Its good you have Mrs. Data at home as support! I recruited my neice to be my support crew. Im sure there may be lots of gear changes early on, especially as seasons change.
I am truly a lucky man and I do not think I would be able to do this hike without Mrs. Data's logistical and psychological support back at the homestead.
@Data_on_trail it's so important to have that and it's not an easy job i am sure. They have to take care of so much while their hiker is on trail, and they dont ways get the recognition they deserve.
Pennsylvania was harder on my feet than Maine. You might like the Speedgoats more because of river crossings. I used Altra Lone Peaks and wore them in the water. After I flipped back Southbound I used Gortex Keen mids because I had snow. My new favorite is Altra Olympus . Using them on the PCT this April. Best of luck with your hike.
I take a single hiking pole. An old, old superlight Black diamond. I've wrapped a couple feet of leukotape, and a couple feet of duct tape, around the shaft. Patch your feet or your pants, our your tent. I bring a couple of bandannas: multi use. Keep the sun off your neck, keep the sweat out of your eyes, adds a little style.
As far as your selection of clothing, the way I look at it, I'm carrying what I think will work, and I'm going to wait and see what does or doesnt once I get out there. I can always send things home or pick up what does work from outfitters along the way. No need to switch out too much until you actually get out there and see what works and what doesn't. Someone else may have different ideas, or be more experienced, but they aren't you.
![How to THRU HIKE the APPALACHIAN TRAIL [Checklists for 4 Phases of Preparing]](/img/n.gif)
Its good you have Mrs. Data at home as support! I recruited my neice to be my support crew. Im sure there may be lots of gear changes early on, especially as seasons change.
I am truly a lucky man and I do not think I would be able to do this hike without Mrs. Data's logistical and psychological support back at the homestead.
@Data_on_trail it's so important to have that and it's not an easy job i am sure. They have to take care of so much while their hiker is on trail, and they dont ways get the recognition they deserve.
Pennsylvania was harder on my feet than Maine. You might like the Speedgoats more because of river crossings. I used Altra Lone Peaks and wore them in the water. After I flipped back Southbound I used Gortex Keen mids because I had snow. My new favorite is Altra Olympus . Using them on the PCT this April. Best of luck with your hike.
That's some really good and helpful advice. Thanks. Good hiking on the PCT. I'll be following along.
I take a single hiking pole. An old, old superlight Black diamond. I've wrapped a couple feet of leukotape, and a couple feet of duct tape, around the shaft. Patch your feet or your pants, our your tent.
I bring a couple of bandannas: multi use. Keep the sun off your neck, keep the sweat out of your eyes, adds a little style.
Thanks for the style tips, especially. I do have black diamonds and have Luke tape on one and duck tap on the other.
As far as your selection of clothing, the way I look at it, I'm carrying what I think will work, and I'm going to wait and see what does or doesnt once I get out there. I can always send things home or pick up what does work from outfitters along the way. No need to switch out too much until you actually get out there and see what works and what doesn't. Someone else may have different ideas, or be more experienced, but they aren't you.
You are very right about all of that, especially the adapting as I go part. Still workin on that...