaze - another site to burn up all of my free time! :D
Just be sure to put your 'thick skin' on when you go over there. There are a lot of meatheads on that site, but it is easily one of the best resources for AT information. Use the search feature extensively, there be some real gems of info over there.
Just be sure to put your 'thick skin' on when you go over there. There are a lot of meatheads on that site, but it is easily one of the best resources for AT information. Use the search feature extensively, there be some real gems of info over there.
Also look at the articles on the left side of the home page over at WhiteBlaze.
Cannibal
07-23-2009, 11:08
Also look at the articles on the left side of the home page over at WhiteBlaze.
Absolutely!
Tarlin's resupply guide is a tremendous resource. It's a little dated, but still very effective. One note; the store over at the Fontana Lake Lodge is a good resupply spot. No need for a bounce box at Fontana. You can get all you need to make it to Curtis's place on the north side of the Smokies.
I may be a little bias but you may also want to check out the guidebook Appalachian Pages (http://appalachianpages.com).
Cannibal is right about Fontana, load up there, and then again at Standing Bear. I have not done a thru, but I did a solid 30 days on the trail and spent less than $200. I hiked everyday. It probably would have helped if I took a day off every 7-10 days instead. If you get bogged down in towns, that is where you burn the bucks.
I have been talking to some of my friends and family about this and I’ve decided to make a solid go at trying to make it happen next year. That said, aside from picking up various books and doing the research thing (which I’ll definitely get a jump on here shortly), I’d really appreciate it if you guys (and gals) would answer some of the more important questions I have, like:
1. What’s your budget?!? I need a number to shoot for to start saving for it. You can even high ball me… I don’t care… I just need a number.
2. How many of you do it Solo? I mean I know you meet a bunch of people along the way but how many of you start out all by your lonesome? That is one of the first things people ask me: “Who are you gonna do it with?” - “Myself?!? Who else?!?” Almost everybody I know has a life that they can’t take a break from…
3. And, for those of you who have done it before, what would you do different (or are doing different) next time?
I’ll leave it there for now. More to follow, I’m sure, but thanks in advance for the input! I love this site!!! :D
Don't sweet the planning. It isn't worth it. throw your stuff in a bag and go. Your'll figure it out as you go. Just make sure your warm, dry, and well feed. Everything else falls into place. If you go north there are a ton of places to change everything. That and being impatiant is why I think most people go that wrong way. Southbound was awesome. I went that way in 07. You just need to have more things figured out. I had most of my gear down and that helped a lot. I saw people that didn't make it, the start was just a little rougher.
1. $5k is right, not including extra for replacing out gear. Not to mention any bills you still have to pay back home. Also plan on wanting to spend a month or 2 not working when you get back. You'll need some time to be able to stand the fake world again.
2. I figured I hiked a third of it alone. Differen than most. I could have hiked with others, but I didn't want to do the crazy miles. It's only hiking and the only animals to worry about are small and after your food. You'll figure it out.
3. I did it my way, wouldn't change it. A new hike would be a new hike. Don't get caught up in what other people are doing. I saw more than one hike ended because someone went with a group or person that didn't fit their style. Be selfish and realize this is a vacation and trip for you.
1. $4500 minimum. I spent about $4700 10 years ago, but I enjoyed myself.
2. Most people go solo. This is only a problem if you have a problem with it.
3. I would take more blue blazes instead of being completely ruled by walking past every white blaze. I would backtrack a half mile from a distant shelter to the AT instead of going up the access trail and rejoining the AT a mile further up. I had it in my head that I HAD to pass ALL the white blazes.
Laurie Pottinger, of the ATC, explained they would never consider disqualifying someone as a 2000-miler for skipping such an area. Personally on a second thru-hike, I wouldn't worry about the certificate or patch.
I would try to see new stuff I missed the first time around. I would definitely take a LOT of blue blazes. And I would probably go south bound.
I hear more people say that and slow down that anything. I did that until Monson. Than I passed the perfect person for me. A northbounder who went on how people were ruining their entire hike because they were walked the Creeper trail out of Damascus instead of the AT. There was no point in them finishing. After that I decided I was walking where ever I wanted to. Your walking across the country in the mountains, nothing else should matter.
The patch is a personal thing decision. There are so many people that get it that skip major sections or drop out. My personal take is if you walk from Maine to Georgia than you should get it if you want. No one hikes the real AT anymore. Bob Peoples changes it constantly. No regretts on passing on it.
quick question here...
this money.... is that a total amount?? meaning that out of this $$ you'll be buying your gear, your food that you carry, your gear you have to replace while on the trail, overnight stays in hostles (is that the right word??), food/stuff you buy at tradingposts along the way & whatever else happens to come up...... Or does this amount assume that you've got your gear that you're starting out with?
All of that is after gear. I figured I was carrying $1000 to $1500 in gear. That's with my DIY setup and some great deals on the rest. Killed the gear budget by switching out the pack a lot. Won't even start on how much I struggled with footwear.
another note on Whiteblaze, spend $10 and become a donating member. Well worth the $10. You can then download a lot of information. Yes, most of it can be dug up in other places, but the $10 is a major time saver! (and I should do that here said the fox to the rabbit....)
1. What’s your budget?!?
2. How many of you do it Solo?
3. And, for those of you who have done it before, what would you do different (or are doing different) next time?
I attempted a thru-hike in 1998 with a good friend. We started Southbound. I never made it out of Maine due to injury (crappy knees from high school football caught up with me). My buddy made it to Delaware Water Gap and dropped out (he thought he had Lyme Disease).
1.) I had heard the figure of about a dollar a mile at the time, and planned accordingly, but I think the recommendations of others here is right when they say about $5000.
2.) See above. I started with my buddy, who I've known since 7th grade, but we had completely different hiking styles and the partnership didn't work. He was a "hard charger" motivated on eating up the miles...I was happy exploring at a moderate pace. If you go solo, there's a good chance you'll find someone to hike with out on the trail that matches your style.
3.) If I had it to do over today... I'd have completely different and lighter gear than the stuff I was carrying in '98. I'd train a lot more (and harder) prior to starting the hike...at least a year in advance. I'd also give myself a couple days to acclimatize...believe it or not, it was rough coming from basically sea level here in South Florida to the elevations in and around Millinocket, ME and Mount Katahdin. Big difference. I'd also choose to hike solo, instead of partnering with a friend who has a different hiking style than I do. Nowadays, I think I'd choose to section hike as well as blue blaze if I felt like it, as opposed to doing a full blown thru-hike.
Hope that helps you a bit. In the end, it's your hike and no one else's, so hike the hike you're gonna be happy with.
Kayakado
07-29-2009, 11:47
Read Bill Bryson's book "A Walk in the Woods"
Read Bill Bryson's book "A Walk in the Woods"
One of these days I want to give it a read just to see. The funny thing is when I was on my hike, I would ask around in the book store for good things to read. Everyone would keep recommending this when they learned I was hiking the trail. Last thing I want to do is read about hiking, while I am hiking.
Just be sure to put your 'thick skin' on when you go over there. There are a lot of meatheads on that site, but it is easily one of the best resources for AT information. Use the search feature extensively, there be some real gems of info over there.
You can say that one again Cannibal!
I have been talking to some of my friends and family about this and I’ve decided to make a solid go at trying to make it happen next year. That said, aside from picking up various books and doing the research thing (which I’ll definitely get a jump on here shortly), I’d really appreciate it if you guys (and gals) would answer some of the more important questions I have, like:
1. What’s your budget?!? I need a number to shoot for to start saving for it. You can even high ball me… I don’t care… I just need a number.
2. How many of you do it Solo? I mean I know you meet a bunch of people along the way but how many of you start out all by your lonesome? That is one of the first things people ask me: “Who are you gonna do it with?” - “Myself?!? Who else?!?” Almost everybody I know has a life that they can’t take a break from…
3. And, for those of you who have done it before, what would you do different (or are doing different) next time?
I’ll leave it there for now. More to follow, I’m sure, but thanks in advance for the input! I love this site!!! :D
I've never thru-hiked, so take my opinions with a grain of salt. That said, I've done a fair amount of research about thru-hiking the AT (I've thought about doing it since high school) and I've talked with over a dozen people who have done it.
My answers to your questions would be:
1. $4,000-5000. This is after you are fully equipped. This will cover consumables (food, fuel, TP, etc) as well as nights at hostels, hotels and, depending upon your gear, some gear replacement. From all the info I've gathered, this could swing A LOT in either direction depending on how you do your hike. Some people claim to do it for a dollar a mile (~$2000) and others spend a lot more (I think someone said they spent over $8000). <strike>If I ever</strike> When I get the opportunity to do it, I'd like to save at least $5000. Better safe than sorry.
Are you gonna stay in hotels every chance you get (every 3-5 days) and eat lots of town meals? Are you gonna hit up bars & liquor stores every opportunity you can? Then maybe you need to save a little more money. Or are you only gonna hit up town to resupply and head back to the trail ASAP? How fast are you going to hike? The longer on the trail, the more money you'll need.
Something else to consider is how expensive your gear is. The more expensive it is, the more expensive it would be to replace.
2. Most hikers go solo. Occasionally wives & husbands, good friends, or even total strangers will hike together, but it seems like the vast majority go solo. As previously mentioned, though, if you're going northbound and leaving within the "standard" starting time (beginning of March to mid April) you are going to encounter a lot of other hikers. Especially at the start of your hike before a lot of them drop off the trail.
It seems like a decent number of hikers will end up hiking stretches of the AT with one or more people, on and off. Generally its with someone that they meet who happens to hike a similar number of miles per day and that they can stand being around. So if you're a decent person to be around, you don't have an absurd hiking speed/schedule, and you're so inclined you'll likely hike at least a portion of the trail with somebody(s).
3. I can't really offer any personal advice here because I haven't done it. But the two most common answers I've heard from people who have done it is -and there are multiple threads about this on WhiteBlaze; "I would take more time" and "I would take more pictures of people vs. scenery" (paraphrasing, of course). Another common answer is "I'd leave earlier/later to avoid the crowds".
And a lot of people say they would hike southbound if they were going to do it again. But that may be partly due to them wanting a different experience than their first hike. For example, a friend of mine said if he was going hike it a second time he'd go southbound but if he had to do it for the first time again he'd still go northbound.
Personally, I plan on taking a full 6 months (northbound) to hike the AT even though I could probably do it in less (4.5 months or so given my hiking speed w/ a reasonable number of days off). I want to enjoy it as much as possible and I'd really like to do some shorter hikes along the way with friends and family.
My answers to all the questions you posted are of course pretty vague. But thats mostly because I don't know you and your habits/tendencies, which could really sway a bunch of these answers.
It's hard to compare a Northbound vs Southbound. I had some good talks with someone hiking north about that. It comes down to it is 2 totally different experiences but much in the same way hiking 2 weeks later in the same direction can be.
Go with what you want to do and change to the way that works for you.
Figure $1,000 per month, all total, or about $5,000 for the entire thru-hike.
I've completed the AT once solo and once with the lady love. The latter is always slower, based on observation of couples and groups on the trail.
Don't plan too much. Get a Trhu Hiker's Companion from the ATC; it is the Bible that tells where to find anything you need. Carry a good credit or debit card. Plan to resupply completely along the way. There are stores and often outfitters convenient to most of the trail. Having stuff mailed to you ALWAYS robs time. To successfully resupply as you go along, work out recipes you can fill from regular grocery stores. Study freezerbagcooking.com or get the book. No pot washing means more trail time.
Commit to hike at least 100 miles per week - and stick to it. That means, keep moving.
Hammockers can camp anywhere. That's important in vertical country. Get water at shelters (often near the only convenient water) and move on. Shelter hopping costs miles.
I'll agree with the keep moving if you want to save money. Slackpacking is the worst in terms of saving money. You stay an extra night in town, eat 3 extra meals, pay for the slack, pay for some entertainment, then get a late start out the next day. The person slacking me never seemed to want to get up early the second morning, meaning I wouldn't it the trail until noon. Definitly not the faster way to go and would add $100 at least.
On the next thru no slacks unless it's free or for a better reason than just because. That and more zeros in the woods.
affreeman
10-15-2009, 21:12
1. What’s your budget?!? I need a number to shoot for to start saving for it. You can even high ball me… I don’t care… I just need a number.
2. How many of you do it Solo? I mean I know you meet a bunch of people along the way but how many of you start out all by your lonesome? That is one of the first things people ask me: “Who are you gonna do it with?” - “Myself?!? Who else?!?” Almost everybody I know has a life that they can’t take a break from…
3. And, for those of you who have done it before, what would you do different (or are doing different) next time?
I finished my thru-hike on September 27. I didn't keep exact track, but I think I spent close to $8k during my hike. I think most hikers spent much less. I denied myself nothing when in town, and I often chose a motel room over a hostel, especially down south where the hostels were very crowded with the wave of NOBOs coming through. And instead of heading for the AYCE chinese buffet, I would usually go in search of the best restaurant I could find. There's nothing like a good steak and an ice cold Sapphire martini to make one feel civilized!
Hike solo? Of course. Unless you're hiking with your spouse, and maybe not even then, pretty much everyone hikes solo. Do you know anyone you could live with 24/7 for 6 months or so? Don't worry about starting out alone. If you start at Springer in March or April, you will NOT be alone. 30 or so people start every day. The shelters are packed. There are lots of people to meet and talk to and make friends with. You WILL meet people that you are compatible with. Some people buddy up and hike together for long periods of time. Some people join and leave different groups along their trip. Some people (like me) hike alone almost all the time, but enjoy the comraderie of others at the shelters in the evening.
What would I do differently? I don't know. Ask me again in a few months after I've had time to digest this whole experience.
BTW I slept in my Hennessy every night on the trail, except for 4 nights in the Smokies where the rules require sleeping in the shelters, and a few nights in the Whites when I did work-for-0stay at the AMC huts.
I'll agree with the keep moving if you want to save money. Slackpacking is the worst in terms of saving money. You stay an extra night in town, eat 3 extra meals, pay for the slack, pay for some entertainment, then get a late start out the next day. The person slacking me never seemed to want to get up early the second morning, meaning I wouldn't it the trail until noon. Definitly not the faster way to go and would add $100 at least.
On the next thru no slacks unless it's free or for a better reason than just because. That and more zeros in the woods.
There is one way to slack and save momey, but it's hard to arrange. If you can find a way to get your gear dropped off ahead of you, or have someone meet you further north when you call you can save money. Hit town and spend the night. Then the next morning hike to the next town and call the hostel from there. They bring your gear to you and you are a town ahead. You can knock off 30 miles easily this way, and if the roads work out it can be pretty cheap. Some towns are only a few minutes drive away, but a 2-3 day hike away on the trail. Slack that whole stretch and you don't payu a whole lot for the shuttle to drop off your gear. Another one is to hitch hike north and stash your gear somewhere. Outfitters and hostels are great. Then hitch back with your pack and only the necessities for the slack. Sleep in town and hike to your gear the next day. I did it from Catawba to Daleville, Sims Gap to Deleware Water Gap, and from Andover, ME to a road 25 miles north. It's difficult to arrange and only works in some areas, but if you cna pull it off you really knock out some miles without spending more than you would have to just hike it.