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The Appalachian Trail: A Thru-Hiker’s Endeavor

Per your request, I introduce to you some of the basics of hitting the Appalachian Trail!

The Miles: The A.T. is currently 2,189 miles long. The miles change as the trail gets re-routed due to trail maintenance for various reasons (e.g. weather). In 2001, the trail’s distance was 21 miles shorter (2,168.1). 

The States: The A.T. runs through 14 states, starting in Springer Mountain, Georgia and traveling through North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and ending in Baxter State Park in Maine - a mountain known as “Katahdin.” 

Passing through these states, a hiker will hit major intersections from U.S. Route 25/U.S. Route 70 in Hot Springs, North Carolina, Interstate 81 near Roanoke, Virginia, Interstate 76 in Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. Route 302 in White Mountain National Forest, to U.S. Route 201 in Caratunk, Maine. The A.T. passes through 6 National Parks and 8 National Forests. A thru-hiker will need to obtain a permit when passing through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and must be purchased in advanced. 

The Timing: Hiking the A.T. usually takes between 5-7 months. This average takes into account factors such as possible weather delays and the number of zero days a hiker takes. A “zero” day is a day in which a hiker does not hike. It is important to remember that thru-hiking the A.T. is not a “job” in which you must attend from 9am-5pm every day. It is important a hiker enjoys his or her journey. While, hikers may have a schedule they are trying to keep - it is entirely up to them how they choose to hike the trail, and often, things will not go according to plan. Just remember- if hiking NOBO (north bound), Katahdin closes on October 15th, so you must reach it’s summit by then. 

The Casualties: Casualties do not mean death, but references the drop out rate for those attempting to thru-hike the A.T. Drop outs are due to various reasons such as injury (e.g. sprained ankle, etc). Though the A.T. is the most completed thru-hike, it’s completion rate by those who started in 2016 was only 20%. That same year, 3,337 hikers started the trail NOBO and only 685 individuals reached Katahdin. In total, only 1,110 hikers were recorded as 2,000 milers of the Appalachian Trail. Only about 1 in 4 will finish. 

The Resupply: There are plenty of resupply stops along the trail. Typically, a hiker will carry 3-4 days worth of food before stopping in a town to resupply at a convenience store or outfitter, or pick up a delivered resupply box sent from home. The exception is when a hiker enters the 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine before reaching Katahdin, though there is an opportunity to arrange a food drop - it can be expensive. Here will be a thru-hikers longest stretch without the constant reassurance that there is a town approaching. This means at least 10 days worth of food before entering. The Hundred Mile Wilderness is a difficult and strenuous endeavor, but is a buck hike for most! This portion of the hike requires preparation, which is why many thru-hikers choose to hike NOBO to tackle this portion after they have developed their trail feet. The Hundred Mile Wilderness is a remote and often unforgiving section of the A.T. 

Well, there it is! A quick run down of the basics! I will likely explore more of these topics at length in my future posts! I’d love hearing readers suggestions for what they’d like to see here - so please send any requests my way!

Happy Hiking!

[wandererynn-blog]

Welcome to My Pad.

You are in the Smoky Mountains and have spent your third day hiking 10 hours and 18 miles on the 1ft wide, dirt paved, A.T. You have 20 lbs of life on your back (maybe more in food), have gained and lost a total of 6,000ft in elevation, survived a treacherous down pour, managed to maintain the fluctuation of your body temperature between being wet and inevitably sweaty, and thankfully dodged that rattlesnake you almost stepped on before making it to your place of camp.

When sleeping out in the wilderness for 5-7 months, a comfortable night’s sleep is important and days like this can be typical. You can now probably imagine how important it is to have a comfortable nights rest when not having the luxury of collapsing onto your queen sized, Mattress Firm bed after a hot shower in the comfort of your own home. Sleep is everything to a thru-hiker. Sleep offers the opportunity to restore your muscles and maintain your emotional state. This is why some thought goes into choosing your sleeping pad.

As part of your sleep system, and as with most other pieces of gear, there are important considerations in choosing your sleeping pad such as, cost, weight, durability, comfort, and heat insulation. According to The Trek, in 2016, 70% of thru-hikers chose an inflatable sleeping pad, while 15% landed on closed cell.

Let’s look at the basic facts..

Closed-Cell Pros - More durable (don’t have to worry about punctures or leaks) - Lighter weight - Increased insulation - Money Saver (um...yes, please!)

Closed-Cell Cons - Compression: These pads will typically not fit inside your pack. Most hikers attach their closed-cell pad to the outside of their pack as they typically fold according style or roll-up. With the lack of compression comes bulk. - Comfort: These pads can still be comfortable and the level of comfort will vary based on quality and model, however, they tend to be more stuff than the alternative self-inflating option. 

Self-Inflating Pros - Comfort  - Thickness: Since it is self-inflating, you are able to adjust the firmness of your pad each night. It also offered a dryer nights sleep if rain happens to seep into your tent. 

Self-Inflating Cons - More Expensive  - Manual self-inflation option: You will be blowing this baby UP, which already exhausts me thinking about doing so after that 18 mile day.  - Heavier 

My decision: Without further ado...Welcome to my pad!

[wandererynn-blog]

Sleep Systems for Beginners (WTF is a “Sleep System” Anyway?)

“$300 for a sleeping bag? That’s super cheap!” – Said no one ever.

Sleep systems are your choice of products that make up your “bed.” Simple enough, right?

While sleeping bags can be more expensive (and much cheaper), it is important to take many factors into consideration when choosing the right one for you. My choice- The Revelation Quilt by Enlightened Equipment.

Details: Down Type (DownTek Treated): 850 Temperature: 20°F (-1°C) Length: Short (5′ 6″) Width: Regular (54″) 20D Weather Resistant Stripes (optional)

Okay, so that’s a ton of information for a sleeping “bag.” Let’s break it down.

The first difference in my choice is that it is not actually a “bag,” but a quilt. Though it resembles a sleeping bag at first glance, there are many different features that prove beneficial.

Now, it is important to remember that your sleep system has to be right for you. Just because I chose Revelation, doesn’t mean it is your preference for your adventure. And always remember, while there are different factors to take into account, such as weight, warmth, and recommended products … by the end of the day, you have to hike your own hike.

First Things First: Why I Chose the Quilt

Quilts are generally 20-30% lighter. Quilts provide warmth and insulation where it matters most - on top of your body and at the feet (provided by the quilts “footbox” that is created by a 20″ zipper). They can also be much easier to compress and pack due to the amount of less fabric by eliminating the bottom fabric that is typically seen with a sleeping bag (i.e. what is beneath you when you crawl in).

With quilts you also have the ability to more easily get in and out of your sleep system. There is the absence of long, annoying zippers to mess with or get snagged while walking out into the forest for a 3am bathroom trip (bear sightings on the other hand may be another story). Quilts still come with some “closure” features. As mentioned above, there is a small zipper and drawstring at the foot and head of the quilt to secure warmth, as well as a pad attachment straps, which we will look more at next.

The extra piece of the “quilt puzzle” is a sleeping pad. Most thru-hikers pack a sleeping pad for a more comfortable night’s sleep. Unless you plan on sleeping on rocks, dirt, or the hard ground of a shelter for 5-7 months … get the pad (trust me). Whether you have chosen the sleeping bag or the quilt, you will have a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads provide insulation as well and since you will be sleeping on top of it, it may not be necessary for you to have both a sleeping bag and pad for the sole purpose of insulation (I will review and provide information on sleeping pads in my next post).

You may be wondering about the details now. Let’s take a look …

The Big Debate: Down vs. Synthetic

There are two options when it comes to your sleep systems filling - Down and Synthetic.

Synthetic Pros: - Money saver - Dries faster  *(This is a big one. I am definitely going to get caught in some down pours         while out on the trail. It’s inevitable. While there are other precautionary measures to account for this, such as keeping your pack dry and having your sleep system in a stuff sack as extra protection, some hikers choose Synthetic for this very reason. Keeping your sleep system dry is definitely something you need to take into account. Fortunately, the Revelation comes with water protection options to offer higher durability and water repellent down.)

Synthetic Cons: - Heavier (weight is everything on a thru hike) - Bulkier - Less warm - Less durable

Down Pros: - Lighter weight - Easier compression - Higher warmth to weight ratio - More durable

Down Cons: - If wet becomes heavier and takes longer to dry than Synthetic - More expensive - Cleaning requires special care

My decision: Down

Sleeping in Season: Considering Temperature

The temperature rating of your sleep system is a huge consideration when long distance hiking. You want to consider what temperature rating is most beneficial to you based on the seasons you will be sleeping in. For me, I know that I will most likely still hit some snow fall in my first couple months on the A.T. Even in the spring and early summer, temperatures can drop at night - so, whether choosing a bag or a quilt, make sure you are choosing a system that will provide you with critical warmth to avoid threats such as hypothermia. However, the cold seasons are not the only weather conditions you should take into consideration. Those hot summer days will also influence your sleep system choice and your comfortability. Some choose to switch out their sleep system when the seasons change - I will not be one of those people.

My thought process? “What are my chances of fully zippering myself into my sleeping bag to the point my head is covered? Sounds unlikely for me - especially if I plan on sleeping without passing out and then waking up to hike another day (okay, I may be being a little dramatic, but you get the point). As I mentioned, the quilt provides warmth in the necessary areas as well as a draw string closure at the neck. However, you can also purchase a head warmer accessory, such as … you ready for it? A hat.

Only kidding, sort of. Chances are you already have a beanie or other winter hat with you, so this can be used at night as well. Enlightened Equipment also sells individual insulated hoods in the same fabric as your quilt.

Moving into the summer months, with the quilt option, you may not find the need to switch out your sleep system as it can be more breathable and easier to do my favorite sleeping position, one leg in, one leg out.

Sleeping bags on the other hand, can offer attached hoods for those below-freezing nights. Sleeping bags can also provide better draft protection. While a quilt can also be pulled close with the snap and drawstring neck closure, as well as, strapped to your sleeping pad to minimize drafts.

My decision: The 20°F (-1°C) Quilt

So, there it is, how I made my decision for the Revelation Quilt!

Note: Since I am a beginner to thru-hiking, this blog is meant to be used as a source in exploring experiences and products prior to my hike. These are topics every beginner will go through and question. This is a testimony to what it is like to prep for such a large undertaking. There will always be new developments, moments of trial and error, and guaranteed opinion. 

[wandererynn-blog]

Why I’m Hiking the A.T. Solo

This very well may be a sad attempt at explaining my decision to hike the A.T. solo, but for the sake of inspiring others, I will try (Note: No promises. As I type, I have no idea what will even transpire). 

I could begin this story 2 years ago, but for me, the decision was much more distinct right here (yes, above) on Gregory Bald. 

Have you ever feared being alone? Have you ever had that feeling that you had to constantly surround yourself with people in order to feel like you were a part of something? Have you ever felt that you needed to constantly keep yourself busy or buy “stuff” to feel that you were doing something important? 

I have. 

Up until recently in my life, I felt that I constantly needed to surround myself with people and be liked by everyone. I often backed down from what I felt in my heart in order to please others. This wasn’t anyone else’s “crap” but my own. I was uncomfortable with myself and was constantly looking for validation from others to avoid having to address that “crap.” 

I’ll spare all the details, but it involved being 30 lbs overweight, insecure, and unhealthy. 

As I began to change my lifestyle, I found myself gaining a life I never even knew was possible. I began realizing I can make decisions and be comfortable with expressing what I felt and who I wanted to be - no excuses. no apologies. 

For the first time in my life, I was ready to be alone. Now, I don’t mean “alone” in the sense that I drop all my friends and my boyfriend and become a recluse forever. No, “alone” meant giving myself the space to trust every part of my being. Up there that day on Gregory Bald - I knew the A.T. was the answer. That thing I must, must do.

It is about taking a chance. It is about trusting my own decisions. It is about following my heart. It is about not holding back. It is about survival. It is about adventure. It is about doing something for me. It is about allowing myself, for the first time in my entire life, to stand on my own two feet, with nothing else around me - but my life on my back, shoes on my feet, and the amazing awe of what the world has to offer. 

[wandererynn-blog]

Game Changer (Period.)

When I made the decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I was bombarded with questions relating to fears. “What about bears?” “You are really going to hike alone?” “What do you eat?” “You hitchhike???” 

While these are acceptable questions and yes, many of them need to be addressed, it wasn’t my biggest fear.

 My biggest fear ... hiking on my period. 

First of all, I have no idea why people are so “disgusted” or embarrassed to talk about female menstruation. My friends know I have never been the one to shy away from a “period” conversation. So, I think it’s appropriate that my first blogging post on prepping for the A.T. is on just that...periods (if you are offended, you probably shouldn’t continue reading). 

While diving head first into the best of the best: water filtration systems, shelters, sleeping bags, packs, stoves, food, clothing...the list goes on...the most helpful article I found: High Five’s "How to Be a Diva Hiker (Gear Review: The Diva Cup). 

I have always been the girl that struggled with her period. Spending endless amounts of money and time “dealing” with it. Ladies, you know what I am talking about. For those that have a heavy flow (and even those that don’t), you know how big of a pain it is to have to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, or worry about leaks, or having to miss out on Girl’s Night Out because it’s just too much of a hassle having to lug around 40 tampons and 20 pads.

So, I knew that I was going to have to come up with a plan when it came to my Period and The Appalachian Trail. After all, what you bring in, you pack out--and I wasn’t about to have 40 used tampons in a plastic baggy in my pack for a week. So, here it is, my first attempt at The Diva Cup. 

A dear friend of mine, and fellow hiker, shared with me this YouTube video, which is perfect for a detailed review of the cup.

I ran out and bought The Diva Cup instantly. All I know, is that with a little research and understanding, it is not that hard to put in! And so far, feels great and is working amazingly! I have a panty liner on until I know for sure I worked out the kinks...but you guys... total game changer. I am not going to go into details because the amazing sources above say it all- but what I will say is this:

Ladies (and gentleman), stop being embarrassed or uncomfortable in talking about periods!!! I know one thing for certain, I don’t want anyone feeling ashamed of their bodies in any way! Not allowing women to talk about this natural monthly gift is only one form of body shaming and needs to be put to rest (period). 

With that being said... I should probably go figure out how to use the Platypus GravityWorks and tie a decent knot.

Xo

-A Diva Hiker.