New here! With "large" issues

[squeezebox]

I reread the OP. Bigtoe has been an athlete all his life, he knows about nutrition, bulking up, loosing wt, training etc. I could learn a lot from him.
He did ask about equipment.
Big Toe: The Cottage industry folks really know their stuff about sewing. a longer tent should be within easy range , A slightly modified double sleeping bag might work well. 2- 20" regular air mattress would be wide enough, for your feet, a short mattress or some mattresses can be cut down safely. ( check with manufacturer about weight limits, or custom availability) You know where to get athletic clothing your size, so they could likely make hiking clothing ( fleece top & bottom, wool longies,wool Tshirts etc. Wool Socks Darn tough? You'll need a pack (1 1/2 normal size)? I would think most of the Expedition manufactures make many fewer equipment pieces so that it's almost custom made. All your stuff is much larger so a 100-130 L pack with longer shoulder straps hip belt etc. I'm thinking should be within range. The folks that make -60 down jackets should be able to make you a 0-10* jacket. All these cottage folks know their stuff about sewing. You've been big for a long time, so you know about custom clothing. Money? Oh yeah it's going to be expensive! Particularly on a Subtitiute teachers salary, Maybe you could get a few endorsement deals. I'm sure you know how to do the fight score win thing. So fight score win, White Blaze folks will help.

[chelko]

I feel your pain. Although I am not as tall as you I was also an OL in college (30 years ago). I am still 6'3 and weigh 320. My son also played in college and he still weighs 275. We found that the most important things to a successful backpacking trip are. Base layers. Underarmor boxer briefs. Wicking and long enough to prevent chaffing. No problem with fit there. Pack, my issue has always been a large enough pack (face it your underwear is larger than most peoples whole wardrobe) and suspension. I recommend a Gregory Palasades or larger. Very adjustable with larger hip belts available. MOST IMPORTANT boots, if your feet give out you are screwed. You need a good foundation, and your increased size will wear them out quicker that a normal sized hiker will. I use Kayland and love them in a 14. They may have 16 you will have to check. The previous post about military issue mountain combat boots may be your best bet. Try a pair and if they work plan on at least three pair for your hike. Good luck.

[yerbyray]

Bigtoe,

Try Campmor's website...i think it is www.campmore.com as they have a big and tall section. Also look at http://www.bigcamo.com/

Good Luck!!!!

[Wise Old Owl]

Well you gear junkies covered the subject very well

Here is another Football guy discussing his weight and psychology about 3 minutes in

But take a moment and watch the whole thing...because he completed the journey.

[jdc5294]

I'm a huge fan of Keen boots (http://keenfootwear.com/) and I know they have sizes all the way up to 17W. I can personally reccomend the Targhee II Mid, a pair of those took me halfway through the trail. I've known a couple larger guys who use Keen and they can't say enough about them.