AT thru-hikers planning

[House of Payne]

I have seen the AMC offer workshops for thru-hikers planning, but the events end up being in the middle of winter and 4 hours away from me. Does anyone know of anything like this that would be a little more regional and during the 3 warmer seasons? I'm in no hurry, my thru-hike is planned for 2014. I'm just trying to get into anything I can to be well informed.
Thanks,
House

[Mags]

I have seen the AMC offer workshops for thru-hikers planning, but the events end up being in the middle of winter and 4 hours away from me. Does anyone know of anything like this that would be a little more regional and during the 3 warmer seasons? I'm in no hurry, my thru-hike is planned for 2014. I'm just trying to get into anything I can to be well informed.
Thanks,
House

You are in Mass..check out the ALDHA Gathering in Williamstown, MA this October. Lots of workshops for the AT, lightweight backpacking, other trails ,etc. Being October, many recent thru-hikers whose brains you can pick, too.

Check it out:

http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm

[10-K]

Not exactly what you're asking about but check your local community college. When I lived at the beach - hundreds of miles from any mountains - I discovered that our community college offered a backpacking class that lasted an entire semester.

[House of Payne]

Thanks Mags. I looked at the site for a quick minute, sounds like a good idea.

[WingedMonkey]

I have seen the AMC offer workshops for thru-hikers planning, but the events end up being in the middle of winter and 4 hours away from me. Does anyone know of anything like this that would be a little more regional and during the 3 warmer seasons? I'm in no hurry, my thru-hike is planned for 2014. I'm just trying to get into anything I can to be well informed.
Thanks,
House

Try the Berkshire Chapter, they spend less time running to the Whites than the Boston Chapter.

[Spokes]

Read and print this 10 page Backpacker magazine article on hiking the AT (ignore the pop-ups). It gives lots of good insights and even breaks down the trail by section to give you an idea of what to expect.

If you have gear questions check out this tried and true cold weather list. It's all you really need. Well except for a trash compactor bag for a pack liner. Tweak for summer to go even lighter.

Cheers!

[House of Payne]

Read and print this 10 page Backpacker magazine article on hiking the AT (ignore the pop-ups). It gives lots of good insights and even breaks down the trail by section to give you an idea of what to expect.

If you have gear questions check out this tried and true cold weather list. It's all you really need. Well except for a trash compactor bag for a pack liner. Tweak for summer to go even lighter.

Cheers!

Appreciate the info Spokes, will take a look...

[ScottP]

Check out Mag's website too. It's very high quality.