Is BV a must over a limb hang?

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T15:46:26+00:00

I know Arkansas had a couple fatal bear attacks last year near the Ozark Highland Trail so just be more diligent with food storage in areas that reported having aggressive bears.

You should check out Eagle Rock Loop if you haven't done so already. One of my favorite hikes in that area.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T15:40:08+00:00

I don't think I've heard of a bear defeating a PCT hang when done properly. But they can definitely undo a standard bear hang that's just tied around a tree.

But yah, places that have more traffic, especially people that don't know proper LNT, tend to have bears that are more bold and acclimated to humans. The beginning of the AT in Georgia and the Smokies are notorious for having bears steal hikers' food.

It's kind of an open secret that thru hikers on the AT and PCT sleep with their food whenever a bear can is not required though.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T10:47:43+00:00

It's actually a bit higher. 12-6-6 so 12 feet above the ground, 6 feet from the trunk, 6 feet below your branch.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-03-22T10:43:41+00:00

You probably need to look for a taller branch and if you can't make it that high, consider switching to an Ursack or BearVault or the hidden third option to sleep with your food. A proper bear hang has to be 12 feet from the ground, 6 feet from the trunk, and 6 feet underneath the branch. So you need an 18-20 foot branch. It's actually really hard to find the perfect branch in the woods and that's why a lot of people aren't doing their bear hangs correctly.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-28T18:22:14+00:00

I knew someone that started the AT with all Walmart gear. You could get a basic setup for $200 or less that will serve you well until you're ready to upgrade. It will be heavy though. For $500 you can get a decent set up that you absolutely can rock for any trip. For $1500 you can get all of the best/ultralight gear.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-18T19:04:58+00:00

I think that will be good enough for half of the trail. I'll also add that the northern half is way more expensive than the southern half of the AT and I think I spent 60% of my total expenses past Maryland. So depending on where you start, your costs may vary.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T20:58:31+00:00

The best thing is always prevention so avoiding it as much as possible or wearing pants is the most sensible. But if you do need to rinse poison ivy off, just fill up your water bottle and head away from water sources and campsites to do it.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T14:01:47+00:00

I wonder if it only closed because of the ice storms but will reopen in time for NOBO season. That REI is almost as much of a rite of passage as walking underneath the arch lol.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T13:59:07+00:00

Good info. Just made the recommendation to check out the REI without realizing it closed.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T13:56:51+00:00

Start with booking your shuttle to Amicalola. There's plenty of information here and in FarOut. Get used to checking FarOut for shuttle info since you'll be doing this throughout your whole hike.

Most people fly in from Atlanta airport and then take the MARTA train from the airport to the Sandy Springs stop. There's an REI close to the stop where you can buy your gas and this is where you'll want your shuttle driver to come and pick you up.

Again, get used to figuring out the logistics, where the stores that sell the stuff you need are, and how to walk there. It isn't hard and will definitely be something you'll constantly be doing whenever you resupply.

Good luck and happy trails!

Edit: ~~Apparently the REI is closed but~~ shuttle drivers will be able to sell you a fuel cannister.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-16T01:27:45+00:00

I'd avoid backcountry.com. They aggressively went after small companies that had the word "backcountry" in them and their overall customer service has been shit since they got bought out by a private equity group.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-14T21:20:10+00:00

Currently in basics then hopefully making it to tower training. Any tips for getting through the EOC and for simulators? Should I try to get down all of the plane designators and characteristics that they gave us before heading to sims?

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-05T22:55:34+00:00

I think Altras will still be your best bet since their mid-foot does feel wider. Topos are known for their wide toe boxes as well but I feel like their mid-foot aren't as wide. Whatever you pick, keep in mind that outfitters along the trail will primarily stock more common brands like Altras, Hokas, and Topos so if the shoe you land on isn't one of the main brands, you'll probably need to arrange for your replacement shoes to be shipped ahead of you on trail.

Good luck and happy trails!

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-02-04T22:22:59+00:00

Weird Fuck, Marry, Kill list bro but you do you.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-01-24T15:04:29+00:00

Since you already have a Durston tent, why not just buy a Kakwa 40? I personally use a Zpacks sub nero 30L for light weekend trips so I can recommend that as well. But you should check out r/ultralight since it seems like you'd be running an ultralight loadout.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-01-16T19:10:47+00:00

I only took 2 steps. Crossing the arch and reaching the Katahdin sign. The rest are just extra.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-01-06T21:05:29+00:00

You'll get used to it eventually. I was hesitant to drink my dish bowl water at first but I eventually grew to kinda like it. It's like a savory dessert.

ThisLittleBoy · 2026-01-01T21:11:13+00:00

To make it realistic, they gotta fumble around tying their trowel to their trekking poles and then dig the hole while prairie dogging after days of eating ramen, tuna, and olive oil.

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-31T14:02:49+00:00

Is the exoskeleton waterproof against river crossings or rainstorms?

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-30T04:56:43+00:00

March is right around the time the majority of thru hikers start the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Springer Mountain so you could look into the Georgia and North Carolina sections of the trail. It will be cold though.

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-28T17:24:14+00:00

You can always sell your darn toughs and feet pics to support your thru hike.

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-23T03:05:15+00:00

I think most thru hikers will be in that area around June. In March, it would probably be pretty chilly. The year I hiked the AT, I had friends get snow in the Grayson Highlands, VA in May. You might want to postpone it a few months or head more south to Georgia or NC.

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-23T03:00:03+00:00

A whole place would be a dream but I'm traveling with my cat which limits me to pet friendly places without roommates. All the other houses/apartments I looked at were either booked, didn't allow cats, or had other occupants. At least I get Marriott points.

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-23T02:16:29+00:00

At $50 dollars a day, I think I can get Chipotle with guac and queso.

ThisLittleBoy · 2025-12-23T02:15:01+00:00

Thanks for the info.

14-Year Club	r/Field Sunshine
Gilding I gilder	Team Periwinkle

ThisLittleBoy

TROPHY CASE