Customer Reviews

How to Hike the A.T.: The Nitty-Gritty Details of a Long-Distance Trek

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Michelle Ray's "How to Hike the A.T." is the most comprehensive book I've read on the subject. I could have used her advice back in 2003, when I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail myself. Aside from the logical layout of chapters, there is an index, and even a few pages on trail terminology. After reading this book you will not only be prepared, but begin to feel like a long-distance hiker. I was particularly impressed that she devoted a final chapter to: Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking. If you are thinking about this, you need to do it right, and she covers the basics. The book also includes lists of trail organizations, and suggested resources, including the written media and Web Sites.

For anyone thinking about a long hike, or who wants to learn about hikers and the culture, this is the place to begin.

This guide to how to prepare for a Thru Hike is one of the best I have seen, except for one chapter, Chapter 5, Getting Your Gear On, The Pack.

Little is more important than sellecting a good pack. The author does not fairly state the advantages and disavantages between internal and external packs. To say that the external frame pack was used mainly between the 50's and the 70's on the AT is totally misleading and incorrect. External frame packs have been the backbone of hiking the AT. They still should be considered, when choosing a good durable, sturdy, highly useable, yet comfortable pack for a thruhike.

For good reading, to help you select the best pack for your Tru Hike, I would recomend, Long Distant Hiking, Lessons from the AT by Roland Mueser, Backpacker & Hiker's Handbook by William Kemsley Jr. or The Appalachian Trail Hiker by Victoria and Frank Logue,

After becoming well informed, go to a GOOD pack shop and try on the various packs you read about. Don't be pressured into buying the pack that the salesperson is currently pushing. Know for your self what to look for in a good pack and why. Your salesperson may be into the current fad of Ultra Lite Backpacking, but is a super lite, one large pocket frameless pack, your best choice for a tru hike?.

The rest of the book is very well written and I recomend it highly.

Michelle Ray's AT guide book is the most current, concise, and entertaining resource for anyone even considering hiking the Appalachian Trail. She has put a tremendous amount of research into this book. What's more, she manages to convey a sense of adventure and excitement with all the information and advice. She brings not only her own experience as a thru-hiker, but, as a librarian has managed to compile a wealth of information in a very readable fashion. There are lots of books about the AT, but this one should be the prospective hiker's main standby. It is light enough to carry in your backpack. Frank "The Walrus" Miller, Havre, MT

She did the research and product testing; so you don't have to. Just read the book, follow her suggestions, buy the appropriate gear, prepare physically and mentally for the journey. Enjoy yourself!

This is a good starter book for the rookie hiker that wants to hike the AT and has no idea where to begin.
The book has a lot of basic information for the non-hiker who wants to tackle the AT.
Using this book will get you off on the right foot.
Big Mike

This is not a bad book, but I just wanted to say that I found it overlapped a lot with all the other "how to hike long distance" books and was not very specific to the AT. For me, I actually wish I hadn't bought it for this reason, although if I was thinking about hiking the AT and didn't have any other hiking books or much experience, I would probably have found it helpful.

If you are getting ready or have just thought of hiking the AT or someother long distance trail you must read this book to prepare yourself for the challange. She has done it and then some.
A Must Read!

I am preparing for an extended walk along the AT next year. To get up to speed on what I need to know I bought this and some other books. Michelle Ray writes with an easy manner that makes reading quick and efficient. In fact, I finished the book in one day. While I wouldn't call this a reference book it is still worth the cover price. It's as if a friend just returned from hiking the A.T. and she gives you a brain dump on what to expect and some advice, dos and don'ts etc. . It's a little high level but the information comes from an insider and what is passed along is essential to understanding the coming challenge. Buy the book. Some details in it may save you grief later on. I'm glad I ordered it.

Very informative book. Covers everything from trail culture traditions to gear, food to health. I like her "Less is more" philosophy. A must for someone planning to hike the AT. GA-ME '11

I am Definatlly not an experienced hiker, but I will tell you that I got alot from this book. It answered questions I didnt know I should ask. This book should be a part of your reading if your thinking of hiking the A.T.. From equipment, to clothing, to tips about getting started with your hike. I recommend this book, and also Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail by Roland Mueser which does give a bit more info on backpacks in particular, as another reviewer stated,