READERS COMMENTS

Just think after carrying that dead weight for 160 miles you can roller skate over Fontana Dam!
No skates allowed on AT (new rule)!!
Posted: Oct 16, 2009 Big Mike

Good luck with finding those paved areas!
Posted: Oct 13, 2009 Miguel

I'm planning on hiking the entire AT starting spring 2011. Next year will be many one-dayers, weekenders, and a couple week -longers. I plan on taking roller skates with me for the paved areas.
Posted: Oct 10, 2009 joe312

bread sacks for over socks,after rain wets your books
Posted: Jul 17, 2009 gappy

I'd have to agree with gimp. I would and have "scrounged" simple supplies i could use, but have never stole. If you go into a public bathroom, your out of tp for the trail, taking a 1/4 to a 1/2 roll is not stealing. Especially when theres usually three, sometimes four rolls on the roller. You stay in a hotel for a night. You pay for the room, so You take the little paper wrapped soap and shampoos. There is quite a differance between scrounging some things and stealing some things. Some of us are just not as fortunate as others when it comes to $$$. Some people camp for fun and escape from their small town where they work a minimum wage job, go to school, pay their rent, etc, and have little cash resources to do what they really love(i.e camping/backpacking) Other people can buy super lightweight gear, pay shipping and buy expensive rolls of recycled tp because they can afford it. All I'm saying is that cash for me is an issue, and i'll save where I can. I don't steal. I beleive it wrong, very wrong. But scrounging is fine and can add some fun to the adventure:)
Posted: Apr 18, 2009 BigBallJay

Just starting out on hiking, is it recommended to take short weekend hikes to build up to the AT?
Posted: Jan 01, 2009 Ken

Awww Peaches. I hiked the whole trail (including black boot hill) with nothing but my trusty hiking stick.
Posted: Dec 28, 2008 Guss Chiggens

How about layers of clothes? you will hike in fof, snow, and rain in the spring, heat and humidity in the summer, then back to rain, wind, snow and ice in the fall.
Posted: Nov 20, 2008 Cole

that whole list looks pretty solid. But where i struggle is how much food to bring. there are usually stops every five to seven days or so. Any suggestions?
Posted: Nov 09, 2008 Tom

with each hike i find that there are more and more items that i pack that i don't need. so by the time i'm through with the a.t. in twenty years i'll be an expert. lisa
Posted: Oct 29, 2008 lisa

Down Jacket? What happened to a layering system? Maybe a midweight fleece, it`ll work when wet
Posted: Oct 29, 2008 ZZ

In response to "Gimps" idea that shipping is expensive, I can only say that ripping off supplies from the hotel or hostel or anyone else is expensive to THEM. Being self sufficient in life, and on the trail, involves buying one's own supplies and not stealing them. Oh, sorry. I mean... not "scrounging" them.
Posted: Oct 29, 2008 Toilet paper & "bounce boxes"

There are no grizzly bears on the AT. No penguins either.
Posted: Oct 24, 2008 Dreamtime

JD... A map and compass are never "totally optional". People that think they are optional are the people SAR has to come find. All the "Crocs", MP3 players, and ATM cards in the world can't guide you out of the woods when you get turned around in fog or have an injury and need a shorter route. Do youself and the SAR teams a favor and ALWAYS take a map and compass even if it's a day hike, let alone 2,175 miles across the country..
Posted: Oct 19, 2008 MLI

We never bought or shipped toilet paper. Every time we went into town, we scrounged it from our motel/hotel/hostel or washroom somewhere. Each time you open your "bounce box" you must pay to send it to the next PO. If you don't open it, you can "forward" it for no charge Never used one and can't see raeson for one. Very expensive.
Posted: Oct 17, 2008 Gimp AT'03 Ga-Me

Tarp is recommended, as you can use your walking poles to pitch it(or just use tree's....depends on the terrain). Then add a mosquito net, might help on those night the mozzies are out.

I'd pack 4-5 pairs of socks, ideally 2 cotton and 3 woolen. If it's cold you can use them as mittens(as said above), and as an improvised scarf(stick em around your neck)
Posted: Oct 13, 2008 Rob

Wow, this list is missing some key items...Underwear--optional? (I think you will chafe more without it. Synthetic boxer-briefs are best!) Down jacket is optional, as most hikers pack fleece jacket/shirt. Map & Compass are totally optional on the AT, but Wingfoot's or ATC's guidebook is almost necessary. (Nearly every AT hiker uses one book or the other). Sunscreen & bug juice are optional--nice to have, but only needed in certain areas/times. (you won't use more often than not.) After-hike footwear...i.e. "Crocs" or sandals are practically a necessity. Two pairs socks is absolute minimum, Better with 2-3/pr for hiking + 1 warm pair for camp. (dry socks/clothes for camp are a MUST!) Nobody uses iodine. Use Aqua Mira or small filter (Katahdine/Pur or MSR filters are most chosen by hikers. Don't forget a small repair kit including duck tape! 2 lb pack?...only if you're going ultralight. Yes, a tarp/tent is optional on the AT, but highly recommended. If its pouring, and you get to a full shelter, what you gonna do? Gaiters are also highly recommended, particularly if you don't pack rain pants. Also camera case, memory cards, extra cam battery. MP3 player is really nice to have while hiking or when solo... +ATM/credit card & enough $ saved to finish the trail...I cannot stress how important this is!
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 JD

What about a short rope to tie food to hoist into trees to avoid grizzly brown bear confronations on the trail. Cellular phone or GPS boost phone or some communication device
Posted: Oct 04, 2008 kimberly

What about a short rope to tie food to hoist into trees to avoid grizzly brown bear confronations on the trail.
Posted: Oct 04, 2008 kimberly

I found diamonds in Arizona near an old volcano it is a coincidence that I did find them . This backpacking is called Rock hounding. So I am registering for a course at the local college in florida geology 3 credits. I found blood turquoise in Arizona. The Greyhound bus tires blew and the driver had to pull over with us allon the bus until we got help for the flat. I went around looking picking up stones.
Posted: Oct 04, 2008 Kimberly

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