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[at-l] novice



On 1/31/05 3:04 PM, "Larry Ramsey" <larry.ramsey@gmail.com> wrote:

> My wife and I will be in Northeast Georgia this summer for a week near
> the start of the AT.  Could use any help in how to get started hiking
> (boots, training, etc.).  We entend only to do some limited day
> hiking, but want to know how to approach it.  Thanks.


Where are you from? Do you have any previous experience? The best training
is of course to go out walking, preferably in hilly country, preferably with
a little weight on your back. But any walking will do for starters.

Hiking boots are an intensely personal purchase, and I think every
experiences hiker has several pairs in the gear closet. For 'limited'
summertime day hiking, you should be able to do just fine with a pair of
running shoes. You could splurge and pick up a pair of dedicated trail
runners, but any running shoes would do well in these circumstances. As you
get more experience and learn your needs, you can make a better decision
about your footwear. (Many guides for beginners suggest that a pair of
high-top, all-leather boots is some sort of requirement for safe hiking.
Such boots are expensive, and can be uncomfortable, and aren't necessary for
limited summertime day hiking. I have several pair in my gear closet, and
they just sit and gather dust.)

You'll want to carry some basic safety equipment with you -- sometimes
called the 'ten essentials.' Food and water, rain jacket, a warm layer
(sweater, fleece, etc), a whistle, a pocket knife, some matches and a
candle, a map and compass, a first aid kit. and sunscreen and sunglasses if
you'll be in open high country. I like to add a small camera, a large
plastic bag to line the inside of my pack, and some sort of water treatment
-- filter, iodine, etc., so I can refill my water bottles.

All this will fit in a small daypack, which you might already have. None of
it needs to be particularly expensive -- you don't need a $400 Goretex
rainshell that can stand up to Everest, or a $200 daypack that can carry 40
pounds of climbing gear.

I would strongly second OB's suggestion that you stop in at Mountain
Crossing at Walasi-yi. It's in North Georgia where the AT crosses Neel's
Gap. They will be very helpful not only in setting you up with the right
gear, but in getting you out on the trail.

North Georgia in the summer is beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed our section
hike in 2003. It can get a little hot at times, but it's cooler than
anyplace else in the state.

Have fun,

Ken