Well, I am 56 and my goal is to thru hike AT when I'm 60. I have done a lot of hiking and climbing over the years. All my efforts priorities right now when I hike are with the AT in mind. I am slowly replacing heavier stuff with lightweight stuff. I am dropping off stuff and re-thinking my hiking philosophy about the weight I carry. I don't want to wait until Harpers Ferry or somewhere to do this. I want to start out as light (AND prepared) as possible and MAKE IT ALL THE WAY TO MAINE!!!!! :-)