I have searched these forums without much success for answers to some of the questions/concerns I have. I started a thru-hike in 2002 at the age of 43 and made it all the way to Gorham, NH before having to leave due to an emergency job situation. I went back about 10 years ago and did some other short sections, including climbing Katahdin, but now I want to take the month of August to finish the sections I missed: Gorham to the Kennebec River (146 miles, including the Mahoosucs, Baldpate, Bemis, Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Bigelow, etc.) and then from Katahdin Ironworks Road to Katahdin (the last 79 miles). Yes, I know - that stretch from Gorham to the Kennebec River is really difficult, especially for someone who is not in great trail shape anymore. I plan to keep my daily mileage fairly low and slack pack as often as is feasible.
1. What has changed about hiking the AT in the last 20 years? The biggest thing I am aware of is that smart phones have taken the place of carrying maps - with apps like FarOut, it’s easy to pinpoint your location on the trail and get up to the minute information on water sources and other important information. I won’t have to carry books, a paper journal, or a camera. Communicating with other hikers, shuttles, lodging, friends, and family is so much easier too (the comments in FarOut even indicate where there is cell phone reception). I don’t remember anyone having a cell phone in 2002 - we all used our calling cards from pay phones when we hit a trail town.
2. What do you do when fording rivers? Change into different shoes to keep your trail runners and socks dry? That’s what I did in 2002, and it was always a big hassle, but I didn’t have to do it very often. However, I’m afraid that’s going to be a more frequent issue on the remaining sections in Maine. I’ve even thought about carrying some heavy duty contractor bags to wear over my shoes while crossing rivers so I don’t have to do the shoe swap.
3. How many socks do you carry? I was thinking 3 pairs should be enough, but maybe I need 4 if I will have a lot of river crossings.
4. Bear-proof containers are required for backpacking trips here in Washington, but what about the AT - what do you do with your food bag at night? In 2002 I started out hanging my bag away from my tent every night, but after I finished the Smokies, where it was required, I didn’t bother anymore - I just kept the bag in my tent, which is what I remember most other people doing as well. Has that changed at all, particularly in Maine?
5. I will be carrying my FroggToggs rain jacket, but do I need to bring a lightweight down jacket for Maine in August (I could always use it for a pillow)?