In prep to learn a thing or two as I plan for my possible 2016 thru-hike, I went out for a 2-day backpacking trip in my "nearby" (2-hours' drive) State Park a couple days ago. What has been said about cotton clothing is advice well-taken, but I must note that even my synthetic running jersey and running shorts were still damp the next morning after being hung up overnight (no wind to aid the drying process--though I'm glad I was able to shelter them from the RAIN that night!)
I have read that some thru-hikers carry only a couple sets of clothes...one worn, one packed to stay dry. Is it just an expectation that we're going to be wet and smelly on the A.T. during summer months? Clothes were immediately soaked in sweat again yesterday shortly after beginning the remainder of my hike.
Appreciate any advice. I can deal with being wet every day, just want to know if this is just kind of expected for summer A.T. hikers...