Preparing to Hike the Appalachian Trail | David Skudder

Getting ready for a trip to the Appalachian Trail is a significant undertaking. To make the most of your journey, you must have all the necessary equipment and mind to get through the entire trip. Here are some tips for preparing yourself for this great adventure.

Budget

Before you start planning your trip, you must have a budget. Having a budget will allow you to prepare for the various expenses involved in your journey, such as food, shelter, and showers.

Packing

One of the essential factors you should consider when it comes to packing is the weight limit for your back. Although you shouldn’t leave essential items behind, you should consider what you need to take. Carrying less than 25% of their body weight is ideal for most people.

Lifestyle

When planning a trip to the Appalachian Trail, you must ensure that you are fit enough to make the journey. Doing a lot of backpacking can help prepare you for a big trip. If you find it hard to slip away for weekends, try carrying all the gear you plan to use on the trail. While cycling, running, and other forms of exercise are great ways to get in some exercise, they are not enough to replace a heavy pack.

Motivation

Consider your motivation for attempting the trail. While it’s a physical challenge, it’s also a mental one that you must consider. At some point, you’ll be getting tired and need to ask yourself why you’re doing it.

Practice

Before planning a trip to the Appalachian Trail, ensure you have all the necessary equipment and know how to use it properly. Having the proper equipment will allow you to get through the first day of your trip without worrying about breaking something.

Prepare

An excellent way to prepare for a trip is by packing a “bump box.” This package will contain all the items you’ll need to restock in your pack when you reach your destination. These boxes can also include clothes, a new pair of shoes, and other items you’ll need to get through the day.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be one of the most challenging endeavors of a person’s life. If you’re planning on attempting this fantastic journey, make sure that you take appropriate steps to prepare yourself.

Originally published at https://davidskudder.net on September 14, 2022.