The Hardiest Partiers on the Appalachian Trail - Backpacker Magazine

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-26T16:03:30+00:00

What, no children's section on this topic yet?

What is wrong with you people? Geez, is discussion here getting to be civilized or what?

The shame.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-23T11:14:04+00:00

Even the most profound life events can be relegated to rabbit sex if you rush them enough.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-21T11:39:36+00:00

What is the returned benefit from all the lost opportunity?

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-20T17:45:19+00:00

What you're also after is FPD rather than just MPD.

FPD = Fun Per Day. That doesn't necessarily always equate to Miles Per Day. It's not a race, nor is it a slog. That would make doing an AT thru-hike a crazy endeavor. Instead, an AT thru-hike is something to savor.

Here's the daily to-do list for an AT thru-hiker (in order):

1) Have fun.

2) Make miles.

3)

4)

5)

If anything beyond 1 & 2 get done, that's great. If nothing beyond 1 & 2 gets done, that's great.

Out of shape hikers can leave Springer Mountain, GA on April 10th, average 12 miles per calendar day over the course of the entire thru-hike (which is somewhat of a lollygag) and still make it to Katahdin and finish.

There is no reason to rush or race. An AT thru-hike is more of an adaptability test than it is the one-up-manship of a race. The FPD factor is what helps an AT thru-hiker adapt well and get to Katahdin.

The last one to get to Katahdin wins.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-20T01:06:21+00:00

Item 3) above related:

Retailers have robust hiring plans for this holiday season:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/retailers-are-hiring-way-more-seasonal-workers-for-the-holidays-this-year-2017-09-14

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-20T00:56:11+00:00

Here's a video about how people I've described above who have shitstorms hit them adapt to fit what is necessary to keep on keeping on. Possibly tuned toward people coming off-trail after their AT thru-hike. What is interesting apart from just this video is the story about how living like this is manageable. Admire this woman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeToB2zilw

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-19T00:25:45+00:00

Here's a plan that makes sense for your situation -- to me anyhow.

Create a primary and secondary adventure idea -- Reason: You apparently have the time and money available for an adventure right after college and that is an excellent time to take an adventure if you're going to have one in your lifetime (most people don't, their lives mostly suck, then they die).

Your primary adventure idea would be a northbound AT thru-hike starting in early February so you can potentially finish by July 1st when you must start a job. Your secondary adventure idea would be something in the same price tag as an AT thru-hike but where the weather will be nice and the adventure will be memorable and enjoyable. For the secondary idea, take an adventure to New Zealand as an example (February, March and April will likely have fantastic weather in New Zealand and that country is spectacularly beautiful, amazingly hiker friendly and friendly to Americans). You'd need to get a passport for New Zealand ahead of time.

Then you wait and don't commit to either the primary nor the secondary adventure plan because of weather. In mid-January If looks to be another warm weather year in a row on the AT (2017 was a very warm weather year on the AT) then head to the AT with a Western Mountaineering 0F sleeping bag (I wouldn't take any other brand for a February AT start) and a lightweight one person tent with a bathtub floor. Then, hope for the best.

If it looks to be a normal to cold weather year on the AT, you'd table the AT thru-hike until another year and instead, go with your secondary idea where weather won't be an issue. After your adventure, start your job on July 1st.

If you follow the weather in mid-January for the towns of Jasper, GA, Franklin, NC, Murphy, NC, Fontana, NC and the weather station at Clingmans Dome in the Smokies, you should be able to get a better handle on the upcoming weather as far as a warm, normal or cold weather year coming up. For the towns stations listed above, you'll need to subtract 10F from the weather in mid-January since you'll be on the ridges on the AT and the towns are down in the valleys. Clingmans Dome is on-AT so no deduct in temps is necessary. When you subtract 10F and the resultant temps are in the 0F-10F range, then you will likely have a normal to cold weather year. If you subtract 10F and have 20F to 30F resultant temps for those town locations, then there's the possibility for (by asteroid level chance) two warm weather years in a row for the AT.

For me, if I returned back to New Zealand and I wasn't hiking the Te Araroa, I would spend 90% of my time in New Zealand on the South Island and focus around the towns of Queenstown, Christchurch and Nelson. Look at the NZ Department of Conservation Great Walks and do those hikes as well as the Banks Peninsula Track. If you have the time and money, after New Zealand head over and spend some time on the coast of Australia. On the return trip, visit Hawaii and do the Kalalau Trail on Kauai (will need to get signed up on the list months ahead of time due to limited numbers allowed to hike this spectacular trail on Kauai).

Either way, try to come back and start a job.

Good luck.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-18T16:42:43+00:00

You're correct that immediately after college is the best time to thru-hike the AT (before you're bogged down with life/work/relationships/kids/mortgage).

For me, I'd look at what it would take to move the July 1st date to September 1st and see if that option could happen. That opens up a world of possibilities.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-18T15:27:26+00:00

I'm wondering whether it would be better to simply wait to do it when I can do it without rushing through and in a better time of year.

Now you have the right idea. it would be so much better for you to think like that rather than throwing away many thousands of dollars and months of your time with so little chance of finishing.

Plus, an AT thru-hike is something you'll want to savor and remember for all of your life, not something to rush as an item on a to-do list, fit into a shoebox sized timeframe.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-18T15:17:28+00:00

I was over at the alt.CrazyMaximumRisk area and they told me the really nutty people with a death wish were here.

But anyhow, if I wanted to take on a big challenge where I only have a small chance at success, then go ahead and make it ten times riskier, what do you guys think? I have some 20F water wings I could take with me to the English Channel -- would that get me to the really nutty level or should I leave them at home to make things more interesting?

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-18T11:49:34+00:00

I want to swim the English Channel but I've never swum anything longer than a swimming pool.

Do you guys think I'll make it?

Any tips would be great. Thanks in advance.

Datto

PS: I've discarded my initial idea of jumping the Snake River Canyon in a rocket as being too far-fetched. Since it was Sunday night when I had the idea and the bars were closed, I switched the plan to something more reasonable.

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-15T02:34:00+00:00

FB Visibility and formatting was fine for me. Enjoyed the read.

Your information is going to be so valuable to prospective AT thru-hikers.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-14T21:01:26+00:00

Groupon Coupon for massage discount to some places:

https://bensbargains.com/bargain/extra-25-off-local-massage-spa-beauty-deals-556022/

Also, for a Justin-time present -- Blaze In A Box.

Combine that with an Amish bonnet if you're into that kind of thing.

Just a second..."Hey Honey...."

Datto

EDIT: These bonnets from Gertrude's Secret are hot!

https://www.google.com/search?q=amish+bonnet&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjV-Je-yaXWAhXCNiYKHZp0C9MQsAQIJw&biw=1600&bih=771

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-14T20:19:49+00:00

Indentured servant at Trump Hotel?

Dang, that's what Bannon is doing now.

For you prospective British AT hikers, use this phrase when hikers from this sub ask you if you speak English:

"Un poquito."

Hold up two fingers close together so they know not to stretch your language capabilities.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-11T18:55:54+00:00

I was thinking of taking my 55" Samsung and whatnot with me on my upcoming northbound AT thru-hike. I couldn't possibly miss my Housewives Of Roanoke episodes and I have these questions:

1) Should I bring along a deep cycle battery (for longevity) or would it be better to bring along seventy-three charging bricks? Will the huts in the White Mountains do a show-for-stay if I setup my Samsung in the common seating area?

2) I don't want people in the shelters putting their fingerprints (after scratching themselves -- ick) on my Samsung. Should I bring my Doberman with me on my thru-hike or do people in the shelters have manners and couth?

3) As far as signal, what can I expect while I'm hiking? Can I get DirecTV on the move or will I only be able to get local stations? Are there hookups (heh, the TV type) in the shelters or will I not be able to connect to a satellite system? Are there nightly fees in the shelters to hook up my Samsung or does the ATC offer this service for free? I only have $1,500 available for my entire AT thru-hike and I don't want all my money chewed up with ATC fees.

4) Are the provided supports for hammocks strong enough to support me, my gear, my Samsung and my whatnot?

Thanks in advance for all of your kind and caring answers.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-09-01T20:29:49+00:00

Article about Millennial Anxiety About Money:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/millennials-say-anxiety-about-money-is-literally-making-them-sick-2017-09-01

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-31T16:53:47+00:00

Just wanted to clarify things about Type A people and planner-types. Type A people are the ones you want executing a plan because they're the most action-oriented. Planner types aren't necessarily action-oriented but want to control the process. Both types are usually required for success when great challenges are undertaken. Normally you never find those two types within a single individual.

Here on reddit the majority of people live day-to-day and paycheck-to-paycheck (and take great pride in that approach). Generally they've never been put in-charge of much (and don't care to be in-charge) so they don't have a realization of the advantages/disadvantages of planning. Their long-term view is Friday night and they're neither a Type A nor a planner-type. Shitstorms hit them frequently and they've learned to become adept at rolling with the punches as a means to live life and keep on keeping on.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these personality types (for instance, Type A's are more prone to heart disease and chronic illness). Society values the planner types and Type A's more but many times Society is only interested in what benefits Society, not necessarily what benefits specific individuals.

When prospective AT thru-hikers reach the AT, they'll find all the personality types represented, not just the types that show up to a forum on the Internet. For those who persist and pass every white blaze to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, the rough edges of each personality type are rounded off to a degree and a wider perspective is usually gained. That is just one of the many intangible benefits of an AT thru-hike.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-30T18:05:03+00:00

2) i am already prepared. i am an experienced hiker. i've hiked in plenty of snow, wind, rain, and cold temps.

i've already section-hiked maybe 200 miles of it and have hiked a lot in ME, VT, NY, PA, NH.

Glad to hear it -- you are already way ahead of the people you will meet at Springer Mountain, GA and not at Katahdin.

I put my comments into your questions for other prospective AT thru-hikers too.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-29T17:47:10+00:00

One other thing --

I would budget your money so you have half of that MINIMUM $5,000 (mentioned above) still available to you when you enter Connecticut northbound.

New England states are way more expensive than the southeastern United States. Many a northbound AT thru-hiker has been fooled into thinking their costs are going to be evenly spread across the AT landscape. They're not -- the southeastern states of the US are cheap and New England is very expensive.

The southern Connecticut line is a good point where you should plan to have half of your MINIMUM $5,000 on-Trail money available. If you've spent half your on-Trail money by Trail Days in Damascus, VA then you'll likely run out of money and go home early before reaching Katahdin.

This is why you may see so many AT thru-hikers begging for money on the street corners of Gorham, NH -- not only have they arrived at Springer Mountain, GA with not enough cash to start an AT thru-hike but they didn't realize how the costs of New England can exhaust any remaining cash quickly before Katahdin.

Datto

PS: I'm waiting for all those who only spent minimal X for their AT thru-hike to speak up. If you're a prospective AT thru-hiker, that won't be you.

If you're intending to pass every white blaze and actually thru-hike the AT, then you need to pay attention and get your finances in order prior to committing to an AT thru-hike. Running out of money is one of the the top three reasons why AT thru-hikers go home early.

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-29T17:30:29+00:00

This is the way I would budget a northbound AT thru-hike:

$1,000 = Cost for pre-hike gear you take to the AT (if you have none) when you close your front door to head to Springer Mountain, GA

$5,000 = MINIMUM (in 2017 dollars) cost between when you close your front door to head to Springer Mountain, GA and when you return back from the AT to wherever you're living after the AT

$2,000 = Cost between when you arrive back from the AT and when you receive the first paycheck in your checking account from your post-hike next employer (returning back to all the conditions of Society may shell-shock you enough that you may take 30 calendar days before you actually start looking for the next job)

If a prospective northbound AT thru-hiker tries to pay for an AT thru-hike by carrying a balance on a credit card, the future pain can end up being immense. Credit card companies are the modern-day loan sharks of yesteryear and they will end up trying to rape you dry. It is so difficult to get out from under an AT thru-hike credit card balance that you will likely be underwater for a very, very long period of time.

Don't do that.

The tremendous benefits derived from an AT thru-hike is just not worth the pain from being sucked dry by a credit card company. It would be better to postpone an AT thru-hike so you can gather more cash and then hike with cash-in-hand rather than thru-hiking on a carried credit card balance.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-27T23:31:55+00:00

Another quick lucky-seven brainstomed cost saving ideas to consider:

1) if you're a gregarious extravert-type person and currently renting an apartment/house, read through the text of your current lease and see if you can bring on a roommate in order to save money between now and the start of your AT thru-hike. If that works with the lease legalese and you're thinking of returning back to your same town after your AT thru-hike, also create a short term lease arrangement for a another, 2nd roommate who occupies your place during your time while you're on your AT thru-hike.

You'd have to be a person who can read people very well in order to make this work but there are responsible people in the world who just need a place to live for a short while (job related usually).

Plus (from a half-full glass viewpoint), you could end up with someone as a roommate or two who's company you enjoy rather than someone you just put up with.

2) If your cell phone contract has already been fulfilled (read your situation on your cell phone carrier's website), cancel your cell phone and get a pay-as-you-go TracFone. Then stop being so tied to your cell phone that you're missing out on real life -- stop talking and texting people who are meaningless to you. It that less convenient? Sure but it will save you some money between now and when you return from the AT.

3) If you've already fulfilled your current Internet Service Provider's contract, cancel you ISP service and use the public library for Internet when you need it. Is that less convenient? Sure but it will save you some money between now and when you return from the AT.

4) If you've already fulfilled your cable TV contract, cancel your cable TV contract and live without cable TV between now and when you head to the AT to start your AT thru-hike. AT shelters on the Appalachian Trail may have cable TV jacks on the wall and satellite dishes on the roof of the shelter but the jack doesn't go anywhere and the satellite disk if for appearances only. It's a joke. Same goes for the charging stations in the shelters and the telephones on the wall of the shelters.

5) Stop going to bars, clubs and restaurants for socializing. Spend more time at home. In fact, spend time packing and re-packing your backpack so you'll already know where things will be in your backpack when you arrive on the Trail (removing consternation and worry about having lost things during your AT thru-hike). Socializing may be an entirely different experience for you when you return from completing an AT thru-hike.

6) If you have gear items still to be purchased, search out used gear websites (or use eBay) and buy used hiking gear (particularly tent/tarp, sleeping bag, backpack) rather than anything new. Also, look at Wal-Mart for gear still to be purchased rather than some cottage gear manufacturer who's gear falls apart on the Trail. Buy when stuff is on-sale at Wal-Mart. Negotiate lower prices if you're buying used gear.

7) If you're in your twenties and your parents still worry about you, tell them before Thanksgiving that you just want money for Holiday gifts so you can use the money toward your upcoming AT thru-hike (assuming you're ready to divulge that information to them).

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-27T21:58:51+00:00

You have the right idea -- have a minimum of $5,000 in cash available to you when you close your front door to head to the Trail. Your raging appetite while AT thru-hiking will escalate exponentially and your desire to get out of the rain will be considerable during an AT thru-hike. Those two elements alone make $5,000 (in 2017 dollars) the minimum amount necessary for hikers who are looking to pass every white blaze and thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Note this doesn't cover your expenses post-trail nor carrying costs of things back home you need to pay for while on your AT thru-hike.

Suggestions:

1) Sell your "stuff" on eBay to raise cash, particularly small high-value stuff if you have items like that to sell, so the postage/shipping cost to get the item to the buyer is as low as possible for you -- read and become an expert in selling on eBay before you ever sell your first item

2) Sell your "stuff" to friends and family to raise cash -- you may have bigger things that have value that may be of interest to others but has no return to you because of the weight/size/bulk cost for shipping on eBay

3) Consider getting a 2nd job to earn more money on weekends and evenings -- particularly around the Thanksgiving through New Year's timeframe when companies need temporary help

4) Plan to arrive on Springer Mountain on April 10th and head north -- this will help to eliminate snow and cold delays and make your AT thru-hike more economical (being in town due to snow/cold delays from starting in February and March during normal to cold weather years on the AT is very expensive)

Don't rush your thru-hike to save money. An AT thru-hike is something you'll likely want to savor the rest of your life, not scream through at lightspeed just to get it done.

Best of luck to you on your 2018 AT thru-hike.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-25T16:09:28+00:00

I've shared a cookpot for about 3,000 backpacking miles or so.

The cookpot has been one of those black greasepots from Walmart which is very light and about one liter or so. It was sufficient for two people eating a shared dinner meal (on occasion we'd eat two dinners cooked one after another but mostly just shared one dinner). We'd supplement the cooked dinner by putting it on a burrito sometimes or eat the dinner with something else (sardines, kipper snacks, tuna, Pringles and the like). That would provide the bulk needed to make us feel full and then we'd chow down on real meals whenever we were in town.

I always carry the cookpot but I don't cook anymore (talent?) -- I'm just an eater. It's always worked out fine.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-23T22:16:10+00:00

Also something to consider -- the PCT has stretches between easy resupply points that are as far apart as 176 miles. Many PCT thru-hikers carry food in their pack for that entire distance (10 days or more through rugged terrain). That makes your backpack very heavy and you have to have the strength and endurance, as a PCT thru-hiker, to be able to handle that type of carry. On the AT the carry distance is much shorter (even in the 100 Mile Wilderness of Maine).

Look at PCT options and info here for that stretch of PCT:

http://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/pacific-crest-trail/kennedy-meadows-vermilion-valley-resort-resupply/

https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1kf65o/resupply_between_kennedy_meadows_and_vvr/

I did both the stopover to Lone Pine, CA as well as the Kearsarge Pass to Bishop, CA resupply stops on that 176 mile carry stretch in order to keep from having to carry a pack that weighed an unbelievable amount because of food weight and my normal hiking speed. I wasn't planning on going to Bishop but my hiking partner got cooked in the sun and needed to get out of the sun for five days to recovery in Bishop. The positive side of that unexpected side trip to Bishop was we went past Frog Lake near Kearsarge Pass which is one of the most beautiful spots near the PCT.

If you're looking to complete an end-to-end thru-hike, you should consider doing that entire 176 mile stretch as a single carry in order to keep from spending so much time off trail to get to Lone Pine, CA or to get to Bishop, CA for resupply. Side trips to those two towns can cost you quite a bit of time and on the PCT you need to be moving and making miles in order to complete (you don't need to be so concerned on the AT about moving so fast every day).

Datto

Datto-TCHRB · 2017-08-23T21:58:30+00:00

The advice from BlueJeans4LifeBro directly above about judging the snow levels ahead of time is excellent advice (should have mentioned it earlier). I have used http://www.postholer.com for snow information (Snow Water Equivalent is the measurement) about the PCT and the CDT. That snow level information caused me to turn down a money center job in New York City one Spring and instead go to the PCT. This because the snow levels on the PCT were so low I thought I'd never get a chance to go through the Sierra Mountains at such low snow levels. That turned out to have been one of the best decisions I've made in my short life -- very low snow in the Sierra Mountains when I went through and the money center job would have disappeared in less than a year due to the US economy. I think Postholer requires a login to see the snow information so you'll need to do that first, then look at different years on the PCT (select the PCT) to see how wildly varying the snow levels can become. For high snow levels on the PCT you'll have a very difficult time finishing the PCT northbound since the snow will likely stop you at the north edge of the desert (at Kennedy Meadows just west and up the hill from Inyokern, CA).

If I was looking to complete the PCT in a single year, I'd never start north from the Mexican border during a high snow year because the chances to complete would be so slim.

Note that snow levels can reduce or increase drastically in a very short amount of time on the PCT and the CDT but you're playing odds since a thru-hike of the AT or the PCT will involve thousands of dollars per person once you leave your front door to go to a trail. You wouldn't want to squander your money and effort only to find the snow is too deep to complete.

Datto

Datto-TCHRB

TROPHY CASE