AT Tattoo Design

Recently, I would say within the last year, I have finally come around to the idea of getting a tattoo.  I think, if done right, they can be a great way to express yourself. So now I really want a tattoo but have had a problem figuring out what to get.  I envy those that are able to commit to something so permanent so quickly or effortlessly.  Fortunately I am confident that I have found something that I feel passionately enough about to ink on my skin forever...and that is of course something that represents the Appalachian Trail.  However, I am not going to get it until after I finish the hike.  I mean if for some reason I don't finish the trail, explaining that tattoo would be awk-ward.  Certainly that doesn't mean I can't do some research and plan it out in the meantime.  Because... I already did.

Here are some tattoos that I think are GREAT but I wouldn't want all aspects of their design for myself.

  

I really love the map idea. Having the entire trail appeals to me not only because it is bad ass but also because I am a sucker for simple outlined designs, especially state oulines. But if I am going to be honest, that is way too big, at least for my first tattoo.  I especially love the placement of the leg tattoo; it looks awesome.  Too bad I'm not into leg tattoos for myself because for such a big tattoo that is a good place.
 

Moving on, I think this AT "patch" design is nice as well.  It seems to include many of the aspects of the outdoors such as: mountains, fire, sky, trees, etc but with a more compact design.  This is getting closer to what I would want but is slightly too colorful and busy. 


Alright now for some tattoo designs that I would actually consider getting or taking ideas from.

 For anyone that knows me, it is common knowledge that I love trees.  How could anyone not love trees? 1. They create tons of oxygen for the environment. Humans sort of need that to live. 2. They are great for climbing. Duh. 3. You can sit underneath them. 4. Need I say anymore?  So you can image that one of the common tattoo topics that comes up for me is some sort of tree tattoo. Therefore it is no surprise that when I saw this AT tree tattoo I was upset immediately.  Not only did this person have one tattoo that I want but two and I didn't think of it first. Bummer.  Why can't I be that creative?

I am aiming for a simple and small design just like the tattoo above.  Not only that but the tattoo is placed on the edge of the foot which is the one spot I have been seriously considering. Including the date is also another nice touch that I am pretty sure will be included in my design.

 Similar to the previous tattoo this one is very simple and probably my my top pick of what I found in my research.  It includes three simple aspects: the AT logo, a white blaze and the outline of a hiking boot. Perfect. Again..wish I had thought of it before I saw it.


I tried my hand at creating a few designs and they were not impressive. I will definitely ponder this more over the next year but I figure why not get some input from more creative people than myself.  Therefore, if you feel like you have ideas, comments or want to send me a tattoo design just direct them to my email address courtncj@gmail.com.

Want to learn more about the AT?

Here are some resources that really show off the beauty and community of the AT.


If you have Netflix... you should check out the National Geographic Special on the Appalachian Trail. It is not extremely informative but it does show some splendid aerial views of the trail. There is also another movie that is kinda fun called Southbounders. Southbounders is a dramatic film rather than a documentary. It is also more of an indie film so if you aren't use to that you may not like it. However, I say be adventurous and watch it!


Another option is to watch one or all of these videos made by former thru hikers. You get to see the beautiful views they saw through 14 gorgeous states.

And I will add this video that was recommended by the very funny Good Badger:

If you are more of a reader then you should consider reading Appalachian Trials, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, or A walk in the woods. All three books shed light on what it is like to hike the trail in different ways.  

For an in depth look at the everyday life I would suggest reading AWOL's book.  For a humorous approach, definitely read A walk in the woods first. Last but not least is the Good Badger's book Appalachian Trials which is really aimed at a hiker more serious about trying to attemp the trail.  It focuses on the emotional aspect and how to prepare yourself for success.

Adventures at REI

I am not a hiking expert by any means. Yet, I've done a few things that the normal person hasn't done such as ROTC training weekends and winter camping trips in negative 25 degree weather that warrant recognition for being challenging. However, as soon as I walked into REI for the first time yesterday, yes, my first time, I realized that I didn't know anything. Nada. Zip. Because not only had I never been to an REI before, I didn't know the stores existed. For the past year I have spent hours upon hours on their website but visiting different stores like Bass Pro Shop or Academy Sports. Mistake. I should have been seeking out the nearest REI store. But how was I suppose to know? No one tells me these things.. No big deal though, because by the end of my trip to REI I knew enough. I'm buying all of my gear from their store!!


REI has all the things I have been wanting to check out for months such as: Osprey's Aura Backpack, Hennessy's Ultralite Hammock, MSR's Pocket Rocket, and Sawyer's Squeeze Filter just to name a few. Discovering that I can purchase a majority of my gear at one store is very comforting and relaxing. Is there a big smile on my face? Yup.


Needless to say, I spent quite some time in the store. Not because things were hard to find though. The store was laid out so neatly that I found all the items I was looking for in a manner of minutes. Time was spent looking at all the options available for every item on my list. So yes, you guessed it, I tried on almost every backpack on their display wall. Picking out items that you will rely on to sustain your life for six months is a huge undertaking. But I am so pumped and ready!! (If you couldn't tell by now).

5 items I can't wait to use!

Over the last year I have spent a countless amount of hours on my computer researching any and all sites related to the Appalachian Trail.  I've read about all the risks, facts, and stories  of other hikers on the trail.  I've browsed every online catalog for backpacks, sleeping bags and shelter.  I've gone into numerous sports stores looking through gear, never buying anything just looking. And what surprised me the most is how much I enjoyed it.  So much so that I wanted to share some of the amazing products I found and plan to use for my hike.

1. Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Asym Classic

 

All it took was one swing on a hammock so many years ago and  I was hooked for life on them.  Throughout my adolescence I  begged my mom to buy a hammock but it never happened.  Then, one day, while I was researching types of shelters for hiking, SHAZAAM!, this lovely hammock by Hennessy appeared.  I thought to myself "Would I like to sleep in a hammock for 6 months? I think yes!"  Not only does the hammock allow you to get off the ground and away from critters but at 1 lb 15 oz, it is ultralight as well.  Just what I need.

2. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

 

Now this product is pretty awesome.  Water is a priority on the trail and making sure it is clean is extremely important.  Sawyer's simple Squeeze Water Filter makes it a simple 1-2-3 process.  While other filters require pumping or waiting for a tablet to purify the water, Sawyer only requires you to squeeze.  First you fill up the pouch, then screw on the top (which is the filter) and squeeze out purified water.  There are many other types and brands but this is the best that I've seen. If you would like to see a video of it in action click here.

3. MSR PocketRocket Stove

There are many brands for hiking stoves but I have found the reviews and quality of MSR to be most impressive.  They continue to upgrade their designs every year and have even surpassed this model pictured here. If you would like to see a video of this in action click here.

4.Osprey Aura 65

I have always been somewhat of a bag snob so when I tell you I think this bag is going to be pretty great, you better believe it.  Of course, I am judging it based off of what I've read online and not personal experience, but I can't wait to test it out and see how functional the bag is.  It seems to have everything I am looking for in a bag.  It is breathable, adjustable and functional with mesh straps, multiple straps and conveniently located outside pockets.

5. GSI Pinnacle Soloist Cookware

What I love most about this cook set is that the carrying bag doubles as a sink to wash out your pot and cup.  Overall, it has a sleek design to it, enabling you to fit your fuel canister into the bag with it, thus preserving more space.  I've never been so excited to do dishes...seriously.