Every year thousands of people head to the nearby Appalachian trail to get away and spend some quality time outdoors. Backpacking is, at least, an interesting way to spend time outdoors. By keeping all their gear in a backpack, campers can travel distances with ease. The following will identify and explain the techniques and equipment used for backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail, or A.T. as it is known to backpackers, is a foot trail that runs from Springer Mt., Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Running through the Appalachian Mountains, the trail allows packers to encounter wooded landscape with a variety of terrain, temperatures, and weather conditions.
“In practice, the Trail is usually a simple footpath, purposeful in direction and concept, favoring the heights of land and loaded for minimum reliance on construction for protecting the resource. The body of the trail is provided by the lands it traverses, and it’s soul is the living stewardship of the volunteers and workers of the Appalachian Trail community.” Because the trail is over 2,100 miles long, it becomes very difficult for a packer to hike the entire trail. Each year about 5,000 people attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Of these 5,000 it is estimated that less than 300 accomplish their goal. Many other packers enjoy weekend or short trips and hike the trail in pieces. Either way, backpacking is extremely challenging and enjoyable. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail requires it’s own kind of equipment, unique to backpacking.
Campers must have a sturdy reliable backpack to carry their equipment. Backpacks are generally supported by a combination of straps around the shoulders and hips. Packs usually come in two styles: external frame and internal frame. An external frame pack is an excellent choice in a backpack for many reasons. An external pack is easy to load and organize because of the large panel that opens for easy access. External packs often have large pockets or compartments so that the backpacker can quickly find a specific piece of equipment. Another quality of the external frame packs is that air circulates between the camper’s back and the packbag, keeping them cool in the hot summer months. Perhaps best of all, they don’t drag hikers down when carrying a heavy load. Because external frame packs have a higher center of gravity, they allow hiking in a more upright stance. For a pack that typically costs less than half an equivalent internal, these features are noteworthy. Internal frames are built with lighter loads in mind. They are supported by stiff aluminum poles inside the packbag.
All of the camper’s gear is stored inside the pack as well because there are no outer poles to strap equipment to. Internal frame packs carry the weight lower than externals, and closer to the back. The result is a pack that has much better balance, ideal for off-trail hikers, but not too important for a well groomed trail like the A.T. ” Select an internal or external frame pack based upon the outdoor activities you normally do and consider that external frame packs are generally less expensive.” Another essential piece of equipment for the backpacker is shelter. Although some lightweight enthusiasts prefer a simple rain-fly or tarp, bugs can often be a problem. A tent is usually a good solution. There are many types of tents to choose from. One reliable type of tent is the seventies style “A-Frame”. The A-Frame is a triangle shaped tent that works well at keeping the weather out. The dome tent is becoming more popular because it has more space with less weight.
Dome tents use fiberglass poles for support so they are strong, reliable and light. Dome tents keep rain out well but do not always hold up in very high winds. Whichever tent is chosen, some common features are necessary. “Most tents today are designed with a bathtub floor, breathable walls, and a waterproof rainfly.” First campers must find a tent with a “bathtub” bottom. This is sturdy waterproof nylon that covers the bottom and 6 to 16 inches of the tent wall. This design eliminates the need for a ground cloth, thus cutting back on weight. Another important feature is the breathable walls. Breathable fabric should prevent condensation, keeping moisture from collecting and getting the camper wet anyway. Finally, tents should be topped with a rainfly. Rainflies enhance ventilation and make sure that the tent is waterproof. One of the most basic and essential pieces of equipment is clothing. Clothes are selected based on comfort, protection, and layering. Comfortable clothes are defined as those that will keep the body cool in warm weather but warm in cold weather. Clothes should be selected for the expected temperatures. Clothing quality is very important to backpackers. With the limited wardrobe backpackers have, quality apparel that is rugged and durable is well worth the money.
The synthetic fabric of recent years has performed well by providing better insulation, waterproofing and durability than traditional fabrics. No matter what clothes that campers wear it is essential for them to wear layers. The more layers worn, the warmer the body. Fewer layers are worn to stay cool. Layering traps heat that the body produces and keeps it there in air pockets. Layering also keeps packers dry and comfortable. By removing inner layers perspiration is removed so that the skin stays dry. At the beginning of the day packers shed layers as it gets warmer. Near evening however, it begins to get cooler and the layers are soon replaced. Rain gear is always an essential item. “No matter what the weather forecast says, no matter the season, no matter the climate: The only thing that will absolutely, positively guarantee that no rain falls on you during your trip is your rain gear”. A sturdy pair of boots are also very important for a trail like the A.T. Boots should be flexible on top but stiff in the sole to prevent feet from twisting. Food is another of the most important, troublesome, and desired items that packers must worry about. On the trail every ounce counts, and most common foods are simply too heavy to haul through the mountains on our backs. Also food must be easy to prepare and be able to last without a refrigerator. Dehydrated and freeze dried foods do a good job fulfilling these requirements but their taste leaves something to be desired.
Some people make rice or soup or other naturally long lasting, light, easy to prepare dishes that can be found in the grocery store. Most parts of the A.T. have banned camp fires so a portable stove is a useful item to have. “Stoves can be distinguished by the gas that they burn. White gas, kerosene, unleaded gasoline, alcohol, solid/jellied fuels, butane, propane and isobutane are the most common types of fuels that you will find”. The weight of the stove and the fuel should be kept in mind, however. Even with all the right gear there is still much more to backpacking. Walking with a 30 to 40 pound pack is like learning how to walk all over again. A slower pace is required to prevent injury. Backpackers should try to walk with an easy stride, establishing a smooth rhythm. When walking uphill a shorter stride is better, opening up the stride when traveling downhill.
It is very important to take breaks regularly on the trail. The suggested increment is a 5-10 minute break every 45 minutes of hiking. Breaks allow the packer to relax, look around and really take a good view of the scenery. Wallace contributes “Hiking with your eyes on the trail will get you places, but unless you stop and look around, you won’t see where you’ve been”. The Appalachian Trail is indeed great for backpackers for various reasons. The Appalachian Trail offers possibilities; who knows what will be around the next turn? It provides an opportunity to test oneself physically. The trail is a much needed break away from civilized life with magnificent views padded in along the way. Most importantly though, the trail is a path into oneself, a place to think, and to figure out one’s place in the world. Understanding the equipment and techniques needed to hike the Appalachian Trail will result in a rewarding trip for anyone who takes up the challenge of backpacking.
