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We actually had two - 40 pounds and 20 pounds. The bigger one is usually a good guard dog, but in this instance he growled for a few seconds and then nothing.

Funny that this topic should come up... I just hiked that section two weeks ago and have a bit of a story.

We camped on the shoulder just south of Little Hump, which seems to be a popular spot. ...

Buy a guidebook if you're interested. I used Trailblazer for the West Highland Way and was very pleased.

http://www.trailblazer-guides.com/books/

A couple of those fords can get dicey in heavy rain. Take poles and be careful.

It's also worth mentioning that Leki will clean and repair your poles for free, for life. They usually have a shop set up at trail days. Yes, I'm a Leki fan... one pair for the whole trail and...

To me, the telescoping function of trekking poles make them worth the extra money. It gives you more flexibility when you need to improvise a tent stake, tent pole, splint, etc. Ski tips, since...

Two 15's on the first part might be a little ambitious. You can pull a 20 later on if needed.

2 pair Smartwool at any given time. Hikers in the winter, light hikers in the summer. If you need clean socks, you might want to reconsider your hobbies.

I own Trek, Southbounders, and 2000 Miles to Maine. Trek gives a good feel for social dynamics; Southbounders accurately depicts the physical nature - shelters, trail condition, etc; and I've always...

Ha, I remember that movie. The instructor fell off a cliff while saving a student from the same fate. Looked painful

You're worrying a lot. I'd never backpacked at all before my thru-hike, and only averaged 11 miles per day for the first month. Still wound up finishing in 4 1/2 comfortably.

The most important...

Warm layer: fleece, long underwear, winter hat, 20 degree bag. If you get cold while hiking, hike faster. 20 is cold, but not that cold.

Wrap your sleeping bag around yourself if you get cold...

Definitely ditch the filter. Aqua Mira tastes the best. You might also consider bleach, but use it sparingly, so as not to kill all your beneficial bacteria.

Why a bear bag? It's only 2.2...

From Maine? ...really?

I walked around with my pack a little, but probably didn't need it. You can lift weights, run, whatever, but hiking is the only thing that will get you in shape for hiking. I really don't think...

I cowboy camped near Little Hump mountain this past Saturday and woke up drenched. Any tips for preventing dew saturation? Besides using a tent, I mean...

Not sure if it would make that much of a difference... but the Vapor Trail is only kinda/sorta designed with women in mind. The Vapor Ki may have been easier on you. FWIW

There were a couple times when I thought I was going to fall right off Katahdin... especially right by the sign.

The problem with starting with someone is that you probably won't have the same pace. Leave at a popular time (March 1 - May 1) and you'll fall in with right crowd. PLENTY of friendly people.

I...

All I know is this: when I committed to hiking lighter and went from ~30 lbs to ~20 lbs, I enjoyed the actual hiking much, much more. It took me half the trail to do it. It's amazing how little you...

Another kayaker reporting...

Thanks Woodsy - good to know I'm not the only one who has heard something like this!

I woke up one night in the Shenandoahs to the strangest sound. It resembled a woman's scream, but had a metallic quality to it (like grinding two edges of sheet metal together) Whatever it was made...

I used (and still use) a tarptent squall 2 and was very happy with it. 34 ounces for what feels like the taj mahal. Andre the giant would be comfortable in that thing.

I am thinking about it. I twisted my knee badly when I was younger and trekking poles got me to Katahdin. Not to mention the balance assistance (there aren't always trees) and instant splint if you...