1,000 Miles on the AT

[zukiguy]

Well, I'm jealous.....even without completing the trip. My friends and I try and do at least 2 AT hikes per year but the demands of family and work are starting to cut into even that meager schedule. I don't know about total mileage but we've jumped around from Springer to about Midway through GSMNP in NC. I think that comes out to maybe 400ish or so. We'll do a week on the trail and right about the time we're just starting to get our "trail legs" so the 12-15 mile days don't hurt so bad it's time to go home.

Thanks for sharing a bit of your adventure and gear selection. Don't worry about heading home. I've had the same thoughts many times being out for just a week. Many of the thru-hikers have a kind of 1000 yard stare. The hike becomes more about putting down miles than anything else. Living like a very mobile homeless person for several months sounds like an awesome trip and complete waste of time (I just haven't decided more of which).

Thanks for the post...

[StuckinPark]

Congrats & welcome back

[GoatHanger]

I found myself not capturing any videos or pictures during the best parts because it takes you out of just purely enjoying the moment. What a dilemma.....

Exactly.

Congrats on your miles. Thanks for your words.

[u.willie]

Nice job!! I'm like ole' Brother Bones, and do mine in sections, from Roanoake to Weverton Cliffs so far - and loved every last step & second of it. Including "the suck".

Again, congrats and good on ya!

u.w.

[crawldaddy1]

Thanks for sharing. This is one of my goals. I appreciate you also listing your gear.

[dtp2c111]

Congrats. That's quite the accomplishment.
If you have a full list of your gear handy I'd love to check that out as well. Anything you found most useful or least?

[Jaxx]

Thanks for sharing part of your experience and spreading the word about embracing the suck. Life is so much easier when you do.

[brown4914]

FireInMyBones -
Very understandable approach, its a very long trail and tackling it all in a season is for the mentally insane. With that said, me and my girlfriend plan on Thru-Hiking spring 2016

OutandBack -
Yes, thank you. Wouldn't have made it past the first 100 without the help of those amazing people. And yes, always look cool! Shelter banter is always worth some time to stop and read.

Just Bill -
Not a highjack at all! Already an amazing tale, I'm about a page into it so far and looking forward to the rest after this quick reply.

2ply -
Thank you sir! Retiring is a big deal, but won't you just become a full-time hiker?

Zukiguy -
Jealousy is over rated! But I completely understand what you mean by being bummed about leaving right after you get your trail legs. Right when the physical part seems like a peice of cake its time to cut it short :/ Being homeless and mobile is nothing but awesome, as long as you can afford it financially and emotionally.

dtp2c111 -
Most useful and cheapest gear trick would be converting a wide mouth Nalgene Cantene to fit the Sawyer Squeeze. Gives you the wide mouth to catch water WAY easier at any source. I'm searching for the link but cant find it. Here is the cantene you would convert though: http://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-Wide-M.../dp/B004RYZQWC
The only thing I would change is converting it to also be a gravity filter (By just hanging it upside down) Both my comments were on water filtration because whether you are hiking or in camp getting water settled takes up a good amount of time unless you have the perfect system.

[Macpaks]

Awesome report on an awesome trip! Loved the vid. I aspire to one day do the AT and/or the PCT.

Btw, if you find that link for the nalgene/sawyer mini conversion, please post it. That sounds like something to def check out.

[Loki]

"...converting a wide mouth Nalgene Cantene to fit the Sawyer Squeeze..."

Here ya go...Fits the sawyer squeeze and the threads on the Sawyer mini.
http://www.jetflow.com/product/jetflow-adapters-2-pack/

Here's a review: http://jermmsoutside.com/2013/01/15/jetflow-adapter/


Congrats on your 1,000 miler Brown!! Well Done!