1.5 to 2 pounds per day
to start can be adequate in most circumstances if your food is high in calories, but if you are doing big miles or rugged terrain with a lot of elevation gain you will probably need more. On a long-distance hike you will develop a bigger appetite and may also need to carry more.
What can you not take on the Appalachian Trail?
- Bringing too much food. …
- Carrying too much water. …
- Carrying too many (or too few) clothes. …
- Not practicing with gear before starting. …
- Carrying a pack weighing 50 pounds or more. …
- Making someone’s day turn to crap. …
- Sleeping with food in tents and shelters.
How big of a pack do I need for the Appalachian Trail?
The best size backpack for the Appalachian Trail is
around 50 liters
. Some people think it is a great idea to take a 70 liter rucksack but there are ample places to resupply with food and water on the trail and a large backpack will encourage thru hikers to take too much gear.
How often can you resupply on the Appalachian Trail?
Long-distance hikers leave the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) periodically (
typically every 3-5 days
) to resupply in nearby towns. In remote areas, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina and the “100 Mile Wilderness” in Maine, hikers may carry food for 6-8 days or more.
How much water should you carry on the Appalachian Trail?
A general estimate is that hikers will have to carry anywhere between
1-2 liters
of water. It’s unlikely most hikers need to carry more than 2 liters at a time, except in special circumstances. Hikers new to the trail will likely need more water than seasoned backpackers until their bodies adapt to the trail.
Can you set up a tent anywhere on the Appalachian Trail?
At the most basic level, camping on the A.T. is permitted either at “designated sites” (which may or may not include a shelter, privy or other structure), or it’s left to the hiker where to camp (so-called “dispersed” camping).
How do I plan food on the Appalachian Trail?
- Research! …
- Plan a high-calorie diet. …
- Make sure you eat a nutritious meal before going to sleep. …
- Snack regularly and often throughout the day. …
- Don’t pack too much food. …
- Pack a variety of food choices. …
- Plan to carry food items that are quick and easy to prepare.
How many miles a day should you walk on the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers start out slow, averaging eight to 10 miles a day. They will eventually work up to
12 to 16 miles a day
. Don’t worry if you end up doing less some days and more on other days; as long as you set a goal for where you need to be each month, you will survive and successfully complete the trail before winter.
Where do you sleep on the Appalachian Trail?
Where do you sleep along the Appalachian Trail?
There is an extensive system of campsites and shelters
along the Appalachian Trail. Shelters are built and maintained by local volunteers and usually have a water source and additional campsites nearby.
Can you build campfires on the Appalachian Trail?
No campfires allowed
. AMC Conn. On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the locations specified by the state and in the applicable local management plan. On NPS lands, camping is allowed at designated sites only, for 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan.
What is the hardest part of the Appalachian Trail?
Mount Katahdin
From the perspective of a northbound thru-hiker, the Appalachian Trail saves the most epic for last. That is to say, the trail’s northern terminus, Mount Katahdin, is not only one of the most challenging ascents of the entire trail, it is also one of the most spectacular.
Do you need a tent on the Appalachian Trail?
It’s possible to hike the Appalachian Trail without a tent
.
They’re free. So “thru-hikers,” people who walk the full distance in a continuous hike, often leave the tent at home, saving as much as 5 pounds from their backpacks.
How do you prepare to hike the Appalachian Trail?
- Budget wisely. You’re going to need some money. …
- Pack light. …
- Get fit. …
- Know why you’re out there. …
- Line up a support person. …
- Prepare “bump boxes”. …
- Bring duct tape. …
- Practice with your gear.
How far apart are shelters on the Appalachian Trail?
There are about 260 shelters scattered along the entire length of the 2,190 mile trail. Therefore, on average, there is a shelter located every
8.5 miles
. Sometimes they might be closer together (maybe 5 miles), while other times they might be farther apart (maybe 15 miles).
What is a bounce box?
The definition of a Bounce Box, in my own words, is
a parcel that thru-hikers send ahead to various resupply points on a long distance trail, usually containing extra gear, food and some luxury items to enjoy while in town
.
When should I start the Appalachian Trail?
To avoid crowds and winter conditions, the optimal time to start a northbound thru-hike is the window
between April 15 and the first week of May
.
What can I put in a bounce box?
How do you shower on the Appalachian Trail?
Showers. Showers are rarely available right on the A.T. Hikers usually shower while at hostels or hotels in towns; less common are campgrounds with shower facilities. To bathe in the backcountry,
carry water 200 feet from the water source in a container and rinse or wash yourself away from streams, springs and ponds
.
How much money do you need to hike the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers spend an average of
at least $1,000 a month
during the hike itself. Disciplined, frugal hikers willing to forego motels, restaurants, and other amenities can get away with less; those who like to stay in motels and eat at restaurants when they have the opportunity can easily spend much more.
How do you drink water on Appalachian Trail?
How far apart are campsites on Appalachian Trail?
There are more than 250 shelters spread out along the AT, with most conveniently positioned near reliable water sources. Distances between shelters vary, but hikers will typically run into a shelter every
five to 15 miles
.
Where can I find a campsite on the Appalachian Trail?
- Look for a flat spot 200 feet away from water sources.
- Make sure it is at least six feet from other campers.
- Look up and around for hazard trees (those with dangling broken limbs or leaning, dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees.)
Do you have to stay in shelters on the Appalachian Trail?
Do I Have to Stay at Shelter Areas?
No, you don’t have to
. Sometimes there are marked campsites along the Appalachian Trail that don’t have shelters but are still equipped with camping amenities. You could also set up your tent close to the shelter and not stay inside.
How do I feed my dog on the Appalachian Trail?
We switched to
dry bags of food and supplemented it with olive oil for extra calories
. This did the trick and he put the weight back on quickly. When we walked out of town we typically had a 6-7 lb bag of food and a big bottle of olive oil, for 3-4 days on the trail. In town, we fed him a TON of food.
How do I eat healthy on the Appalachian Trail?
Dried fruit and vegetables, granolas and trail mixes without processed sugar, as well as grains and legumes
, are her go-to picks for micronutrients, protein and carbs. “With packaged foods, I suggest looking at the ingredient list—the shorter the better,” she says.
