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Hiking/Backpacking/Camping/Expert Profile
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave | 09/21/10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | Thanks |
| sanjesh rao | 07/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Matt, I stuck to the Hobitat ..... |
| Tim | 06/26/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks. The Feedback is much appreciated. |
| Beth | 02/04/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for your response |
| Mark | 01/07/08 | 5 | 5 | 10 | Asked this question summer of 2006, got ..... |
Recent Answers from Matt Wertman
2011-10-29 2 or 3 man with closable vents:
Sorry for the delay, It go lost among other emails. Wow, good question. On my hike, I mostly stayed in shelters, but from my expierence, there's really no such thing as a tent that vents well.
2010-09-13 hiking distances on map:
Sorry for my late response, having a baby throws a few things off. But right off the bat, I am not a map expert. Except to say if you're using a topo map, you certainly will be correct. Measuring peak
2009-06-30 Camping Tent: Confusion:
I'd say you're fine no matter what. Dome tent's are great cause hey stand alone. If this isn't being put into a back pack, no worries. Bt if you'll hike with it, weight is key. If one model has a 2nd
2009-02-19 Philmont Pack:
I'd consider weight alone and functionality. Keep in mind , some packs have an internal water system which doesn't require bottle holders. Consider to, often you won't need to attach things on the outside
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
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