Before continuing, I would like to thank the administrators/owners of this site for providing an outstanding and highly informative venue for hiking and AT questions. I've read quite a few books about the AT and hiking in general, and this site has proved to be more informative than anything I've yet to find.
By way of introduction, I'm a 43 yr. old male, 210 lbs., and in reasonably good condition (weight lifting fanatic, not much aerobic activity). I think that I want to do a 2005 thru-hike, but to better determine if I have the physical ability and mental fortitude to do it, I am planning a 150-200 mile section hike of the AT late this summer or early autumn. I initially thought of doing a section in VA, but after reading, now I'm leaning toward starting at Springer.
All that said, I have quite a few questions, and apologies in advance if they seem totally stupid or answered elsewhere but overlooked by me.
The first question concerns what to obtain first? I bought boots last week on the theory that they should be broken in well beforehand; but after that purchase, what next? I've read that one should obtain all basic gear and THEN buy a pack that accomodates it. However, it seems that 95% use a pack in the 3500-4000c.i. range, and from what I've read, the Osprey packs seem to do well for people in my age range/condition, so would it make sense to buy the pack now and then gear later? (There is a sale on Osprey at a local outfitter, thus the impetus to buy now).
Second, are tent "footprints" a good idea? I've looked at the MRSs, the Flashlight CDs, the Ultra Lightyear, and the Nomad Lites. Some websites suggest them; some don't.
In a related question, I'm leaning toward a tent that utilizes trekpoles in assembly in order to reduce weight and to avoid one more thing that I will probably break (a tent pole). Do tent poles tend to break? Is that a legit. concern? Lots seem to use the Flashlight CD or Ultra Lightyear -- any problems with them? From what I've seen, the MSR Missing Link seems appealing -- although 3 lbs., I like the amount of space.
Third, I just finished reading "White Blaze Fever" and have read numerous trailjournals.com journals. But I'm curious what people do with their packs when they go into a restaurant or store -- leave them outside and risk theft?; carry them inside? Also, at night and when in a tent, do most keep their packs in the tent, especially during rain? If so, then it seems that most of the 1-man ultralight tents are too small. Yes?
Fourth, nearly everyone talks about mosquitoes being a nuisance, particularly in shelters. Is DEET the standard defense? A mosquito net?
Fifth, the author of "White Blaze Fever" talks about using a "squeeze bottle with filter" - what's that? Is it simply a bottle with filtration adequate to remove most/all microorganisms? He never indicated if he also used chemicals to avoid potential illness. Any clue? I do not want to get sick on the trail, and any suggestions regarding water would be welcome.
Thanks for any info or suggestions that you may provide.
Dainon Squires
Lexington, KY
[email protected]