Hello A.T. hikers!

It certainly seems like a lot of you more experienced A.T. hikers, and perhaps 2,000 milers especially, have made your bargains with the devil. I'm beginning my thru-hike in late April from Springer, and am fascinated by how many don't seem to treat their water at all, and who sleep with food in their tents.

Certainly problems get exaggerated online, and in the media in general, but these topics almost feel taboo to approach practically and realistically, given the chance for highly miserable outcomes!

How many folks actually do seal and hang a bear bag EVERY night on their thru-hike? Is it sorta a judgment call, like water treatment, based on current environmental conditions (water source, known bear activity/sightings)?

Thanks - lookin forward to meeting some of you out there soon!

Robby