Hello from Naples, Florida! This is were I found out my rain gear needed to be replaced, off to Catawba, Virginia, this is were I had to make my pack a little lighter.Now Im in New Jersey, this is were my water filtration failed me. so now i am heading back to virginia and the question will be, Thru Hike in April on the Appalachian Trail? How does one know If they are ready to set off to a journey of a life time......