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I recently tried on an women's Osprey Aura. It is super comfortable, too. Right now it is on sale at BlackCreek outfitters 20% off. Decisions, decisions. Yes, I am actually thinking about trading...

You say you will be the really slow guy ... and I will be right behind you in 2017. Plan on taking my time and enjoying every minute of not being at work. A bad day of hiking has got to be better...

Yes, the October is my first "real hike" and shake down with all my gear. After that I will be doing a few weekend hikes thru out the Florida winter. But I am walking every weekend with a weighted...

The men's version weighed less and cost less. But now am rethinking that I might go with a quilt.

Doing just that shake down hike in October at Springer Mountain for 5 days. I will definitely take you advice about Mountain Crossings. Thanks.

Looks like we will both be starting the trail around the same time. I was shooting for March 1st start date.
I have not used my sleeping bag or pad yet, and am pretty sure I will be returning it for...

Super great advise!! I like the way you think. Since I am starting in March I am very concerned with cold nights.
But fear is a dangerous thing and I certainly appreciate your perspective.
I just...

One more thing about REI...when you live in Florida there are no outfitter stores to check out. REI is all we have. And the staff there, well they will sell you whatever you want and can convince you...

Yes. I went to REI to get fitted for a pack. Then I spent months reading about all the different packs. Here in Florida and over the years, I have always used a smaller pack and didn't fuss over...

I tried on a couple ultra light packs and also tried a friend's who swore by her pack. Once loaded with weight it was ackward. When a put on the Gregory with 10 extra pounds loaded in, it felt better...

My pleasure. Twenty years, US Navy enlisted.

I have been planning on 15 for food / water. Just like you said.
Yes, I have a spread sheet for gear. Great advise. Great minds think alike. :)

Yes - no one says you have to fill it up. That Gregory pack sure is comfy empty !!!

I have been reading everything I can get my hands on when it comes to people's post-hike thoughts. Discussing exactly that - what they started with and what they used / didn't use. Then I cram all...

Trying super hard to get it to 25 lbs before food/water. So, if you are saying total under 20 then what goal for total pack weight?
Based on my height and all, they say max weight of 45 lbs. Now, I...

I tried on alot of packs, and have used smaller packs hiking day hikes that always end up rubbing me somewhere. The Gregory fit so well and seems to carry the weight well. I looked at lightweight...

Thanks for that. I keep forgetting that there will be opportunities for adjustments along the way. Doing a shake down for 5 days at Amacalola Falls this October. That will be a real eye opener (and...

I am planning for a NOBO thru hike in 2017. This will be the biggest adventure ever for me. Trying so hard to keep my total pack weight down but every choice of gear seems to boil down to weight vs....

for what it is worth to you -
I think that if you read all you can about planning an AT thru hike, read alot of these threads, and go on other websites - you will be able to digest it all and...

I am taking the plunge and planning to step foot as a NOBO on March 1, 2017.
My plans are to do it solo, but do not expect to be alone on the trail and look forward to meeting people as part of the...