There are several different kinds of hikers. Some of these hikers are known as YO-YOs, while others prefer flipflops. Whether you’re heading for a solo hike or a group outing, you can choose a NOBO or SOBO bubble based on your preferred style. Listed below are some tips for choosing a hiking style.
YO-YO hike
A YO-YO hike on the AT is an easy option for people who want to tackle the entire trail without spending a lot of time at shelters. The AT is not an especially hard trail to walk, and a YO-YO hike offers you the opportunity to do it in as little as four months. Hiking in the spring and fall means less precarious weather conditions, and you’ll be able to enjoy the views, too.
During the winter months, hikers often experience what is called a “zero day” – a day when no miles are gained toward the end of the trail. These days are mainly devoted to resupply and layover in towns. On a near-zero day, hikers will only cover a few miles and will spend the rest of the day in a town.
A YO-YO hike on the AT is a great way to explore the Appalachian Mountains. Once you reach Vermont, you can hike as far as you want. Some yoyoers even go back-to-back, taking on the toughest terrain twice. But even if you don’t feel like tackling the difficult sections of the trail, it’s possible to do it by hiking just one way.
Flipflop hike
A flipflop hike on the Appalachian Trail can be a great way to see the entire trail and experience different seasons. Depending on your destination, the best time to go on this hike may be early spring, or late fall, when the leaves are changing colors and temperatures are cooling off. If you have limited time, flip flop hiking on the Appalachian Trail can be a good choice to enjoy all the best parts of the Appalachian Trail.
One of the advantages of flipflop hiking is the reduced stress on the trail. Unlike conventional thru-hiking, flipflop hiking on the AT starts on easier terrain than other types of hiking. This allows hikers to avoid the overuse of the footpath, reduce overcrowding in shelters, and benefit local businesses that cater to hikers. Flip flop hikers have also reported less health problems and higher energy levels.
A flip-flop hike on the Appalachian Trail is a great choice for a first-time hiker who wants to get an edge on the competition. Unlike the more common route to the trail, flip-flop hikers start the trip at a location in the middle and then return later. Using this technique, hikers will be able to see all the sights and sounds that they are missing from the more traditional route. And since it is less popular than traditional hiking, it will be easier to complete.
NOBO hike
If you want to have a smoother break-in period and avoid the crowds, a NOBO hike on the Appalachian trail might be for you. The southern portion of the trail has gradual climbs, while the northern end has more rocky climbing and can be a challenge in wet weather. To reduce the challenge, many hikers who are heading north decrease their daily mileage in the early part of the hike.
To get a clear idea of the differences between the two types of hikes, check out the Appalachian Trail 2000 miler list. This will help you choose the best path for you. While most people start in June, there is still time to register for a southbound hike. If you are starting late in the year, keep moving in order to make it before winter. In general, the Southbound Appalachian Trail thru hike begins between late May and mid-July. Baxter State Park opens in late May.
When planning a NOBO hike on the Appalachian trail, keep in mind that this hike is not for beginners. If you have hiking experience and are confident enough, you can attempt this challenging trail on your own. This way, you can learn a lot about the trail and get to know other hikers in the area. You can also find out the details about the trail by reading a guidebook.
SOBO hike
Whether you’re planning a SOBO or NOBO hike on the Appalachian Trail is a personal choice. If you enjoy solitude, the SOBO route may be the right choice for you. While the trail is well-known for being isolated, the fact is that it is also a popular dayhiking and section hiking route, and there are many campgrounds on the trail. During the summer, the trail is highly popular, and there’s a good chance that the campgrounds will be full.
When hiking the SOBO route, be sure to consider the weather. The weather is generally much better in the southern states than in the north. You’ll lose the dreary, suffocating climate of Georgia and miss prime hiking season. Additionally, because the trail is closed in the spring, conditions can be dreadful in certain regions. If you don’t have the time to wait until the summer to hike, you may find yourself in the middle of a cold, snowy winter in the mountains.
One of the great benefits of hiking on the SOBO route is the fact that you won’t have to compete with a lot of other hikers in shelters and towns. In addition to less competition, you’ll be less likely to encounter bugs and other hikers, which are a big plus for SOBO. Moreover, the southern side of the Appalachian Trail is notorious for mosquitoes, so you’ll have to be vigilant about mosquitoes. SOBO hikers will miss this window because they don’t pack mosquito repellent.
Narrow window of mild weather
The Appalachian Trail’s weather can be unpredictable. Winter temperatures can vary by week, with howling winds and snow. While you may miss the worst snowfall, you can still hike through the snow without much trouble. From February to April, temperatures in the high mountains are usually mild. But heavy snow does not typically fall until October. If you’re planning to hike the AT during these months, make sure to plan ahead.
Logistics of a SOBO hike
Typically, AT thru-hikers begin their journey in Maine and return northbound. However, around 10-15% of hikers choose the opposite route, starting from Maine and finishing in Georgia. This means that SOBO hikers often have to start their journey in the early summer when the Katahdin trails are still frozen. Because of this, they may have to make some last-minute plans to begin their hike before these dates open up.
Many SOBO hikers do not realize the ramifications of this route and often end up turning back in their quest. On the other hand, a SOBO hiker will be likely to encounter fewer NOBOS along the way. As a result, they will not face the crowded shelters and towns as often. Furthermore, they will probably not see another hiker for days on end.
Before leaving home, choose someone to serve as your support person during the hike. Prepare a list of supplies and emergency contacts. If you plan to bring special food, you should make arrangements to dehydrate and package it beforehand. Make sure to designate a point person to mail packages for you, or assign someone to do this. Additionally, you should know where to send drop boxes of food, gear, and supplies.
Besides the logistics of a SOBO hike on the Appalantic Trail, the mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail has some unique advantages. It’s a lower-elevation hike, which means less elevation gain, fewer road crossings, and frequent town food stops. You can also hike with a lighter pack, reducing the weight of your pack and allowing you to move faster.
If your friend is hiking the AT, you might want to consider buying them some essentials for the long hike. The most popular trail knives are the Derma-Safe folding knife and the Tiny Pocket Knife. These items are lightweight, compact, and very affordable. The thru-hiker may even have a wish list of items that they’d love to have. You can check it out by reading the list below.
Water purification system
Several hikers have found that drinking unfiltered water while hiking the Appalachian Trail is unpleasant, and can contain viruses and other pathogens. In order to make sure that they stay healthy while hiking, many have opted to purchase a water purification system. Some hikers opt to forgo a purification system entirely in favor of a portable device, such as a UV light wand. These devices require batteries and must be recharged regularly in towns. Others opt for the low-tech solution of adding chlorine bleach to their water. However, it should be noted that this solution is highly toxic if not done properly, and can lead to health risks for hikers. Using a water purification system while hiking the Appalachian Trail is not an absolute requirement. Waterborne pathogens can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory
Among the best water purification systems available for hikers are the Hydroblu Versa Flow and the Sawyer Hiker. These filters are lightweight, easy to use and affordable. Although some hikers balk at the price of the Sawyer filter ($30), the Versa Flow and Aquamira water purification systems are a much better option than the latter. These devices, while relatively inexpensive, need to be cleaned regularly.
While the AT offers many clear, fast-flowing streams and murky swamps, these sources can be contaminated by a wide variety of bacteria. While it is unlikely to contain parasites or viruses, it may contain microbes that can cause serious illnesses. Giardia, for example, is a microscopic parasite that can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. Chemical purification systems are a more practical option, but they are not as effective as a filtration system.
Beanie
There are several things to consider when choosing a gift for your hiker. First, you should make sure that they can pick up a box with outgoing mail. Then, you should consider purchasing a hiking-specific hydration bladder. This will make the hiker’s life easier and allow them to stay hydrated while hiking. This kind of equipment can be found at nearly any store.
When purchasing a gift for a hiker, think about the kind of music they enjoy listening to. Typically, thru-hikers don’t have the luxury of streaming movies or music on their devices. Instead, they rely on podcasts and great music to help them get through the tough days. For those who enjoy music, you can buy them a premium subscription to Spotify. The service allows you to download podcasts and music, and is especially appreciated as a gift.
While you can send a gift card, you should consider the hiker’s preferences. For instance, a backpack that includes an expensive stuff sack may be useless to the hiker. On the other hand, a hiking-themed mug may be the perfect present. A backpack that features a hiking-themed mug, bottle of whiskey, or a bottle of wine might be fun to give. A backpack that is designed for long-distance hiking is a great choice, and there are some very practical options to consider.
First aid kit
Your first aid kit should have a variety of essential items, depending on the length of your hike, how many people are in your group, and your own medical history. While the most common items to carry on a hike are bandages alone, your kit should also include any medications or gear you might need to deal with specific conditions. For example, if you’re on blood thinners, you’ll probably want to bring extra gauze and pads, and a blood stop if you’re at risk of bleeding.
Buying prepackaged first aid kits is convenient, but they tend to be bulky. You can create your own kit to meet your hiking needs and save money. These kits won’t be bulky or cumbersome, which will make them easier to carry when hiking. You should put one in each hiking bag, so that you don’t have to carry it around as much. Purchasing a prepackaged kit also means that you’ll have a ready supply of prescription medications.
A good first aid kit will also contain a variety of bandages, tweezers, and other medical supplies. For example, you should have a small roll of duct tape in a waterproof container. Rather than using butterfly strips, opt for four-inch strips. Another useful item is Second Skin, which can cover blisters. You should also carry a scalpel or trauma scissors, which are a versatile tool for treating blisters and cuts.
Pedco Ultrapod
If you know a hiker who is planning on completing the entire trail, give a Pedco Ultrapod as a gift. This device will help stabilize the camera and level it on uneven terrain. It has a velcro strap to attach it to objects and weighs just four ounces. Pedco offers an array of other products to supplement a hiking kit, such as a portable power bank and a rechargeable headlamp.
One of my favorite hiking knives is the Tiny Pocket Knife. I personally love this trail knife because it’s lightweight and has a great blade. The Derma-Safe folding knife has a low price tag of $2.25, and it’s incredibly safe to use. Depending on the thru-hiker’s style, he or she may already have a wish list of items.
While there’s no doubt that a Pedco Ultrapod will save the hiker from getting lost and tired on the trail, a padded backpack can make the journey much easier. It’s possible that your hiker will be carrying his or her entire belongings with them, so it’s a good idea to consider buying them a backpack with pockets for their phones, snacks, and sun creams.
Moon Cheese
Whether you’re giving a gift to someone on a day hike or backpacking trip, you can’t go wrong with a dehydrated cheese like Moon Cheese. This crunchy cheese comes in many different flavors and is naturally gluten-free and high in protein. Whether your hiking companion prefers salty or sweet snacks, a variety pack of Moon Cheese is the perfect way to satisfy their craving. In addition to cheese puffs, you can also give them a tasty jerky product such as Nick’s Sticks. The dehydrated cheese is made without any sugar and has a clean ingredient list. They’re also surprisingly delicious!
If you’re buying a gift for someone hiking the Appalachians, you should know that not all types of cheese are suitable for the long distance walk. Soft cheeses won’t keep for long, but they’ll be fine for day hikes and two or three-day backpacking trips. Unlike hard cheeses, soft cheeses don’t need refrigeration, and they can be eaten on their own or with crackers.
Beef jerky
Sending beef jerky as a gift to someone hiking the Appalachian Trail is a great idea, especially if you are a fan of the dehydrated cheese. The cheese is delicious and has a low glycemic index. It is a great source of protein and is gluten-free. A pack of Moon Cheese varieties is a great snack option. If beef jerky isn’t the right gift for a hiker, consider trying Nick’s Sticks. They’re made with a clean ingredient list, no sugar, and are super tasty!
