From the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website:
"EQUIPMENT
The most predictable mistake thru-hikers make when they start is carrying too much stuff. Almost all hikers learn to trim their full pack weight to 20-35 lbs. or less after winter gear is sent home; those who don't end often up going home. Put as much effort into determining what you don't need as what you do. Conversely, thru-hikers starting in Georgia in March and early April often do not have adequate equipment for the snow, ice, and single-digit temperatures they will typically encounter in the high mountains above 5,000 and 6,000 feet in North Carolina and Tennessee. Winter conditions can also prevail on Mt. Rogers in southwest Virginia until mid-May, so northbound thru-hikers should wait to send cold-weather home gear until after reaching that point. "
Here's a link to the entire article on through-hike preparation:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiki...ng/preparation
By the way, don't try to climb Katahdin with a 30 lb pack. You can borrow a day pack from the park rangers and leave your overnight gear at the base on your summit day.
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