Hello everyone,
My name is Bomber - I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail this past year. I am currently proudly serving in the USAF and itching to get back on the trail and hike somewhere.... unfortunately i have lots of training left and will unable to for some time.. So I figured I could offer some help.

Before hiking the trail I worked at two different outdoor retail stores, I have also climbed the grand teton, aconcagua (22,851ft), and many other mountains. I am knowledgeable about the gear and techniques. That being said though I will give you my opinion and reasoning on whatever you ask, this does not mean it is the best/only way. Just my way. I will try and present other ways when I am able to.

The trail:
Start Date: March 15th, 2012
Finish Date: July 4th, 2012
Average miles per day: 20+
Longest day: 62.4 miles
Total Days: 112 days
Pack base weight: 11.65 lbs (varied earlier on)
Gear List: http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5703

Now that you know my setup, this gives you a little base knowledge of where I come from and used. Please ask away. I urge everyone to make their gearlist on geargrams. It is free and very easy to use and allows for a very organized chart which is essential to getting it right the first time. I only dropped a few pieces of gear from the start - it avoided the initial holy sh** to much gear at the start.

My slideshow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAiRo...ature=youtu.be
That is a 35 minute video I made documenting my trip on the A.T. Take a look at it to see all about the trip. Please take the time to leave a comment on it and like/dont like. I appreciate the favor it helps get the video out there more.

My Trailjournals:
www.trailjournals.com/ericmckinley
I documented my trip daily and posted informative post nearly every day - great to see how i felt along the trip and how i kept going every day.

And on that note... ask away.