Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail [Paperback]

Roland Mueser (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1997 | Series: Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail

Blending sage advice with personal experiences and anecdotes, this unconventional book is an unusually thoughtful account of long-distance trekking on the Appalachian Trail. Mueser draws upon interviews and questionnaire data gathered from over 100 long distance hikers hoofing it through the Applachian Mountains.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"The definitive guide to long-distance backpacking. With diligence and creativity, Mueser has gone about answering questions that no one else has even asked. Virtually all the material appears nowhere else and will delight both experienced hikers and the novice with only a dream of setting foot down the trail."­­Larry Luxenber, author of Walking the Appalachian Trail

In April 1989, avid hiker Roland Muerser set off from a shelter at Springer Mountain, Georgia. His goal: to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, interviewing hikers on everything from clothing and gear to coping with loneliness and fatigue. In Long-Distance Hiking he draws on those extensive interviews, presenting hikers' candid responses to questions both practical and philosophical:

• Which brand of backpack do most long distance hikers prefer? (page 54)
• How much money will I need? (page 135)
• Is a walking stick an advantage or a nuisance? (page 76)
• What percentage of hikers wear underwear? (page 70)
• Is it safe to hike alone? (page 19)
• Which brand of camp stove is most efficient and easiest to pack? (page 57)
• Is there sex on the trail? (page 147)
• How many miles do most hikers' boots or shoes hold up? (page 46)
• What are the most difficult aspects of long-distance hikeing? (page 138)

Both literate and entertaining, this book is a must for anyone considering a long-distance trek.

About the Author

Proving that no sacrifice is too great in the name of science, avid hiker Roland Mueser once devised a controlled experiment and carried it out during blackfly season in the woods and swamps near his New Jersey home: He ran a 4-mile course through the woods wearing DEET repellent on alternate days, and tallied the number of bites sustained during each run.

Roland is the author of several books, and his articles have appeared in Appalachia, the Colorado Mountain Club magazine T&T, and other outdoor journals. A retired physicist, Roland is a former member of the engineering research faculty at Harvard University and Pennsylvania State University and was a research scientist for Bell Laboratories. After retiring, he thru-hiked the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail in 1989.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070444587
• ISBN-13: 978-0070444584
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #244,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing... I couldn't put it down, April 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail (Paperback)

As a frequent visitor to the USA I have for a long time had an interest in the Appalacian Trail and perhaps hiking it end-to-end (or "through hiking" as it is called) one day. Once I saw the cover "blurb" for Roland's book I just had to purchase it.

You realise upon opening this book for the first time that Roland has a very insightful and engaging writing style. This is a book that you can open up at any section and commence reading without feeling disconnected.

If you want a book that follows a through hiker's day-to-day experiences when walking the trail or one that details historic, geographic or topographic information discovered along Appalacian trail, then this is NOT the book for you.

However, if you want a book that thoughtfully covers all of the things one would want to know about when preparing for through hike of the Appalacian Trail or any other very long distance hike then this could be just what you are after.

The book is based upon the things Roland gleaned from his experience through hiking the trail, and from the information gained from interviews with some 100 plus people who also through hiked the trail.

For instance, I was fascinated on the discussion as to how many pairs of boots one can expect to wear out and the advantages that lightweight boots can provide over the more expensive leather ones.

Also, one would never expect anyone to take on such a monumental task as through hiking the trail in sneakers or without a tent, yet some did and succeeded. This book brings out many things specifically relevant to very long distance hiking that the average hiker wouldn't necessarily think about. That in itself is reason enough to buy this book.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those interested in the appalacian trail., July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail (Paperback)

Roland Muesser takes us along on a trip that quantifies aspects of the trail important to trail hikers and interesting to those who are new to the sport of hiking. Indeed, this book may be of even greater value to the novice hiker than the seasoned trailblazer in that it addresses critical issues for hikers such as gear and trail etiquette questions. Roland Muesser shows his respect for the trail and hiking in general and writes an inciteful and real account of what to expect and what the trail hiker comes to expect from day to day life with nothing but what you carry on your back. From mosquito protection to an amusing deerfly experiment to more serious matters of equipment and safety this book is a great one and should not be overlooked.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview, August 4, 2003

By 

The Solemates (Seneca, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail (Paperback)

This book covers just about everything possible concerning long distance hiking. The author relies on dozens of surveys he took from thru-hikers of America's long distance trails, and combines the information into easy reading. The book is a little outdated now, but still a good read.