Quote Originally Posted by Lone Wolf View Post
what's a 17 year old doin' without an adult parent or guardian with him? there's certain hostels i wouldn't let a young man like that visit
There is absolutely no reason why a 17y/o wouldn't or shouldn't be able to hike the trail, the young mans age I'm sure had nothing to do with the thieves proclivities for theft. I hope that the young man he is okay and is managing until he gets his pack and gear back. If a 17y/o can join the Army and die he or she can certainly hike the trail.