Good day.
Hey there potential 05 AT hikers!
I am conditioning and planning for a NOBO assult beginning mid to late February. Partly to beat the big rush but mainly because I love cold weather camping. And the storms don't scare this good ol boy. Without a little adversity where would the adventure be, right?
Anyhow, I have purchased the backbone of my gear. Backpack, bag, stove etc. By the way, the MSR pocket rocket, so far, is unbelievable. Its light, sturdy. You've got a nob to adjust temperature and the fuel bottle is disposable. I also really like this Mountainsmith Mountainlite Auspex pack. Oh its lite but they rubbered over the zippers to truly make this water tite. ALso the pack features a zipper down the side so you can get to your inner gear quick. At first I was suspect of the hipbelt and shoulder strap system. You know-the simplicity. They seem to work well. I;ve never put on a pack regardless of the pack job and felt so balanced.
In another thread, the topic of water purification came up: Iodine, Polar Pure, Chlorine or a pump. Many of the past Thru hikers spoke of using the method resulting in the least amount of packweight.
What are your thoughts about water purification?
Also, how many folks who are planning a 05 AT Thru hike are living in the Nashville, TN area?
Jason
aka Three Moose