Being unprepared is one of my concerns. I expect to downgrade much en route, and I thank you all for helping me consider much prior to my onset.
I have tried the Whiteblaze. My discharge is in 11 days; and the Army firewall prevents my access to it. I shall check it out soon, though; unless there are some excerpts you think I should see immediately, please cut and paste. I apologize if that would create unnecessary work for you.
What about hygiene and poo disposal? I suspect the hippies would not appreciate a gas burn, and I don't want to carry the stuff...
Fireinmybones did a great video called "How to Deal with C**p in the Woods" using leave no trace principles: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=52718
Keep movin', keep believing and enjoy the journey!
If you have never been on the AT or other long trails, then it is easy to think that you need a lot of maps and such. Not the case. The AT is white blazed to death, before long you will probably find yourself wishing for a bit more of a challenge, direction wise. There may be a few isolated areas where you get to think about which way to go,but not many. Compasses and maps will find most use if/when you need to go off the trail to a mail drop or such, and even then you will likely find another hiker who will know or else is heading you way. Some good study and note taking pre-hike should help with locating water sources, again, ask another hiker if you need to.
A wood burner stove is great, just don't get in a hurry. An alcohol back up stove with a few ounces of alcohol can be a really wonderful extra. You have the ear of a good trail man in Fireinmybones, listen to his council, read a lot, weigh everything. Before taking off for any long duration, try to take a two or three day hike just to test and validate your gear, real time use has a way of showing things we have missed. Thanks for serving this country, I hope you have a really great time on the trails.
Welcome to HF, Grampy. FIMB said to look for you.
+1 on Andrew Skurka's book. I was just looking at a copy this past week. Being new to backpacking , you might find it to be helpful. In it he covers all the bases of backpacking. Andrew has made a name for himself by hiking long distances, so he understands lightweight, but more so taking what you will need for a given area and season. That's the point I would emphasize as you prepare for the AT.
Talk to other thru-hikers. Keep in mind that everyone does his/her own thing -- HYOH (hike your own hike/hang our own hammock), but I have learned lots from others who have thrued.
For your gear list:
You shouldn't need both of these. The new maps should contain the same info, but the book will have more detail.
Pocket Profile AT maps – antigravitygear
2013 Southbound: The AT Guide, David Miller
A button compass is plenty for the AT. The trail is obvious.
BDUs are heavy and contain cotton. I'd suggest a synthetic something more suitable for hiking, especially in the rain.
I wish you well on your journey.
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