Anyone hiked the Appalachian trail?

That section of the at has shelters every few miles. Carry a trash bag for your pack, hike in the rain in just shorts, dry off when you arrive. Knock your miles off by getting up before sunrise so ypu can get moving at dawn. Then if it is raining you will arrive at 2pm or so and can cozy up and dry off then. carried nothing shelterwise for the duration

 

I'm am jealous, I was a child when I did my hike. Don't know that I could take 5.5 months off or even a month. Still have PCT dreams though. Have fun you will meet alot of awesome people.

 

Yes, it has shelters every few miles. The weather can also quickly turn into something risking hypothermia during much of the year. I live 70 miles from Springer and while I've not thru hiked, I've spent many many nights in the NGa/TN/NC mountains in the twenty years I've lived here.

 

Did I mention second skin? JK , probably the most important thing next to somehow making water potable.

 

I've done around 100 miles straight in the NC/TN/VA section. As stated above, if you don't absolutely need it, don't bring it. Every ounce counts. Don't be that guy that starts the AT with a brand new pair of shoes either. Wear shoes that you've hiked in before that you know are comfortable and aren't going to give you a million blisters.
Whiteblaze.net will have every answer you could possibly need.

 

This ^^^ I'll say it again, pack weight is the MOST important factor in this endeavor. If you aren't going to use it every day and it's not socks, lose it. Shaving 20# off your pack weight can be quantitatively measured in enjoyment. My empty bag on the way into town was in the # teens. Then again I was young and healthier than I am now.

 

I also completely agree. Low pack weight has the secondary effect of letting you skip those old fashioned clod hoppers and getting into trail runners.

 

My pack weight will be a little on the heavy side, most likely 25 pounds or so. I will have some camera equipment. As for shelter, some are raddy and worn down and they fill up pretty quick with other hikers. I will be hanging for shelter. I have a Hennessey hammock system that weighs around 3#. I think I can handle a little more weight. Its not an 85lbs ruck and im not wearing body armor, im kinda used to that now haha. Im not bringing a lot of clothes. 1 shirt 2-3 pair of ranger panties socks and silk weights. That's it. If I need new clothes I will buy/mail them to myself along the way. that's how Im saving weight.

 

Sounds like you are on the right track! Jelly here!!

 

If you have camera gear consider doing a time lapse, record a half mile or even a few hundred yards a day then stitch togetherand speed up. I've seen some that did this with great results.

 

I can do that, Ill have a gopro on the end of a walking stick, head mount batteries and a solar charger.

 

Wish I could go too....
You will have tons of fun!

 

Im luck enough to have about 35 days after I get out of the Army to the time I start working. Im pretty happy about that lol. My goal eventually is to do the whole thing in one go.

 

I'm definitely jealous.

Have a great trip. What time of year you starting out?

 

I hoping to start in the next few weeks. I know it will be cold but im a big dude and im done with the heat. The Army has made me hate everything hot haha

 

It'll be a fantastic time of year to do that hike. Just be prepared for sub-freezing overnight temperatures, especially at elevation. Also as you likely know, north Georgia and surrounding areas are in drought, which can affect some of the less reliable springs. Shouldn't be any problem for your hike, but do be sure to check Whiteblaze or other resources for any reports so you can be forewarned.

 

Great trail and great memories. When I was a teen and into early 20s I used to do trail running races on the AT. Usually 100mile competitions. I've also have been fortunate enough to section hike most parts from Georgia to PA. Now for my run-on sentence of tips: have water, plan your supply drops, let people know your itinerary, bring mole skin and extra socks, break in your boots or shoes before going, have signal (whistle, air horn, mirror, etc), small sewing kits are helpful for long travel (include fishing line in it. Great for emergency stitches), and I could go on all day. Most importantly, don't rush yourself to exhaustion. Be smart and revel in the beauty of nature.

 

Thank you everyone. Been a huge help. Im definitely doing it now haha