|
|
Post by rodger91 on Jun 7, 2017 6:33:06 GMT -8
Hey there!! New to this site and forum. Planning to hike the cdt next April going northbound with a friend. This will be my first big thru hike and I couldn't be more excited! I'm hoping to connect with a few people who have hiked this before to help answer questions, share information, and give helpful advice! Looking forward to this next adventure and to connect with like minded people! Thanks for any feedback!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Jun 7, 2017 7:13:49 GMT -8
Howdy!
|
|
|
|
Post by catonsvillebill on Jun 8, 2017 7:58:00 GMT -8
Good Luck Rodger. You might try going to trail journals, and check out some of the journals kept by those who are hiking the CDT this year, or who have hiked it in years past. If a hiker keeps a quality journal it is a wealth of knowledge to refer to. You might want to follow someone as they hike it this year. You can also e-mail them with any questions you might have. Most, if not all would be glad to answer any questions you have. Go also, to the gear closet here and read up Lots of great info there.
|
|
swmtnbackpacker
Trail Wise!
Back but probably posting soon under my real name ... Rico Sauve
Posts: 4,886
|
Post by swmtnbackpacker on Jun 8, 2017 9:00:48 GMT -8
... Planning to hike the cdt next April going northbound with a friend. This will be my first big thru hike and I couldn't be more excited!!... . Definitely check out a lot of thru hiking sites like "The Trek" as there are some differences in thru hiking vs weekend backpacking ...mostly getting ready financially for trail towns and mentally, for being away on an adventure from friends, family, and the nicieites of civilization (i.e. showering). I've done only parts of the southern CDT. The Gila has reliable water but there's a lot of filtering cattle troughs north towards IH-40/US555 intersections. Silver City is a neat little trail town and, from Grants on IH-40, you can catch a bus to Albuquerque. Unless you want to incorporate part of the Grand Enchantment Trail (GET) to hike into ABQ via Socorro NM and the Manzanos, then bus out to the waterless Grants and El Malpais. Southern CO is excellent but the snow melt won't be determined until March 2018. |
|
|
|
Post by rodger91 on Jun 11, 2017 6:44:26 GMT -8
Good Luck Rodger. You might try going to trail journals, and check out some of the journals kept by those who are hiking the CDT this year, or who have hiked it in years past. If a hiker keeps a quality journal it is a wealth of knowledge to refer to. You might want to follow someone as they hike it this year. You can also e-mail them with any questions you might have. Most, if not all would be glad to answer any questions you have. Go also, to the gear closet here and read up Lots of great info there. Hey there! Thanks for the reply and great advice. I've joined a couple of different Facebook groups and found a few journals to follow too. Gear as far as pack, tent, and sleeping bag are my biggest concerns with making the best choice before I purchase. |
|
Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960 
|
Post by Westy on Jun 11, 2017 9:02:40 GMT -8
Planning CDT thru hike 2018. Driving cross country at the minute. Have completed about 80% planning. Over time have hiked about 900 CDT miles in Wyoming and Colorado. Send me a private message and I will get back to you in two weeks.
|
|
|
|
Post by msdoolittle on Jun 12, 2017 5:46:40 GMT -8
DON'T! YOU GONNA DIE! GRIZZLIES! Just kidding. I'm over here on the other coast. Have fun! Ignore this one. His world is the AT. He didn't realize they moved the CDT to the middle of the country that has no coasts.  |
|
|
|
Post by msdoolittle on Jun 12, 2017 5:48:06 GMT -8
Planning CDT thru hike 2018. Driving cross country at the minute. Have completed about 80% planning. Over time have hiked about 900 CDT miles in Wyoming and Colorado. Send me a private message and I will get back to you in two weeks. This is awesome, Westy! I didn't realize you were planning this! Have you set up a Trailjournal? Would love to follow along. And perhaps provide a little trail angel love along the way.  |
|
|
|
Post by msdoolittle on Jun 12, 2017 5:53:45 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by rodger91 on Jun 12, 2017 19:40:32 GMT -8
Thanks for the info and reply!! Great rescourses. Such a great community! 😊 |
|
Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960
|
Post by Westy on Jun 20, 2017 13:34:19 GMT -8
Just returned from 4,485 mile cross country drive from NH to UT with sidebar journey to suss out southern most CDT and three trail towns - Lordsburg, Silver City and Grants.  CDT as it crosses NM Highway 9 near Hachita, NM  Lisa, Queen of Lordsburg. She helps organize from the start with info on border shuttle, water caches, accommodations, laundry and first resupply. |
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Jun 20, 2017 14:05:10 GMT -8
Joking aside don't forget your bearspray when you enter the Winds all the way northward. It is holstered on your hip or chest, never awkward side pocket of pack. You likely will not use it but there are indeed grizzlies here and I was fully charged just a mile south of the Divide 5 years ago.
I live in Jackson now but have helped CDTers on Union and Togwotee Passes when I lived over there. Still have great buddies in Dubois so might be able to help you out. When you hit Togwotee if you want a nice couple day rest and can deal with Hostels Grand Teton Climbers Ranch is AWESOME. I could even give you a ride to or from Togwotee with plannning. Hitching is now legal in Wyoming as far as I know.
Whatever you do have a safe, great trip!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Jun 20, 2017 17:49:36 GMT -8
Roger,
What's the longest trip you've been on so far?
The CDT is an ambitions goal, but I'd strongly recommend cutting your teeth on a few week long trips to polish your technique before jumping into the deep end of the pool.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jester 2000 on Jul 5, 2017 13:31:41 GMT -8
If you're on facebook I recommend the group called "CDT18." It's a closed group run by Tatu Joe, a Double Triple Crowner, and he keeps his groups free of non-CDT related nonsense. The membership of his groups will usually include people like Yogi (who makes the CDT Guide), Lint (Triple Triple Crowner), Liz "Snorkel" Thomas, and other people who really know what they're doing. Here's the link: www.facebook.com/groups/193224564365198/ |
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Jul 6, 2017 14:32:00 GMT -8
You can check into the Gear forums to help with some of your gear purchases, if you need to purchase new. Most CDT hikers have a base pack weight of 10 lbs. or less. Best to learn gear requirements from people who have done it. No offense, but most here carry way more than PCT or CDT thu-hikers and the gear forum is not the best place to look for gear recommendations for such a hike. The "Backpacking Light" site might be a better staring place. |
|
