Getting started with a first time thru-hike.

[littlebrother]

I am planning on doing a NOBO thru-hike in 2013. I'm not new to backpacking, having spent time in Colorado and Arkansas but I realize that the A.T. is a totally different ball game than hiking 14ers or weekend trips. I've already begun to do my research and have ordered some books but I was hoping to get as much advice as I could from people that have actually done it.

[Mountain Mike]

Read online a lot before you spend money on more books. There are many great articles on here covering all aspects of a hike on the AT. From ultralight to hammocks, food, stoves, gear, etc. Also got to trailjournals.com & read some of the journals of people with like experince & age. The one thing I would purchase now is a companion guide. Either Awols that is one of the banner links here or Join ALDHA (Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association) With their, I believe $15 membership you can get their companion free online in PDA form or a hard copy. Either of these cover trail miles but most importantly town info for resupply. DO NOT waste money on each states guidebook. For a thru-hiker they are a waste of money. At most you will just need the maps & a companion guide.

Then decide what your basic stategy will be; Mail drops, buy as you go, or a combination. Ultralight, mid weight. Cook/no cook. etc. Then come back here & ask specific questions. I can't answer any vague question because I only know what works for me. So if you ask what is the best sleeping bag for the trail is you will get hundreds of different answers due to how people sleep (warm, vs cold) weight issues, cost, etc. BUt if you ask what is a good down bag in this temp ratine/ at this cost range it will narrow you search. Just like a net search.

Do some searches on this site & if you need further info ask questions. There is a vast background of resources here that are always willing to help. Just keep in mind it is the net & don't take us too seriously all the time. It's better to ask what you may think is a stupid question here than make a stupid mistake on the trail.

[Spokes]

You might find this 10 page article helpful. It covers all you need to know. Ignore the popup.

http://www.backpacker.com/november_2008_american_classic_hiking_the_appalach ian_trail/destinations/12530

Then become familiar with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/thru-section-hiking

Cheers

[BigHodag]

I recently assembled an Appalachian Trail Online Course (http://at-trail.blogspot.com/p/appalachian-trail-online-course.html). Might work your way through the many videos, articles, and discussions listed. Don't rush to buy your gear unless a specific item you've selected is on sale. Buy your pack last once you know how much you're carrying and what capacity you need.

Mountain Mike gave you some great advice, particularly about joining ALDHA and getting the digital companion PDFs. I carry a set on my phone.

You might also try and locate a Whiteblazer near you in Kansas that you can discuss your trip with. I mentored an aspiring thru-hiker this year.

[Blissful]

This is a good place to be. Also read online Trail Journals http://www.trailjournals.com from those who have done it. Or follow one now. They also post gear lists many times.