Let me preface this by saying - I love nature. I grew up desiring to be in the woods at any available moment. I know better than to go on trips like this unprepared, that being said - this will be the single biggest outdoors trip I'll have completed. I fly into ATL April 12th and will be on the AT by the 15th. I plan on doing the approach trail with 2 friends on the 14th.
This is a pilgrimage for me of sorts. Actually - not of sorts. It's a huge break from life for me. I will have no other responsibilities than to complete it (by October 1st - have a wedding to attend later that month).
Here's where I'd like some advice - words of encouragement - or whatever words of wisdom the board can offer.
I'm "making do" with what I have. Because what I don't have is money for new or different gear. Not even a penny. Every penny I do have will be for food resupplies and what I need in any various towns. I'm worried about a few things I have. I'm not an ultralight enthusiast, or even lightweight enthusiast. I absolutely see the merits of both, just can't afford that route right now. So I'll only be bringing what I absolutely need, no home comforts except for an emergency cell phone and my camera and the chargers for both (I'm hoping to be able to get some free electricity while resupplying or visiting a town).
Here's my gear list;
Kelty Redwing Pack - Internal Frame
3/4" Closed cell foam sleeping pad.
Lightweight (but warm) REI sleeping bag
MSR Whisperlite International stove w/ fuel bottle
MSR Gravity Fed water filter
Camelback bladder
Nalgene water bottle
750ml pot... spork
Sandals for when lounging/0 days/around camp
Extra pair of shorts, a tshirt for lounging, long sleeve wicking shirt to stay warm, extra socks
Sunglasses
Bandanna
Bug spray/Sunscreen/Toothbrush/Paste/Deodorant/Camp towel/Trowel/Roll of TP
Motrin/Prescription medicine/Chapstick/Eye drops
Couple journals, pen, pencil
Heavy duty trash bag to line the inside of my pack
Heavy duty trash bag(2) rolled and velcroed to quickly cover the outside of my pack
Small amount of paracord for tent tie downs (and lightweight tent stakes)
My major concern is the tent. I have a Kelty Getaway 4. This is clearly larger than most anyone would bring, but it's literally all I have - it will keep me dry, keep out bugs, and those both matter to me. I don't plan on staying in the shelters unless really necessary. How big of a deal is this?
Another concern is boots vs. shoes. My boots are amazing, they are broken in, can be waterproofed(ish), and have good ankle support. But they are HEAVY. The other option is tennis shoes. Which are lightweight, but if they get wet, will be torture. Thoughts here?
The only other (small) concern is walking stick necessity. I love the idea of having one. I love the idea of finding/crafting one even more.
I'm wordy - so I'll knock it off now. Thanks for any advice, support, laughs, words of encouragement, or "get the hell off the trail you are clearly out of your league"! See some of you out there this spring/summer.