Last updated on September 2nd, 2022 at 11:15 am
What Size Pack for Appalachian Trail:
5 Key Things to Consider
The Appalachian Trail is 2,190 miles long. That’s a lot of miles to cover if you’re planning on hiking the whole trail with your backpack and gear. After all, it can take up to six months just to hike the trail! This means that you’re going to need a backpack large enough for the trip, but one that won’t weigh you down as much as possible.
The size of your backpack is going to depend on how far you plan to travel, how much you are packing, and which features are most important to you. This post will give you all the details on what size pack for Appalachian Trail is the best for your needs so you can be confident in your purchase when it comes time to choose.
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Why is the Appalachian Trail So Popular?
Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking path in the world. It passes through fourteen states, stretching 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Approximately 3 million people visit the Appalachian Trail annually, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States. But why is it so popular?
First of all, it’s very challenging and a great way to test your limits. It has over 4,000 miles of mountains to climb and weather conditions that vary wildly. The Appalachian Trail will take you through 14 states, 8 national parks, and 3 national forests. You’ll see everything from deserts to forests and more than 100 types of wildlife.
Second, the trail itself is just beautiful.
Should I Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail?
Imagine if you were able to travel from Georgia to Maine on foot. You would have to hike a total of 2,190 miles and you’d be backpacking for 5-6 months. The popularity of long-distance hiking is increasing steadily and it’s expected that more people will take on the challenge in the coming years.
No one is going to tell you to stop your life and hike the entire Appalachian Trail. But before you start planning it, you should ask yourself some questions.
Should you hike the entire Appalachian Trail? Well, that really depends on you. Only you know what your body and mind can handle. If they can handle it, then go for it. If not, that’s perfectly okay. The most important thing is to be smart about it, plan well, and have fun.
Where to Start Your Thru-Hike and How to Plan It?
Thru-hiking is a dream for many people, but for most, it’s a goal that remains just that – a dream. It could be the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, most people want to hike one of them at least once in their lifetime.
Before you take the plunge into planning your own thru-hike, there are some things you need to know about the trail you’ve chosen. This includes where to start your thru-hike and how to plan it.
Most people will want to start at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, as it is flatter and more popular. However, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t begin at Springer Mountain. The first and most important is that Springer Mountain is a popular place for thru-hikers to do a “zero day”.
A zero day is when hikers take a rest day, which can be quite helpful after hiking several days in a row. There are also many people who have the advice to give hikers preparing for the trail, so if you start at Springer Mountain you will miss out on this valuable information.
What Size Pack for Appalachian Trail: Key Things to Consider
Choosing the right-size backpack for a hiking trip can be a difficult decision, especially since each individual is different in terms of height, weight, and backpack style preferences. Backpacks come in a range of sizes from 10L to 100L, and choosing the correct one depends on how much you’re carrying, the length and difficulty of your trip, and the place you’ll be staying.
A backpack that is too large or heavy can really slow you down and make your hike harder than it has to be. On the other hand, one that is too small can leave you with little room for the things you need. It is important to find a backpack that fits your body and hiking style.
Another thing to keep in mind is the season when you will be hiking. If it’s winter, then you may want to buy a heavier backpack to accommodate your winter gear.
Remain in the 50 to 65 Liters Range
As it is known that you will walk around 10 miles per day on the Appalachian Trail, this means you need enough space to place your things. Depending on the season and length of your trip, here is how much you should carry on average.
For starters, a backpack should be at least 50 liters in size, but if you are going to carry more than 20 pounds of stuff then it is better to get another backpack that is 60 liters or more.
How Much Weight Should You Carry?
According to many experienced hikers, the total weight you carry on the Appalachian Trail should be somewhere around 15 to 20 pounds. The general rule of thumb is that you should be able to carry your pack for about 2 miles without stopping. If you are unable to do this, then you need to re-evaluate your gear and cut down on the weight.
To figure out the base weight of your backpack, you need to do this:
Weigh everything in your pack and then add up the total weight. Then, subtract the weight of your water, food, and fuel (because these are not counted in base weight).
Another important point to keep in mind is that the weight of your backpack should never exceed more than 20% of your body weight. This means that if you weigh 60kg (132 pounds) then your backpack should not weigh more than 12kg (27 pounds). If it does, then you will be overloading your body and putting yourself at risk of injury.
How Much Food Should You Take?
If you’re planning to hike the Appalachian Trail and want a simple way to determine how much food to take with you, there are two main factors that should be taken into consideration.
The first is the number of calories you need per day. The second is the number of days you plan to hike in a row without resupplying.
You will have to do your own research on these numbers, but here’s some data that might help:
A male hiker will burn between 3,000-5,000 calories per day. A female hiker will burn between 2,000-4,000 calories per day.
If you hike for 7 days without resupplying, you will need to carry 14,000-21,000 calories.
For example, a male hiker who burns 5,000 calories per day will need to carry 7 days of food for a total of 35,000 calories.
How Much Water Should You Carry?
If you’re going to hike the Appalachian Trail, you need to know how much water you should carry on your journey. It can make the difference between making it to Maine and dying at Katahdin.
Don’t carry too much water. Don’t carry too little water. If you go with the wrong amount of water, you can have serious problems. It’s important to have enough water, but it’s also important to make sure you’re not carrying excessive weight (and thus wasting energy) by carrying too much water. It’s a very tricky balance.
First of all, don’t assume that there will always be a water source available. The AT is notorious for long stretches without water and the need to carry sufficient amounts of water at all times. It’s not uncommon for hikers to hike 60 miles between water sources. Plan accordingly and pack at least 1 liter per person per day.
What About Shelter and Clothing?
When you go on a long-distance hike like hiking the AT, you want to be prepared for anything. You can’t predict what is going to happen, and you might not have the opportunity to resupply for a while.
A good backpack that can hold up to 50 pounds or more is crucial. A good rain jacket will ensure you stay dry when it rains, which is common on the trail. A sleeping bag is also a must-have item to keep warm at night.
A lot of hikers begin a trip on the Appalachian Trail with the intention of living on the trail. For example, they may bring a tent, sleeping bag, and camp stove. However, there are many hikers that decide to sleep in shelters.
The shelters along the AT are maintained by volunteers and paid caretakers, who generally do a very good job at keeping them clean and comfortable. The primary benefit of staying in shelters is convenience; you don’t have to carry as much gear with you, which is especially important for those hiking long distances or beginning their hike in early spring when the weather can be unpredictable.
Shelters are usually well-marked and easy to find, and they are often located near water sources. They can also be crowded in the summer months, especially on weekends.
Also Read: Backpack Sizes
Myths and Facts About Hiking the Appalachian Trail
There are many myths about hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s so long that it’s impossible. You can’t do it alone. There are no places to sleep or eat. There are bears, snakes, and wild animals everywhere. Are these really myths?
The fact is that the trail itself is not dangerous. You can hike it alone, but having companions will make it easier. Eating and sleeping are the only two activities that are difficult to do alone. The trail is very well marked and maintained, so you can hike it safely.
Here are some facts about hiking the Appalachian Trail that you should know before beginning your hike:
- The average completion rate of thru-hikers is only 25%.
- The record for fastest completion of the Appalachian Trail is held by a man named Scott Jurek, who completed the trail in 46 days, 8 hours, and 8 minutes.
- The record for the longest hike of the Appalachian Trail is held by a man named George Steck, who completed the trail in 46 years, 7 months, and 6 days.
- About 1 out of every 4 hikers who attempt to hike the entire trail will be injured at some point during their hike.
- The most common injury that occurs on the Appalachian Trail is blisters, which occur in about 1 out of every 3 hikers who attempt to hike the entire trail.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a thru-hike, you need the best gear for the job. Picking out your pack will be one of the most important things you do before starting your hike. It’s essential to select a backpack that is appropriately sized for your body type and has enough room for all of your gear.
The best backpack size for an average person is around 50 liters. This is the perfect size for thru-hiking. When looking at these numbers, it means that it can hold approximately 3,000 cubic inches or about 50 liters.
We hope that you found this article useful and will help you figure out what size pack for Appalachian Trail is ideal.If you have any questions, please contact us. We are more than happy to answer them for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pack weight for Appalachian Trail?
The average pack weight for Appalachian Trail hikers is between 15 and 20 pounds. This weight can vary depending on the season, the type of gear, and the length of the hike. For example, a long-distance hiker may need to carry more food and water, while a day hiker may not need to carry as much.
The best way to determine the right pack weight for you is to experiment with different weights on shorter hikes. This will give you a good idea of what you can comfortably carry over long distances.
What size backpack do I need for a 5 day hike?
Ideally, you want your backpack to be about 50-65 liters in size. This will give you enough room to pack everything you need for a 5-day trip, without making your backpack too heavy to carry. Of course, the size of your backpack will also depend on the type of trip you’re taking and the amount of gear you need to bring. So if you’re planning a longer trip or bringing extra gear, you may need a larger backpack.
How many miles a day should you walk on the Appalachian Trail?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding how many miles to hike each day. First, consider your fitness level and how much you can realistically hike each day. If you’re just getting started, you’ll probably want to start with shorter days and gradually work up to longer days as you get in better shape. Second, think about how long you want to hike each day. If you’re only hiking for a few hours, you’ll probably want to hike fewer miles than if you’re hiking all day.
Once you get in better shape, you can increase the amount of time you hike each day, and eventually, you may be able to cover 6-8 miles or more in a single day.
How much weight do you lose on the Appalachian Trail?
While there is no easy answer to this question, as everyone’s experience (and body) is different, there are some general trends that can be observed among Appalachian Trail hikers. For instance, many hikers report losing an average of one to two pounds per week during their hike. However, this weight loss is not always a 50/50 split between fat and muscle. In fact, many hikers report losing more muscle than fat, which can lead to serious health problems down the road.
