Lost hikers on Appalachian Trail found after night at camp - BurlingtonFreePress.com

[WhiteBlaze]

Lost hikers on Appalachian Trail found after night at camp BurlingtonFreePress.com, VT - 4 minutes ago AP Police say 19-year-old Seth Hubbard and 38-year-old Jesus Mancinas, both of whom live in the Rutland area, were found around 5 am Thursday after they had ...

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[partinj]

You know if you are dumb enough to hike without maps and a compass and know how to use them then you should have to paid for the rescue only fair.

[SGT Rock]

Don't forget the regular assurance by one-time-past former thru-hikers that you don't need a map.

[Pedaling Fool]

Not very much information in that report, but besides not having (assuming) a map and compass, I feel very confident in saying they probably wouldn't know how to use it. See too many reports like this that leave many questions, but suffice it to say they were not hikers, but boneheads in the woods.

[JAK]

Sometimes experienced people get a little overconfident when they are close to home.
I don't think there is enough information to judge these fellows, based on that article.
Am I missing something?

[Pedaling Fool]

No you're right JAK I'm just assuming they're boneheads. The beauty of public opinion.

[Rain Man]

Don't forget the regular assurance by one-time-past former thru-hikers that you don't need a map.

Right. But they had a cell phone and "called mommy" to bail them out.

What's wrong with this picture?

Rain Man

.

[Deadeye]

Vermont typically charges for rescues. There's some sort of unofficial "bonehead scale" to determine just how much they pay. Skiers that go under the out-of-bounds ropes next to the "don't go under the ropes or you'll pay to get your a$$ rescued" signs generally pay the most.

[wilconow]

Police say rescuers used GPS equipment to find the hikers’ last known location, between Little Killington and Mendon Peak in Mendon

I don't remember these place names. Is this like between the Gov'r Clement Shelter and the ascent to Killington?

[Jack Tarlin]

There's been a bunch of talk lately here on Whiteblaze, with some very forthright people telling newbies, in no uncertain terms, that maps are un-needed on the A.T., and are, in fact, "useless."

It would be most instructive to find out if these folks in Vermont had maps.

I'm willing to bet a six-pack they didn't.

Something to think about, the next time some seasoned "veteran" spouts off on how useless maps are.

[Colter]

The most important tool of all is sufficient experience and judgment, and that, in my opinion, is usually the critical common factor in this type of rescue. A cell phone is useless if you don't have coverage. A GPS is useless if the batteries are dead. A map is useless if you don't know how to use it. Many people are rescued every year with every physical tool they need to do fine.

[kayak karl]

I would ditch the water filter for Aqua Mira. It will save you a good amount of weight and the filters can be pretty annoying.

If possible, I would ditch the tent and just bring the rainfly/poles/footprint. (I am a tarp man myself) It will still be early in the season so bugs should not be a problem.

Compass - not necassary.

this is a partial post on a responce to a gear list a day or 2 ago. this is what was suggested to a hiker. on a cloudy day i would want to know east or west on the AT. no maps, no compass, no brains; i know where their heads at, but why?

[Sissygirl]

With some of the unfortunate news from the trail, can't we just be happy they were found and stop with the negativity.

[kayak karl]

With some of the unfortunate news from the trail, can't we just be happy they were found and stop with the negativity.

How many more people do we want FOUND? lets limit the lost! every time you go hiking, kayaking or biking ; u are at risk. be prepared!
PREPARE FOR THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST

Hike Safe

[Tin Man]

How many more people do we want FOUND? lets limit the lost! every time you go hiking, kayaking or biking ; u are at risk. be prepared!
PREPARE FOR THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST

Hike Safe

Yes, be prepared - carry and know how to read a map, bring a flashlight even on day hikes, have a first aid kit, have an extra layer of clothes and/or rain gear and be aware of your surroundings.

[kayak karl]

Yes, be prepared - carry and know how to read a map, bring a flashlight even on day hikes, have a first aid kit, have an extra layer of clothes and/or rain gear and be aware of your surroundings.

good info. thanks

hike safe

[Tin Man]

good info. thanks

hike safe

You're welcome. Just part of my Asst. Scoutmaster duties.

[WalkingStick75]

They were lost
Call 911
GPS semi locates them
Rescue team finds a fire they started but has to track them.

Bonehead really comes to mind. Leaving the safety of a fire? Not only warmth but to siginal those they called for help.

[Landshark]

I don't remember these place names. Is this like between the Gov'r Clement Shelter and the ascent to Killington?

Little Killington is on the AT but Mendon Peak is not. Not 100% sure where these guys actually were.

[warraghiyagey]

With some of the unfortunate news from the trail, can't we just be happy they were found and stop with the negativity.