I've never done a hike like that, the most I've done is a 2 day/1 night but the amount we carried seemed way more than they were carrying in the film. The amount of food and water you have to carry, even just for 2 days, tent, sleeping bag, mat, rain jacket, fleece. Their packs seemed very lightweight compared to what I had. And Rob / Bill even had room for a bathrobe!
shareOne of the stranger things about their packs was that they carried hiking poles tied to their packs throughout. But they NEVER used the poles! If you're going to carry poles, at least use them (all the other hikers in the movie are shown using poles, like most AT hikers do).
shareI don't really get the poles. Never hiked with them (used a wayward stick from time to time). I can see they would give you a bit more stability if you need it but one of the advertised benefits is you apparently burn more calories if you're using them. Which is fine if you're exercising but on a long hike, I think I'd rather preserve my calories. *shrug*
shareI think the "calorie burn" claim is about "Nordic Walking" which uses special poles and a special calorie-burning walking style. In my experience, hiking poles certainly don't increase your calorie consumption. In addition to giving you surer footing on rough terrain, the most important benefit is in long downhill stretches, which are very hard on your knees if you're walking with a pack, and will turn your knees to jelly after just a half mile or so.
share>I just want to know whether they included the scene from the book where Katz flings all the heavy stuff off the side of the mountain. Doesn't sound like it from the posts I'm reading.
No, this scene was not in the movie. I remember it as having been controversial when the book came out, in spite of the fact that Bryson reassured people that it was pure fiction and they didn't actually litter Springer Mountain with stuff.
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I hiked for a week with my older brother who was on the trail for several months about 5 years ago (we are now 68 and 70 respectively), and I certainly carried a few more things than they did, but no glass bottles or bathrobe. I hiked in the Shenandoah's around Memorial Day, didn't see near as many hikers as they ran into, spent 4 nights in a floored pup, one in those ATC lean-to's, and a night in a cabin. I replaced his adult daughter who went through my pack and stripped out a lot, and I still had more. Water, lots of water(never enough, got cramps the 2nd day), food, sleeping bag, tarp, rope, utility knife, poncho, jetboil. Saw a mama bear and cub (kept distance), another young bear, and a rattlesnake (really kept my distance). It was worth it - I'd head back out but a severe arthritic hip has slowed me down until I can get a replacement.
shareYou say "I replaced his adult daughter". For some reason that seems like a strange thing to say. I guess it makes her seem like an object that you just discard.
shareDo you know what that pack was called that Redford was carrying? I wasn't a Gregory
shareWhen they leave they have a big pack and warm clothes, later they hike in a blouse, but where did they leave the jackets, the tent, the sleeping bag the water the food the gear, the cooking stuf. And they didnt even bring a knive?
shareNo kidding on the no knife. I told my wife, wow no knife out in the wild. thats crazy!
shareA mat does sound like something that would be bulky and heavy. I assume that experienced backpackers would not bother with such luxury, but I am not experienced.
shareMats are bulky but not heavy. I'd typically wrap mine around the tent. I carry a lightweight inflatable now though.
They make a great deal of difference to comfort. Not just the cushioning but they also insulate you from the ground (which can get pretty cold) and act as a barrier to condensation.
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I have been camping with people who carried way too much *beep* On a longer hike, you really want to cut down what you're carrying as much as possible. Their packs didn't seem out of line. One guy had a pack that was twice the weight of mine (and I don't tend to micro-manage my load like some people do) and he suffered for it.
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