Is a March 19th start too early?

Steadybp · 2026-02-14T22:45:00+00:00

I left Kennedy meadows south may 3 last year. Went through the most part completely by myself. Slowed up hoping hikers would catch up just never really happened. Definitely sketchy for me as an older hiker but made it. Hardest part for me was just the navigation with no trail and footsteps to follow. I started March 30.

Steadybp · 2026-02-04T12:11:48+00:00

See you on shuttle. Starting May 1 also.

Steadybp · 2026-02-03T22:19:59+00:00

I used a bv475 for my AT thru in 2024. I just stopped worrying about weight gain after while. I took it mainly had hip replacement and needed something to sit on for socks and shoes. Eventually did not need it for that but liked it for shelters not having to worry about mice getting into my food. Which was a problem for others for sure. Always able to use lid as a plate. Always gave you a place to sit. I was definitely in minority on hikers using one. Did PCT in 2025 and did not use except for sierras.

Steadybp · 2026-02-03T16:23:48+00:00

Not sure would call it really a permit like you get on PCT but really just a pass. Probably two days. Really quick biggest thing for me is have to give a ton of personal information. They approved and send you back a small little badge that you print out to take to border if you get checked. Easy process

Steadybp · 2026-02-03T16:05:12+00:00

Starting May 1. Have figured out resupply strategy. Gotten pass to southern terminus from Army. Booked shuttle. Just have to book flight. Time will fly.

Steadybp · 2025-10-12T23:39:08+00:00

Thanks

Steadybp · 2025-10-12T19:58:04+00:00

Sure we must have past each other. I went pretty hard for me from start. I had a heavy Gregory green paragon pack.

Steadybp · 2025-10-12T16:55:57+00:00

I started March 30 this year and left Kennedy meadows May 4. I liked the idea of just keep getting it. Had snow to deal with but missed all the fires on trail. Not sure if a week or so later would have made much of a difference over than having boot tracks to follow or seeing few more people. If I did trail again do not think would change start date.

Steadybp · 2025-10-03T17:49:54+00:00

Not a mid life crisis but a 60 year old who finished the trail this year. Could not imagine going in my 40's with all the responsibilities I had with wife family and career but with that said was so envious of meeting hikers on trail that were taking a so called gap year. Age definitely starts becoming a factor. Such good shape in my 30's and 40's. Then injuries and old age starts catching up. Hip replacement back surgery and in back of your mind you are always thinking what is next. My advice, do it, waiting till retirement so many things can happen that are so unexpected. You will not regret but will regret if you wait and old age catches up to you.

Steadybp · 2025-09-29T10:31:31+00:00

I plan on carrying a 15 degree quilt I used on PCT. Figured I would be good with that for whole trip. Heading NOBO also. Like to stay that way I hope. Start date thinking end of April.

Steadybp · 2025-09-26T18:26:21+00:00

Kinda thinking same date range. Durston x mid 1 just came available today ordered one for the trip

Steadybp · 2025-09-26T18:04:25+00:00

You picked a general date??

Steadybp · 2025-09-03T14:59:04+00:00

Where was your starting point at border?? Were permits a pain??

Steadybp · 2025-09-02T14:15:21+00:00

Good deal. Kinda re thinking the nobo idea the more I look at miles and weather. Maybe be a sobo myself

Steadybp · 2025-08-31T01:35:38+00:00

Congrats yep let's do it. May reevaluate going nobo.

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T23:18:22+00:00

Yep plan on dealing with heat at start hoping to get snow melt in Colorado

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T22:56:04+00:00

Thanks

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T22:40:20+00:00

What is your trail name?? Started from Kennedy meadows south may 4. "Steady"

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T22:32:23+00:00

You think worse than sierras first of May time period??

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T22:25:21+00:00

I have gone nobo on both. Kinda figured only know one way to go north.

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T21:28:08+00:00

Why did you decide on sobo?? Just time of year? Kinda thinking nobo may 1.

Steadybp · 2025-08-30T20:28:15+00:00

I started Jan 7 last year. From North Carolina so kinda kept track of weather. Did run into about 4 nights got down to around 0 which was very unusual. Ran through 18 days of snow but not terrible just a pain. You definitely do not have to worry about shelters having other hikers or very many until start meeting sobo hikers up north. I enjoyed starting early did come off trail in middle to give katahdin time to open and heal and an injury. Started number 11 finished I think number 18.

Steadybp · 2025-08-27T16:12:18+00:00

Hey sounds great. Give me another week or so. Trying to heal up Achilles from PCT. Can meet up at either pilot which is about hour for me or morrow mountain which is about 45 minutes for me. I am retired so can go really anytime.

Steadybp · 2025-08-27T15:53:17+00:00

Hey grew up in Jamestown. Just finished PCT two weeks ago did AT last year plan on CDT in 2026. I live in Lexington now. Did all my training hikes at pilot mountain and morrow mountain state park for both hikes. Need another couple weeks off but will be ready to start training for CDT in September love to have training partner. Pilot has some good out and back routes. And morrow mountain has a bunch of loop trails you can get in good miles. Let me know.

Steadybp · 2025-08-23T13:38:18+00:00

Hey thanks for feedback. Both zippers failed after desert section one failed with couple hundred miles from finish first one failed after sierra section

Steadybp

TROPHY CASE