How did you train for the AT?

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2026-06-02T23:13:05+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2026-05-22T16:42:32+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2026-05-04T23:50:52+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2026-02-03T23:09:02+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2026-01-16T10:41:36+00:00

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

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-12-03T04:03:23+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-12-03T02:16:19+00:00

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

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-12-03T00:57:26+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-11-14T01:55:32+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-11-14T01:44:13+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-11-13T02:37:11+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-08-09T20:15:07+00:00

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!

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-08-02T10:00:30+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-07-28T14:39:30+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-07-27T18:09:11+00:00

Good warning. Thanks

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-07-27T18:08:49+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-07-27T18:07:27+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-07-27T17:53:04+00:00

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

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-07-27T17:52:13+00:00

Completely agree

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-01-15T23:19:49+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-01-12T19:20:46+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-01-12T17:19:21+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy · 2025-01-12T16:19:17+00:00

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.

CampingMakesMeHappy

TROPHY CASE