Hi all,
Monday will be the start of my first time on the AT. I've got the week off, and I've decided to do something crazy. I'm going to drive to the Mason Dixon line, and hike the 41 (or so) miles to Harpers Ferry WV. Then I'm going to turn around, and hike back to my car. Thankfully the weather looks like it's going to be perfect for the trip, unusually cool for the end of July, with minimal chance of rain.
While I've done a lot of hiking, and a fair bit of camping, I've never done backpacking. Last night my new light weight sleeping bag arrived in the mail, so I packed my pack with everything I'm planning on bringing. Even before I finished packing I'd already cut a few things out. As it is, the pack weighs about 30lbs, including water. This is what's in it.
Hooded rain jacket
1 quick dry synthetic t-shirts
1 pair of shorts
5 pair wool socks
Sandals
Plastic poncho
Backpack3 liter waterskin
1 liter UV water bottle w/filter
tent
light sleeping bag
camp stove+steno
Small Cookpot
Cup
Spork
LED flashlight
Cell Phone
Solar Cell Charger
Book
TPSpade
First Aid kit
Emergency Kit (Whistle, Rope, Compass, Mirror, Matches, Duct Tape)
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Bug Spray
Trash Bag
8 power bars6 packets of oatmeal
3 Sandwich bags homemade trail mix
4 instant coffee packets
3 dinner packets
I've got an extra day built in that I can take if I need, and several people I can call to rescue me if I need it. I really really don't want to need it, but I'm worried that 20 miles a day with 30lbs might be beyond me 4 days in a row.
Any thoughts or advice? Am I missing anything? Am I crazy?
Cheers!
David