Who says you can’t hike the trail on your head anyhow?
So, you’ve been planning a thru-hike on the AT…or maybe a bike tour or a backpacking trip across Canada or some other wild adenture. Chances are, if you’re planning a long hike, you’ve been asked if you’ve read Wild or A Walk in the Woods, those being the only sources to the long trails many people have. If you’re planning any other trip alone maybe you’ve had advice pulled straight from the Liam Nesson-driven Taken films thrown at you. Everyone you know has probably pumped you full of advice–good or bad. You’ve surely inundated yourself with information from blogs and journals and friends of friends no matter what adventure you’re setting out on. That’s most likely why you’re on this site to begin with. Maybe you’ve become convinced you can’t possibly step one foot on a trail without $4,000 worth of high-tech gear or get that passport stamp without buying 15 guide books and a hostel membership.
Nah. Here’s a reformed uber-planner here to tell you to, well…hike your own hike.
I’ve seen an okay amount of the world in the past decade or so since my parents finally let me leave the country and for the most part I’ve been obsessively Type-A about it. I’m a list maker, repacker, send your friend who lived there a million page of questions emailer, map ogler, and complusive second guesser. I spend months deciding where to go and making a plan to get there. When I started planning for the AT, which I was setting out on solo, I poured over every book and email thread out there. I was doing it on a crazy small budget by most standards and thought by trying to plan every mile down to the dollar, I’d have a better shot of finishing with the little money I had.
My guess is this picture was taken when yet ANOTHER SoBo told me I needed poles, even though I had made it to New England without them.
At one point, maybe a month before hoping to hit the trail, I had found a thread on the site “White Blaze” about trying to hike the AT on a $1,000 budget. I was horrified by the responses. People were downright nasty to the man who had been the original poster. They called him a “mooch” just “looking to pray on people’s kindness” and “irresponsible” and “stupid” and all sorts of other nasty things. The other responses were either obnoxiously nit-picky about all the places he would have to skip out on or pleas for him to only go half way. Everyone seemed to be counting on his failure. If these are the people I’ll be sharing the trail with, I thought, I’m going to have a rough go of things. It made me seriously reconsider going. It was the ONLY thing that ever made me reconsider going. Despite having traveled on a dime numerous times before, I was suddenly panicked over one comment thread online!
I decided to sleep on it.
The next morning, I woke up, took my AT guide I had been highlighting and making vigorous notes in and chucked it across the room. I put my notebook in my pack indefinitely. I deleted the calendar I had spent hours upon hours creating. It was decided, I was going to do this thing and I was going to do it on my own terms. I was done taking everyone’s word for it.
In the end, there was literally nothing in my original planning that I stuck to apart from finishing. I barely looked at the notebook I had written so much in and I bought an entirely new guidebook on the trail. The new book (AWOL’s Guide) had a profile map and town mileage info, and that’s esstentially all I used it for. I skipped the infamous shakedown at Neels Gap because I didn’t care to be told that I was doing everything wrong or convinced I needed to buy a ton of new crap. I got made fun of all the time for having a few changes of clothes–I like to have something dry to sleep in, thank you very much–but no sleeping pad. There were SoBo’s and section hikers who seemed almost angry that I didn’t hike with poles as though I was being irresponsible. What I can’t seem to figure out is why they care. My guess is that they had read, as I had, that certain things were essential and universal to all hikers and couldn’t shake any different image.
As I trekked along, I met friends on the trail I sped up and slowed down for. I got Lyme Disease and had to get off trail for 10 days. Nothing could have prepared me for that and that won’t necessarily be the trip you will have. I couldn’t recite guidebook facts (wait till you meetthose people) and became increasingly frustrated with those who would constantly. The log books along the way can be very helpful for making plans, but you might soon realize that your opinion of a good day or a fun stay in town can differ wildly from your fellow travelers’ so stick to your gut.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the most amazing experience of my life. For the time that I was on it, it was my trail. I hiked my own hike and didn’t worry about everyone else. As I embark on my next adventure–a solo cycle tour of Iceland in April–I’m trying to remind myself to loosen up and not overly plan. I still enjoy reading about other people’s trips around that magical island, but am trying to leave room to discover things on my own. The typical guidebooks are almost useless to me because I once again am not leaving with a huge budget or even the desire to pay crazy prices to sit on a tour bus, anyway, so I’m pulling references from less likely sources like Twitter and friends-of-friends. I’m leaving space open for random, exciting things to happen so as not to miss out on the magic that comes from spontaneity. I’m planning to the point of safety and actually catching my flight home; little more.
Made it to Katahdin after all!
Despite the fact that I’m writing a post on a blog that dispenses great and useful information and I even have one of my own where I answer reader’s questions, I can’t stress enough the need to take it all with a grain of salt. Pick and choose what works for you and forget the rest. When you pack up your luggage, you’ll be the only one carrying it. In that bag too, you’ll be carrying around your own personal fears and hopes for the journey and not anyone else’s. Those things will change according to you and your experience and you’ll be the one made to adapt as you go along. Don’t get too caught up on your favorite bloggers favorite spots or gear or food. Spend a good bit of time thinking about what you might want to get out of the journey and what you might need. Don’t just walk into a bike store or gear shop with a credit card and an itinerary and leave it up to the guys and gals in the shop to build your adventure. Don’t keep your nose buried in the guide books and miss out on all the little things. Don’t be a slave to your itinerary and your original plans. Hike your own hike and have your own adventure!
Emily “Yellowtail” Flynn is a writer and doula in Durango, CO. She thru-hiked the AT in 2012 starting out solo. You can read more about her adventures on the trail, moving to the Southwest, and upcoming travels abroad at www.eflynnand2000miles.tumblr.com. Feel free to drop by and ask her a question!
I love this. Sometimes on forums it seems like when someone says HYOH it is always immediately followed with the caveat of “unless you’re not doing it my way and then obviously you’re doing it wrong.” I respect people with experience enough to know that they know what worked for them. I respect myself enough to know that I know what works for me.
I am tearing up a little after reading this article, exactly what I needed. I am a female planning on hiking the AT solo this year, I’ve experienced all these things and have a few times made myself physically ill from worrying about not having the right gear or enough money or this or that… Thank you so much!
And really, what’s with the hate on not using poles? I did the JMT without poles last year, and got asked “why don’t you have trekking poles” basically every day. They just never sounded necessary to me… ? Enjoy yours and leave me in peace.
Have a great trip in Iceland — that sounds fantastic!
I’m glad you overcame the naysayers and hiked your own hike. Part of the reason I wander is to get away from many peoples’ negative attitudes and it’s a shame that one of the great adventures like the AT is still overshadowed by people’s opinions.
YES yES yES Whatever happened to picking up a stick and hiking with it. The AT
is turning into a path of little dimples in the ground from treking Poles”
I love this blog post! I get so frustrated when I see how some hikers treat each other. I live in New England and hike mostly in the White Mountains, working on the 4,000 footers in NH. I follow a couple Facebook groups and get so upset when I see how judgmental fellow hikers are to each other. I want to personally warn anyone who asks a question on the Facebook group because I know they are going to get stomped on & squished like a bug. Good luck to any beginner who dares to ask a question! Hiking is personal and no one knows your body and abilities but yourself. It’s a shame people are so negative, I’ve even seen the groups bash AT hikers, making fun of them (apparently they are all idiot hippies who don’t know how to hike, well excuse me but I think anyone who hikes the entire AT is “experienced”). It makes no sense to me, hikers should be supportive community, not nasty people who think they are better than each other! Anyway, rant over. I am an AT 2015 hopeful with my future husband (the comments I’ve gotten on that are awful too). Be yourself & hike your own hike 🙂
I know what you mean! The vast majority of hikers on the trail are extremely nice, but when hikers are corresponding via social media, people can be really mean. I wrote an article for Appalachian Trials about avoiding creeps on the trail, and I developed a hate following because of it! I feel like half of the people who are doing the criticizing are never going to hike the trail anyway.
I read that article and laughed!! It’s funny and true. Even Jennifer Pharr Davis wrote in her book about a guy who wouldn’t leave her alone and she kept trying to lose! I think for the most part, people take things personally and too seriously!
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal.
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes
and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never
manage to get anything done.
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in
a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information
to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
Appalachian Girl, I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. My husband and I are planning to thru hike the AT next year and I am just starting my research, We are active (bike, run, swim, crossfit, etc) but I’m not sure if this is enough training or do we need to to more specific training?
Also, I have no idea where to start to look at what we will need in terms of gear for this trip. I would love advice from someone who has actually done this hike recently. I just downloaded your book will I find this in your book?
Where can I get hold of your documentary to watch?
Hey, I’m so glad you’ve found some useful info. It sounds like you’re already pretty active, so you should do well on the trail. Being in good cardio shape is definitely helpful. My book has more info, as well.
The documentary was actually by a different hiker. I just interviewed her. I don’t think it’s available yet, but it should be very soon!
Good luck planning,
Love what u had to say. Im planning on walking the trail starting in april?? Lol.. I dont have much money I am gathering some suppliesas time goes on. Just have I have to do.. lol ill get on Facebook n c if I can get a g nt n backpack.. and im not going to follow a plan or b scared away because I dont have ” the best gear” .. ppl made these kinds of journeys b4 most this stuff was even thought of. Lol sry to rant jus wanted to say good job n liked what u said
The AT trail is what almost or over a 100 years old? I don’t think they had this gear then and I know when Grandma Gatewood hiked this she had next to nothing and she counted and needed trail magic more than she got most of the time and I would not call her a pest, beggar, or mooch.
I would think with as many ppl who move back and buy land for hostels to “help” hikers out of love for the cause going “lightweight” shouldn’t label you as any such term as a mooch.
I went shopping today for some gear and spent my limit of $300 on a sleeping bag, backpack (which I might take back and design/sew my own) and water holder with a spare and water tablets. My tent will have to be a tarp or a wet night cow boying it when it rains. I looked at the ski poles and remember someone saying at times they were a pain and thought he really could do without them and at the end of the trail 2 states or so left when it gets rocky and dirt is hard to find he wanted to ditch them. So a branch is perfect because when you want to ditch it you can!
I couldn’t even fit in proper hiking boots into my budget so my shoes will have to do until they fall apart and I can send home a picture for help and a donation from mom and dad! Now that might be mooching 😀
I love this. Sometimes on forums it seems like when someone says HYOH it is always immediately followed with the caveat of “unless you’re not doing it my way and then obviously you’re doing it wrong.” I respect people with experience enough to know that they know what worked for them. I respect myself enough to know that I know what works for me.
This is a sweet blog, the AT is one of my main goals since I grew up in Tennessee, now I live in Durango and need some new trails any suggestions?
Lauren! I live in Durango! We should go on hikes, sista.
I am tearing up a little after reading this article, exactly what I needed. I am a female planning on hiking the AT solo this year, I’ve experienced all these things and have a few times made myself physically ill from worrying about not having the right gear or enough money or this or that… Thank you so much!
I’m glad this was helpful, Roxanne! Keep your head up and don’t worry too much about what you read/hear before heading out there!
This!
And really, what’s with the hate on not using poles? I did the JMT without poles last year, and got asked “why don’t you have trekking poles” basically every day. They just never sounded necessary to me… ? Enjoy yours and leave me in peace.
Have a great trip in Iceland — that sounds fantastic!
I’m glad you overcame the naysayers and hiked your own hike. Part of the reason I wander is to get away from many peoples’ negative attitudes and it’s a shame that one of the great adventures like the AT is still overshadowed by people’s opinions.
YES yES yES Whatever happened to picking up a stick and hiking with it. The AT
is turning into a path of little dimples in the ground from treking Poles”
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Yes, I have Twitter. Find me @ATHikerGirl.
I love this blog post! I get so frustrated when I see how some hikers treat each other. I live in New England and hike mostly in the White Mountains, working on the 4,000 footers in NH. I follow a couple Facebook groups and get so upset when I see how judgmental fellow hikers are to each other. I want to personally warn anyone who asks a question on the Facebook group because I know they are going to get stomped on & squished like a bug. Good luck to any beginner who dares to ask a question! Hiking is personal and no one knows your body and abilities but yourself. It’s a shame people are so negative, I’ve even seen the groups bash AT hikers, making fun of them (apparently they are all idiot hippies who don’t know how to hike, well excuse me but I think anyone who hikes the entire AT is “experienced”). It makes no sense to me, hikers should be supportive community, not nasty people who think they are better than each other! Anyway, rant over. I am an AT 2015 hopeful with my future husband (the comments I’ve gotten on that are awful too). Be yourself & hike your own hike 🙂
I know what you mean! The vast majority of hikers on the trail are extremely nice, but when hikers are corresponding via social media, people can be really mean. I wrote an article for Appalachian Trials about avoiding creeps on the trail, and I developed a hate following because of it! I feel like half of the people who are doing the criticizing are never going to hike the trail anyway.
I read that article and laughed!! It’s funny and true. Even Jennifer Pharr Davis wrote in her book about a guy who wouldn’t leave her alone and she kept trying to lose! I think for the most part, people take things personally and too seriously!
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
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Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes
and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never
manage to get anything done.
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in
a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information
to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
Appalachian Girl, I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. My husband and I are planning to thru hike the AT next year and I am just starting my research, We are active (bike, run, swim, crossfit, etc) but I’m not sure if this is enough training or do we need to to more specific training?
Also, I have no idea where to start to look at what we will need in terms of gear for this trip. I would love advice from someone who has actually done this hike recently. I just downloaded your book will I find this in your book?
Where can I get hold of your documentary to watch?
Thanks.
Karen
Hey, I’m so glad you’ve found some useful info. It sounds like you’re already pretty active, so you should do well on the trail. Being in good cardio shape is definitely helpful. My book has more info, as well.
The documentary was actually by a different hiker. I just interviewed her. I don’t think it’s available yet, but it should be very soon!
Good luck planning,
Love what u had to say. Im planning on walking the trail starting in april?? Lol.. I dont have much money I am gathering some suppliesas time goes on. Just have I have to do.. lol ill get on Facebook n c if I can get a g nt n backpack.. and im not going to follow a plan or b scared away because I dont have ” the best gear” .. ppl made these kinds of journeys b4 most this stuff was even thought of. Lol sry to rant jus wanted to say good job n liked what u said
The AT trail is what almost or over a 100 years old? I don’t think they had this gear then and I know when Grandma Gatewood hiked this she had next to nothing and she counted and needed trail magic more than she got most of the time and I would not call her a pest, beggar, or mooch.
I would think with as many ppl who move back and buy land for hostels to “help” hikers out of love for the cause going “lightweight” shouldn’t label you as any such term as a mooch.
I went shopping today for some gear and spent my limit of $300 on a sleeping bag, backpack (which I might take back and design/sew my own) and water holder with a spare and water tablets. My tent will have to be a tarp or a wet night cow boying it when it rains. I looked at the ski poles and remember someone saying at times they were a pain and thought he really could do without them and at the end of the trail 2 states or so left when it gets rocky and dirt is hard to find he wanted to ditch them. So a branch is perfect because when you want to ditch it you can!
I couldn’t even fit in proper hiking boots into my budget so my shoes will have to do until they fall apart and I can send home a picture for help and a donation from mom and dad! Now that might be mooching 😀