TIANA'S AT THRU-HIKING ADVENTURE
Hello Friends and Family,
As many of you may know, I am preparing to embark on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,190 miles, starting in April. This challenging adventure will take approximately 5 to 7 months, beginning at Springer Mountain in Georgia and concluding at Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
ABOUT TIANA'S APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU-HIKE REGISTRY
This Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Registry is dedicated to assisting me in gathering the essential gear I will need on my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
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I have decided to embark on this journey because it is something I have always wanted to do and the timing was right for me to start. I greatly appreciate any help in funding as I am starting fresh and require the majority of my equipment.
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Below I have included the links to my Amazon Wishlist and a secondary page for other items. Given the nature and pricing of the items that I require, I need to make the majority of these purchases myself so that I am able to manage returns/exchanges when necessary. (Please have Amazon items delivered to the address associated with the wish list).
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I respectfully and gratefully request that you consider donating to my Venmo/Cash app/Paypal, which I have linked on the item page. When you make a donation, please indicate the item you wish me to purchase with the funds and I will update the page to recognize your contribution, unless you wish to remain anonymous. Partial contributions are greatly appreciated and will also be recognized on the page along with Amazon purchases. I am also considering making a sponsor t-shirt to wear on my hike!
Much love to all and thank you for joining my adventure as I take on this monumentally awesome challenge.
Additionally
I intend to use this page to share updates on my progress via brief blog posts as well as photos and short videos. Please visit my Instagram page for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/tianaonthetrail?igsh=MW51bThrZWkxd3A4bQ==
Safety
I want to address my personal safety on trail, as friends and family have expressed their concerns. I have already purchased a Garmin Mini inReach Satellite GPS. Selected individuals will have access to track the device. Additionally, tracking will be available through the FarOut app (GPS) which I will be using to navigate. This app includes detailed trail data (elevation, waypoints, campsites, water sources) and community commentary where hikers continually update information about the above listed information. I will also be carrying bear spray, and my Trekking Poles have pointy tips.
My Story
I feel like a lot of people look at me like I have 2 heads when I tell them about this grand plan. You may think I'm silly for going at this alone. But truely, this is something I've always wanted. It's a bucket list item for me. I'm not getting any younger, and I also feel like I'm not getting anywhere productive in my life. I feel like I've been stuck and confused for the better part of 5 years and it gets tiring feeling like I'm not doing what I'm meant to do in life. I've chosen to do this hike to challenge myself to do something hard. Harder than anything else I've probably done, physically amd mentally. On the trail they say, "Never quit on a bad day." I'm excited to connect with nature and honestly take time away from the majority of society. I'm hoping I have every opportunity to help clear my mind and enjoy my time on trail. And I know this isn't going to be just a stroll through the woods. I've got some wild terrain ahead, but I'm excited to have the opportunity to give this a go. I'm 27 and grateful to be healthy. I'm thankful to be healthy life and have family that loves me. I'm excited to celebrate these things and become a better person for attempting and hopefully completing this thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Fun Facts
1. The Appalachian Mountain range is 1.2 billion years old and shares it's geological history with the Scottish highlands when it was part of the Central Pangean Mountain Range.
2. Yes, there are bears.
3. The highest point on the Appalachian Trail is Clingmans Dome, which is 6,643 feet tall. It's located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4. Yes, I'll have bear spray.
5. Virginia has the longest section of the Appalachian Trail, with over 550 miles. Hikers often experience "the Virginia blues."
6. Please buy me a bear bag so the bears don't eat my food or come near my camp.
7. Pennsylvania is referred to as Rockslvania. I think you can guess why.
8. Guys please, I really don't want to be bear food......
9. The A.T. is the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
10. The elevation gain, is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
11. It might be cool to see at least one bear. (Black Bears BTW, no grizzlies this side of the Mississippi. Don't quote me on that.)
12. The idea for the A.T. was concieved in 1921 by Benton MacKaye, "father of the A.T. ", and fully came to life in 1937.
13. Yes, I will share content of any and all bear encounters. Unless of course...
14. JK! I'm hoping the stench of living in the Great outdoors will ward off even the hungriest of Ursine.
Thank You!
Natasha Collins & Woo Chon: GG Umbrella
Lisa & Joe McMeans: Trekking Poles
Stephanie & Brendon Ditzler: Amazon Wish List
​Hartmut & Alex Sander
​​Bob & Stefanie Ditzler
Jared Wilson & Jacee Niblett
​Tanya & Tim Matter
Amy Lebo: Amazon
​Nick Ngai: Amazon
John Matter
​Trevor Minnicozzi
MY GEAR NEEDS
Venmo: @Tiana-Ditzler
Paypal: paypal.me/tianadery
Besides my backpack and tent, this KATABATIC quilt will be one of my most important purchases. It will allow me to get a good nights sleep and keep me warm at night, allowing me to survive in the wilderness. $379.00
This will be my home on the trail since I'll essentially be homeless for 6 months. Durston Ultralight Trekking Pole Tent: $549.00
Potential Pack - I'm undecided on a pack as it should be the last item purchased. It will house my entire existence and sizing will be based on the weight and size (in Liters) of all other items I will toting around with me.
Approximate price: $360.00 - $400.00
Theramrest Xlite Sleeping Pad: $219.95
​A good night's rest is essential to the next days hike.
Thanks Lisa McMeans
Trekking Poles: $149.95
These are useful for stability, balance, stretching, stress relief, and have other health related benefits while hiking. Will also be used to set up my tent.
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad: $22.00
Good for sitting, stretching, resting, extra heat insulation, backpack framing, and more.
Thanks Natasha Collins
Gossamer Gear Umbrella: $39.00
Gossamer Gear Umbrella Clamp: $5.99
Toaks 750 ml Cookpot: $29.95
S2S Mosquito Net: $16.95
​Useful as a stuff sack when not blocking bugs.
Bear Bag: $87.00
Gotta hang my food so I don't become bear food. Bright purple will allow ease of locating and prevent confusion between other hikers.
Dry Bag for Electronics - Medium: $30.00
For Med Kit - Small: $22.00
Hilltop Packs Zipper Pouch for Toiletries: $24.00
Other Hilltop Packs Items: Home State Company Based in Pittsburgh, PA
Ultra Light Micro Carabiners: $8.25
Dogbone - Bear Bag toggle: $5.88
Pot Cleaning Rag: $5.00
STAY CONNECTED
SHARE YOUR
#THRUHIKETIANA MOMENTS!
Share your own thru-hiking moments or follow Tiana's journey by using the hashtag #ThruHikeTiana on Instagram.
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