Anyone backpacked the Appy Trail before?

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
My school has an outdoors club, and they're doing Springer's Mtn in February. Anyone done it? I've heard that the 8 mile approach is considered by some to be worse than the trail itself.

I work at an outdoors store, so I get a discount on some great stuff...
[*]Granite Gear Vapor Trail Pack
[*]Snowpeak Stove (small, takin 2 fuel canisters)
[*]Couple of Cap1 & Cap2 baselayers
[*]Pair of Mtn Khakis (the pair I wear)
[*]Extra socks

I'm torn on the tent and bag. I've heard the Mtn. Hardware Meridian 1 is good, but it's $170, which even with my discount, is expensive. Pro-deal brings it to $99, which sucks...For a bag I'm lookin at a Marmot down (NO synthetic)...either 600 or 800+

Anybody got any suggestions on training for this climb? What should I expect?

I've done the approach trail a few times....It is pretty steep. Get someone to take you to the top of Amicalola falls...there's no need in hiking up that first hill and wasting energy. It's not that far, just STEEP from the parking lot.

What's the first leg? Are you going all the way to Roan Mtn or further? I would consider stopping at Roan or Mt. Rogers, rather than going through the VA highlands. While it's a lot flatter than other parts, it gets rocky toward PA and you'll likely need a boot change by then.

For equipment, just be sure to pack plenty of socks....come up with a plan for water. And pre-ship your food along the way. Most places near the trail will hold supplies for you. There is a store right next to the AT 26 miles from Springer on Blood Mountain. There's also a ice cream shop that's in Damascus, VA that will take shipments. Just call them.

-Scar

 

[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.

 

[Feldenak]

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.

True. When I backpacked a section of the AT and when I was in Philmont, I ate like a horse and still lost weight.

 

[jhayx7]

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.

Foil packets of Tuna and Pop Tarts are the way to go :thumbsup:

 

[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.

 

[Feldenak]

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.

A good backpack, properly fitted will distribute the weight to your hips & down your legs. The shoulder straps and your back should carry very little weight.

 

[Aharami]

wow there are a lot of hikers in ATOT! One question, why go in the winter? why not the summer? wouldnt you be able to enjoy it more in the summer? I'd think that the bitter cold will take away from the experience. But then again, Im not a hiker. I've done some hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine (if you can call that hiking) and I LOVED every minute of it. But that was in the middle of the summer and this is waay more hardcore than anything I've ever done. Good luck

 

[herm0016]

I do quite a bit of backpacking (over 100 miles last summer), trips up to 12 days starting with 38 lbs including over 12 lbs of food, and 2 liters of water.

granite gear packs are great. I own a Latitude vapor and love the panel loading system. take a look at it, it is also a bit bigger than the vapor trail.

the snowpeak stoves are good, i used a homemade popcan alchy stove for my trips, but just purchesed a jetboil. the alchy stuff is not very reliable in cold weather.

use convertable pants if you think it will be warm enoufe for shorts. (saves weight)
down to about 35 degrees i use a duofold top and nylon pants, a pair of nylon rain pants and a rain jacket can double duty for keeping you warm. go through everything and find out what can do more than one thing, bring the stuff that works for the most condtions.

bags: down is a good choice, i love my moonstone bag but have no experence wiht others. a sleeping pad in important, i use a 3/4 lenght themarest z lite in the summer and an insulated self inflating pad for colder times.

tents.
the meridian looks nice, but you can get something close that will cost about half.
Eureka Spitfire
Kelty Crestone
just to name a few...
I am selling my Sierra design clip flashlight and moving to a tarp type shelter to shave a few more lbs off of my weight.

check out sites like sierra trading post and campmor for discouted or clearence gear.

check out the forums at www.backpacking.net (i am ajherman over there) for lightly used gear at great prices.

 

[preslove]

Scroll down to "How to hike the Appalachian Trail." I haven't hiked the trail, but I watched that video. It interviews a bunch of people along the trail and is edited by subject i.e. food, tents, water etc. I enjoyed it because all the people were pretty cooky, but it seemed to give some very good advice.

 

[GasX]

Winter camping is fun unless it is absolutely bitter cold and windy. Makes the campfire "special"

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: Aharami
wow there are a lot of hikers in ATOT! One question, why go in the winter? why not the summer? wouldnt you be able to enjoy it more in the summer? I'd think that the bitter cold will take away from the experience. But then again, Im not a hiker. I've done some hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine (if you can call that hiking) and I LOVED every minute of it. But that was in the middle of the summer and this is waay more hardcore than anything I've ever done. Good luck

Ever hiked in the South in the summer? 95 degree weather with 90% humidity is bad news.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: jhayx7

Originally posted by: Aharami
wow there are a lot of hikers in ATOT! One question, why go in the winter? why not the summer? wouldnt you be able to enjoy it more in the summer? I'd think that the bitter cold will take away from the experience. But then again, Im not a hiker. I've done some hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine (if you can call that hiking) and I LOVED every minute of it. But that was in the middle of the summer and this is waay more hardcore than anything I've ever done. Good luck

Ever hiked in the South in the summer? 95 degree weather with 90% humidity is bad news.

good point. Maine was a nice 70F in august. plus the trails I did were very short (3-7 hrs).
but wouldnt Feb be too cold? I imagine it would be even colder up on the mountains with the high winds.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Granite Gear Vapor Trail: 2lb

Mountain Hardware Meridian: 3lb 14oz, Marmot EOS 1P: 3lb 5oz, BA Seedhouse SL1: 2lb 15oz

Groundsheet: ~5oz

Stakes: ~6oz

Montbell Down Hugger #3 32F: 1lb 5oz

Water Bladder: 4oz

Jetboil: 15oz
Jetboil Fuel Canister: 4oz

Thermarest Prolite 3: 1lb 4oz

Katadyn Hiker Water Filter: 11oz

Waterproof Shell Jacket (used Marmot Precip): 13oz

So Far (using Marmot 1P as tent): 184oz = 11lb 8oz

You've still got a good 13.5lb to go before even hitting 25lb.

2 base layers + 2 wool socks = ~1lb

Water = ~5lb

Dried Food = ~5lb

Bear Vault = 2lb 9oz

So far, 13lb 9oz, for a total of ~25lb even.

25lb is a really nice pack weight. Add some miscellaneous stuff like compass, maps, camera, tripod, hiking poles, first aid kit, and you might be looking at around 35lb.

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: jhayx7

Originally posted by: Aharami
wow there are a lot of hikers in ATOT! One question, why go in the winter? why not the summer? wouldnt you be able to enjoy it more in the summer? I'd think that the bitter cold will take away from the experience. But then again, Im not a hiker. I've done some hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine (if you can call that hiking) and I LOVED every minute of it. But that was in the middle of the summer and this is waay more hardcore than anything I've ever done. Good luck

Ever hiked in the South in the summer? 95 degree weather with 90% humidity is bad news.

good point. Maine was a nice 70F in august. plus the trails I did were very short (3-7 hrs).
but wouldnt Feb be too cold? I imagine it would be even colder up on the mountains with the high winds.

It's not that bad. It would probably be in the upper 20's at night and low 40's during the day in Feb. As long as you had the proper gear you would be ok.

I have been camping on Alabama's tallest peak during a brisk cold snap (20's during the day, teens at night with a very stiff wind) and almost froze my pecker off. Went camping on a whim and was not even close to prepared.

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Granite Gear Vapor Trail: 2lb

Mountain Hardware Meridian: 3lb 14oz, Marmot EOS 1P: 3lb 5oz, BA Seedhouse SL1: 2lb 15oz

Groundsheet: ~5oz

Stakes: ~6oz

Montbell Down Hugger #3 32F: 1lb 5oz

Water Bladder: 4oz

Jetboil: 15oz
Jetboil Fuel Canister: 4oz

Thermarest Prolite 3: 1lb 4oz

Katadyn Hiker Water Filter: 11oz

Waterproof Shell Jacket (used Marmot Precip): 13oz

So Far (using Marmot 1P as tent): 184oz = 11lb 8oz

You've still got a good 13.5lb to go before even hitting 25lb.

2 base layers + 2 wool socks = ~1lb

Water = ~5lb

Dried Food = ~5lb

Bear Vault = 2lb 9oz

So far, 13lb 9oz, for a total of ~25lb even.

25lb is a really nice pack weight. Add some miscellaneous stuff like compass, maps, camera, tripod, hiking poles, first aid kit, and you might be looking at around 35lb.

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.

 

[Patt]

Goddamn I wish I lived closer to the AT ... there was a time there a few years ago that I was priming myself for the trip, but unfortunately a sickness to a family member short-circuited my journey. I ended up getting deeper into the workforce, married and now with a kid ... but I still love to read accounts of people hiking it. At some point in the future, perhaps it'll happen. I think in order of preference I've love to do the Great Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail and then the Pacific Crest Trail.

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: jhayx7

Originally posted by: Aharami
wow there are a lot of hikers in ATOT! One question, why go in the winter? why not the summer? wouldnt you be able to enjoy it more in the summer? I'd think that the bitter cold will take away from the experience. But then again, Im not a hiker. I've done some hiking in Bar Harbor, Maine (if you can call that hiking) and I LOVED every minute of it. But that was in the middle of the summer and this is waay more hardcore than anything I've ever done. Good luck

Ever hiked in the South in the summer? 95 degree weather with 90% humidity is bad news.

Plus, if you want to hike the entire length of the AT, you need to get an early start.

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
We need an ATOT Appy club...we all meet up and do it...

I tried to organize an outing (not on the App Trail, just an outing) a while back, and while there was a bit of interest it just didn't take off. There are a lot of people that would do it if it happened in their back yard, but aren't interested in any traveling.

 

[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.

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
My school has an outdoors club, and they're doing Springer's Mtn in February. Anyone done it? I've heard that the 8 mile approach is considered by some to be worse than the trail itself.

I work at an outdoors store, so I get a discount on some great stuff...
[*]Granite Gear Vapor Trail Pack
[*]Snowpeak Stove (small, takin 2 fuel canisters)
[*]Couple of Cap1 & Cap2 baselayers
[*]Pair of Mtn Khakis (the pair I wear)
[*]Extra socks

I'm torn on the tent and bag. I've heard the Mtn. Hardware Meridian 1 is good, but it's $170, which even with my discount, is expensive. Pro-deal brings it to $99, which sucks...For a bag I'm lookin at a Marmot down (NO synthetic)...either 600 or 800+

Anybody got any suggestions on training for this climb? What should I expect?

I didn't see you answer this so far in the thread, so I'll ask it again: Have you ever done *any* backpacking before? If not, definitely go on some small trips with your outdoor club before trying to tackle the entire AT. You will learn very quickly what you actually need and what you don't. Borrow some equipment at first (if at all possible) so you don't end up with buyers remorse.

Make sure that pack fits you before you buy it. Just because it's a great pack doesn't mean it'll be a great pack for you. Load it up in the store and give it a test run, and make sure you try out some other packs too. The perfect pack that pokes you in just the wrong spot isn't the perfect pack. Also make sure you know how to adjust properly it before deciding it pokes you in just the wrong spot.

Boots/shoes: I prefer a good pair of boots myself, especially in February. Because they're heavier they can definitely tire you out, but they keep me dry and warm. Plus I tend to hike with a slightly slower crowd. If you're going to do the entire AT you'll probably want a light, comfortable pair of trail shoes. Break them in our you will regret it.

If you haven't yet, take a look at a tarptent. (http://www.tarptent.com/) I've personally never used one, but everyone seems to swear by them. Plus they're super light. In February you might need a better tent than that, but it's still worth a look.

 

[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.

Regarding sleeping bags - I personally prefer Western Mountaineering bags to Marmot bags. I have a WM Ultralite Super, which is about comparable to the Marmot Helium. Main difference between the bags is that the WM has a full zipper, allowing it more flexibility, but the bag itself is slightly narrower at 59" shoulder girth compared to 62" on the Helium. There is no reason to get a synthetic bag unless you can't afford a down bag or you will be doing any water-related activities while carrying the bag.

I would not recommend a bivy if you are just starting out. It is defintely a niche piece of gear. Instead of the MH Meridian, I would try and get the Big Agnes Seedhouse 1, it is the same retail price, but has much more floorspace for the same weight.

I use trail runners for my trips, which include plenty of rocky terrain. They work great IMO.

 

[tomywishbone]

We did the trail (100 miles +/-) in the early 80's. North Carolina & Virginia. We had a blast. Plenty of booze and weed. Good times indeed. Have fun. :beer:

Edit: Equipment? The only thing I remember, is the importance of being able to make yourself and your gear totally waterproof. Walking/sleeping/ in the rain is fun as long as you & equipment stays dry. I'd suggest putting on all your gear and then having a friend spray you with a hose for 10 minutes. If you stay dry... you're OK.

 

[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.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I read 'Happy Trail' ... :Q

 

[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.