This course is designed, instructed, and led by Registered Maine Guide and thru-hiker, Koty Sapp (Trash Panda). Koty has backpacked over 7000 miles and spent over 350 nights backcountry camping. He has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Florida Trail, and two Caminos. In addition, he has hiked portions of the Pinhoti Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, as well as other remote wilderness areas across the country.

This course can be taken before attempting any thru-hike. It also works well as the start of a southbound thru-hike attempt of the Appalachian Trail, as we cover the northernmost 32 miles of the trail, including Katahdin.

Over six 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, making 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 entire Appalachian Trail and 1 the easiest, the terrain on this trip ranges from a 2 to a 10.

To promote an effective learning environment, enrollment is limited to six participants, per course. The mileage hiked each day is intentionally kept low to allow for learning and skill-building throughout the day.

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 approximately 12-14 pounds and is ready for any three-season 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 realities of a thru-hiking, Leave No Trace principles, thru-hiker tips & tricks, efficient packing strategies, and how to properly fit and wear a backpack. We’ll also discuss first aid essentials, clothing systems and outerwear, essential backpacking gear, and the importance of eliminating redundancy by focusing on lightweight, multi-use items. We’ll cover nutrition and caloric needs on a thru-hike, meal planning and food prep, how to plan daily mileage, how to organize sections between towns and resupply points, and budgeting. Each participant will have the opportunity to go through their pack with us, discuss gear choices, and receive personalized recommendations and adjustments.

In-the-field Training Topics: Once on trail we’ll focus on practical skills that every long-distance hiker needs to travel safely and efficiently. Field instruction includes navigation using FarOut and the AT Guide, time and distance estimation, and proper trekking pole use. We’ll practice safe stream crossings, selecting safe and appropriate campsites, and efficiently setting up your tent or hammock. Additional topics include lean-to and privy etiquette, trail etiquette, injury prevention, foot care and blister prevention, maintaining energy and pacing across varying terrain, and proper layering strategies for changing conditions. We will also cover fire building, identifying water sources and purification methods, preparing meals on trail, minimizing campsite contamination, proper bear bag hanging techniques, and the correct use of BearVaults and Ursacks. We’ll finish off with useful trail knots and additional field-tested tips to help make your thru-hike safer and more enjoyable.

By the end of this course, you’ll have thee knowledge and practical experience to confidently prepare for and begin a long-distance hike such as the Appalachian Trail. More importantly, you’ll leave with a realistic understanding of what a thru-hike actually requires and the confidence to take the first steps toward completing one.