Backpacking 101

If you've been thinking about jumping into the sport of backpacking chances are you've done quite a bit of research on gear to buy or rent; however, this isn't always the case.  As someone who works as a guide and has done a number of distance hikes I can tell you while many people are doing the research there are still huge numbers of people who do absolutely no research at all.  Don't let your first trip take you by surprise!  Here are some common beginner mistakes a lot of people make on their first few backpacking trips and some tips for how to avoid making them. 

Carrying the Wrong Gear

We have all seen people out on the trail for the weekend carrying that backpack their dad bought back in 1979.  While the gear manufactured back then was truly built to last, sitting in the basement unused since the 80's means that your gear has a tendency to fall apart the minute you try to put it through the rigors of a backpacking trip.  As a guide, I've repaired numerous pieces of "durable and built to last" backpacking gear out on a trip.  Avoid this happening to you by heading to an outfitter and buying a new pack, getting fitted properly and learning how to use it.  Can't afford a new pack for the once-a-year trip you're about to take? There are plenty of gear rental companies out there to help you out!  Try looking online for a local place where you're headed into the woods, or check out a website like Get Out Backpacking for ultralight gear rental you can do online.  

Carrying Too Much Gear

Just because you bought it doesn't mean it needs to come out on the trip with you!  While many outdoors aisles have lots of fun and cool-looking outdoor tools you don't necessarily need to bring them on a trip!  Carry a small Swiss Army knife instead of that Leatherman multitool.  Leave the hatchet and saw at home.  A solar charger is useless under most tree canopies.  Cosmetics and deodorants will melt.  A full camp kitchen isn't necessary.  And last, but not least, you aren't going to need a different set of hiking clothes every single day.  By going through your pack and eliminating extra items you'll be able to shave a few pounds off your pack's overall weight.  By carrying less weight you'll decrease your chance for injury and have a more enjoyable trip.  Remember - a pack should never be more than 20% of your total body weight!

Carrying Outdated Gear

Now, I'm not saying that the gear you bought in the late 90's isn't any good any more.  I'm sure it's great!  But, what I am saying is that it might be time to retire that heavy gear to your front country camping stash instead.  Over the last several years backpacking gear has become significantly lighter and more advanced.  While it was common for thru hikers to carry 30-40 pound packs back in the 90's it is no longer necessary for hikers to carry that kind of weight.  By updating your gear piece by piece you'll save yourself quite a few pounds.  One of my favorite switches is a water filtration system.  Commonly weighing a pound or more, the old-fashioned water pumps are no longer necessary with options out on the market today.  Consider switching to a Sawyer Mini or Squeeze system and ditch that Nalgene bottle for a Smartwater bottle and you've saved yourself nearly two pounds and only spent about $20.  

Take More Breaks

As a guide, I teach people not only how to update, replace, or even buy gear properly, I also teach people how to hike properly.  Just because you did a 15-mile hike the last time you went into the woods doesn't necessarily mean you can still do 15 miles without any training time again!  By taking a slower pace and taking a few snack and stretch breaks along the way you'll not only get to camp in one piece, you'll also wake up the next morning with fewer aches and pains.  I recommend taking a 5-minute break every hour to take off your pack and roll out your neck (because looking down at the ground for an hour can really do a number on you) and stretch out your legs.  Snack breaks, even if you're not hungry, can help your body recover before you can even tell that you need to.  Taking small sips of water throughout the day will also go a long way against preventing dehydration.  

These are just a few of many tips I could offer to help make your first (or first in a while) backpacking trip go successfully.  What are some mistakes you made when you first became a backpacker?  What advice would you give someone who wants to try to go out on their own for the first time? 

Cold Weather Hiking Tips

With the cooler temperatures finally upon us and even a slight dusting of snow in the high elevations of the mountains of East Tennessee, we can finally look forward to getting out and enjoying cold weather hiking days.  While I love all the other seasons, winter is definitely my favorite season to get outside and enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer!  While the trails are less traveled and the parks are less crowded, there are still challenges to getting out and enjoying everything the trails have to offer in the wintertime.  This is post is all about my tips to get you out and enjoying the great outdoors during those cold winter months!

Dressing in Layers

It's no surprise that I recommend dressing in layers as my number one tip for getting outside all winter.  In fact, many people would say this is the key to getting outside in the cooler months. What does this mean though, especially for people spending hours on trail?  The key to dressing in layers in winter months is choosing the right fabric.  I highly recommend merino wool for layering due to the wicking and temperature-regulating properties.  Synthetic base layers are a close second.  One thing that should have no place in your winter layering system, however, is cotton.  Cotton definitely breathes well, but doesn't help regulate temperatures and isn't quick drying.  You get a t-shirt or a pair of jeans out in the snow and you'll see very quickly just how cold you can  be! 

Snacking

Keeping warm in the winter can be helped along by taking plenty of snacks.  Simple carbs, protein, and fat are the key to keeping your body burning calories effectively and keeping you nice and toasty.  Trail mix, nuts, beef jerky - all of your favorite snacks have a place on a winter hiking trip!

Drinking Water

Yes, even cold water can help keep you warmer on the trail.  Staying hydrated is important to not only keep you safe, it will also help you digest your meals out on the trail.  While it's hard to remember to drink while you're out in cooler temperatures and not sweating like you would during other seasons, sipping frequently will help keep your body temperature regulated.  Take a flask of warm soup , hot tea or warm apple cider and you'll definitely be toasty!  It should be noted that alcohol thins the blood and that consuming alcohol to "stay warm" is definitely an old wives' tale!

Hand Warmers

Those cheap hand warmers they sell at convenience stores and sporting goods departments have a place even during shorter day hikes during the winter!  Put them in your shoes to help keep toes warm during the entire length of your hike.  By carrying a few inside your day pack, you'll ensure that even if something unexpected happens during your day hike you'll have a fail-safe way to add extra warmth to your makeshift shelter/emergency blanket in case you end up spending a winter night in the backcountry.  

Spending the Night?

One of my favorite easy ways to stay warm at night is to fill a water bottle with near-boiling water at night just before climbing into my sleeping bag.  Make sure to close it tightly and then take it into your sleeping bag with you for a makeshift backcountry hot water bottle.  If you're concerned about leakage, make sure to put it inside a gallon-sized Ziplock bag first!

Looking for a way to get active this winter? Check out this post from my old Appalachian Trials archives about beating the winter blues!

These are just a few of my tips for staying warm on a winter day of hiking.  What are your fool-proof ways to stay warm during the cooler months of the year? 

Finding the Perfect Pack

Getting a backpack can be a daunting task - whether it's your very first ever backpack or a replacement to something you've beaten up to the point of no return.  It takes lots of research and testing before diving in and making the purchase.  If you're looking to purchase a new pack soon, here's my advice for you. 

Determine Your Needs

Not all packs are created equally.  Are you looking for something to take mostly on day hikes with an occasional overnight or two?  Do you need a pack that will last you the entirety of a long-distance hike?  By first determining exactly what you're looking for in a pack, you can immediately narrow down the field.  If you're new to hiking and want a pack that can do both overnights and day hikes, I recommend a pack in the 50-65 liter range for all uses.  A nearly empty 50+ liter pack can still serve you well on day hikes and carry the gear you'll need for overnighters.  

Start Reading Blogs

Many people who are new to backpacking will often just walk into a big box outfitter and start searching for a pack.  I highly, HIGHLY recommend you start reading blogs written by other hikers and pay attention to what type of gear they are carrying before you step foot into a store.  By seeing what packs other hikers doing the type of hiking you're looking to do are carrying, you'll get an idea of what brands might suit your needs best.  

Do Your Research

When it comes to backpacks, here are a few things I recommend you keep in mind while you're doing your research: 
- Does the pack have a lot of straps or pockets? Often times, packs with a lot of straps often come with a heavier weight.  Would you like to have a pack that weighs more than 4 lbs when it's empty?  The answer is no.  
- Does the pack come with interchangeable hip belts or shoulder straps? If you're looking to use the pack for a distance hike chances are you'll lose some weight and might need to change out some things.  If your pack doesn't have these options it might not be worth the investment
- Does the pack carry the load you've got?  If you're upgrading to an ultralight pack you might need to invest in some different gear.  Nothing will ruin a pack quicker than carrying a heavier load than it is designed to carry. 
- Do you need the features?  Some backpacks these days come with built in solar panels or have specially designed electronics pockets.  These are not often necessary for many people I've met.  Is it TRULY something you need?

Educate Yourself on How to Fit a Pack

I cannot recommend this step enough - watch this video and learn how to measure your torso. No backpack on earth is one size fits all.  Any big box store you shop in will try to convince you that an "adjustable" pack will fit you if you adjust it right.  As a small-framed female backpacker I can tell you this is absolutely not true.  Just because you're 6'5" doesn't mean you need a large pack either!  By taking this step into your own hands you can safely tell any store employee the size pack you want to try on. 

Try Out the Pack

This step is not always possible due to the numerous cottage industry pack makers out there these days.  If you've decided a commercially made pack is for you, I recommend you go to the store and try it on.  When you do this, they'll attempt to put weights or sand bags in the pack for you.  Refuse this option and go to the gear you'll actually be carrying.  Put ACTUAL GEAR inside the pack.  If you're buying a pack to replace one you already own, bring your gear into the store with you to try it on.  Not only will you see how the weight distributes, you will also see how the gear you already own will fit inside.  

Make the Purchase

If you're on the fence about a pack, I highly recommend you don't purchase it.  If something doesn't feel right, it won't magically feel right once you hit the trail - I know from experience! There are always other brands to try.  Again - nothing is one size fits all!  Many retailers have great return polices if you decide to try something from a website and it doesn't work for you.

Looking for recommendations?  Here are my favorite packs to recommend to people looking to buy their first overnight packs.  I highly recommend keeping your backpack's empty weight under 3 pounds if you can.  What is the point in carrying a pack that weighs more than this when it's empty?  It's just more weight you could be carrying in water or food!

Granite Gear Crown 60 or Crown 60 Ki for Women

Gossamer Gear Mariposa

ULA Circuit

These are the things I tell people who are looking to purchase a backpack.  What are some important things you think about when you're updating your gear?  

Beating the Summer Heat on a Hike

Even though we're looking at Back-to-School times here in the south, it seems the relentless summer heat just won't give us a break!  The Dog Days of summer started here back in early June and are continuing well into mid-August.  You know the heat has been terrible when the weather reports we are getting a "break" from the heat when the heat index is below 100 (but still above 90!)  Other than for work, I've been trying to stay indoors as much as I can this summer, but when I'm out for a run or hiking at low elevation I still need a way to keep cool.  Here are my favorite ways to beat the heat during summer time. 

Stay at High Elevations

Where I live, the high elevation hiking runs consistently 10-12 degrees cooler than it does in the nearest town with a weather forecast.  Is it going to be 95 in the valley today? Chances are it will barely hit 75 up high with the gentle breeze!  A bonus for me is the fact that high elevation in the Smokies also means hiking on the Appalachian Trail and that means views for miles and miles on clear, sunny days.  It also means hiking in the overcast fog on not-so-clear days.  Either way, both options are beautiful and MUCH cooler. 

Where I live, high elevations mean boreal forest, fog, and sunshine breaking through!

Reduce Your Mileage

Can't get away from the heat no matter how high up you go?  Reduce your miles!  Just because you CAN hike 22 miles at a time doesn't mean you HAVE TO!  Starting a hike in the morning and doing shorter miles to get done before the peak of the summer heat helps you stay a little cooler - not to mention beat the crowds at whatever your destination may be.  

Get Up Earlier

If you've ever looked at sunrise hiking photos on Instagram with envy this is your chance to emulate what you've been coveting - start super early in the morning (in the dark by headlamp or flashlight!) and hike up to a vista or waterfall for a sunrise viewing!  Not only will you really beat the heat, you'll be finished before most people are even arriving at the trailhead.  You'll have done more before noon than most people do all day long on hot summer days!

Get Wet

Waterfall hikes are always popular in summer months, but you don't have to hike to a waterfall to get wet on trail.  Taking a hike with several stream crossings or river fords will give you an opportunity to jump in and cool off.  Bonus points if you get your hair/hat wet or drape a wet bandana around your neck for the next mile or so.  Keeping cool has never been easier

Looks like a great spot for a swim break to me!

HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!

Dehydration in the summertime - the most common trail injury I see as a guide.  Not only can the direct sunlight dehydrate you, so can the humidity.  In the Smokies, a temperate rain forest, dehydration can set in VERY quickly.  As a guide, I usually have 3-4 electrolyte options on me at all times, including salt tablets, Nuun hydration, Honey Stinger Chews, Fuel 100 Electrobites (code SPRINKLES will save you 25% at checkout!), and Enduropacks electrolyte spray in my backpack most, if not every, of the time I hit the trails.  If you're out on a hot day it is super important to check in with your hydration status.  Feeling thirsty?  You're already well on your way to dehydration!  With 75% of Americans in a constant state of dehydration it's hard to convince people to drink water.  Make sure you're carrying at least 32 ounces of water on a half-day of hiking and 64 ounces for a full day.  It also never hurts to pick up a cheap and reliable water filter (I recommend and use the Sawyer Mini).  

There you have it - my favorite ways to beat the summer heat on a hike.  What would you add? How do you stay cool in the Dog Days of summer?

This post is a Friday Five link-up with Courtney at EatPrayRunDC,  Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run. 

So You Wanna Be a SoBo?

Most people reading this blog know that I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail as a northbounder, or a NoBo as it will be abbreviated in the rest of this post.  When I lived and worked in Millinocket during the 2013 thru hiker season I had an idea in my head that Southbounder (SoBo) hikers would be more prepared and better equipped to deal with the journey beginning the trail in Maine. I was sorely mistaken by the people I met getting off the bus in Medway, Maine who were ready to tackle the trail.  While many people do some degree of research about the trail in general, I found it was incredibly common for people to chose a SoBo thru hike just because they graduated school in May or June - having done absolutely no research on what it truly means to start a hike in Maine that early in the season.  If you're considering a Southbound AT thru hike, check this post out and think about a few things you might not have known!

Katahdin can mean the end of an epic journey for many, but the very beginning of a difficult first month for a few!

Before delving into the things you should know about hiking SoBo on the AT, here are a few quick facts from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy: 
- In 2014 it was estimated 2500 hikers began hiking at Amicalola Falls in Georgia to hike NoBo.  It was reported that 242 hikers began hiking SoBo from Baxter State Park. As of March 2015, 653 hikers reported completing a NoBo thru hike and 76 had reported finishing a SoBo thru hike.  Obviously, SoBo is much less crowded as a direction to hike!  
- Numbers of completed hikes on the AT are also steadily rising.  According to their statistics, the number of thru hikers reporting a completion each decade has doubled steadily since the 1970s.  More than 15,000 people have now reported a completion of a thru hike!

Now that you know a few things about people on the trail, here are a few things to consider about starting a SoBo thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. 

The Weather in Maine in May and June

When I arrived in Maine in late April in 2013, there was more than a foot of snow reported to still be on the trails on Katahdin.  By late May, this was still in the double digits.  The snow began to melt in late May, but the mountain didn't officially open for hiking until June 3rd that year.  We had already had more than a dozen thru hikers stay with us by that date.  Some hikers gave up on waiting and began their hike in the 100 Mile Wilderness.  Unfortunately for them, the recent heavy snow melt also meant the wild streams of Maine, which are nearly completely unbridged, were dangerous and cold to cross.  Statistically speaking, we pulled out nearly 80% of the people we dropped off at Baxter State Park or on the Golden Road after approximately 50 miles of hiking - at Jo Mary Road.  I would easily guess another 5% had dropped out by the time they reached Monson. (Statistics are rough and include both hikers that claimed to be thru hikers and section hikers.)  When asked what made them throw in the towel we heard mostly that it was cold at night, the streams were dangerous to cross, and the black flies were maddening.  Not only will the black flies be swarming, the mosquitos and gnats will be relentless.  NoKey and I did a day hike over Chairback in late June and by the end of our 16-mile hike we were both covered in bites and blood from the flies.  I spent the early part of my summer scrubbing blood and scabs off my neck and face!  While June means summer to most of us, in Maine I would compare the weather to early spring in most other places. 

The Logistics of Getting to Katahdin

Thru hikers are known for their ability to improvise and do it well.  Unfortunately, Baxter State Park isn't the place to try your new skills on improvising!  Not only do you need to find a way from the bus stop in Medway to Millinocket, there are a few things you need to know about getting into Baxter State Park.  First of all, you cannot drive in after dark.  When the bus arrives in Medway, more than an hour away from the park entrance, at 7:30 p.m. (if it's on time, which it often is not!), if you haven't found a way in to town, chances are you're hitching a ride.  Baxter State Park will NOT let you drive in after dark unless you've got a long-standing reservation for a campsite - and you're going to get an earful about your late arrival as well.  As a shuttle driver, I was scolded several times for people who poorly planned their arrivals.  Also, a good 90% of SoBos were not aware that they needed a RESERVATION to camp in the park the night of their Katahdin summit.  Hiking Katahdin is a 10.2-mile round trip hike.  It is another 9 miles out of the park to the Abol Bridge Campground.  Unless you can do a 20-mile day easily in New England, and we only had TWO hikers (that I know of) the whole season who did it, you need a camping reservation!

Hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness

Many of us who have hiked this section of Maine can tell you the name evokes deep, dark, secluded woods.  However, the experience of hiking through here is completely different.  For NoBo hikers, it's a 3.5-4 day hike.  For many of our SoBo hikers, I found the early June arrivals took between 8 and 12 days to get through.  It should be taken into consideration that streams will be too deep to ford this time of year and you may spend a day or so waiting for the river to drop.  We had several hikers get swept downstream during the summer of 2013.  The trails in Maine are very primitive.  The MATC takes pride in keeping their trails looking like the did 75 years ago when the AT was built - minimal bridges and switchbacks definitely make for harder hiking.  If you aren't used to hiking in New England, you will definitely have a rude awakening when you begin your hike in Maine.  If it's raining, your trail will look like a river.  If you see a mountain, you will climb straight up and over it.  Many people who have trail experience in other places of the country definitely report struggling a bit in this section.  Instead of carrying 8-12 days worth of food, I highly recommend looking into doing a food drop bucket like those offered by hostels on either end of this section, and carrying a lighter pack!

Minimal Support or Trail Magic

This factor of hiking SoBo is one that many don't think about at all.  While more hostels are staying open longer each year, SoBo's may have less of a chance of finding cheap places to stay during their hikes.  Especially for hostels on the southern end of the trail, their NoBo season is hectic enough for them!  I know where I worked in Maine, Baxter State Park closed for camping at Katahdin on October 15th and that's the day we drove out of town.  Again, more and more hostels are reopening or staying open to accommodate the throngs of people every year, but it is something to consider. Trail Magic in the traditional sense of the word isn't common for SoBo hikers.  Many NoBo's these days are experiencing trail magic nearly every day in the form of free snack cakes or a cold soda left in a cooler at the roadside.  While the ATC is starting to strongly discourage trail magic left as trash at trailheads, many SoBos don't see much of this at all, especially after they've passed the last NoBo thru hiker bubble.  However, one shouldn't think of trail magic as just free food.  Trail magic can take many forms, be it a hitchhike you we're expecting or an offer of a hot shower and a ride to town.  While the magic may not be in the traditional sense, SoBo hikers often say they don't feel like they're not being provided for. 

Fewer Hikers on Trail

While I have met both introverts and extroverts who were SoBo hikers, definitely be prepared to be in the minority of hikers on the AT.  With less than 10% of thru hikers choosing the SoBo route, you'll deal with fewer thru hikers.  While this can be nice if you're wanting a less crowded experience on your thru hike, you'll definitely have to deal with fewer services and less traditional trail magic, as mentioned above.  That being said, working as a hiking guide in the Smokies, I meet many SoBo thru hikers in the fall.  They're usually traveling in a group, albeit a small one.  Like any hike of this length, chances are you'll find a few people to hike with for a given period of time. 

The Difficult Start

While I mentioned the 100 Mile Wilderness near the beginning of this article, I didn't mention the rest of the state of Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont.  While the 100 Mile Wilderness is actually relatively flat, it still takes many SoBo hikers longer to complete it.  While Maine is only 281 miles of hiking, it's not an easy 281 miles!  It takes a lot of SoBo's between 3-4 weeks to complete this state, only to move on to the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  It's definitely a trial by fire for those who have never hiked in New England!  Granted, the portion of the AT in Vermont is a lot smoother and less difficult, it's still bigger mountains for SoBo hikers.  The good news is, in my opinion, the hardest mountains and climbs are definitely behind you once you hit Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts. 

While my experiences working with SoBo thru hikers in Maine was only for a season, I got a lot of insight into the mindset of a person deciding to tackle the hike this direction. As someone who had hiked the trail NoBo and met many SoBo's along the way, I just always assumed the SoBo hikers were more prepared and better equipped to tackle this difficult section of trail. Based on the many, MANY people I met, both thru hiking and section hiking alike, I couldn't believe how wrong I was!  

Here is my advice to anyone looking to do a thru hike as a Southbounder: 

1) Get your reservation set up for Baxter State Park at Katahdin Stream Campground.  Set it up for the day after you arrive in Maine. If you get off the bus July 1st, stay in town that night and head up to Baxter State Park early on the July 2nd to hike Katahdin and camp at Katahdin Stream Campground. I cannot stress this enough!  Baxter State Park is already warning the AT of skating on thin ice due to the sheer number of people trying to cheat the system.  Don't be that guy - make your reservation!
2) Make sure you have enough food to get through the 100 Mile Wilderness.  Again, I highly recommend doing a food drop bucket from one of the hostels if you think it's going to take you more than 5 days to hike this distance!  Yeah, it costs upwards of $35, but if you're carrying half the weight in food, it is worth the money!
3) Start in July - not June!  I know you're excited to get on the trail. I get it!  The weather is drier in July.  The bugs have chilled out a bit, the nights are warmer, and the streams are more tame.  You'll see more people in Maine and New Hampshire as a result, but if I were to do the trail SoBo I would wait until July 4th at least to start. 
4) Don't let the crowds freak you out.  They'll be gone soon!

After all that I've said here, I will definitely say that if I were to ever thru hike the AT again I would definitely do it Southbound.  After hiking shorter and less densely populated trails in the summer of 2015 I definitely prefer the smaller crowds and I plan on hiking the PCT as a Southbounder as well - whenever it is I can save the funds to do so!  I think hiking as a SoBo has many appeals, but as with any hike it definitely helps to do your research and make sure the direction you chose is right for you.  

Did you do a thru hike in the opposite direction from most other people?  What would you add to this list of things to know? Leave me a comment or find me on Facebook to get the conversation started!

The Art of Hitchhiking

It's no secret that long-distance hikers frequently hitchhike to get around and get into towns.  It's also no secret that hitchhiking has a bad reputation.  We all grew up listening to stories of axe-wielding hitchhikers and murderers on remote mountain roads.  However, when you're hitching a ride on a mountain road near any long hiking trail, chances are anyone willing to pick you up knows exactly who you are (a hiker) and what you're doing.  NoKey and I even hitched our way down the length of Vermont after we finished our Long Trail thru hike in the summer of 2015.  This post is going to give you some tips and tricks to getting a ride AND doing it the safe and smart way!

NoKey giving me the thumbs up for throwing up my thumb and getting us a ride!

My first hitchhiking experience on the AT was in Georgia at Unicoi Gap.  We were 50 miles and 3 days into my thru hike and there was a big thunderstorm about to roll through.  A guy I met in camp the night before, Zip Code, was going to go into Hiawassee to get a hotel room and invited myself and another hiker, Fisher, to join him to get out of the rain.  Wanting to take a shower after getting sunburned and dehydrated the day before, I gratefully accepted his offer.  Zip Code had hiked this part of the trail before and was very comfortable hitching a ride.  He told me to wait on him at the trailhead and we would go down into town together.  A group of 5 of us stood on the side of the road with our thumbs up and immediately we were picked up by a pickup truck.  The rain was heavy and we all jumped in back, getting soaked and pelted by rain all the way to town.  I had been nervous to hitchhike, but this first experience proved to be just fine and not the least bit scary!  My first piece of advice for hitching a ride, especially for those who have never done it before, is that there is strength in numbers (but not too many numbers!)  When you're on the AT during northbounder season in Georgia you'll see many pickups loaded down with hikers in the back.  People here are used to seeing the droves of hikers at trailheads and often will tell them to jump in back.  My first several hitches were done this way with a group of people I didn't know very well, but we were all hikers going to the same place.  You'll also find that there are a lot of people offering free shuttles to hikers during the peak of the hiking season.  Between the pickups and the free shuttles offered in the first few hundred miles, I never felt uncomfortable or nervous after my first hitch.  

Hikers in the back of a truck, enjoying the free ride!

So, let's say something has happened and you need to get further from the trail.  Maybe you need to get to a healthcare clinic or you need a piece of gear replaced and you end up taking a few rides to a town a little bit further out from the trail.  Well, most places close to the trail will still recognize you as a hiker.  In fact, when we were hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail, which is near the AT in Georgia but more than 50 miles from it in other parts, people would ask us if we were hiking all the way to Maine every single day!  The point is people close to the trail will still normally recognize you as a hiker and hitching will still not be too hard.  Many people who shuttle go to bigger towns for hiker needs as well, so you can always call a shuttle or a trail angel if you need assistance.  But what if you're set on hitching a ride to save some cash?  Well, a simple sign has always worked for us!  When we hitchhiked the state of Vermont we got a ride into Burlington, which is pretty far from the Long Trail.  When we were trying to hitch out of town and no one would pick us up, we ran into a gas station and wrote a sign on a paper plate - "Hikers Going South."  We were picked up in less than 5 minutes.  The woman who took us told us the sign let her know we were hiking and she felt safer picking us up.  We used the sign a few more times that day on bigger roads further from the trail and everyone who picked us up also told us the sign let them know we were pretty much harmless smelly people.  

Never underestimate the power of a well-written and easy to read sign!

Another helpful tip I've found is to smile and be friendly!  While it seems cheesy, standing on the side of the road looking grumpy, sweaty, and filthy doesn't really lend itself well to getting a ride.  When we were in Vermont near the town of Jay we were trying to hitch a ride on 100 South.  This road is several miles from the Long Trail and outside of the village.  We were standing on the side of the road and not having much luck hitching.  NoKey and I would put out our thumbs and people would pass us.  I kept smiling and waving even if they didn't pull over.  A man actually turned around and came back to pick us up after about 5 minutes.  He said he wasn't going to stop, but he said me waving brought him back.  He said if we were that upbeat about standing on the side of the road in the sun that we couldn't have been too awful!  

So, now you know some techniques for landing a ride, even if you're miles away from the trail.  Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before you hop in the car. 

1) Keep your valuables on your person!  If you're going in a car chances are you'll throw your pack and hiking poles in the trunk.  If that person pulls off and you've left something in there, chances are it's gone forever!  While I've never personally heard stories of someone driving off with all your gear, people do leave small things - gaiters, hiking poles, shoes - in trunks ALL THE TIME.  I personally pull out my wallet and phone and put them somewhere on me while I take a ride with a stranger. 

2) Trust your gut!  If someone pulls up and you feel like the ride is unsafe, make an excuse and catch a ride with someone else.  There's a lot to be said for trusting your instincts!

3) Strength in numbers!  Like I stated in my first paragraph, hitching a ride with other people until you get more comfortable is never a bad idea.  In the throes of thru hiker season this definitely isn't hard to do.  Do keep in mind that groups larger than 3 sometimes will have trouble getting a ride just because cars don't hold that many people.  When we were much further into the trail we found 3 was the magic number for getting a ride.  

4) Don't feel too proud to call a shuttle!  When we were outside of Caratunk, Maine on our thru hike we attempted to hitch a ride for 90 minutes in the hot August sun.  It was a Sunday in the late morning and everyone going into town was a tourist in a small car and not one person stopped for us no matter how happy we were.  It turns out there was a business just up the road that would have given us a free shuttle if we just checked the book!  The AT in general has great cell phone coverage and it's rare to  not be able to make a call.  If we just would have walked half a mile to the post office, they would have let us use the phone for free.  It would have saved us a lot of time if we would have just done that.  

This post just barely touches on my experiences with hitchhiking on a long-distance hike.  From my personal experience, I've never had a bad hitch or taken a ride where I felt uncomfortable.  On some of our remote trails, like the Finger Lakes Trail that traverses across rural New York State, we often have little trouble getting a ride.  I found that people truly aren't that bad in the real world and I've definitely gained a new faith in humanity from all my hiking experiences.  

Have you ever hitchhiked before?  Are you going to for the first time soon?  I'd love to talk with you more about this topic!  Leave me a comment with your thoughts below, or find me over on Facebook and let's get the conversation started. 

Five Things I Wish I Knew Before My Appalachian Trail Thru Hike

Deciding to attempt a thru hike of any trail is a decision that takes time and research.  While doing a quick google search for backpacks, shoe reviews, and even advice for dealing with any scenario you can dream up in your head can be a big help, I find that nothing can truly prepare you for the journey you are about to take on.  For the next few Thursdays I'll be doing a series of posts gearing up for AT Thru Hiker Northbounder season.  The first post I'm doing in this series is one of a more personal nature - the five things I wish I knew before heading out onto the Appalachian Trail for my thru hike.  

This woman sitting on Springer Mountain had NO IDEA what she was getting into, that's for sure!

1) The Best Laid Plans Have No Place Here

A lot of people go into a thru hike with some sort of plan. I got overwhelmed by details, but I did pre-plan my first day on trail.  I quickly threw that plan out the window when I arrived at my destination for the first night after only 3 hours of hiking and decided to move on.  Another example is the time NoKey and I decided to attempt our first 30 mile day.  We had looked at our AT Guide and decided that we were going for a big day.  The terrain was doable, the weather was great, and it was my birthday so we were both in a great mood.  Unfortunately, the book didn't show us just how rocky and terrible those ridge lines actually were!  We ended up only hiking about 15.5 miles that day and feeling defeated... but we did get to spend the night with about 15 other hikers who had equally terrible hiking days, so it all worked out anyway.  Every single day on the trail is a new day and so many things can change in an instant.  Attempting to plan out your entire trip before you even leave is futile!  

2) You Will NEVER Be Alone

While I figured I would see a few people every day, I had no idea how truly packed and crowded the AT would be.  I also figured the crowds would die down after a few weeks.  I never camped alone one time on the trail.  In those early days on trail if you need to go to the bathroom, even if you walk down a hill and out into the woods chances are someone will see you.  I always say if you are craving human contact and feel like meeting some new people, just step off trail and go to the bathroom and you'll see a ton of new faces as soon as you do!  As a woman, I was often asked before I left for the trail if I was afraid to be alone in the woods or why I wasn't taking a man with me on my hike (yes, seriously!).  My answer was always that I felt safe and confident in my abilities.  After seeing the throngs of people hiking in the south, I knew that I hadn't been wrong to assume I'd be around other people frequently.  As NoKey likes to tell people, if you're starting a Northbound thru hike in springtime, if you trip and fall and don't get up right away some stranger will come and trip over you!

3) You Will See a Whole New Side of Humanity

Let's face it - people suck. It seems like there's always one news story every single day that will make you wonder what in the world is wrong with people, am I right?  I have to tell you that after only a few hours on trail you will see humanity in a whole new and positive light!  There is a mantra that states "the trail provides" and has many meanings.  I have found personally that if there is something you truly need, you will find it at the exact moment you need it.  My case in point for this was hiking out of the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina.  There is an infamous climb up and out, over Cheoah Bald, and down into Stecoah Gap.  I hadn't seen a single hiker all day.  I was dehydrated, hot, and physically exhausted.  Crying, I came down the mountain to the road crossing.  When I arrived, a man asked if he could carry my pack and fix me up a plate of food.  His trail name was Hopeful and it was his birthday. He had thru hiked twice before and he likes spending his birthday doing trail magic.  This man sat me down, made me up plates and plates of food, refilled my water bottles, and sent me up and over the next hill with a pocket full of snack cakes.  I hiked up and over Jacob's Ladder into Brown Fork Gap that night with a full belly, witnessing one of the most stunning sunsets I had ever seen, and feeling grateful for my experience that day.  I can also say I have had bad experiences with religious people living in the southeast U.S.  After my first few weeks on trail my views on organized religion became much more positive as well.  It is amazing how truly caring people can be. 

4) The Small Moments Are the Best

So we've all heard the saying that the best things in life are free, or the best things in life aren't physical things, or even that it is the little things that count.  The Appalachian Trail has so many monuments and landmarks and vistas and parks... so many things to photograph and remember.  The moments that mean the most during your hike, however, are the small ones you spend with other hikers.  One of my favorite trail photos from my entire hike is the one I posted below - I'm signing the log book at a shelter, talking to NoKey and some other hikers at the table. I couldn't tell you what I wrote or what we were discussing, but I can tell you that the small glimpses into what my life was like back then are the most memorable of the entire trip. 

Photo taken by our friend, James "Tubesocks" Dzur in Pennsylvania - the day before we hit the halfway point of the trail.  This photo hangs in our living room.

5) Your Life Will Change - Drastically

The piece of advice I heard from experienced thru hikers before left for my hike was the one I didn't really know how to use... that my life was about to completely change and I wouldn't understand that at all until it happened.  Those people were right.  I always like to tell people the Appalachian Trail ruined my life in the best possible way.  I left a great job in healthcare, working from home with great benefits, to take on this hike.  When I got back home, I went back to my job and expected my life to be the same.  What I discovered was that while I was away the world kept turning.  People went on with their lives while I was out on the trail.  When I came home the world was still the same, but I was not.  I had very little tolerance for driving and traffic.  I no longer really cared much about my favorite TV shows.  That amazing job I had now felt empty and required me to sit still for much longer than I would have liked.  I gave up my life and moved to Maine, over 1500 miles away, to work for very little pay for very long hours in a hiker hostel for 7 months.  I turns out that for me to live the life I was meant to live I needed to get out of my comfort zone and I had done just that over the period of five months on trail.  After a few years of part time mindless jobs and hard work, I was fortunate enough to return to the hiking trails I loved for a short time.  After that, things fell in to place and I was able to find work as a hiking guide.  It took a long time, but I finally found where I was meant to be.  
 

These are only a few life lessons I learned on my long journey on the Appalachian Trail.  What things would you add to this list?  Are you gearing up for a thru hike?  Leave me a comment or connect with me on Facebook - I'd love to chat with you!

Becoming a Brand Ambassador

Sponsorship is a big to do list item for many long-distance hikers.  The daydreaming of free gear in exchange for hiking and being an awesome person has a magnetic pull that most hikers just can't seem to shake.  While many of us dream it, fewer of us seem to pull it off.  With the ever growing popularity of FKT (fastest known time) hikes and the explosion of ultrarunning in the recent years, sponsorship is mostly a thing of the past for amateur athletes. Something that is becoming more and more mainstream, however, is the brand ambassadorship.  This post will outline exactly what that entails on your end and will help you figure out how to get it. 

The companies I have been associated with since early 2015. 

Sponsorship vs. Ambassadorship

Sponsorship for most companies means free gear and comped race entries for athletes they consider to be elite. Some companies will offer only sponsorships and only to elite athletes, while others will offer different tiers or sponsoring - i.e. - one free pair of shoes for some and unlimited free shoes for others, etc.  A sponsorship means you'll be getting your stuff for free in exchange for repping the brand.  A brand ambassador is essentially the same thing, but usually means you're getting discounted (sometimes deeply discounted!) gear you're buying out of your own pocket. Every single company is different and each will have their own definitions on their ambassador applications. 

What is a Brand Ambassador?

A brand ambassador needs to be a fan of the product they're representing. Since most of the time you will be spending money on the product out of your own pocket, you need to really like the stuff. I have yet to see an ambassadorship offering monetary compensation to athletes who are not elite, so most of you reading this post will be falling into this category.  You definitely aren't going to be getting paid to compete.  You need to be a super fan who has no problem telling someone why that particular piece of gear or food item is the best.  

The Importance of Social Media

With social media ever more present in our lives, the opportunities to represent companies you love is easier than ever.  If you are following a brand on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope, Tumblr, etc. you know just how important images are to a brand.  Often times, they will share images of their customers in their gear or eating their food if you use a specific hashtag. If you aren't participating in social media, it's going to be tough to convince any companies to let you represent them.  

What Companies Want From You

Again, all companies are different, but being a brand ambassador isn't all about the perks. There is some work involved and ultimately you'll have to decide what is worth it for you and where you'll draw the line.  Many brands will expect you to be active on social media with brand-specific hashtags, tagging, and most importantly - interaction with others.  If you post a bunch of photos, but don't take the time to respond to your comments, you'll more than likely be turned away. Altra Running, for example, requires that I write posts for their blog on their website and post with their hashtags twice a month.  Some brands require more posting, some require more writing, and some require you to review and give away products.  This is why I say it is so important to be passionate about the brand you'll be representing.  If you don't really like their stuff, it's hard to think of original posts to write and photos to add to your accounts. 

So Tell Me How to Get Free Stuff Already!

So this stuff doesn't sound too bad to you?  Now you're ready to show off the gear you already own and get some cool new stuff while you're at it?  Great.  Here are the steps you need to take to start becoming an ambassador:

1) If you aren't already, start following the brands you love on social media - on ALL platforms. Even if you don't understand them, sign up for them and starting "liking" away. 
2) If you're already doing the above, become more active - use specific hashtags and interact with your commenters. 
3) Watch your brands for ambassadorship announcements.  This step is so important.  Many brands now actively recruit for ambassadors.  In fact, every brand I work with I have applied because I've seen an announcement on Instagram. Yes, EVERY brand.  They will tell you exactly who they are looking for and what is expected of you. 
4) Apply through a link on their site and be HONEST.  My social media numbers, as compared to a lot of other hikers and runners, are not that impressive.  My interaction and my writing, however, tend to get me noticed.  It also helps that I apply with niche brands and smaller companies whose products I am truly passionate about. 
5) Expect rejection.  You're not going to be a perfect fit for every company. 
6) When all else fails, or your favorite company isn't accepting brand ambassadors, contact their social media person.  Write them an email about what you're doing - i.e. - running 50 marathons in 50 states in 12 months, thru hiking an obscure trail, etc. - and see if they'd be willing to send you some product in return for some social media love.  It never hurts to try!

I hope this post helped you see the differences between sponsorships and ambassadorships. Do you represent any of your favorite companies?  I'd love to see what you would add to this list.  Leave me a comment or get in touch with me on my Facebook page to have the conversation!