Are You Ready For A Hike On The Appalachian Trail?

1.

You're planning to go out for a full day's hike on the Trail. You will need to replace liquids as you hike and sweat. What liquids will you bring?

A.

A few cans of caffeinated soda
B.

At least 2 quarts of water per person
C.

No liquids, you'll just drink a lot before you leave and have water in the car for when you return

Correct Answer
B. At least 2 quarts of water per person

Explanation
It's always important to carry plenty of water. If you're out for more than a day and plan to get water along the way, be sure to bring a filter or chemicals to treat water you find along the Trail. Reliable, natural water sources are listed in guidebooks, and springs and streams are marked on most official A.T. maps. Most, but not all, shelters are near a reliable water source. Some springs and streams dry up during late summer and early fall, so plan carefully.

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2.

You can't live on fluids alone, what food do you plan to bring along?

A.

A full lunch and snacks
B.

You aren't much for lunch, you'll eat a big breakfast and keep snacks in the car for when you return
C.

Aren't there snack shops along the way? You'll eat there.

Correct Answer
A. A full lunch and snacks

Explanation
Hiking burns a lot of energy! If you're out for the day or the weekend, you can probably pack whatever foods you like best—even fresh vegetables and fruits. Whatever food you choose, be sure to pack out all your garbage, including items such as apple cores and orange peels. Don't burn garbage in a campfire; it rarely burns completely and will produce harmful fumes.

Carry lots of snacks, including things you can stow in your pockets and nibble while you’re walking. You’ll have more energy than if you eat just a few big meals. Energy bars or a mix of dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate bits work well. Crackers and cheese, tuna and chicken in foil packets, pita bread or bagels, and peanut butter are popular lunch options.

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3.

The A.T. is marked with white blazes. Will you bring a map?

A.

No, you've never been to this section, but feel confident in your navigation skills
B.

Yes, you've got a road map that shows the A.T.
C.

Yes, you'll use a detailed hiking map with trail names and junctions.

Correct Answer
C. Yes, you'll use a detailed hiking map with trail names and junctions.

Explanation
A blaze is a rectangle of paint in a prominent place along a trail. White-paint blazes two inches wide and six inches high mark the A.T. itself. Side trails and shelter trails use blue blazes; blazes of other colors and shapes mark other intersecting trails. Overall, the Trail is very well marked, but it's always a good idea to have a map with you incase you get off course or need to find a quicker way off the mountain.

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4.

Friends that have done this hike before estimate it takes about 5 hours round trip. You plan to leave at 8am. Will you bring a flashlight?

A.

No
B.

Yes

Correct Answer
B. Yes

Explanation
It's always a good idea to bring a flashlight and extra batteries. You may be out longer than you expected.

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5.

The weather forecast is for partly sunny with highs in the 70s. You are packing your backpack for the hike. What clothes do pack for these conditions?

A.

Just the shorts and t-shirt you'll be wearing - no need to carry too much weight
B.

Suspenders
C.

Extra warm layers, rain gear and maybe a hat/gloves

Correct Answer
C. Extra warm layers, rain gear and maybe a hat/gloves

Explanation
Hope for the best weather, pack for the worst. Clothing to protect you from cold and rain is a must, even in midsummer and especially at higher elevations. Avoid cotton clothes, particularly in chilly, rainy weather, which can strike the mountains at any time of year. Wet cotton can be worse than nothing and can contribute to hypothermia, a potentially fatal threat. Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene and various acrylic blends as well as wool or silk will help protect you against the dangers of hypothermia. Layer your clothes—a “polypro” shirt, synthetic fleece, and a coated nylon or “breathable” waterproof outer shell will keep you both warmer and drier than a single heavy overcoat in cold, damp weather.

Remember, hiking will make you sweat, no matter the weather. Shedding thin layers enables you to regulate your body temperature more effectively than choosing between keeping a heavy jacket on or taking it off.

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6.

The area you're hiking is known to be a little rocky. What footwear do you decide to wear?

A.

Your trusty summer flip-flops
B.

Your sturdy hiking boots or trail runners
C.

None - barefoot is IN!

Correct Answer
B. Your sturdy hiking boots or trail runners

Explanation
Hiking boots are optional for day-hikes but recommended for overnight and long distance hikes over rough terrain. Many hikers wear trail runners or lightweight boots. The most important thing is that shoes or boots fit well and are well broken-in before you hit the Trail—nothing ends a hike quicker than blistered feet, and even minor blisters can become infected and cause serious trouble.

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7.

Wildlife is abundant along the Trail. During your lunch break, a squirrel scurries around as you grab a handful of trail mix You notice a couple of peanuts miss your mouth and land on the ground. What do you do?

A.

Leave the peanuts for the squirrel - it is pretty cute!
B.

Pick up the peanuts and carry them out (or eat them!)
C.

Pick up the peanuts and throw them into the woods

Correct Answer
B. Pick up the peanuts and carry them out (or eat them!)

Explanation
Small food rewards teach squirrels and even bears to associate humans with food. When that happens, they often have to be killed to protect human safety. Dropped, spilled, or improperly stored food also attracts rodents to shelters. Even a few noodles or pieces of granola are a large meal for mice. Clean up spills completely and pack out all food scraps. If staying overnight, store all food, trash, and scented articles (toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, water purification chemicals, balm, etc.) out of reach of bears and other animals. A safe distance is 12 feet from the ground and 6 feet from a limb or trunk.

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8.

You're going out on a hike by yourself. What do you do before you leave?

A.

Nothing - just pack up and go!
B.

Let someone know where you plan to hike

Correct Answer
B. Let someone know where you plan to hike

Explanation
It's always a good idea to leave your hiking plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you expect to return and your emergency plans.

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