Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail

by Roland Mueser

Blending sage advice with personal experiences and anecdotes, this unconventional book is an unusually thoughtful account of long-distance trekking on the Appalachian Trail. Mueser draws upon... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0070444587
• ISBN13: 9780070444584
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: International Marine Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great book for the aspiring A.T. thru hiker.

If you only read one book before hiking the Appalachian Trail, this is the book. The book is very informative and really helping me prepare for my thru hike.

Terrific Statistical Information

Roland Mueser has written a terrific book that contains the results of interviewing dozens of hikers. He chose to tackle the subjects of why thru-hike?, footwear, food, equipment, and much more. He also did some scientific testing of his own when it comes to fighting insects. Mueser did a 4-mile run in the woods with DEET and re-did the run without insect repellant so he could tally the bug bites and report his fingings. Mueser has put together the results of over 100 surveys so that he could bring you some great information that pertains to the long distance hiker.

Excellent Overview

This book covers just about everything possible concerning long distance hiking. The author relies on dozens of surveys he took from thru-hikers of America's long distance trails, and combines the information into easy reading. The book is a little outdated now, but still a good read.

A must read for those interested in the appalacian trail.

Roland Muesser takes us along on a trip that quantifies aspects of the trail important to trail hikers and interesting to those who are new to the sport of hiking. Indeed, this book may be of even greater value to the novice hiker than the seasoned trailblazer in that it addresses critical issues for hikers such as gear and trail etiquette questions. Roland Muesser shows his respect for the trail and hiking in general and writes an inciteful and real account of what to expect and what the trail hiker comes to expect from day to day life with nothing but what you carry on your back. From mosquito protection to an amusing deerfly experiment to more serious matters of equipment and safety this book is a great one and should not be overlooked.

Engrossing... I couldn't put it down

As a frequent visitor to the USA I have for a long time had an interest in the Appalacian Trail and perhaps hiking it end-to-end (or "through hiking" as it is called) one day. Once I saw the cover "blurb" for Roland's book I just had to purchase it.You realise upon opening this book for the first time that Roland has a very insightful and engaging writing style. This is a book that you can open up at any section and commence reading without feeling disconnected. If you want a book that follows a through hiker's day-to-day experiences when walking the trail or one that details historic, geographic or topographic information discovered along Appalacian trail, then this is NOT the book for you.However, if you want a book that thoughtfully covers all of the things one would want to know about when preparing for through hike of the Appalacian Trail or any other very long distance hike then this could be just what you are after.The book is based upon the things Roland gleaned from his experience through hiking the trail, and from the information gained from interviews with some 100 plus people who also through hiked the trail. For instance, I was fascinated on the discussion as to how many pairs of boots one can expect to wear out and the advantages that lightweight boots can provide over the more expensive leather ones.Also, one would never expect anyone to take on such a monumental task as through hiking the trail in sneakers or without a tent, yet some did and succeeded. This book brings out many things specifically relevant to very long distance hiking that the average hiker wouldn't necessarily think about. That in itself is reason enough to buy this book.