Rating: 
Summary: Thru-Hiker Lament
Review: A lot of really interesting information, but in the end, little of it was very helpful on the AT. Gear and techniques have changed a lot since this book was written. If you go with this book, you'll be too heavy.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing... I couldn't put it down
Review: As a frequent visitor to the USA I have for a long time had an interest in the Appalacian Trail and perhaps hiking it end-to-end (or "through hiking" as it is called) one day. Once I saw the cover "blurb" for Roland's book I just had to purchase it.You realise upon opening this book for the first time that Roland has a very insightful and engaging writing style. This is a book that you can open up at any section and commence reading without feeling disconnected. If you want a book that follows a through hiker's day-to-day experiences when walking the trail or one that details historic, geographic or topographic information discovered along Appalacian trail, then this is NOT the book for you. However, if you want a book that thoughtfully covers all of the things one would want to know about when preparing for through hike of the Appalacian Trail or any other very long distance hike then this could be just what you are after. The book is based upon the things Roland gleaned from his experience through hiking the trail, and from the information gained from interviews with some 100 plus people who also through hiked the trail. For instance, I was fascinated on the discussion as to how many pairs of boots one can expect to wear out and the advantages that lightweight boots can provide over the more expensive leather ones. Also, one would never expect anyone to take on such a monumental task as through hiking the trail in sneakers or without a tent, yet some did and succeeded. This book brings out many things specifically relevant to very long distance hiking that the average hiker wouldn't necessarily think about. That in itself is reason enough to buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing... I couldn't put it down
Review: As a frequent visitor to the USA I have for a long time had an interest in the Appalacian Trail and perhaps hiking it end-to-end (or "through hiking" as it is called) one day. Once I saw the cover "blurb" for Roland's book I just had to purchase it. You realise upon opening this book for the first time that Roland has a very insightful and engaging writing style. This is a book that you can open up at any section and commence reading without feeling disconnected. If you want a book that follows a through hiker's day-to-day experiences when walking the trail or one that details historic, geographic or topographic information discovered along Appalacian trail, then this is NOT the book for you. However, if you want a book that thoughtfully covers all of the things one would want to know about when preparing for through hike of the Appalacian Trail or any other very long distance hike then this could be just what you are after. The book is based upon the things Roland gleaned from his experience through hiking the trail, and from the information gained from interviews with some 100 plus people who also through hiked the trail. For instance, I was fascinated on the discussion as to how many pairs of boots one can expect to wear out and the advantages that lightweight boots can provide over the more expensive leather ones. Also, one would never expect anyone to take on such a monumental task as through hiking the trail in sneakers or without a tent, yet some did and succeeded. This book brings out many things specifically relevant to very long distance hiking that the average hiker wouldn't necessarily think about. That in itself is reason enough to buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Exactly what I was looking for.
Review: For someone planning a thru-hike in 2003, this book is a blessing. With specific gear reviews, wonderful surveys of past thru-hikers and statistics that give you a real sense of what it takes to prepare for this incredible journey, I can say this has been the most welcomed addition of the 6 AT books that I've recently purchased on Amazon. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Essential for any prospective thru hiker
Review: I read this book in one sitting over several hours. I simply couldn't put it down. I've read over thirty books on thru hiking the AT and this is one of the premiere sources on the subject. Mueser himself is a thru hiker and he assembled comments, data and anecdotes from hundreds of others who have walked the length of the Appalachian Trail. The result is a fascinating exploration of what goes into the heart, mind, and body of all those hikers who make this pilgrimage. Mueser arranges the information neatly by chapter. There are sections on animals, bugs, food, physical preparation and other things necessary to know before embarking on the trail. The narrative flows by smoothly and I was sad as I approached the end of the book because it was so immensely enjoyable. I would recommend this book highly for everyone who dreams of hiking the AT or those have already completed the journey. My one criticism is the chapter on animals. Mueser writes with perception about the abundance of wildlife on the trail. It was then disconcerting and appalling that he used mouse traps to kill the little critters in various shelters. Someone should remind Mueser that the woods are the domain and home of the mice: HE is invading their world and he has no business setting traps and killing them, no matter how pesky they might be. This one incident spoiled some of the pleasure in reading the book, from my pro-animal perspective. But in all other respects, this is a wonderful and interesting addition to your AT library.
Rating:
Summary: Statistician's Dream
Review: If you want to know statistical data and read a general "lessons learned" from the Appalachian Trail, this is your book. My experience, though, is that people are so different this book may be of limited value to any single person. If you're getting into long-distance hiking, you'll have plenty of time to figure out your gear and what works for you. That said, I did enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Statistician's Dream
Review: If you want to know statistical data and read a general "lessons learned" from the Appalachian Trail, this is your book. My experience, though, is that people are so different this book may be of limited value to any single person. If you're getting into long-distance hiking, you'll have plenty of time to figure out your gear and what works for you. That said, I did enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for those interested in the appalacian trail.
Review: Roland Muesser takes us along on a trip that quantifies aspects of the trail important to trail hikers and interesting to those who are new to the sport of hiking. Indeed, this book may be of even greater value to the novice hiker than the seasoned trailblazer in that it addresses critical issues for hikers such as gear and trail etiquette questions. Roland Muesser shows his respect for the trail and hiking in general and writes an inciteful and real account of what to expect and what the trail hiker comes to expect from day to day life with nothing but what you carry on your back. From mosquito protection to an amusing deerfly experiment to more serious matters of equipment and safety this book is a great one and should not be overlooked.
Rating: 
Summary: Some new angles and twists on an old subject
Review: Teaches a few new things about thru-hiking the AT. Equipment reviews not based on author comparisons but on choices of fellow hikers. Desire to psycho-analyze vicariously through psychologist son. Overall good experience and much more info.than just equipment. Added to my motivation to thru-hike the AT. The definitive book on backpacking equipment is still The Complete Hiker III by Colin Fletcher.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Overview
Review: This book covers just about everything possible concerning long distance hiking. The author relies on dozens of surveys he took from thru-hikers of America's long distance trails, and combines the information into easy reading. The book is a little outdated now, but still a good read.
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