Who am I & what’s this about?
Backpacking. In a word.
Who am I?
My name is Chad, but I go by “Stick” on the trail. I am newly married to my lovely wife Brandy (“Biggun”) who has taken pleasure in hiking as well. I have 2 very cool kids, a son and a daughter. My son (“Twig”) enjoys getting out and going on hikes with me, but my daughter is not quite to sure of it. We are all actively part of our church, the Church of the Crossroads, here in Corinth, MS.
- Me & My Family at Groto Falls TH, GSMNP
So, what’s this all about?
Last year, while on a tram in Gatlinberg, I heard about a hike to Mt LeConte shelter in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It consisted of a 5 mile hike up Mt. LeConte where I could stay in a cabin without electricity or running water. I would get a blanket, a lantern, a family style dinner & breakfast and then the next day I would get to hike back down. For some reason this sounded wonderful to me.
Once I came home from our vacation the shelter still lingered in my mind. So I looked into the hiking thing. I figured it would be cheap, challenging yet easy, and just plain fun. I figured wrong……except for the fun part!
Now, Mt. LeConte is just a few miles from a well know trail called the AT (Appalachian Trail). I remember standing in the Sugarland Visitor Center and looking at the large 3D map of the entire park, and noticed a trail that went from one end of the park to the other, which is the AT. For some reason this trail kind of trumped the small 5-mile hike to Mt LeConte shelter.
At home I decided to look into the whole hiking thing a little more. Here I learned that the AT ran quite a bit farther than just through the Smokies; it runs from Georgia to Maine. 2,175 miles. This sucked me in. So I began. I looked at gear, read books about hiking (and more correctly, backpacking) searched the internet and joined forums (Backpacker.com and Whiteblaze.net). I even placed an order for a subscription of the Backpacker magazine. I was on the way!
I eventually put together a setup worthy enough to get out on the trail. And this is what this blog is about. It’s about the trail. Not just the AT, but any trail. However, the AT has become a goal of mine. Whenever I dream of getting on the trail, it is this trail I am dreaming of getting on.
I have been on the AT on 2 different occasions since this time. Once last September when my wife and I hiked 40 miles from Amicalola Falls Visitor Center to Neels Gap for our first hike. The second time was this past January when I actually got to hike to Mt LeConte, via the Alum Cave Trail head. I did not stay in the LeConte shelter but I did get to visit and even got to sit inside with Doug McFalls (the caretaker of the Mt. LeConte shelter this past winter). He poured me a cup of coffee and told me about some of the happenings around Mt LeConte during the winter as I got to warm my toes.
So, this blog will be where I come to talk about anything that has to do with the trail, whether it be gear or food or clothes or to share a trip report or just whatever.
So what are my plans?
I have put together a list of hikes that I would like to accomplish. This is by no means set-in-stone. This is a list, just for me to look at.
My Long-Term Hiking Plan:
Year 2012, Hike the Wonderland Trail, (WA). 93 miles. I would like to take a full 2 weeks with my wife to enjoy this hike. 2012 is a long way away, but this gives us time to take care of some small debts, become aware of our equipment enough to travel cross-country and be confident in our skills, and really enjoy this beautiful hike.
Year 2013. Thru-hike the AT NOBO. I am currently making plans and getting my stuff together for this hike. I won’t elaborate here since I have a whole page that is dedicated to this.
Year 2014, Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail (JMT), (CA). 211 miles and the highest point in the lower 48. Mt Whitney at 14,496 feet. I have read lots about this trail, and it seems like a wonderful place to hike. This will be my longest continuous hike at this point more than likely. So we will need the time before hand to continue to fine tune our hiking skills, to enjoy this time. I would like to take at least 4 weeks to accommodate travel time, we will be driving more than likely that way we can stop and enjoy scenery along the way.
Year 2017, Thru-Hike the Colorado Trail, (CO). 483 miles, and 6-7 weeks off. Travel time included. Depending on our hiking skills by this time, we would like to complete this trail in 6 weeks. Hopefully by this point we will be able to complete this trail in a somewhat smaller time-frame, but why? It’s Colorado! We want to enjoy the time. Again, this will probably be the longest continuous hike up to this point. For me it will be the closest thing to my next big hike, the AT!
Year 2020, Thru-Hike the AT Northbound. ~2,175 miles (depending on source, and year, it varies). Average time is between 4-6 months for this hike. I’m not sure how long it will take me, or how long I want it to take me, that will be for me to figure out at the time, ok, well a little before time, but you know what I mean…..
My wife is not sure if she will participate in this hike, so that will have to come in time. However, this is the year that my son will graduate High School. My dream is for him and I to Thru-Hike the AT together. Preferably before he goes to college. This would be a dream come true for me, most importantly as a father, this would be a monumental time for us to share together, and also as a hiker. It would be my first long distance thru-hike. This hike will probably take a long time to plan, but it is my dream hike. The AT is what got me into backpacking, and it is most definitely my ultimate hiking goal at this moment.
Between these dates I would like to make some of the other hikes that I have listed, as well as continue to complete some sections of the AT.
All of this is also ultimately leading up to me and my wife’s dream. We are planning on moving to Montana after my kids are grown and out of (high) school. My daughter will graduate in 2023. So, after the AT thru-hike in 2020 (or 21, depending on how we plan it) we will have a couple of years to start packing our bags. Also during this time we will be frequenting Montana with a very driven desire to find our little spot of heaven here on Earth that God has for us. We will also be making every possible trip through out the years prior to this just to get a feel of MT, so maybe by this time we will have it pretty narrowed down!
So this is it…..only time will tell….
So, what are my goals for this blog?
This blog is simply to document my progress in this hobby called backpacking. I will use this blog to document trips I take as well as gear I use. I will do this through the use of writing, taking pictures as well as shooting videos. But, please bear with me, I am no writer, photographer or even a camera operator, and well, you can make your own judgment about my on camera performance… 
To help me spread my blog around, there are a few other forums and blogs that I follow and I make some of my postings available in these places too.
I make no claim to know all there is to know about any piece of gear or any trail I walk on, so here again, I will post my experience in these things. As well, I make no claim to be any particular style of backpacker and I most certainly will not look down my nose at any others style of backpacking. As for me, I plan to get my hands on many pieces of gear (although that may take a while) and I will evaluate them to my expectations. I may carry some gear that is lighter weight and I may carry some that is not so light. I am sure that I will carry some that others really recommend I leave behind (think pillow…) but this is my experience. Something about HYOH…
I am more than happy to take comments and even advice. On the flip side, I hope that this blog will also offer a little something for anyone that happens upon my site to think about.
Thanks for taking a look at my blog. I hope you enjoy it!
~Stick~
Stick,
Love the blog. I just started backpacking last year too!!! I love that Hexamid!!
Keep up the videos!!
I live in Kentucky we should hit some trails together sometime!
Josh
Thanks Josh. I too love the Hexamid! Maybe we will meet each other on the trail sometime. I am pretty much somewhere on the AT somewhere or in Sipsey Wilderness. I do love to hit up the Smokies anytime I can too…
Yeah the smokies are fun! I’m planning a smokies trip as soon as the season opens up!
josh,
I totally agree, the Smokies are great fun! I wish I were there now…and if you want smaller crowds and good views, now is a great time to go too.
~Stick~
Hi Chad
First I am guessing by the time you get this you will have returned from your hike and hope it was enjoyable, and i am looking forward to your blogs and videos about it and how the gear and food worked out.
I am not sure if i have ever written you before, all though i likely should have if for no other reason than to say thanks. You see I have gotten loads upon loads of gear and hiking info from reading your various posts on your blog and on white blaze as well as your videos. Ok maybe loads isnt the right word since you have done such an outstanding job cutting weight! Your info is always very informative and i also appreciate how you often emphasize this is for you and others might have their own preferences. Some of the gear i have gotten was directly due to your helpful reviews, including my ULA Circuit, OES tarp, Kupilka cup(given away as a gift),my pillow, towels, mag led light(use all the time around home not on trail), Blackrock beanie(given as a gift), a few stuff sacks and other stuff from Zpacks and i am sure there is more. So thanks for all the help!
I do have several questions based on your most recent pack gear, I would say mainly in regards to your cook system. Yes I use and got both the rei ti long spoon and the same rei mug(s) based on your reviews. Yeah I do on occasion cary the enamel coated metal mugs, old habits are hard to break and well i have misplaced 3 titanium mugs being that i seem to drink out of them as i pack up and then forget them and so going back to the enamel coated metal mugs for 2 + ozs and $4 as opposed to $25-$40 seems justifiable to me oddly when i use either than enamel or the plastic mug style you carry i have yet to loose one of those go figure! I some time ago received the MSR titan kettle and while a bit larger capacity than what your using i think i will likely stick with that especially since it seems Back Country no longer has the item you use. I am all thumbs when it comes to making things so I think i will try the cook style you are using with quart zip locks bag and a pot cozy for the titan kettle which i likely will order from anti gravity gear since i dont think i could make one as good as you.
I guess my main questions about the cook set up revolve around your stove. I do watch some of Tinny’s videos and have to say he is very much the genius when it comes to building things, I had seen on one of your postings you were ordering the mini atomic and then with your current cook kit you are using your diy stove. I do like the look of the mini atomic but in several of the videos i have seen of that stove one thing that sort of concerns me is when it is lit it seems to shoot off to large or tall of a flame and the thought of in a rainy situation of cooking under my tarp or from the door of my tent scares me with such a large flame. What i am wondering is with your diy stove if yours has flames that shoot so high it was hard to tell from your video. That all being said i like the looks of your stove, i like that you can get what seems like 10-12 minutes of burn time out of 1 oz of fuel which i think should give me a rolling boil in my titan kettle. So this is the question and i am not trying to encourage you to go in business but any chance you might be interested in making a duplicate of your stove and selling it to me? Other than that question i am curious as to why you chose to make your own after purchasing the mini atomic? and if i am unable to get a stove from you i will likely order the mini atomic but with the felt in it because if something is going to spill it likely will spill for me so that sort of interests me. As far as the windscreen i am off to a community with a hobby lobby after i write this letter, to find the aluminum hopefully that is unless i might persuade you to sell me the full stove set up, windscreen, stove, and pot stand.
My other questions for now all though i am sure i have loads more would be about your new pack, I havent used my new circuit much yet so i want to give that a bit more of a work out but already seem tempted by your Zpacks blast and if not that one but the external frame pack they have, in that my original back packs were Kelty externals, i still have and on heavy duty hauls use it mainly because my back sweats like a pig. My follow up long haul packs were ospreys and now the circuit, but i will be very curious to get your thoughts on your new Zpacks Blast as well as your thoughts on their other pack.
Again thanks for all the insight your blogs, posts and videos have offered. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
-gerry
Gerry,
I just got home from work. Answering some comments and will head out in about an hour hopefully!
Wow! I am super glad that my blog has helped you in those decisions! I just hope that they all work out for you now…
Thank you for the comment though and the kind words. I really appreciate that. This is why I wanted to start my blog. I know that there are many more blogs out there that are hosted by much more skilled people, but I try my best. So thanks for the feedback.
Ouch! Leaving behind 3 Ti mugs would hurt me and definitely make me want to carry something cheaper! And TBH, the $2 REI cup is a good deal. It looks like the newer ones that they have replaced them with are a little heavier, but still for the price they are a good value.
I gotta say that I love dealing with AGG. I recently purchased one of the Sil rain jackets from them and I know that I had to pester George… but he helped me out a lot. I was questioning sizing and he went and took pics of himself wearing the ones I was questioning and sent them to me in an email. It helped me to make the right decision! As well, they had the items in the mail the same day, Friday, and I received them all the very next Monday. Great service all around!
Concerning the stove, yes, my DIY stove has a flame that is just as high as the Mini Atomics, however, when the pot is on the stand the flame dies down to fit under the cook pot. However, please be careful if you decide to cook with anything under a tarp, or in a tent vestibule (especially). I almost burnt down a tent with my wife and I in it one time doing this. The wind was really kicking up and I thought I could cook in my vestibule and get rid of most of the wind issues. Well, I did, but when my WBS bloomed it ignited some of the grass under it…in the end I only had one tiny hole in the tent and some singed eyebrows! It was definitely scary. So, not that I am recommending it, but if you have to cook in an enclosed area, please make plenty of room above and around, keep in mind what is under the stove and allow some ventilation…
As far as the stoves, I actually have a second one I made and will send you. I do not use carbon felt in it simply because I do not have any. And the reason I am bringing my DIY stove is because it works just as well, weighs half as much and, well, because I am partial too it since I made it. Anyway, like I said, I will send the other one to you if you want. I will also make you a pot stand 5 x 19 and if I have enough of the aluminum left over a windscreen. Also, if you will give me the dimensions (circumference, diameter, and height)of the Titan Kettle I can make a cozy for you too. Although, let me just say that I am not liable for anything should anything happen with any of the items I send you. I am not a stove maker, or have the knowledge that people such as Tinny, Zelph or Smokeeater have on these things. I simply received the Mini Atomic and the DIY person in me thought that it would be fun to try and replicate that. These stoves are pressurized stoves so there is definitely potential… nothing has happened with the one I made and am using, but that does not mean that it won’t blow up…
Anyway, if you want just send me your info at stick1377@gmail.com and when I get back I will try to get it all made for you and ship it to you. And don’t worry about payment for any of it. I would be happy to share it with you.
With the packs, I am keeping my Circuit for those heavy hauls I may encounter such as if my son or wife goes with me and I need to carry extra. I love the Circuit and I will keep it. I am curious about if the cuben blast pack will make my back sweat too. I will see with that. One option would be to get one with the pad pockets on the back and to use a pad in the back that would at least absorb some of the sweat. ALthough, I shouldn’t be working up as much of a sweat with these lower weights!
Anyway, I better get going. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
~Stick~
First of all, thank you for all of your videos. I have always enjoyed camping and being outside. I have recently become obsessed with wanting to backpack and planned a trip for a friend of mine and I, to the Sipsey Wilderness. We plan to Start on a Sunday and hike/camp till Wednesday. We are experienced campers and have camped for days at a time but have always been close to a vehicle. This scares us none and we are very excited about this trip! I was wondering if you could maybe help me out with a few tips on where to start this hike and how to spread it out for a 4 day trip. We will only have one vehicle so making a loop is a must. Also, we plan to venture off and set up a camp somewhere where there aren’t very many people but hopefully with beautiful scenery! Any tips or information on maps/creeks or waterbeds would help too! I know it’s a lot to ask but this trip needs to be perfect! Thank you for your help!
Bobby,
I apologize that it has taken me so long to get back to you. It has been quite busy lately and looks like it will be for a while longer. (This is also part of the reason my blog has been so slow lately…)
Regardless, thanks for your support by checking out my blog and commenting!
As far as where to start, I would suggest the Sipsey Trailhead. It is a nice large parking area, but I must warn you that it cost’s $3/day to park your car there. It is an envelope system, fill out the envelope, put the cash in and drop it in a locked box, then hang the tag off of the envelope on the rear view mirror in your car for the Park employees to spot.
As far as where to set up camp, anywhere in the backcountry is ok, however, if not at a campsite, just practice Leave No Trace. There are many beautiful places to set up a campsite along the way though, so you may want to just grab a map and hike to your hearts content. Making camp at the end of the day and just make sure to bring it back around in time to leave.
Here are a couple of links that may help.
Map:
You can blow this map up and print certain parts, or all 16 pages and then tape them together…
Here is a 2-day loop hike:
Sipsey River status:
This is good to know info if you plan to cross over the Sipsey River. The trail splits just down the trail from the Sipsey Trailhead.
Hope that this helps some.
~Stick~
Stick, love your blogs and videos. I need some help, you got me thinking hard about a hammock system but seems pretty complicated. It also seems that for cold weather the weight would be similiar to a tent? Maybe i have missed it but I have been searching for info and a list for everything I would need to convert over to a hammock system and it’s weight. That would make a great video, hammocks for dummies….. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks and God Bless!
Chris,
Thanks for checking out my blog and commenting.
To answer your question, I highly suggest you to check out Shug’s YouTube videos as well as Water Monkey’s blog. Water monkey has lots of great videos as well as written reviews and handy helpful thoughts and tips. He actually posted a tent vs hammock set up write up on his blog a few weeks ago, definitely worth checking out. Anyway, these guys will be able to share lots more with you about this topic than I can since I am still pretty new to hammocks and hammock gear in general.
Of course another great option would be to head over to the HammockForums.net and click on the General Hammock Talk thread. There are a few stickies that deal with newbies and hammocks, and even complete hammock set-ups for something like $360. As well, while you are there, the For Sale thread is also a great place to browse around. I actually bought my GT UL hammock used from a poster over on WhiteBlaze.
I would suggest though before sinking a bunch of $$$ into it though I would try out a hammock and see how you would like it. The cheapest method would be a DIY hammock, that is if you are at least familiar with a sewing machine. Just hem the edges and gather the ends. the next best thing, IMO, would be to purchase a hammock just like mine! The Grand Trunk Ultra Light hammocks can be had for less than $20 brand new, however, the suspension system is extra.
Anyway, I hope that this helps some.
~Stick~
Stick,
love the videos. I have also been bitten by the bug of backpacking and have made several AT section hikes. Being from Tuscaloosa, I found you by youtubing sipsey wilderness. Been wanting to take my 6 year old there. We have had a rough year here in tuscaloosa, bu God is doing some wonderful things. Have a blessed day, Stephen
Stephen,
Hey, glad you found my site! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I am sorry to hear what has happened in Tuscaloosa. That was very tragic. I have not been through there since it happened, but I hope that things are coming back together for everyone there.
As far as Sipsey, it is a great place to take the little ones. The hiking is easy (no big hills) and they can play in the river and there is some nice “caves” found in the side of the canyon walls. Great place.
Good luck with everything and happy hiking!
~Stick~
Stick, I’ve been looking over your blog, really amazing site you have here. Check out the Sipsey Wilderness Hiking Club web site and come hike with us. We are headed to Balsam Mt in NC the second week of August for car camping and day hiking, great place for August (70 degree highs) come check it out if you can.
Charlie,
I have been to the Sipsey area a couple of times and always enjoyed it there.
Unfortunately I will not be able to make it on that trip. I have already requested the last Friday off in August and I am hoping that I get up to the Smokies somewhere… I will just have to see…
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
~Stick~
Hey Stick,
My friend, Steven, alerted me to your amazing blog and I’m quite impressed at the amount of research you have been doing in prep for your backpacking trips. Awesome!
I first got bitten by the backpacking packing bug in ’08 when I decided to take my family of 4 (all boys) on a “vacation” to hike the AT through the state of MD. I’m sure you can imagine the stories we have! It took us 5 days!! Haha
Since then my youngest son, Kory (now 17) , and I are thrown whole-heartedly into section hiking (we try to be the “thoughtful” section hikers that go to sleep at hiker-midnight and all).
Ultimately we hope to thru-hike in 2013.
As we collect gear we are trying to be weight conscious yet as thrifty as possible, so your blog has already given me some insight on tricks to go ultra light. THANK YOU!! I am a detail oriented girl, so your spreadsheet with the items you carry along with their weight (from the skin out) made me SOO happy! Haha You’re the MAN!
God bless!!
Kristal,
That is awesome that you are planning a thru with your son. I wish I could take my son on my thru, but it is not possible for now. He says he wants to thru with me when he graduates HS, so we will see. I too plan to thru in 2013 headed NOBO, so I am trying to get my gear sorted and straightened. I must admit though, I have spent a nice little chunk already, and I know that some of it I will have to re-buy by the time I am ready for my thru…but that is ok. I am glad that my list has helped you out. I actually thoroughly enjoy going through my list and tweaking it here and there, and I know that I will continue to do that up until the day that I leave, and of course I will continue to tweak it on the trail. At this moment though, I am really happy with my list, bot in weight and in terms of use.
Anyway, glad you stopped by and glad that it has helped you!
~Stick~
Stick!
What’s up man? Hope you have been well. Sorry I lost contact last year. My family has been going through some medical issues (My wife and I). Also some ministry changes kept me very busy. However, we are back on the trail and sleeping with the trees. I have made many purchases that I will be reviewing. Look for to your feed backs. Are you on facebook? Email me with you info if so at (northcarolinaoutdoors@gmail.com).
Patrick Gosnell
Patrick,
Sorry to hear about the medical issues, and I hope that things are better for you and your family. And I applaud you for answering your calling with the ministry. That is awesome! But I do know that it feels good to sleep with the trees…so congrats for that too… And I will be looking forward to your gear reviews. I enjoy seeing how gear does for others.
Yes I am on FaceBook. I have a widget at the bottom of my blog on the right, but not sure if you can actually connect through that. I will search for you on FB next time I get on…
Chad
Hey!
My husband and I are trying to start backpacking this year on the “Dave” Plan ourselves. I keep running into people who have grown up backpacking and have loads of expensive gear. I was getting the feeling like we were the only ones just starting out or on a budget! Being on the Dave plan I’m sure you know means I have one shot to buy the right piece of equipment, at least for a little while, and your reviews are really helpful for us since you’re not only reviewing low cost gear but doing it in an environment similar to our own. Keep it up!
Lynn,
Hey thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! And great to hear from someone else on the “Dave Plan.” It really is a tough plan, but so worth it!
I am glad that my videos and such are helping you out too. This is exactly why I wanted to try to make this blog happen. If you have any questions or anything feel free to ask and I will do my best to try and help you out.
Happy Trails!
Chad
Really like your website. Funny I’m planning on a long distance hike 133 miles hiking the Northville-Placid Trail here in NY in 2012. Hitting almost 60 miles this May on the AT to finish up the NY section of the trail.
Keep up the great vids and evolving your gear.
My best,
Raul
Thanks Raul for your comment. I haven’t been out for more than 3 days at a time since last October, and it is killing me. I want to do the section from Neels Gap (in GA) to Fontana Dam, but I am not sure that I will be able to get enough time to do it all at once. At least this year.So, I will just have to make the best of the 3 day weekends!
I have watched many of your videos too. Great stuff. Appreciate the time you spend to share your experiences with all of us.
Happy hiking on your trips this year!
Chad
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Your blog is outstanding. I grew up in Corinth almost my whole life and know how it is and I think it’s great that you get out and hike as much as you do.
Ben
Hey Stick,
The tarp you asked about on my blog is a Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn, albeit pretty poorly pitched in the picture as I threw it up and took a picture seconds before it started pouring. As tarps go, I like it plenty, although I did have it modified with a beak on the front because being tall meant I slept right on the edge and rain splatter annoyed me.
JGG
Stick,
Yes, VERY familiar with FPU. That’s awesome to hear! Hope and pray you can do all you set out to do!
ok stick….sounds great…but I have to ask….I am a pastor and work fulltime as a packaging eng. tec. and run a small cleaning business….where do you find all the time brother?
Pastor, thanks for stopping by and checking out the site. Just so ya know, the site is definitely a work in progress, and will always be so! As for the list I have above, I truly hope to be able to do all of the things on them, however, I do realize that it will be difficult and I just may have to miss some and pick them up somewhere else along the way. My thought process is to stick to the itinerary. If I miss one keep going for the next and hopefully I will be able to work the ones I missed in somewhere else. So, as for the how, I am sure that being a pastor, you have heard of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace class? Great 13 week class. My wife and I are on this plan, and in less than 3 years from now we should be entirely debt free (other than our home which we are saving for). So, sticking to the plan, and praying.
Hi,
This is going to sound crazy, but I get an email whenever my name is mentioned on the web, and apparently on a blog you’re on you are using my quote about how it takes one match to start a forest fire but a whole box of matches to start a camp fire.
I thought it was funny and figured I would stop by and say hello!
Hello, and thanks for the quote!