Interested in the AZT

[azumpire]

I am very interested in hiking the AZT, but I feel that I am not experienced enough. I dont think Ive ever hiked more than 15 miles in rugged terrain before, except in 1983 in the military, where we did a 30 mile road march. But my biggest problem, is I would most likely have to do it alone, as none of my friends, nor my 3 kids are hikers really. So I guess I could say this AZT is on my bucket list, as it would take me at least 6 months or longer to prepare for something like this. But I had several questions that are bugging me. First, how on earth do you carry enough water to make it 800 miles? Or 400 miles if you do it in 2 segments? or do you just carry some sort of water filter system? I do not drink tap water at home, and have not for over 40 years, and would not want to start now lol. Also, how many extra cell phone batteries do you need to bring along? 3 or 4? And for me, since I am not that experienced, I am positive I would bring a gps, as well as maps, and most likely would still get lost. But I am fairly determined that I am going to do this one day..just dont think I could get prepared soon enough to do it in march/april..Just not sure if I would be ready that soon. Im 6ft2 180lbs, healthy as I can possibly be. But still, 800 miles, even 400 might be a tad too much, until I get the legs into hiking shape for sure. And just wondering how big of a backpack one would use for this kind of hike...lots of things to plan for thats for sure.

[azbackpackr]

The intention was always to maximize the efficiency and enjoyment of the walk, but through the author's own example of conflating enjoyment with maximum daily mileage potential and foisting that concept on the public, there is now a crop of folks who neither know why they're hiking so fast nor that it isn't necessary or even advantageous, per se. The advantages go to the ones who walk to the beat of their own drummer. They're the ones who are happiest out there, not the ones looking over their shoulders or checking the internet for fastest known times.

This is one of the best things anyone has said on HAZ in a long time. Thanks!

One thing I've always figured on: I'd spend a week or so on the road and trail, placing a whole bunch of water and resupply caches for myself first. Then start hiking in earnest.

[Tough_Boots]

@azbackpackr
@blisterfree

that's true unless someone finds happiness through goal oriented activities and testing their limits. It seems strange to impose your ideals on others in an activity that's very nature involves solitude and peace. Please keep your insistence that your way is the right way off of the trails that we all love in our own way and for our own reasons.

[blisterfree]

Tough Boots, what I'm trying to say is "to thine own self be true." Only attempt to do what Jardine or Krudmeister like to do if it's what you like to do, and not because it seems to be the thing to do or some "ultimate expression of what it means to take a walk." Because it isn't... unless it is.

More to the point, don't think a slower pace is anything less worthy of your own appreciation and enjoyment. And don't think you have to rush along the Arizona Trail in order to complete a thru-hike. You don't. The trail is "only" 800 miles from border to border, and the season can be luxuriously long in the spring, south to north, if you use it to maximum advantage.

[Kmcmillen]

I am new to this site. Trying to figure out how to navigate the forums.
I want to go NOBO this seasons, and would like to connect with any other thru hikers. I am concerned about border issues and water caches. I am solo, but would like company in the southern passages. Any northbounders on this forum.

[FOTG]

@sirena
wow, nice link...a tad humbling, what a trek....

[garyc57]

gary's triplogs ( click on journal to read )

or

select any AZT segment then click on triplogs

Joe,

Thanks for jumping in there and giving the link to my triplogs. This last weekend was hectic!

Gary