Thru-hiking 101
Developed by successful thru-hikers, this five day course utilizes hands-on skill building in both on-site workshops and in-the-field training, to prepare you for a multi-month long distance trail.
Course Information
This course is designed, instructed, and led by Registered Maine Guide and thru-hiker, Koty Sapp (Trash Panda). Koty has backpacked over 6500 miles and has spent over 380 nights backcountry camping.
While we suggest taking this course the year prior to attempting a thru-hike, so that you have sufficient time to prepare for your long journey, you could attempt a southbound hike of the Appalachian Trail immediately after this course has finished, if you feel prepared.
Over five days we will cover a variety of topics aimed at preparing you for a multi-month journey along a long distance trail. The 100 Mile Wilderness contains some of the most remote and rugged terrain along the Appalachian Trail, which makes it the perfect setting for learning what it takes to thru-hike. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most difficult terrain along the Appalachian Trail and 1 the easiest, the terrain on this trip ranges from a 4 to 7.
To promote an effective learning environment, this course is limited to 5 participants.
Each participant needs a fully functioning backpacking kit. If you do not yet have a backpacking kit, we can outfit you with one of the lightest and best kits on the market. Our kit comes in at under 10 pounds, without clothing, and is ready for any thru-hike. We prefer that you bring the gear you will take on your thru-hike or rent/purchase recommended gear directly from us during the on-site workshop portion of the course. Gear is an important aspect of a safe and efficient hike. We also recommend that you wait until the nutrition & meal planning segment to purchase your food for the in-the-field portion of the course.
On-site Workshop Topics: The reality of a thru-hike, leave no trace principles, thru-hiker tips & tricks, how to pack efficiently, how to fit & wear a backpack properly, clothing & outerwear, backpacking essentials, the importance of eliminating redundancy and focusing on multi-use items, nutrition & caloric intake, meal planning, how to plan out hiking days, how to plan out sections between towns/resupply, how to budget on a thru-hike, first aid kits, and gear. We will also spend time going through each participants backpack, talk about gear choices, and make suggestions.
In-the-field Training Topics: How to navigate using FarOut & the AT Guide, time & distance estimation, proper trekking pole use, fording a stream crossing safely, choosing a safe & proper campsite, setting up your tent/hammock efficiently, lean-to & privy etiquette, hiking etiquette, overuse injury avoidance, foot care, blister care & prevention, sustaining energy and pace on varying terrain, proper layering techniques in varying conditions, fire building techniques, water sources & purification, preparing meals on trail, minimizing campsite contamination, how to hang a bear bag, using a BearVault or Ursack properly, useful knots, and more.
Dates & Itinerary
Day 1 (July 5): 11:00 a.m. pick up from Bangor (Airport, hotel, car rental, or bus stop). If you are driving to us, you must check-in at the Outfitters by 1:00 p.m. From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. you will be able to get settled into your room at the Hostel and join us for a light lunch. From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. we will have our first workshop. Dinner will be 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Day 2 (July 6): Breakfast is 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we will have our second workshop. We will have lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. we will depart for the Johnson Pond Rd trail crossing with an estimated 2:50 p.m. arrival. We will hike 3.4 miles to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to. Terrain difficulty: 3-5/10
Day 3 (July 7): We will hike 8.0 miles to Antler’s Campsite. The day will be a mix of learning, skill building, and relaxation time. Terrain difficulty: 3-5/10
Day 4 (July 8): We will hike 7.9 miles to Nahmakanta Stream Lean-to. The day will be a mix of learning, skill building, and relaxation time. Terrain difficulty: 3-5/10
Day 5 (July 9): We will hike 11.2 miles to the Pollywog Stream trail crossing. The day will mainly be a push to test our newfound skills as we climb up and over Nesuntabunt Mountain. On a nice day there will be amazing views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Pick up is 4:30 p.m. for our shuttle back to the Hostel. Celebratory group dinner. Terrain difficulty: 4-7/10
Day 6 (July 10): Breakfast is 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The shuttle will depart for Bangor (Airport, hotel, car rental, or bus stop) at 9:00 a.m. 10:00am check-out for those who drove themselves. Or stay over at the Hostel and then head southbound on the trail!
Lodging & Shuttles
Lodging & shuttle service is provided through Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitters.
Shuttle service is insured and licensed for hire with the state of Maine.
On the first and last night, participants will stay in a 5 person bunkhouse that includes a communal kitchen, bathroom, and shower.
A coin-operated washer & dryer is located on-site. Change and house-made detergent are supplied by the Outfitters.
Linens, pillows, comforters, towels, shampoo, conditioner, loaner clothes, and coffee are included with your stay.
Please refer to Rooms & Rates for more details.
Pricing
Included: all transportation mentioned in the itinerary, accommodations for the first and last night of the trip, two breakfast, two lunches, two dinners, gate fees for 100 Mile Wilderness, guide fees, and our fees. Prices are in USD.
Not included: any transportation and accommodations not mentioned in the itinerary, snacks, food for the backpacking portion of the course, gear rentals, trip insurance, and optional gratuity for shuttle drivers, hostel staff, and the guide.
Thru-hike 101 with bunkhouse accommodations: $1320 plus $6.30 for 9% Maine lodging tax
Booking & Cancellation Policy
The deposit is 25% of your trip cost and is required at booking. The deposit is included in the total trip price.
The remaining 75% is due 90 days prior to the start of your trip. This is to ensure you are committed to the trip.
We can accommodate up to five participants. While we expect the trip to fill up, it should be noted that we do require a minimum of three participants. If less than three participants have registered by the due date, those who have booked this trip will have the option to either cover the additional costs so that the trip may proceed or cancel their trip and receive a refund, minus processing fees.
Cancellation Policy:
Domestic (US) - Cancellation fee
90+ days - 50% of deposit
60-89 days - 100% of deposit
30-59 days - 50% of total trip cost
29 days or less - 100% of total trip cost
Please understand that we may turn away other customers in order to hold your reservation. Our policy is not meant to be punitive, however, we plan far in advance to make these trips a possibility. At the time of the due date, funds may have already been used in preparation for your upcoming trip. For this reason, we strictly adhere to our cancellation policy. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to help cover any unforeseen circumstance that may lead to you canceling after the due date.
To qualify for refunds, you must notify us in writing, by email, to info@katahdinadventureco.com.
In the event we need to cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances, partial or full refunds will be made, depending on how much of the trip has been completed.
Katahdin Adventure Company (Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitters LLC) reserves the right to alter or cancel trips and determine refund amounts at its sole discretion.
Disclaimer
While this is a fully guided trip, all participants must be capable of covering the distances mentioned in the itinerary. Each participant should be in reasonably good hiking shape. Each participant will be required to carry all necessary supplies and gear for their safety and enjoyment. There is a list of essential items the guide requires you have with you each day. We will send the list and relevant information at booking. You can choose to rent or purchase these items during the on-site workshop.
Weather on the Appalachian Trail is unpredictable. A common saying for thru-hikers is “no rain, no pain, no Maine.” It will be no different on this epic adventure! Rain, shine, sleet, or snow the trip must go on!
Get in touch.
If you are interested in participating in our trip, please reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you register.
July 5-10, 2024: 4 of 5 spots available