Matt Wertman - Hiking/Backpacking/Camping - Camping - Recreation/Outdoors

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Expert Profile: Matt Wertman

Expertise: You`re thinking of hiking the infamous Appalachian Trail and now you`d like to get the important information on everything and anything from someone who`s actually done it. I completed my hike October 8th, 1999 taking a total of 5 months and 8 days. I can help you by giving constructive feedback on gear, trip cost, people, and general expectations.

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What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? I hoope to continue in some outdoor adventures in the future as money/life permits. It will not become the defining point of my life, but I certainly welcome how it enriches me with new experiences.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject Purist: someone who hikes every inch of the trail. And to accomplish this may back track several miles around detours and never take short cuts to save milage. Some purist will go as far as saying that unles you hike every inch of the trail you're not a "thr-hiker." I take that philiosphy as a whole but understand situations sometimes dictate skipping a mile or 3 every so often depending on co

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: On average your feet will expand by 1/2 size over the length of the trip. Avg time of trip: 6 months Only 10% or so of people who start the AT will finish. If you're starting with pack weight hovering around 40 lbs or less, you're doing really well. If you're starting above 45 lbs, better consult some AT hikers to make your first few days more bearable.

What do you like about this subject? It was the neatest trip I've ever embarked upon and I love to encourage people to venture out for the experience.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 526
Knowledge	9.57 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.71 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.71 Best of the best
Politeness	9.86 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		1
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		87

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	01/06/08
8	8	8	8	01/17/07
10	10	10	10	05/26/05
7	10	10	10	05/14/03
10	10	10	10	04/21/03

User Comments

Thanks so much. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your advice!!!!
(Beth on 01/06/08)

just wanted to say thanks for your advice...I will go to ems and hopefully it will help or at least lead me to more help...take care and be well, dawn
(Dan on 05/26/05)

Thanks for the help.
(Nathan on 05/14/03)

Great advice and to the point. It made a lot of sense. Thank you.
(Kyle on 04/21/03)

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Recent Answers from Matt Wertman

2008-08-16 Hiking: Probably a boot problem, but I'm no expert. If you don't have liner s-oks, get them. And if you're doing cotton - sock, don't. Get wool socks- any EMS or gen outfitter would have them. I'd also...

2008-06-16 The nitty-gritties of backpacking: Sorry this is late getting out, I check email infrequently. Anyhow you've got a lot of question and I'll cover a few of them briefly. 1st boyscouts aren't the best place to lean about packing. Don't...

2008-03-17 Hiking/Backpacking Trip Advise Needed: The question is a little broad, but I'll try to give you food for thought. You're certainly not to far from the AT, start some day hikes there. Get the AT trail guide. And check into the main website...

2007-10-22 tents and lightning: Sounds like your daughter made it out okay, that's good news. However sorry to say there is no such thing as a lightning proof tent. They are what they are and anytime people are outdoors well they're...

2007-08-07 Carepackage for Hiker Friends: Hey, You know they'll appreciate just about anything. The bigger thing I think is knowing that someone cares enough to take some time to send something. So worry not about what you send. However...

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