>>379021
>on the road for an extended period of time

This sounds miserable to me. I've taken some short walking trips before (I hiked across Florida) and I don't think you understand what you're getting into. I can't stress enough that you should take some small trips first so you know what to expect. This will also give you a better idea of what you should have brought and what you should have left behind.

This might seem whimsical and romantic to you now, but it's tough being homeless for any amount of time, much moreso if you have to travel. This is going to be very hard work OP, not a vacation.


tl;dr: Don't take and extended trip. You need to build up to this.

>>379027

I do plan on that, especially before I purchase all of this stuff. I plan on hitching across the state first, test the waters. Thanks for the concern.

> hitchhiking as my main means of travel
> hitchhiking
> in America

This never goes as smoothly as planned. It's not the 70s anymore. Hitchhiking is not legal in many areas, and the people that will stop to pick you up aren't exactly... well let's just say there's a reason they aren't afraid to pick up strangers.

Also, you should consider how dangerous it might be to cross the Rockies around winter if you can't get someone to drive you the whole way.

>>379029

So I should just head south then? I was just thinking Cali because it is warm and I know a few people there who would let me crash for a while.

How old are you OP? Big decision to make.. Fair feks to ya if you go for it.

>>379031
>So I should just head south then?

I think that would be much safer and more enjoyable.

OR since you have friends in Cali, I think an awesome trip would be to start in North Cali, like around San Fransisco, or maybe even farther north and just hike south along the coastline. The scenery along the coast the whole time would be absolutely gorgeous and you'll go through a lot more backpacker friendly areas. Also the roads and hiking paths are pretty well kept.

>>379033

Mainly I just don't it's safe for you to be trailblazing here (unless you want to die). You should stick to the tried and true backpacking routes like around California and the Appalachian trail (this is a fantastic one as well).

Also, as cool and useful as it seems, you really shouldn't rely on hitching that much. Unfortunately, it just isn't safe anymore OP. If your feet get that tired or you're that desperate to start making some better time, you can catch a Grayhound bus every now and then for a pretty reasonable price and still get to see all the road scenery.

OP here, I'm nearly 21.

>>379035
> Appalachian trail (this is a fantastic one as well)

Speaking as someone who's done road hikes and wilderness hikes fairly extensively, I greatly preferred the wilderness hikes like the Appalachian trail. It just feels a lot more like a true journey and a lot less like... well, being homeless. With the Appalachian trail you can also cover the whole East Coast interrupted in a way that you couldn't do jumping around roads.

>>379038
>interrupted

*uninterrupted

sry

OP here.

After hearing you guys I think I may go from North to South as my first objective. I live in Wisconsin and plan on trying to make my way up north to La Crosse, WI where my friend goes to school. From there, if I decide to, my friend offered to drive me across Minnesota as far as he can and drop me off. Perhaps I should go from there down to Texas then decide from there.

This thread is relevant to my interests

>>379040
>go from there down to Texas then decide from there

This is still a VERY long way OP. I don't think you can really understand the kind of hard work this is yet.

Try starting up in north WI where your friend lives and then try hiking back to where you live. You really need to just see what this kind of day to day life feels like before you start drawing up grand plans to go from Minnesota to Texas.

>>379046

This. I completely agree with this. OP, you need to find out how strong of a hiker you are first. Making your first "small trip to Texas" is NOT the time to find this out. You don't want to get 3 days through Minnesota just to find out that you can't do this shit and have to call Mommy to come pick you up.

Map out like a 5-7 day trip just to test yourself out on and see how you fare and get an idea of what your tolerance for this kind of discomfort is. Even better, make sure it's a route that other people have done so you have a concrete idea of how long it should take you and what it should be like.

>>379049

I never said it was a small trip. I'll take your advice. No need to mock. Appreciate the concern though.

I want to challenge myself. Carrying on.

>>379029
>derp derp derp
I'm sure you're speaking from experience, too.

Hitching is fucktardedly easy if you aren't fucktarded.

Wisconsin to Texas is a two day trip.

Utah and Jersey are the only places it's functionally illegal.

Don't take a pack you couldn't have sitting on your lap for six hours.

Use common sense--stand where it's safe to pull over, have a big sign, look like you aren't a serial killer, look like you aren't a rich adventurer, don't hitch where there's a sidewalk, be able to read people well enough that you'll be able to be the foil they need.

...though I'm really unclear if OP is hitching to Texas, or hiking to Texas.

Whatever, hitching is the BEST way to see America, because you actually interact with the locals and get a taste of wherever you're passing through. But some people really don't have the aptitude for it, and you'll figure that out fairly quickly--or, if you're going "Durr it's not the 70s yur goona get raped" you'll figure it out before finding your balls and giving it a shot.

>>379062

OP here.

I would ideally like to hitch, bringing a tent for unlucky nights. I can see where most of the posters in the thread are coming from. I'd like to think I'm not going over my head, but I won't know until I try.

>>379063
Most of the posters are cowards who have never even hitched. It's safer than the 70s because crime rates are lower than they were in the 70s and every study ever done on hitching suggests that, within the margin of error, crimes against hitchhikers are perpetrated at the same rate as crimes against the rest of the population. Wherever you hitch from, you're in as much danger there as somebody in your demographic who lives in that area.

The increased risk of being in a traffic accident is a different story.

And a tent isn't really for "unlucky" nights, it's just part of the experience. If you can't enjoy that side of it, and can't survive an evening in a copse beside a river with a handful of granola and the beers your last ride gave you for sustenance, it's not for you.

Skip the road atlas and take fold out regional maps that take less room. Only take a micro sleeping bag. Make sure you take one of those blue insulating sleeping mats so you don't freeze to death when it's 45 degrees. Take toilet paper. Don't take a pack of cards. Take spare permanent markers. Don't bother with an internet tough guy killing knife--if you're ever faced with a situation where you'd be tempted to use it, the person you're facing knows more than you, and besides, you're more likely to get stabbed on the greyhound. Do take a pair of scissors or a swiss army knife or a leatherman. Do take a couple of water bottles and make sure you fill them whenever you get the chance--fast food restrooms are good for that, while their dumpsters are the best source of cardboard.

>>379029
> This never goes as smoothly as planned
It's not like he is in a hurry or something.
> It's not the 70s anymore.
> well let's just say there's a reason they aren't afraid to pick up
Maybe they don't believe the stupid things you get thaught by the media? It's a fact that crime level is falling each century while people are getting more and more afraid each century. Go figure.

>>379031
Consider Mexico or even further south. It's not only warmer, but also way cheaper.

>>379035
> it just isn't safe anymore OP
One more proof!

I hitched about 20,000 with hundreds of drivers, sometimes alone and sometimes with friends. I never had any single dangerous situarion, really. Worst things that happened to me was drivers who were idiots or me forgetting things in the cars. Nothing serious yet.

>>379082

Thanks much for the tips. Although I'm confused if you actually suggested the tent or not.

>>379082
>>379088

How old are you guys?

>>379088

I'm >>379062 and >>379082 ...or the posts with pictures of some of my signs.

And yes, take a tent. Even if you aren't guerrilla camping (which you will be probably 50% of the time in rural areas), Some of the people who offer you a place to stay will be offering you a spot to set up your tent on their property--they may be fine with giving you dinner in the evening and a shower in the morning, but still may not be too keen on having you crash on their couch.

So yes, take a tent, or at least a bivy, unless you're fine sleeping in the open.

Fuck you, invisibumper, leave the page 15 threads on page 15.

Bumping a new thread so that I don't have to look at the same dozen dead threads every fucking day because some asshole's keeping them alive.

>>379154

Lolwut.

>>379109

Where have you hitched around, bro?

>>379174
There's a guy who goes through the keyboard/alphabet bumping every page starting from page 15 and working backwards every day starting at around 4-5PM, and then deleting his bumps... invisible bumping on a slow board=we've had the save dozen threads on the first few pages every day for the past two weeks.

>>379177
No Alsaka/Yukon/NWT, a few holes in corn country and the old south, and stuck to buses in the Washington-Boston corridor... but outside of that (and Utah), I've at least passed through most of continental North America.

And the quick answer: worst hitching is in Ontario and Florida, best is Colorado and Northern Arizona/New Mexico. Surprisingly worse than expected is Oregon, surprisingly better is the aforementioned AZ/NM area. Texas is okay, but not as easy on the whole as Oklahoma/Kansas.

>>379284

Classic.

Any other tips for me?

Also, what kind of pack is this >>379082

That's almost exactly what I'm looking for.

>>379305
Canada only, unfortunately: MEC Brio 40. Though it's smaller than most since it's a 40L with a floating lid (though then you can put the tent under it and effectively expand it) because I wanted to be able to take it on planes as carry on baggage when I wasn't doing the hitching thing.

But yeah: floating lid, tie down points so you can strap things to the side, a decent internal frame and back support,top-loading and water resistant, 1000+ denier rating on wear areas... that's what you should be looking for if you want the bag and you back to survive.

Big Sharpie to make signs
Sturdy hiking boots that are broken in
Water bottle
Sleeping bag liner - keeps your bag clean, lets you sleep on questionable couches when you do have a roof over your head
Ponchos suck in heavy rain - waterproof pack cover + parka + overpants = more versatile & waterproof
Maglites are inferior - get a headlamp
Tent - freestanding ones are nice in urban areas - quicker to set up/tear down, you'll appreciate having a 2 person one - keep your gear inside where it's dry.
If you don't want the bulk of a tent, get a bivvy or a hammock and straps.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Use synthetic fabrics or wool for clothing, hoodies make you look creepy, get a separate hat + sweater instead.

Try to keep it all in a 3000 in^3 pack or smaller.

>>379313
>>379332

Lots of help guys, thanks.

this is exactly the kind of thread i was about to make.

how do you request a sticky?

>>379589

Nice to hear man. Where are you starting off from?

>>379313
Hey MEC bag bro. Do you have a waterproof pack cover for your bag? Which one did you get? I'll e-mail MEC myself but I'm just curious.

If you plan on going through any elevation above 10k, bring a blanket to shove into your sleeping bag. Avoid valleys and low points of terrain when choosing a site, because frost is a bitch to wake up to when you're extremities are fucking cold and stiff.

Also bring socks. Lots of it if you're really serious about being on the move. And if you're really on the move, then going commando isn't that bad of an idea as well, it saves your underwear from sweat and your ass from chafing. And bring a wool cap and some good warm gloves; it's your all-purpose, all-weather heat saver.

I'd suggest taking time on the weekends by yourself and go camping before setting out. Try to learn easy ways of starting a fire, how to trap/fish, how to obtain food. At least it gives you an idea that you have a ballpark figure of how you can provide for yourself, and it can show you the 'luxuries' you feel you 'need'. It's also a good indicator of what you should pack and if you packed too much or not enough. TL;DR go inna woods to help gauge how ready you can be in a most likely situation you'll get in.

>>379693
I didn't bother--the seams are sealed, it's got the rubberized front, and it's got a crapload of layers between the lid and the main pack. Wouldn't take it for monsoon season in India, but I've taken it through the occasional regular thunderstorm and nothing inside gets wet.

Great thread, tons of good information. Hit up squattheplanet.com too, its a really great resource for that shit. Hopping trains is another resource you MAY want to consider (you have to know what your doing or you will die). There is a huge network of migrant punks and travelers that are always willing to help. Lots of squats in every major city can hook you up for a great waystation. Not just in the states, either, europe too.
I was going to do this same thing right out of high school (I have a better head on my shoulders than most of my counterparts) but I'm going to college first, taking some shorter trips between semesters, and then after I graduate, I'm really gonna go off. From the US to the world.
Tips that I've learned from lots of different travelers I know:
Go to Columbia, its not as bad as everyone says
Don't bring a tent. Bring a waterproof painters dropcloth, its more versatile.
Those 2-liter camelbaks are great, I love them. Some don't.
I have a GoLite LiteSpeed 3k cb" pack, its really served me well so far, its SUPER light.
Blow up thermarests are a waste of time. Use a closed-cell foam pad, the thermarest Z-Lite is legit as fuck.
ALWAYS if you see a trader Joes or Whole Foods, do yourself a favor and check out the dumpster. Suuuuuuuuuuch great food; free.
While in the states and canada, do your best to shoplift as much as possible from the likes of Walmart and other HUGE chains. Not mom-and-pop stores, EVER. Starve before you come to that.

Carry a little bit of fishing line, a few hooks, and some lures. If your near water, you can get some GREAT eats for free!
Know at least 6 local plants in every environmental theatre you travel in. Wherever you see cattail, burdock, dandelion, lawn plantain, even grass, theres no need to go hungry. Pull up the root of Burdock (with the seedpods that stick to you), peel it, and boil it. Eat the young shoots and roots of the cat tail. Eat any part of the dandelion, and dry the roots for a tea that tastes much like coffee. Plantain is very fiborous, and tastes like skunk. LOADED with vitamin b3, the bugs will never bite you.
I could go on..

>>379835
Stealing from wal mart is still stealing. I hate them, and dont shop there, but if your travel strategy consists of "steal what you need along the way" then you need to rethink if you should be travelling at all.

>>379840
i disagree. something that hurts wal mart is good for america.

I am not going to steal from anyone. That isn't the point.

>>379625

ohio. im planning on heading south and staying twords the coast. i want to go through all the states on the outside of america til i get to seattle, i have fam out there.

I want to do it, but its kinda scary. not so concerned about getting robbed or whatever but getting sick. Not having a safety net is also scary.

>>379861
>>379835

Damn fuckin right,
britfag here, i do this to tesco sainsburys b&q, all the major rich business' putting smaller, local shops out of business

>>380164

How old are you?

This is relevant to my interests.

I want to do this after I finish up school.

Bumping for interested folks.

Enjoy getting raped by your fellow hobos and throat slashed by random psychos.
Hitchiking isn't as romantic as you think it is.

>>380780
Fucking this.

I've had a hobo try to mug me with a hidden razor blade in his mouth. Just maintain common sense even when you're in the middle of it, and things will go swell. Just don't dream of playing grab ass with other strangers.

>>380229

22. M, if that matters :p

>18461" noroadme

>>380781

can you elaborate on how exactly you avoided getting cut up by said hobo? i dont understand what you're implying you did when you say you "maintained common sense".

Not trying to be a dick or anything, just wondering what i should do should such a situation arise.

>>380793
He's saying to stay away from hobos and not think they won't hurt you because you're both 'travellers' or some stupid shit like that.

TLDR: Stay away from Hobos.

does anyone here have experience hitching around in europe?

>>380825

This is run mostly by European hitchhikers. It's a very good site.

http://hitchwiki.org/

>>380825
Yes, I hitched a lot around Europe. In most places it works pretty well. I had problems in France and Spain, but the rest seems to be fine. Germany and Ireland were the best. Also Switzerland and the whole Balkans.

OP lurking still?

>>379087
If you head in to Mexico remember that you now need a passport. It would suck to have a cop in Ensenada stop you,ask for your papers, and then you go to a Mexican jail for having no passport. Plus it's just a good idea to have one if you go outta your home country.

Gather dry tender and kindling whenever possible and store it in a ziplock bag. Just because it's sunny now doesn't mean that a storm won't roll in and soak all the stuff around you. Cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly is also a good way to start fires. And for the love of the Traveling Gods, bring some paracord! It's strong and you never know when you'll need it.

>>381591

Still here sir. Checking every few hours when I'm home. Currently shopping around for a rucksack/pack.

>>381673

im the cat in ohiah. im 22, like i said before. uh.. yeah. if you feel like talking post an email and ill get back to you when i get off work

>>381701

i_chew_food001@hotmail.com

Were you looking to travel with someone? My plan is to actually head through Indiana, Ohio, etc. to the east coast and head down from there for the winter, traveling around the coast until heading back home, depending on the time of the year.

Picture related.
Red = My hopeful path
Black = Home
Yellow = People I wish to visit.

>>381757

Forgot my goddamn map.

heres a HUGE tip for ya boy.
do NOT buy those piece of shit FAGlite flashlights
get a hand crank one, its about the same price and WAYYYYYYYYYY brighter and easier to charge.

>>381773

Noted, sir.

I'm hitchhiking soon, too! I don't have most of that stuff, but alot of people have hitchhiked for years now without all of that stuff.

>>381757

sent!

>>382267

I'm sort of intimidated, especially with winter coming. I'd appreciate what you think I should bring.

Would you guys recommend a 1-person tent? I found one for $55, but it doesn't seem like a quick set-up like I'm looking for.

>>382869
Just carry a tarp(Bivouac) and a quality sleeping bag.

>>382869
Don't even bother with a bivvy, man, get one of those canvas painters drop cloths, you can set them up any way you need, making it really versatile, dry, and warm. And its pretty light and doesn't take up space. And cheap. Just make 100% sure you get a waterproof one (splashproof is usually fine too)

oh, and just accept the fact that you will get at least a little wet every single night. Some nights youll get soaked. Not a big deal, just don't be surprised

>>382893
Nope. Going into this thing expecting the worse will happen, but will make for a good experience.

Very relevant to my interests, Dutchfag here who's been planning on a bike trip to Lago Di Garda (Italy) and back for a while now.
Preferably through as much nature/rural areas as possible.

Basically planning on bringing a tent or bify and just sleeping where possible, sounds so adventurous haha.

All right. I think I should wait for winter to pass before I go...

Thoughts, guys? My original plan was to leave on September 20th.

>>384143
eh, you're pushing it in the north, but even a light sleeping bag and insulating mat in a three season tent will keep you warm to a little below 40. you should just get the shit together and hit the road.

>>384158

Well, I could save up some more money if I work through the winter and leave in spring. That's a plus.

>>383950
>>383950
I have been seriously considering doing something similar, but starting in London (obviously ferrying across the channel).

My only concern is that my bike will be stolen - I've had 3 bikes stolen in my home town (all locked up) so what's it going to be like when someone sees a 2 grand bike just lying next to a tent?!