Originally Posted by
Scott P
11,000+ miles of long distance hiking here. There's a lot of guys on here with way more than me too! I started 1 long hike off a NCAA wrestling season. Started most of the other long hikes from a barstool. Started one coming off reconstructive surgery and 6 months bed rest. You can make it work, no problem.
If you have 4-5 months or more and $5,000+ then go for it. Start slowly and hike within your limits. 7-10 miles a day for the first week or two, max. Take rest days when needed Then start working up from there.
Getting a ride straight to Neel's gap and just outfitting there is probably smart. Just remember KISS: keep it simple, stupid. There's no reason to carry gear (not counting food/water) in excess of 10-12 pounds, and even as low as 4-6 pounds is pretty reasonable. Skip the odds and ends and carry the basics.
You probably want to show up to Neel's gap in well-fitting shoes that are a bit broken in (bought 1 size too large) and whatever shorts/t shirt you'd wear to go running. That's what I hike in.
Down sleeping bag, tarp, closed-cell foam sleeping pad, frameless backpack, cord, tent stakes. I'd buy a 35 or 40 degree sleeping bag if you're starting mid/late april. Plan on wearing puff vest+sleeping bag for cold nights.
running shorts, T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, long sleeve tights, one 'puff' vest, raincoat, hat, 1 extra pair warm socks, 1 extra pair running socks, running shoes (non-gore tex), cotton bandanna. Puff vest, warm socks, and long sleeve pants get sent home once you pass Pearisburg, VA. Once you hit mid-PA pick up some bug netting.
canister stove, fuel canister, appx 1L titanium pot, titanium spoon, 3 1L gatorade bottles, aquamira
Try to hit towns in the morning, get breakfast, run your errands, and get out before dinner. Eating before you go to the grocery store to resupply is key for me--a hungry shopper is a silly shopper. Ideally buy 3-5 days of food, until you hit the next town. If the next town is farther away then carry more. Add up how much everything weighs. At the start bring a touch under 2 pounds/day. You'll get a feel for it. Eat some fresh veggies on your way out of town, and don't be afraid to carry a few fresh things on the trail (fruits, veggies)
Staples:
Instant (anything): oats, grits, brown rice, quinoa, tabbouleh, TVP, etc. You don't need to cook instant oatmeal
Store Bought sauce to make foods interesting
Olive Oil
Flatbreads, cheese, sausage, tuna/chicken packets
Dried fruit, nuts, powdered milk
Crunchy Salty snack foods (chex mix, etc.)
Snickers bars (1 per day. AND NO EATING ALL OF THEM ON DAY 1)
I run best off of a high-complex carb diet, with a bit more protein+fat in my dinners. Fats are lighter to carry, but take more time and oxygen to digest. Find what works for you.
Some candy or gatorade type stuff on climbs can be nice too.
You need complete proteins. You don't need nearly as much as most uninformed opinions tend to think.
My day planning:
Wake up, pack ASAP, 30-60 minutes hiking
Stretches and breakfast (I cook double-sized dinners and have leftovers for breakfast)
Break remainder of day up into three sections. So if you're hiking 10 miles and covered one in your warm up, each session will be 3 miles
Hike a section, eat first lunch
Hike a section, eat second lunch
Hike a section, start dinner cooking, set up camp
Socialize +sleep