Any AT thru hikers?

They are free. Google "AT trail shelter images" and it brings up dozens of the varying models. Some are bigger/better than others.

George I am also a member on white blaze forums. I thought if someone had a bad experience they may not be on a forum for it but maybe they enjoyed climbing.

Also I can't find where my inbox is to check for a pm.

I like to use a hammock over a tent. I use the ENO Double Nest with the Pro Fly to keep dry.

Small pack size, multiple uses if needed, easy to set up and take down, keeps you off the ground - you don't have to find a "this will do" spot to nap, is comfortable.

Has always worked for me. May not be for others though.

mustardtiger wrote:Keep it coming! So no tent just a tarp. Also these shelters are free right? How primitive are they. I understand it varies but in my head I'm picturing a concert pad with a roof over it.

BigFeet wrote:I like to use a hammock over a tent. I use the ENO Double Nest with the Pro Fly to keep dry. Small pack size, multiple uses if needed, easy to set up and take down, keeps you off the ground - you don't have to find a "this will do" spot to nap, is comfortable. Has always worked for me. May not be for others though.

I have some back problems but they only come up if I am in a akward position for a while. I have a friend with one of the hammocks with a cover. Maybe I'll give it a shot for a few nights in my apartment. I know his folds into a bag about the size of a football so that would be the ticket.

def worth testing it out.. will save a lot of weight and headaches.

If you do try a hammock the trick is to sleep at an angle across the center line of the hammock. Feet slightly to one side and torso across the other. This will flatten out the hammock.

Edit to add:
Be aware of the forces a hammock can generate on whatever you are tied to. I've seen a shelter pulled down from anchoring on something that could not hold the force.

mustardtiger, after hearing some of your story, please, go hike. The AT is special, trail magic is real. To echo MattDelSur, thru-hikers are good folk that truly support eachother. You don't have to be attached to finishing or hiking every single step, either; just make it your journey.

on food: glazed honeybuns pack a walloping 650 calories into a 75 cent package of yummy goodness...

A lot of good beta at: whiteblaze.net/forum/conten…

Great stories and blogs at: trailjournals.com/

Only get gear that is, for the most part, dual purpose: eg, don't get a full length sleeping bad; get a half, and use your empty pack to cushion you legs.

Have fun, and let someone get you a trailname... I'm voting, on your MP handle, mustard....

Sorry.. couldn't post for a few days bc I'm new to the forum but here's my parting shot:

I have read some comments here that are WAY wrong and some good advice too.

Best advice is - just go. Take what you have and go. Replace gear as you need to, as it dies, as you realize you can live without it.

This website - tnlandforms.us/at/ - is unbeatable.

Purchase a thru-hikers mileage book - look on Whiteblaze to see what's most up to date/what people are recommending.

Learn to patch blisters.
Learn about ring worm.
Learn about shit on a shingle.
Learn to love peanut butter.
You'll be fine.

I thru hiked in 2010 I would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. DO IT! It was the best time of my life!

Many hikers use the Hennessy Hammock. I love it. Best Hammock design IMO, and the monsoon rainfly Is amazing. The standard rainfly is a bit lacking, though. When people are setting up tents on the wet, rainy ground, Hammock hangers are smiling.....snakeskins rule. Remember that the mice thrive near the shelters, and they love to steal down, and chew on raingear.