Pre-Trail: Appalachian Trials

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I recently finished Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis (a.k.a. Badger, founder of the Trek). This book, a psychological guide to the AT, wasn't anything I didn't already know (we know me, I consistently research too much), but it did provide necessary reinforcement for the things that I want to remember while I'm out on the trail. If you plan on completing a thru-hike of the AT, I strongly recommend reading this book first!!

The Things that Stuck with Me:

  • Hike Your Own Hike (HYOH): We've all heard it a million times. We all say we will. Most of us never actually do. This book reinforced my want to sincerely Hike My Own Hike.
  • Personal Growth + Focus: By focusing on what you really set out to do, you will be able to persevere in tough times. He suggests making lists like the ones shown below. They're seriously helpful to come back to and you should do this!!
  • Always err on the side of caution: with gear, miles, body pain, chafing, etc.
  • Try Meditation!
  • Mindset + Attitude can change your entire hike.
  • Nutritional Info: This book contained more than just psychological advice. It is a complete guide with really helpful nutritional info, mileage info, gear lists, and Q&A Advice. (Seriously go buy it right now!!)
  • Humor: Zach Davis has a sense of humor that really shows through his writing. It makes the whole book enjoyable and really shows you how to keep your spirits up, even in silly, shitty times.

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My Lists, inspired by Zach Davis's Appalachian Trials.

Favorite Moments:

  • Every comedy moment really!
  • How quotable this book is!
  • The following quotes:

    • When joy is difficult to achieve, personal growth should become the focus.

    • Because when it comes to backpacking 2,200 miles, the greatest determining factor is purpose.

    • Don't decide to quit on a rainy day. Don't decide to quit on an uphill.

This book would be worth it for the psychological information alone. But the added gear advice and nutritional information make it a serious bargain. Go buy it right now!! Thank you Zach for a phenomenally helpful book that is unlike any other out there.

Keep Trekking (and,  seriously, HYOH)!

-Rachel

Disclaimers: The banner photo is from a Blog called Appalachian Trials on Notey.com.

This post is in no way sponsored by Zach Davis, The Trek, or Appalachian Trials. These opinions are all my own.

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