Anyone backpacked the Appy Trail before?

[thehstrybean]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
One more point. A lot of people think that hiking is a good time to diet. They're doing all kinds of physical activity and figure they'll cut some weight. Be sure to avoid this and try to get at least 3000 calories a day....maybe 4-5000. Pack some big macs if you need to. Your muscles will need plenty of protien and with the amount of water you may be drinking, you're going to need plenty of sodium and potassium in your diet. Trail mix FTW.

Ohh yeah, Training....go to the gym and use the stair climbers. Get your calves up to par. Life weights to get your back in shape. A 30-50 pound pack can really do damage if you're not in shape.

For trails to practice on, go to Lookout Mountain. Find the nature center off Cummings Highway. Follow the road there until you come to a parking lot. It will be on your right. Park there and take the trail across the street. You can hike to the top of Lookout to Sunset Rock. It's actually a loop that will take you down to Craven's House, etc....and back to mid-mountain. Hike around there....it's steep, and very much like portions of the AT. If you want to hike it some weekend, let me know. Just don't go too late, the park closes at dark and they will ticket your car.

Yeah. I've done the trail to Sunset before. Really pretty in the spring. I'm gonna get my pack this week, and I'm waiting on some of my other stuff. If you wanna go with me some weekend I'd love the company. I haven't worked out in a while, so I'm past due...

 

[thehstrybean]

Originally posted by: Kyteland

Originally posted by: GOSHARKS
I don't think that he is actually proposing to hike the entire AT, just a small 3 night section. I would consider moving up to a nimbus ozone (or at least trying it out), as once you put every last thing into your pack, it may become a slight liability in comfort.

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
I want to do it all this summer. If I make it up that far, you wanna meet up and drink beer and wrastle bears?

Sounds like he's gearing up for the whole thing, although this sounds like a short outing.

I'm doing a short section (approach and Springer's Mtn) this Feb, and I want to do it all this summer...

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: Kyteland

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
And yeah, synthetic is horrible. And never use compression sacks on your bags. It's a good way to instantly kill them.

I've never had that problem personally. As long as you don't store them long term in the bags you shouldn't have any issues. Just hang them up in your closet when you aren't using them and they will be fine.

Agreed. I don't ever remember having any problems with using a compression sack on by bag. When not being used on the trail, I kept the bag(s) hanging up in the basement.

Regardless, I would highly recommend against it, unless you're really strapped for space. Compression snaps the small down quills and really crimps the plumes, as well as bend synthetic fibers to the point where the bends never come out again, like bending paper.

If you're going to spend $200+ on a sleeping bag designed to keep you alive, I wouldn't compress it unless you absolutely have to.

Besides, I find that not compressing it can actually give more structure to your backpack. Instead of stuffing round lumps of compressed tent and sheets and cooking supplies and sleeping bag into your backpack for a really lumpy bag, you can use the unstuffed sleeping bag to fill in the gaps, making for a sleeker backpack that will probably handle better.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: jhayx7
Good post! To shave some more weight, take a piece of rope with you (twine will do) and a waterproof bag (should be able to find these at any outdoor store) to store your food in. Just hoist it up the tree with your twine so the cuddlies won't get it at night and it being waterproof, they shouldn't be able to smell food. Much lighter than a bear vault.

I used to do that. Definitely much lighter but not as convenient. It's also problematic in areas that don't have the kind of trees with the kind of overhanging branches you need, such as areas with only pine trees. Bad things happen if you somehow manage to tangle the line far up in the tree. There have also been cases in areas where the bears are so savvy that they actually know where to cut the twine to get the food to drop.

Bear vault is heavier and more expensive, but a heck of a lot easier. Stuff food in, chuck bear canister into the woods away from your tent, and you're good to go

 

[Fern]

If you're doing it in Feb, I doubt you'll need any insect repellant.

In ememory of recent events, take a small metal signal mirror in case you get seperated lost etc. Maybe a whistle too. Those 2 weigh nothing and could help.

Take a decent knife, and a water purifier.

If you haven't already, watch some of the Surviver shows, if by some chance you get seperated and the tent is with the other guy you'll know how to make an easy shelter at night etc.

As far as getting in shape - I do a pretty fair amount of weigt lifting etc, but hiking up hills with weight seems to put a strain on my hip muscles. Looks like you live in TN, might wanna find some hills to hike up & down with some weight on your back as practice.

Enjoy the trip,

Fern

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: Fern
Maybe a whistle too.

You should most defintely carry a whistle.

I'm not familiar with the bear can requirements on the AT, but have you considered a ursack?

 

[WildHorse]

have you considered a ursack?

but then again, don't make the mistake of underestimating the power & intelligence of a bear, either.


in the mountains,
in the city,
even out at Pismo Beach,
you're N E V E R outta reach
of the bear!

beware lookout lookout!!!

 

[herm0016]

good sleeping bags are built to be compressed. don't worry about compressing your bag, as long as you store it hanging up. compressibility is one of the greatest qualities of getting a down bag, besides it being light and warm.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: herm0016
good sleeping bags are built to be compressed. don't worry about compressing your bag, as long as you store it hanging up. compressibility is one of the greatest qualities of getting a down bag, besides it being light and warm.

meant to be compressed in the provided stuff sack. not an after-market compression sack that will be smaller than the provided one.

Ursacks are nice because they are lightweight and require no hanging techniques - however you better be prepared for smushed food if a bear ever does get to it. Or you can add the aluminum liner.

whoooo 2000th post. after 7+ years.