Tell Us About AT Culture/Etiquette...

[sean.sanchez]

What are the stupid "challenges" that were mentioned? I'm gonna be thru hiking with my dog and I feel really alienated and offended when people say stuff like, "don't even ask if its ok to bring a dog into a shelter." Who's the hardass that thinks its not rude just saying that? I'm supposed to feel bad because people are lying about how they feel? Why don't they just be honest and say, no...probablyy because when you hear yourself say that it sounds really messed up....because it is. "Don't even ask." Is a lot more messed up than "Is it ok" Like its just understood I'm not allowed in a shelter because of my dog. Really makes you think about how people see themselves. I mean, I get it, there are bad dogs that mess with peoples stuff..whatever. From what I've read on the forum there's a lot more offensive people in shelters than offensive dogs. Also if I'm being alienated like that, not allowed(such a lame term) in shelters, why the hell am I supposed to respect peoples sleep times? I don't know any of them, I'm not apart of the shelter group, and nobody cares about me, I'm supposed to stop talking at 8 in the wildernes bs, just like "don't talk about politics, sports or religion...who the f are you to tell people what they can talk about, the conversation regulator, plz. All of this sounds like people trying to bully other people around to me.

[MannDude]

What are the stupid "challenges" that were mentioned? I'm gonna be thru hiking with my dog and I feel really alienated and offended when people say stuff like, "don't even ask if its ok to bring a dog into a shelter." Who's the hardass that thinks its not rude just saying that? I'm supposed to feel bad because people are lying about how they feel? Why don't they just be honest and say, no...probablyy because when you hear yourself say that it sounds really messed up....because it is. "Don't even ask." Is a lot more messed up than "Is it ok" Like its just understood I'm not allowed in a shelter because of my dog. Really makes you think about how people see themselves. I mean, I get it, there are bad dogs that mess with peoples stuff..whatever. From what I've read on the forum there's a lot more offensive people in shelters than offensive dogs. Also if I'm being alienated like that, not allowed(such a lame term) in shelters, why the hell am I supposed to respect peoples sleep times? I don't know any of them, I'm not apart of the shelter group, and nobody cares about me, I'm supposed to stop talking at 8 in the wildernes bs, just like "don't talk about politics, sports or religion...who the f are you to tell people what they can talk about, the conversation regulator, plz. All of this sounds like people trying to bully other people around to me.

Not everyone likes dogs, some people are allergic, and some are downright afraid of them. I love dogs, but I wouldn't want a wet strange dog to come trampling on my stuff and shaking itself dry next to me. It seems people are mostly concerned with how well trained the animal is, but general consensus (it seems) is to bring a tent if you're bringing a dog

Politics, religion, stuff like that I won't even talk about in real life. I plan on doing a thru-hike in 2013 and I can't foresee any situation where knowing someone's voting history or religious thoughts would be beneficial. It's just horrible small talk, everybody believes what they believe and there is not much that can be done to change someone's mind. I'd hate if I had to listen to somebody ramble about a politician or how great there life was after they converted to [insert religion here]. Just seems like pointless conversation to me.

I would imagine that if you're in a shelter and most people are trying to sleep, then well, be quiet. That seems like pretty understanable logic. Why would you want to be a nuisance while others are trying to rest? If it's 8PM and everyone is having a jolly good time, have a good time!

I think what everyone is trying to get across is: Don't draw negative attention towards yourself by not being courteous or aware of your social surroundings.

[lemon b]

HYOH, The main thing for me is sleep. Only time I hit shelters is when I'm super tired, in sporty weather and I konk right out. Even being a light sleeper not much is going to wake me. When someone is sleeping let em be. Also I share when necessary, but never ask for anything.

[paistes5]

What are the stupid "challenges" that were mentioned? I'm gonna be thru hiking with my dog and I feel really alienated and offended when people say stuff like, "don't even ask if its ok to bring a dog into a shelter." Who's the hardass that thinks its not rude just saying that? I'm supposed to feel bad because people are lying about how they feel? Why don't they just be honest and say, no...probablyy because when you hear yourself say that it sounds really messed up....because it is. "Don't even ask." Is a lot more messed up than "Is it ok" Like its just understood I'm not allowed in a shelter because of my dog. Really makes you think about how people see themselves. I mean, I get it, there are bad dogs that mess with peoples stuff..whatever. From what I've read on the forum there's a lot more offensive people in shelters than offensive dogs. Also if I'm being alienated like that, not allowed(such a lame term) in shelters, why the hell am I supposed to respect peoples sleep times? I don't know any of them, I'm not apart of the shelter group, and nobody cares about me, I'm supposed to stop talking at 8 in the wildernes bs, just like "don't talk about politics, sports or religion...who the f are you to tell people what they can talk about, the conversation regulator, plz. All of this sounds like people trying to bully other people around to me.

You and your dog would be welcome in a shelter I were in. If he shakes dry on me or gets in my stuff, I might have an issue but that's it. Can't recall seeing a sign at a shelter that says no dogs allowed.

[Nutbrown]

As a section hiker, I always leave the trail magic for the thru's. I'll be home in a week, I can get a soda/candy bar then. Keep your nasty boots and socks off the picnic table.

[IrishBASTARD]

Not everyone likes dogs, some people are allergic, and some are downright afraid of them. I love dogs, but I wouldn't want a wet strange dog to come trampling on my stuff and shaking itself dry next to me. It seems people are mostly concerned with how well trained the animal is, but general consensus (it seems) is to bring a tent if you're bringing a dog Politics, religion, stuff like that I won't even talk about in real life. I plan on doing a thru-hike in 2013 and I can't foresee any situation where knowing someone's voting history or religious thoughts would be beneficial. It's just horrible small talk, everybody believes what they believe and there is not much that can be done to change someone's mind. I'd hate if I had to listen to somebody ramble about a politician or how great there life was after they converted to [insert religion here]. Just seems like pointless conversation to me.

I would imagine that if you're in a shelter and most people are trying to sleep, then well, be quiet. That seems like pretty understanable logic. Why would you want to be a nuisance while others are trying to rest? If it's 8PM and everyone is having a jolly good time, have a good time!

I think what everyone is trying to get across is: Don't draw negative attention towards yourself by not being courteous or aware of your social surroundings.

Dude oddly were all animals whether you accept that or not. Although I agree on the trained dog aspect...I dont think most people care Sean seems to...by asking before hand about such concerns. Religion and Politics are the Bedrock of American Life...anyone can be free to preach or condemn its as American as Apple pie. If its horrible small talk why does it exist...where were the greatest Nation on Earth...with of course some faults of our own. I have seen many pics of religious items aka markings and or papers prayers...near or on hiker boxes. Though I dont agree with such items...thankfully they can do what they like. I have heard all religions and al Political sides...its your choice to walk away or ask to change subjects. Shelter or not its not your right to tell someone be quiet...thats why we have Soldiers around the World so people can do as they please. Yes its not a perfect system unless its in a book...like many other things in life. I dont think he is trying to be a "nuisance" I think he is upset that people disregard dogs as just that dogs...some type of animal to be loathed. I have been bitten several times was it the dogs fault no...it was its owners fault. So I say give SEAN the benefit of the doubt on here and beyond...what can it hurt besides a dog is better at hearing and can warn of danger. I would gladly sleep in the same hut as Sean and his dog...if anything it will make me a sound sleeper. Besides I am more likely to trample on my own things than any dog is...I am forgetful of some things in life but thats nature.

[Grampie]

What are the stupid "challenges" that were mentioned? I'm gonna be thru hiking with my dog and I feel really alienated and offended when people say stuff like, "don't even ask if its ok to bring a dog into a shelter." Who's the hardass that thinks its not rude just saying that? I'm supposed to feel bad because people are lying about how they feel? Why don't they just be honest and say, no...probablyy because when you hear yourself say that it sounds really messed up....because it is. "Don't even ask." Is a lot more messed up than "Is it ok" Like its just understood I'm not allowed in a shelter because of my dog. Really makes you think about how people see themselves. I mean, I get it, there are bad dogs that mess with peoples stuff..whatever. From what I've read on the forum there's a lot more offensive people in shelters than offensive dogs. Also if I'm being alienated like that, not allowed(such a lame term) in shelters, why the hell am I supposed to respect peoples sleep times? I don't know any of them, I'm not apart of the shelter group, and nobody cares about me, I'm supposed to stop talking at 8 in the wildernes bs, just like "don't talk about politics, sports or religion...who the f are you to tell people what they can talk about, the conversation regulator, plz. All of this sounds like people trying to bully other people around to me.

The advise given by most experienced thru-hikers and folks who have spent a lot of time on the trail is what would help you enjoy your hike more. If you don't want to follow their advise, go ahead and do your own thing. You will not make a lot of friends.

[MuddyWaters]

If you arent considerate of others, you can expect the same in return. You will reap what you sow.

You will keep running into the same people at shelters.

[Wizard 2009]

The few challenges that come to mind are:
"Half- Gallon Challenge"- Eat a half-gallon of ice cream at Pine Grove Furnace
"4-state challenge"- Start in Virginia and hike thru West Virginia and Maryland and end in Pennsylvania all in 24 hours
"Half Century Challenge" hike 50 miles in one day

Anyone know of any more?

[SpecialK]

Trail magic is usually there when needed the most.

[Chaco Taco]

I like some of the posts here. When it comes to the dog issue, I hiked around many dogs and they became part of our group. The owners always slept with their dogs in tents. If the weather was really awful, no one ever had a problem if they climbed in the shelter. Most of the time, the dogs were so tired anyway, they just curled up and went right to sleep. There were a few nights when a bear would walk into camp and it was good to have that dog around.

I cant stand shelters but on occasion was left to sleep in some and had some really interesting experiences. First of all, bedtime is not at sunset. Its when I want to go to bed. If i want to sit up and hang out next to a fire, Im going to do so. I will be respectful of you if you are respectful of me. For the most part, we tent away from shelters. Sometimes we will go and socialize. I have witnessed some really interesting events at shelters, even before it was dark. Even had a guy threaten me and some friends. Be respectful of one another. There arent rules on the trail like so many people seem to want to impose.

Smoking, of any kind, should be done away from shelters. I am a former smoker.
Dont leave your trash in the firepit for trail crews and caretakers to clean up. This urks me to no end. Had a guy "rebelling" against the AMC throw his trash in a fire pit and I hiked it out and stuffed it in his pack when i passed his pack on the junction of a spur trail.
Be nice to one another, like I said, there are no 'rules' when it comes to some of the stuff listed in this thread. Some people just like to think there are rules so they can impose their way on other people, especially at shelters. If you dont like it, go set up your tent.

If someone is hiking behind you that is obviously faster than you, just let them pass, you have nothing to prove.

Dont exspect Trail Magic, its so unbecoming. Enjoy it and save some for the next guy. So many times have seen people clean out coolers. And when you get it, say Thank you. Its not that hard.

If you are thruhiking, you arent entitled to a damn thing. You have to pay just like everyone else. People give special rates because they want to see you succeed. Esp people that take you into their homes. Be respectful and do the dishes and leave the place better off than when you got there.

If I do something you dont like, there is no need to yell at me. If you are at that point, maybe its time to go home.
Have fun all and be nice to each other. remember why you are out there

[hikerboy57]

why is the golden rule such a difficult concept?if you were the first to arrive at a shelter or campsite, how would you want the incoming hikers to act? okay, now just reverse the process, and act like them.Common courtesy is the only "rule".HYOH , but let others hike theirs.and just because someone else is acting like an a**hole, doesnt mean you get to join the club. be the example, do the right thing. what goes around comes around.

[Blissful]

I like some of the posts here. When it comes to the dog issue, I hiked around many dogs and they became part of our group. The owners always slept with their dogs in tents. If the weather was really awful, no one ever had a problem if they climbed in the shelter. Most of the time, the dogs were so tired anyway, they just curled up and went right to sleep. There were a few nights when a bear would walk into camp and it was good to have that dog around.

I cant stand shelters but on occasion was left to sleep in some and had some really interesting experiences. First of all, bedtime is not at sunset. Its when I want to go to bed. If i want to sit up and hang out next to a fire, Im going to do so. I will be respectful of you if you are respectful of me. For the most part, we tent away from shelters. Sometimes we will go and socialize. I have witnessed some really interesting events at shelters, even before it was dark. Even had a guy threaten me and some friends. Be respectful of one another. There arent rules on the trail like so many people seem to want to impose.

Smoking, of any kind, should be done away from shelters. I am a former smoker.
Dont leave your trash in the firepit for trail crews and caretakers to clean up. This urks me to no end. Had a guy "rebelling" against the AMC throw his trash in a fire pit and I hiked it out and stuffed it in his pack when i passed his pack on the junction of a spur trail.
Be nice to one another, like I said, there are no 'rules' when it comes to some of the stuff listed in this thread. Some people just like to think there are rules so they can impose their way on other people, especially at shelters. If you dont like it, go set up your tent.

If someone is hiking behind you that is obviously faster than you, just let them pass, you have nothing to prove.

Dont exspect Trail Magic, its so unbecoming. Enjoy it and save some for the next guy. So many times have seen people clean out coolers. And when you get it, say Thank you. Its not that hard.

If you are thruhiking, you arent entitled to a damn thing. You have to pay just like everyone else. People give special rates because they want to see you succeed. Esp people that take you into their homes. Be respectful and do the dishes and leave the place better off than when you got there.

If I do something you dont like, there is no need to yell at me. If you are at that point, maybe its time to go home.
Have fun all and be nice to each other. remember why you are out there

Really good stuff here. I must say I talked to an outfitter the other day who is tired of the thru hiker prima donna mentality. A few have come into the store after hiking 1500 miles on their boots, sent their boots back and demanded the manufacturers send them new ones. Or others who wore holes in their socks but said to the outfitter, Well it says lifetime guarantee. SO I want some new ones. Its this kind of mentality that gives thru hikers a bad name.

[Chaco Taco]

Really good stuff here. I must say I talked to an outfitter the other day who is tired of the thru hiker prima donna mentality. A few have come into the store after hiking 1500 miles on their boots, sent their boots back and demanded the manufacturers send them new ones. Or others who wore holes in their socks but said to the outfitter, Well it says lifetime guarantee. SO I want some new ones. Its this kind of mentality that gives thru hikers a bad name.

I talked to a hostel owner today that takes people in for free and shuttles them around. She has had so many thruhikers call and leave nasty messages on her vm when she decides to step away from it all for a couple of days.

[stranger]

I think one of the most unfortunate things is that many, not all, AT thru-hikers are:
a) Inexperienced when they arrive at Springer Mountain
b) Usually under 25, and male
c) Lack life skills

And of course, their behavior reflects these facts. But if you avoid the BS, the shelters in the south, most hostels, and don't mind camping, you can have an amazing experience. I've always found it amazing how few people you actually see if you spend you time walking all day and don't travel down those blue-blaze shelter trails, most of the people you end up running into are sitting in shelters, not actually hiking.

Also, a very easy way of dealing with some of this is by having some money in the bank, most of the younger, more annoying people are broke - I find it amusing how many people think $5-7K is alot of money for a 5 month hike...it's peanuts if you think about it.

[stranger]

$$$ allows you to dictate more during a hike, if you are broke you are going to have to stay at the hostel, etc...

[Chaco Taco]

$$$ allows you to dictate more during a hike, if you are broke you are going to have to stay at the hostel, etc...

if you are broke? Hostels cost money

[Trailbender]

Also, a very easy way of dealing with some of this is by having some money in the bank, most of the younger, more annoying people are broke - I find it amusing how many people think $5-7K is alot of money for a 5 month hike...it's peanuts if you think about it.

That is a lot of money, actually. I did my 2010 thru on $2,300 including the bangor greyhound to nashville. I did not feel "cramped" spending this, and I did not constantly eat ramens either. Of course, I was 30 and had been frugal my whole life.

[stonedflea]

Don't bring your puppies,(unless they're firm and beautiful)
Their paws are too soft for a long hike and you'll only injure them

that's not true. my dog made it from georgia to jersey and i had nary a problem with her pads. treat your dog right and it'll be fine. i used bag balm on swayze's pads to keep them soft and supple, and she didn't need boots on the pa rocks. their feet toughen up, just like ours do. they're dogs. they adapt. wolves and coyotes don't tiptoe around rough terrain.

What are the stupid "challenges" that were mentioned? I'm gonna be thru hiking with my dog and I feel really alienated and offended when people say stuff like, "don't even ask if its ok to bring a dog into a shelter." Who's the hardass that thinks its not rude just saying that? I'm supposed to feel bad because people are lying about how they feel? Why don't they just be honest and say, no...probablyy because when you hear yourself say that it sounds really messed up....because it is. "Don't even ask." Is a lot more messed up than "Is it ok" Like its just understood I'm not allowed in a shelter because of my dog. Really makes you think about how people see themselves. I mean, I get it, there are bad dogs that mess with peoples stuff..whatever. From what I've read on the forum there's a lot more offensive people in shelters than offensive dogs. Also if I'm being alienated like that, not allowed(such a lame term) in shelters, why the hell am I supposed to respect peoples sleep times? I don't know any of them, I'm not apart of the shelter group, and nobody cares about me, I'm supposed to stop talking at 8 in the wildernes bs, just like "don't talk about politics, sports or religion...who the f are you to tell people what they can talk about, the conversation regulator, plz. All of this sounds like people trying to bully other people around to me.

i used whiteblaze as a research tool for my hike, and when i hit the trail with my dog, i was pretty apprehensive about how people would feel about swayze because of the attitudes i'd seen on these forums. every person who is anti-dog on here has a loud "voice," it seems. i thought once i got on the trail, every other person would hate my dog and i would have a tough time with it. i'm not going to say "don't listen to the people on whiteblaze," but the dog-hating mentality is scarce on the trail AS LONG AS YOUR DOG IS GOOD and YOU are respectful of others' property.

dogs have no sense of decency. if a dog is wet, he wants to be dry. if it just so happens that he wants to shake himself next to others' property, that's no good. your dog is your responsibility, so you need to be able to foresee these sorts of problems. swayze knows the "bed" command, so on rainy days, i would wash all the mud off of her and then dry each paw individually before she was even allowed in the shelter. then she went straight to her "bed" and remained there the entire time.

in all of our 1,700 miles, we ran into two complete ******** in relation to swayze. i think all of these people who say "don't even ask about your dog in the shelter" are being ridiculous. if you're that opposed to dogs, then grow a backbone and say so. if you're trying to be polite, then that's your fault for being a doormat. speak your mind. no one is a mindreader, so we're not going to know if you're secretly seething in your sleeping bag because our pooch is in the shelter.

Not everyone likes dogs, some people are allergic, and some are downright afraid of them. I love dogs, but I wouldn't want a wet strange dog to come trampling on my stuff and shaking itself dry next to me. It seems people are mostly concerned with how well trained the animal is, but general consensus (it seems) is to bring a tent if you're bringing a dog

I think what everyone is trying to get across is: Don't draw negative attention towards yourself by not being courteous or aware of your social surroundings.

i preferred to tent with my dog because i actually ran into a few individuals who seemed to think, "oh yay! group dog!" and they would actually give swayze commands that counter-acted the commands she was supposed to be obeying that i'd given her (ie they'd tell her to come to them when i had told her to stay put). people hand-feeding her actually got to be a problem with swayze as well... she came to expect handouts. she was never allowed to beg, but it got to be harder as we went along to keep her at bay because everyone wanted to feed the dog. staying in your tent prevents these kind of social issues as well.

Also, a very easy way of dealing with some of this is by having some money in the bank, most of the younger, more annoying people are broke - I find it amusing how many people think $5-7K is alot of money for a 5 month hike...it's peanuts if you think about it.

how in the world do you think 5-7k is peanuts for a thru-hike?! i did 1,700 miles with a dog this year and spent roughly $3,500 and the dog was the most expensive part of my hike! $250 for boarding for 4 days through the smokeys and her dog food was always the most expensive item on my resupply receipt. an thru-hike could easily be done on $3,500 (or even less) as a comfortable budget (i stayed in many hotels, hostels, etc.).

------

one other etiquette rule i would add is to not touch other peoples' gear, no matter how interested you are in it, unless you ask permission first. hikers are like turtles and for you to touch my pack or my pack cover is almost like breaking and entering my home.

also, don't yogi from other hikers, especially thru-hikers. day hikers and section hikers are usually very generous with food handouts, but don't beg from anybody, really. there's a difference between telling a hiking buddy that you're about to run out of food and then idling up next to someone at a shelter and lamenting about how you are down to three pieces of bread and half a jar of peanut butter until you can get to the town thirty miles up.

overall, common sense, decency, and courtesy will get you very far.

[Bronk]

Sean, they are right when they say "don't even ask to bring a dog into a shelter." You don't have to ask, just do it. There is no rule that dogs aren't allowed in shelters. Dogs have just as much right to use shelters as people do. If you see a dog in a shelter and that bothers you, then set up your tent or go somewhere else. Lets be real here, you're sleeping on a dirty wooden floor where disease carrying rodents roam free...adding a dog isn't going to make it dirtier. If you don't like dogs, don't stay in shelters with them. The dog is probably cleaner and less smelly than you are.

The people who wake up at 430am and rattle their pot to cook breakfast are just as annoying to people who like to sleep in as the people who like to stay up late are to those who go to sleep early. Neither one is right or wrong...it is what it is.

If you manufacture socks and sell them with a lifetime guarantee, then well, you're an idiot. Socks wear out. A lifetime guarantee is for durable goods that will last a lifetime, like a Craftsman wrench, not a pair of socks. To most people "lifetime guarantee" means if it breaks before you die the manufacturer will give you a new one, and most people who buy this stuff base their decision at least in part on the guarantee. Don't advertise a lifetime guarantee unless you plan to honor it, anything less is fraud. The reason manufactuers offer such guarantees on inferior products is that they know the vast majority of people will never call them on it and they are gaining free profit from their "guarantee." Its a marketing technique. Its the same reason that Sears, Best Buy and Walmart try to sell you an extended warranty everytime you buy an appliance or electronics...they know that most people will not bother to remember to use the warranty or won't bother going through the hassle...the money they make from those extended warranties is virtually free money. Those who utilize the guarantee are no more ripping off the manufactuer than the manufacturer is ripping off people who buy their inferior products.

Having said that, if no such guarantee is made and you walk 1500 miles in a pair of boots, they are not defective, you wore them out and should pony up the dough for a new pair.