While preparing for a 2007 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, Ken Sarzynski read half a dozen books on the subject, dozens of websites, blogs and journals. He had long-distance backpacked and bicycled many times and felt ready for the physical demands a 2,200 mile hike could extoll. Nothing could have prepared him for the social responsibility thrust upon him. Southbound on the Appalachian Trail is one man’s attempt to answer all the questions posed to him before, during and after his thru-hike from Maine to Georgia. In a humorous way it, manages to not only assist potential thru-hikers in their planning but also their family members who don’t quite understand why on earth someone would want to walk 2,200 miles. Future thru-hikers will learn the art of surviving on convenience store groceries, how to trick a bear into thinking you don’t see it, and how to make water out of thin air. Whether you’re out for the long haul or just a short hike, Southbound on the Appalachian Trail has tips, advice and stories for everyone.
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About the Author
Building upon a youth spent camping with the Boy Scouts, Ken Sarzynski is an outdoors enthusiast with a penchant for solo bicycle touring, solo backpacking, team mountain biking, and participating in various endurance races. Ken is the co-founder and maintainer of CBoats.net, the world’s largest online community for whitewater canoe enthusiasts. A born-and-raised upstate New Yorker, Ken graduated with baccalaureate degrees in Computer Science and Performing Arts from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He now resides in the Washington, DC area with his wife and their super-adorable cat, Mao. Since hiking the AT, Ken has helped educate individuals on the Appalachian Trail with the help of a self-produced DVD movie about his hike. He enjoys helping friends, co-workers and strangers find places to go hiking or camping. He has a natural “I work here” look and regularly finds himself being solicited for advice by shoppers at local outfitters. Even knowing he wasn’t an employee, he helped a Russian fellow purchase a backpack for a hiking trip in India, and a lady in need of a new bicycle helmet.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
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I happen to be leaving in one month to attempt this exact hike so I was immediately drawn to this book. Just before beginning to read it, I finished 'Becoming Odyssa', which, unfortunately for Sarzynski, was composed by a professional writer. The gap in writing skill between the two authors is unmistakeable. Also, I felt this book could have used another round of editing as the text occasionally felt very choppy. (Admittedly, I'm an English snob who devotes ten minutes to editing a two sentence email so take these critcisms with a grain of salt.) My only other major complaint is the book length, which at 222 pages seems legitimate until you see the large font and the blank page between most chapters. If you're the type who feels short changed by an 80-minute movie, you'll think of this book as a glorified pamphlet.
So, you may be wondering, why the four stars? Because this is the freshest account I've seen of a southbound AT thru-hike and contains some excellent tips. For example, the idea of staying well shaved to avoid being ID'd as a thru-hiker and thus not having to answer the same questions by everyone you meet will save me countless hours. Furthermore, had I not read about the author's torment when being bitten through the fabric of his hammock, I would have never thought of coating mine with repellant. (I just wish the book included an index to ease future reference - the table of contents is too vague.)
If you're planning the same hike, this book is worth its wait in gold.
So, you may be wondering, why the four stars? Because this is the freshest account I've seen of a southbound AT thru-hike and contains some excellent tips. For example, the idea of staying well shaved to avoid being ID'd as a thru-hiker and thus not having to answer the same questions by everyone you meet will save me countless hours. Furthermore, had I not read about the author's torment when being bitten through the fabric of his hammock, I would have never thought of coating mine with repellant. (I just wish the book included an index to ease future reference - the table of contents is too vague.)
If you're planning the same hike, this book is worth its wait in gold.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Adam C.
A friend recommended this new book for me, and I have to say that I was skeptical. We've talked about hiking the AT, but never gotten the time to pursue it. This book has inspired my wife and I to find the time. The author offers up insightful tidbits of info, but in a very conversational and down to earth way. You feel as if you've just been told a great story by a good friend regarding his exploits along the trail. The way he breaks up the chapters shows a deft ability to keep the reader entertained during the journey. I couldn't put it down.
Definitely worth it!
Definitely worth it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By "ret1re"
"Southbound on the Appalachian Trail" is a "must have" for AT hikers, but especially so for the 20% that hike southbound. Good solid advise and information is presented in a chatty style. The sections dedicated to questions asked AT hikers was particularly fun and entertaining. The only possible suggestion would have been to include more maps to better place sections of the narrative for non-hikers. The book is an easy read - even for non-hikers. I just finished reading it in front of a nice fire in our home buried in January snow in the Adirondacks. It made me feel like I had been swatting at moquitos and black flies, was damp from the humid days and rain, and hungered for a large steak, medium rare, with all the trimmings!
Glenn L. Pearsall
author, "Echoes in These Mountains" (Pyramid Press, 2008)
Glenn L. Pearsall
author, "Echoes in These Mountains" (Pyramid Press, 2008)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good book
This book is an enjoyable read, and, if you have any inclination to hike the A.T., it has plenty of practical information. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Steve in Memphis
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable!
This personal memoir is funny, entertaining, practical, and informative. The casual narrative style makes it a quick read. Read more
Published on April 22, 2011 by Sarah Cartwright
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read, all the details you want to know
I couldn't put this book down - it's like being able to corner somebody who hiked the AT and ask them the 100 questions you have for them. Nice mix of practical and amusing! Read more
Published on April 14, 2011 by Erica Zell
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good walk
I'm a sucker for stories about travel, so even a book about a long walk appeals to me. Ken does a good job relating the challenges of his AT hike -- bugs, food, bears, water,... Read more
Published on March 23, 2011 by Steve H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Readable book for hikers and non hikers alike
I have a different perspective here I'll be up front about - I know the author and helped support his trip. Read more
Published on February 14, 2011 by A. E. Pearsall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Southbound on the Appalachian Trail
What a wonderful combination of notes about the trail and hiking insights/information. Ken has shared his tricks and proven techniques that will help hikers of any type and skill... Read more
Published on February 13, 2011 by Phil Pierce
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