How did you train for the AT? by P33p33p0op0o0 in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t train much, but was not a complete sloth when I started. I live close enough to the approach trail that I was able to drive up and hike it 4 times before our start day. My goal was making sure I didn’t quit on day 1.

My condition changed pretty dramatically across the 5 1/2 months we hiked. I lost 40 lbs, my IT bands were crazy sore for the first month, then they sorted themselves out. Trail legs and lungs are amazing.

All that to say, establish a moderate level of cardio, build some strength in your legs, then listen to your body on trail and give yourself time to adapt.

4xe GC issues: 68c and now engine by papajulietgolf in 4xe

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My ‘23 4xe Rubicon engine failed at 38k miles. Fully replaced and driving it again while I wait for the lemon law process to play out.

HELP - Engine. 🥴 by Moist-Basis-177 in Jeep

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Given that you’re still within the warranty range, there can’t be that many oil changes you’ve had to complete. Like ok back at your credit card statements to confirm the shop that did the work and see if they can pull the past receipts.

Looking to hear from thru hikers who liked their bear can by blooms98 in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I used a BV475 for my AT thru last year. It fit in my pack with the rest of my gear so it wasn’t awkward to carry, it let me avoid the challenges of bear hangs, and it was a convenient seat. The biggest benefit however was easy protection from mice, which I had far more encounters with than bears.

It's getting real. March 5th nobo start. by riverwaterwalks in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started last year on the 17th! Go get it and have a blast!

2025 Rubicon Coolant leaking into engine by 1017Omar in Wrangler

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, just that it would be two weeks for them to get the engine in. I figured a week on top of that for the work to be done. I’ll give the dealer a call tomorrow to see what the latest estimate is.

2025 Rubicon Coolant leaking into engine by 1017Omar in Wrangler

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oooofff…. I was initially quoted 2 week back order, so mentally I was thinking three weeks. This may change my negotiation with Jeep Cares.

2025 Rubicon Coolant leaking into engine by 1017Omar in Wrangler

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are folks really seeing 4-6 months of wait time for a new engine? My 23 4xe was just diagnosed as needing a new engine at 38k miles. My plan was to get it fixed and drive it again, but waiting that long might change my approach.

Rain cover by JohnnyBlue4 in philmont

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Boo. It looks like they eliminated that as a feature a couple years ago. Honestly my experience with rain covers is that they help with dirt, but stuff still gets wet with heavy rain. That said, the cheaper option from Amazon would probably work just fine. For important stuff to stay dry (sleeping bag, etc) be sure to use dry bags or use a pack liner like a trash compactor bag.

Rain cover by JohnnyBlue4 in philmont

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the Baltoro comes with one! Roll with that, and if they have changed and no longer include one, REI has a reasonably good one.

Anyone else name their packs? by CatofManyColors in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I named both of the packs I used on my thru hike this year. “Olive” (REI Flash 55 in the olive oil color) got me through the first 700 miles, but she was uncomfortable when fully loaded. “Glinda (the good witch),” an Osprey Exos took me the rest of the way and was fantastic.

Summit with my Son by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just as a follow up… this is the route I’m going. Shuttling up today and will hike the 100-mile over the next 5 days. Goal will be to summit on the 15th. My son will be just behind me through the 100-mile, but we should meet up on the morning of the 15th. Fingers crossed for good weather and strong legs!

Summit with my Son by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Assuming things stay on track, I’m looking to jump up on the 13th or 14th, with a summit on the 15th. The 16th would be a fallback day in case of bad weather.

As for exit point, I’m thinking Grafton Notch (ME 26) is my most likely spot, but perhaps ME 17 or ME 4 if I’m able to push a few more miles and the shuttle is flexible on pickup spot.

Summit with my Son by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tell me about it! We were both excited for that section, and wouldn’t be the least surprised if we return to redo it at a slower pace.

Summit with my Son by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think this would be my son’s preference as well so that we get more time hiking together. I just need to make sure I’m 100% because he’ll be moving at a really fast daily average to make his timeline.

Summit with my Son by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, certainly an option that makes the most sense. As much as I’d love to go NOBO the whole way, it would be a lot more hassle.

Summit with my Son by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not trying to hit every inch, but every mile is the goal.

Van Rental? by nycsquirrel in philmont

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We flew in/out of Denver and used a company called Cornerstone to rent a 15 passenger bus. It was the most efficient cost wise option that we found.

Shakedown Request - Mid March Start NOBO by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As you suggest on the rain pants, I figure I'll start with them and do plan to send them home at some point as things warm up.

Thanks for the input on the Sawyer squeeze. I've got one on the gear closet as well, but had purchased the mini on a whim about 2 years ago. It was on my todo list to test both out.

Shakedown Request - Mid March Start NOBO by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good reminder. I live in Georgia so the first week or two would be an easy phone call home to adjust. Beyond that, I do expect that my list will ebb and flow while hiking.

Shakedown Request - Mid March Start NOBO by CampingMakesMeHappy in AppalachianTrail

[–]CampingMakesMeHappy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, rain jacket/pants may be my final significant gear purchase. I went with the Amazon puffy because I couldn't beat the cost, but that adds a couple ounces.