I finally got my package from REI-OUTLET!!! My tent and sleeping bag, aka home for the next six months, have arrived. The tent is an REI Roadster -- I wouldn't recommend it. It's kind of tricky to set up and not the lightest option out there. It's rather roomy for a one person though. I got it at a great deal ($40) so it was worth it for me.
I'm going to test the whole set up outside tomorrow night -- should be in the low teens, just what i'll be expecting in Tennessee in January.
Only 20 more days. My parents are trying to talk me into postponing my hike until the 20th since I'm not very prepared yet and they don't want to stress out over christmas. What do you all say? Do I "stay the course" and start on the first, or is 20 days more preparation going to help significantly?