As the title says, I'm new to backpacking, in fact, although I've day hiked many, many trails on the west coast, I have never backpacked, so have a few questions for those more experienced then I, particularly about bear bagging and the specific section of the AT I want to hike.
I'm planning to take advantage of some time off in early June to backpack from Damascus, VA to either I-81 near Atkins, or to I-77 near Bland. It appears as if some of that stretch may be sparsely treed, and I was wondering if there are significant stretches where there may not be suitable trees for hanging a bear bag? If so, what do you do?
As an aside, is it worth saving the weight and hanging a bear bag rather then carrying a canister? I hate to add the weight of one, but it sounds as if hanging a bear bag is a PIA, and maybe that may make the weight penalty almost worth it... advice?
Second question... would the first week in June be long enough after trail days in Damascus (May 15-17) for those who attended to have moved on or would I still find a bit of a crowd?
Finally... for warmth that time of year, would a very light weight down jacket and a rain jacket be sufficient or should I pack a fleece too? What's the usual June weather in that area?
Thanks for your input!