FYI: I picked up my Box for my first mail drop, so I was wondering if I could mail a fuel canister (MSR,Jetboil ) because I've read and was told you couldn't mail them. Well I got the best answer a hiker could want "YES" as long as its new. I also ask how many and he said as many as you like. HS

This is a follow up question to the one I asked about winter gear and The Whites. I will be picking up my 20 degree bag and down jacket in a couple of days when we get to Hanover. Should I send my 35 degree bag north or home? Do people typically keep their cold weather gear for the rest of their thruhike once they pick it back up?

Thank you in advance. We are having a great hike and are excited to be this far. 490 to go!

Zippy and Diddo
sidewaysgaze.com/writing

I've seen a lot of threads concerning starting dates. I don't recall one on finishing dates.

I am currently on a thru (near Palmerton, PA) and am very flexible with regards to schedule. I'd like to slow down from my current pace and would like to read about what others think would be good timing going forward.

TIA

I realize that I am still in the very early stages of planning for my 2015 thru-hike, but I figured that I should be seeking advice from the very beginning. Essentially what I need right now are suggestions on what gear to start accumulating and how to start preparing my body for this hike. I have done many section hikes of the AT, so I know what to expect, somewhat. Through these hikes I have also shaved my base back weight down to about 19 lbs. Any gear, conditioning or logistical recommendations are highly appreciated! Thank You!

Should I go ahead and buy a 2013 AWOL guide book for planning a 2014 NoBo? I figure as changes and updates are released I can just write them in. I don't see any way of planning the 2200 mile trip w/out having the terrain and town maps in front of you. I wasn't sure when AWOL releases his new books so for all I know the new 2014 NoBo guide book may be available in July, but I doubt it. At this time, would you just buy the 2013 book and call it a day? Thanks all!

I don't have weights on anything because I don't have a scale. This list is comprised mostly of things I saw other thruhikers carrying, feel free to tell me if I should drop some stuff or keep some stuff. Thanks!

Shelter
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Classic

Hennessy Hammock Hex Rainfly 30D Silnylon

CCF Sleeping Pad

Inflatable Pillow

Marmot Sawtooth 15* Down Bag

4 Tent stakes

Clothing
3 Polyester shirts

Knit Cap

BCG Hiking Running Shorts

Reebok Compression Shorts

2 Pair ExOfficio briefs

1 Rain Jacket

World Wide Sportmans Convertible Pants

1 REI Nylon Belt

2 Pair Darn Tough Socks

1 Fleece Jacket

Bandana

Head Net

1 Pair Flip flops for camp

Kitchen
MSR “Pocket Rocket”

MSR Isopro Fuel Canister

Snow Peak Titanium Trek 700

Spork

Magnesium Fire Steel

Portable Aqua or Aquamira

2 small BIC lighters
Miscellaneous
Gerber Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath

Ativa Portable Battery Backup

Outdoor Products Trekking Poles (Pair)

Black Diamond Headlamp

Outdoor Products Dry Bags (2 boxes, 6 bags)

Ascend Pack Cover

Gear Ties

Jungle Juice 98% Deet Bug Repellent

GO Phone
100 Foot Paracord

Camelbak 3 Liter Bladder

REI Crestrail 70

AT Guide

Journal and pen


Hygiene
1 Travel size bar of soap
1 Toothbrush
1 Travel size tube of toothpaste
First Aid Kit

I'm working on connecting what sections of the "AT" I haven't hiked so here the section I need to connect.
Start at : Deep Gap - I40 = 154.6 miles
Hot Springs - Iron Mtn.Gap = 88.2 miles
Roan Mtn,Tn - Mtn. katahdin = 1796.3 miles
Total miles left to hike : 2,039.1 miles
If I leave next month could I finish in time to summit Mtn.Katahdin?

Question for those of you who've completed a NOBO thru--


I've been reading tons of TrailJournals these past couple of months, and it seems that everyone switches out their winter gear around Pearisburg/Waynesboro or someplace else in southern Virginia. And it sounds like almost all of them change to a different sleeping bag.

Right now, I've got a 25 degree down bag which I really like, and it's kept me warm down to 17 degrees (in a tent, not a shelter), even without a liner. I was thinking of getting a liner, and *hoping* to go the entire trail without having to change out. Is this feasible? I don't really need a 40 degree bag for summer, do I? On the other hand, since I still have time, and an income, I've been considering getting a WM 15 degree Ponderosa bag instead--it would save me over a half a pound, which would also negate getting a lighter summer bag, at least as far as weight is concerned.

Anybody do the whole thing with one medium rated bag and a liner? Or does everyone just bite the bullet and cough up the $$$ for a second bag?

So I leave in less then 20 days to start my thru hike and I feel nothing for it. No anxiety, enthusiasm, nervousness, nothing. Is this normal?

I am trying to figure out what I should carry in a bounce box for my southbound hike as well as how far forward I should bounce it forward every time. I can't see carrying much in it and I definitely do not want to mess with it much but want it fairly accessible if I need to get to it. Suggestions?

I don't know if I'm planning too early or not, but I'm trying to figure out my gear list to start a SOBO thru-hike around June 1, 2014 (solo female). So far this is what I have... (weight is in oz)

Shelter: Tarptent Rainbow (34 oz)
Pack: LL Bean Women's AT 55 (50 oz)
Bag: Western Mountaineering Ultralite (38 oz)
Pad: ThermaRest RidgeRest-Small (9oz)

COOKING/WATER


CLOTHES

OTHER



Just a side note, I get cold pretty quickly and would much rather be too hot than too cold.. Hopefully that doesn't cause too much of a problem.

I may very easily have forgotten something, so please point that out. I won't take any offense to your suggestions and comments! They're much appreciated. :)

I also have not bought a lot of these items yet, so they can very easily be changed if you have any ideas for cheaper items that are of equal or better quality!

** means that I have not chosen a specific item, and I am open to any and all suggestions!

Hi, Im new to WB and just recently started planning my March 2014 thru hike. Ive been backpacking for a little over a year but have invested a good amount of time and effort into getting my system right.The longest trips I've taken to date are around 3-55 day trips so I'm worried I might be missing something that would work better for a thru hike on the AT. I intentionally left out a couple of clothing items such as a hat, shirt and insulating layer. I have not decided what Im going to buy to fill these roles. I also have a toiletries bag with tooth brush sport glide Dr bronners etc wich weighs 6 oz. Any advice will be appreciated.

I was really excited when my spreadsheet was totaling around 7 to 8 lbs. Somehow it quickly grew, roughly around 20 lbs right now.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...Wc&usp=sharing

I did hike in the rain for two fifteen mile days with an 18 lb. pack last weekend and it was great. So with food and water, I'm going to be pushing 25 to 30? I thought I was going light, but man, everything just adds up. All advice is appreciated and taken in for consideration, but if it isn't apparent yet, I blaze my own trail :)

And this still may be missing a couple things and of course I'll be wearing some of this stuff.

Much love,
Andrew

So I've read tons of these threads but been unable to post because my work computer blocked the ability to post. I work for a school, just for off work yesterday till mid August. Parents are driving me to the trail head Saturday from Illinois. Heading for a springer mountain sunrise on Sunday.

What are the best hostels/hotels and restaurants that are some of the best DEALS as well? The operative word here is BEST. Not interested in cheap AYCE's that you have to gag down or hotels full of bedbugs. :eek: