Originally Posted by
Bansko
Fuel: You're going to use less than you think. I used both small and large at times, but I could get by about week with the small ones. You may find, as I did, that you sometimes choose to not fire up the stove at all.
Odor-proof bear sack: Completely unnecessary. Just go with hanging your food bag.
Tent space: I spent four nights within a quarter mile of a shelter during my thru hike - They're a little too urban for my tastes. Sometimes finding a tent spot was easy, and sometimes it was difficult. Some of the spots I found were pristine and beautiful, and some less so. I did quite a bit of stealth camping, but it can be a challenge in places. Don't wait until just before sundown to start looking, as I did a little too often.
Rides: I did a lot of hitchhiking, walking while I hitched. That required caution on roads with no shoulders though. At times I had to walk against traffic for self-preservation. If I got a ride, that was great. I usually didn't offer money, but sometimes did if people seemed a little down on their luck, or if it was a longer ride. You get a feel for what is appropriate.