Preparing for a hike on the Appalachian Trail can be a daunting experience, if you let it. There are a number of things that you need to think about before ever stepping on the trail for the first time.
You'll need to address the following to ensure that you have a safe and fun trip:
Physical conditioning- A hike on the AT is not like walking around the neighborhood unless you live in rough terrain and tend to carry 30 lbs on your back each time you walk the dog.
- Check with your primary care physician to make sure that strenuous activity will NOT be a problem
- Step up on the scale, look down, does the number correspond to your height and sex? If not, then you've got some work to do to trim down. This may be the opportunity to get into shape that has been eluding you for years!
- Walk around your neighborhood and then walk some more. When you get back home, walk some more... you get the point, a good program of 2 miles of walking a day (not at work) will dramatically improve your chances for success on your first hike
- Once you've gotten into the habit of walking, start doing it with a backpack and 10 lbs of dead weight in it (fill some 2 liter soda bottles with water for your ballast). Be aware of how it feels, rides on your back, etc. Don't be concerned that you look like you're running away from home, just practice while increasing your dead weight until you can carry 30 lbs with little stress
- There are some necessary items that must accompany you on an AT hike. You absolutely must have a pack, water, food, clothing and some form of shelter. Let's look at each element:
b. Water- plan on carrying enough water to amply sustain you while on the trail from one water source to the next. Lack of water, or dehydration, is serious and can ruin your trip. You might consider carrying a 2 liter bottle at the least.
c. Food- high energy, low weight foods are best. Plan your meals for their energy source and pack ability.
d. Clothing- you need clothing, this is not a naturalist hike ;>) Choose clothing that wicks moisture. Cotton will NOT do that! Cotton will retain moisture and increase your chances of hypothermia (your core temperature drops and chills and shakes rapidly set in). Hypothermia can kill and it doesn't take much to ruin your day.
e. Shelter- this is a debatable item. The AT has shelters (3 sides, open on one side) about every 10 miles. You don't need to carry a tent BUT we don't recommend that practice. It is advisable to carry a tent, tarp or hammock on these trips. There may be times when a shelter is full and you're left out in the elements or you can't make it to a shelter before dark. Which ever shelter you ultimately choose, make it a lightweight one. Again, borrowing one from a friend is a good first step.
Three other important items to always take along are a topo map of the area to be hiked, a compass (know how to use it) and a good first aid kit.
We hope to see you...on the trail
Three other important items to always take along are a topo map of the area to be hiked, a compass (know how to use it) and a good first aid kit.
We hope to see you...on the trail
1 comment:
I'm a backpacker who routinely carried 40+ pound packs up and down mountains in my earlier 20's. In order to extend my backpacking longevity, I've made a few changes:1) Carry less. I've ditched much of the just in case stuff. It was killing my knees. I'll risk the 2% just in case stuff to avoid the 80% chance of hobbling on the trail due to too much weight.2) Use treking poles. I use to hate them. Now, they help me get up and down hills with more speed and less pain respectively.3) Retire some of my favorite old gear in favor of newer, lighter weight gear. Some lightweight gear can be very expensive, but some things can be done at reasonable cost. The best way to decide what gear is good for you is to go on a few trips and see what others have. Perhaps borrow some items for a trip or two to try them out.
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