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

~ Michelle Ray (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Other Appalachian Trail guidebooks tell you about notable scenery, trail history, or changes in terrain. This one tells you exactly what you need to know to prepare for and complete a long-distance hike on the Appalachian Trail. From determining a budget, preparing an itinerary, and packing gear to resupplying, using bounce boxes, and staying on schedule, this book will help any hiker to make certain their long distance trek is a success.

About the Author

Michelle Ray has been an avid hiker for over fifteen years and has logged thousands of miles on the Appalachian Trail. She is a member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hiking Association and works as a field editor for the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion. She lives in New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (January 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811735427
• ISBN-13: 978-0811735421
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,801 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #10 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Hiking & Camping > Walking
  #24 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Hiking & Camping > Excursion Guides
  #56 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Travel > Adventure

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent how-to book for Appalachian Trail, January 16, 2009

By	Raymond K. Anderson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Current, concise AT guide book, January 11, 2009

By	Mariann Miller "memline" (HAVRE, MT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully researched, May 28, 2009

By	S. L. Bendickson (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!