I only have 60 days left until I start!! What am I forgetting.
I have the guide books and the planning spreadsheets. I am pretty comfrotable with my food packing and choices. I have my gear squared up.
What little things here and there might I be missing?
any and all help appreciated
thanks
James K
You got a little bit of food, small stove with fuel, sleeping bag, backpack, and shoes? You will be fine.
Remember you don’t need a lot of little stuff, keep you weight down (20-25 pounds)or less.
You are about to have the time of you life so stop sweating the small stuff. It is only 40 miles to the first resupply and then you can pick up one or two things that you might want.
SweetAss03
I am also wondering about logistical things people might have dealt with, things that might make sure the world they leave behind for 5 months doesn’t fall apart without them there.
James K
small phone book w/ phone numbers, access codes, future hostels, outfitters (rei, montrails, leki…), post offices … etc…
prepaid calling card
biking gloves (fingerless) use with hiking poles
biking arm warmers - perfect for regulating body heat and fast removal (remove w/o taking off backpack)
replace watch battery
silk sleeping bag liner
safety pin
Have a safe hike!
-Spiz
Spiz
Spend as much time as you can exercising and getting into really good shape before you start. Even if you get into decent shape, the AT will still kick your butt. It’s a different world out there.
Sleep outside and test out your gear as much as possible. A couple weekend overnight hikes would be good to learn, test gear, etc—get used to it, etc----and you’ll probably find out some things you’ll need/want to take from it also (and some things you don’t need). Cook some also like you would do on the trail. Use your gear, test it out.
Get some inputs from Bluebearee, Apple Pie, Bushwhack, and a few other well known and experienced hikers. I’ll trust their knowledge, wisdom, and advice.
Figure out how you’re going to do your money so you will have constant access to some, but not all of it with you all the time. Money orders, travelers checks sent to Post Offices along the way by someone back home is good.
See you out there.
:cheers
Maintain
If you can find time and a way to get there, all would be revealed by your attendance at the Northern Ruck in PA, or the Southern Ruck in NC.
Skyline
Be sure to carry along your sense of humor and a proper sense of perspective. If you leave those behind, you will really start missing them.
Double Stuff
When and where is the Southern Ruck? I live in Charleston, South Carolina right now so the drive might just be doable!
James K
How bout dental floss and a sewing needle? Makes good in a pinch when something breaks. How bout Campheed heel patches for blisters? Or maybe duct tape.How bout a pair of military wool glove inserts? How bout some of those heat pads to throw in the foot of your sleeping bag? Gets pretty cold in Ga in March. How bout some rum or bourban in a plastic bottle.
Virginian