planning AT thru-hike

“I am starting to plan an AT thru-hike for sometime in the next couple of years. I have no long distance hiking experience, so I am trying to cover all my bases. If any one has any advice, I'd love to hear from you. Also, I am looking for someone to hike it with me. Or at least start together. Anyone interested?”

“Wish I could but I got a few more years till that's possible.

There are plenty of people here that can give you advise about different sections. Some have done it all. I'm familiar with the Southern part. Hope you like going up & down big hills. That's all the southern part is.”

“Trail Journals

It will give you an idea of what you're in for. Reading these journals gave me a good idea of what to expect.

Of course, actually hiking on the AT gave me the best idea....”

“Ditto to Walkindude. Also, not sure how deep you are into your research but Trail Journals has the largest collection of firsthand accounts of AT hiking that I've seen online.”

“How much backpacking experience do you have? Give us some background so we'll know where to start.”

“thanks everyone for the advice. I have only done a couple of overnite trips with friends. Everone I know thinks I'm a little crazy for wanting to try the AT, but I am very dedicated, and mentally strong. I've read that that is a big part of preparing for success. Is that true? I'll definately read the Trail Jounals. Thanks again”

“That's true for anything but you need to be sure you can stand walking everyday no matter what for about six months.

Do some weekend trips no matter what the weather and work yourself up to a week long trip. The kicker is the weather thing you often you won't have the option of waiting out bad weather. That should tell you if you really want to do it.”

“Experience is the best teacher (along with a few good backpackers showing you good tips). Where do you live? Maybe you should hook up on some trips that get posted here. There is much info to be learned from people here.”

“I agree with walkingdude, join some of the trips where more experienced backpackers are going. Watch them and ask questions. Do not be to proud to take advice. Especially when it comes to gear. Past experiences gain by other packers can save you a lot of time, money, grief. Plus the bonus, of knowledge, like "the best time to cross large swift streams is in the morning. When there is less current and water mass." Where to cross the streams. etc. The more experienced packers can pass their knowledge onto you. Without you earning it the hard way. And there are quite a few on this site. Which will share what they have learned. And with this knowledge gained as well as the experience and confidence you accumilate. Your chances for success on a Longer thru hike should increase.
Then again you could blow it all off and hit the AT, come hell or high water. And take your chances”

“I had never been out for more than 5 days before I did the AT the first time. Since you have a couple of years before you will be ready to go, that gives you lots of time to get the experience you need. Don't be in a big hurry to buy gear - take your time or you will end up buying stuff you have to replace later. Learn what you can about light weight packing (the bplight list is good for that). Go to the Gathering (Weekend of October 19-20 in West VA this year) and attend some of the workshops and meet AT thruhikers. Their enthusiasm is very contagious and will give you a glimpse of the reality of trail life. Most importantly, get out and hike and backpack every chance you get, in all kinds of weather. Get used to summer heat, autumn rain and winter cold and snow. You will experience all of those on the trail.”