Preparing for the trail this time is much different from how it was two years ago. On my first hike (GA -> VA, 2010), I had a lot to learn. I had some experience with multi-day backpacking trips, but nothing on the same level as a five-week hike. I did a lot of reading, a lot of thinking and had to get quite a bit of gear (since all I really had at the time was a sleeping bag).
Last time, the whole operation seemed very odd and novel. I was learning a lot, and because of this, I felt that one of the roles of my previous blog was to share some of these lessons with my friends and family (and strangers?) who were following along. This time, there's not as much mystery. To a certain extent, I've got things figured-out. So... this blog is going to be a little bit different from my previous one. It will probably be more concise. Instead of giving background on gear or how things work on the trail, this blog will primarily be a way for people to keep tabs on me while I'm hiking. Who knows? Maybe once I get out there, I'll want to write more. But for now, it'll probably be pretty bare-bones.
I will say one thing about gear, though. Last time, I came away with the impression that I might be better off using an external frame pack (compared to the internal frame I had used back then). My thinking was that the external frame back would work better because it's easier to access things in my pack. With the internal frame pack, if I wanted to get something from the bottom of my pack, I'd have to unload everything that was on top of it. I was also thinking that an external frame pack might give better ventilation for my back. So, that's what I'm using this time. Almost no one uses external frame packs out on the trail. The thinking is that they're too heavy, and minimizing the weight you carry is one of the most important things you can do to improve the experience. So... I don't know how it will turn-out. Hopefully, it won't be too heavy.
I'm planning on leaving on the weekend of the 28th/29th (April). I'll be starting in Damascus, VA - which is where I finished on my last hike.
Just like last time, the updates will probably be pretty sporadic - maybe once a week.
Wish me luck!!
Last time, the whole operation seemed very odd and novel. I was learning a lot, and because of this, I felt that one of the roles of my previous blog was to share some of these lessons with my friends and family (and strangers?) who were following along. This time, there's not as much mystery. To a certain extent, I've got things figured-out. So... this blog is going to be a little bit different from my previous one. It will probably be more concise. Instead of giving background on gear or how things work on the trail, this blog will primarily be a way for people to keep tabs on me while I'm hiking. Who knows? Maybe once I get out there, I'll want to write more. But for now, it'll probably be pretty bare-bones.
I will say one thing about gear, though. Last time, I came away with the impression that I might be better off using an external frame pack (compared to the internal frame I had used back then). My thinking was that the external frame back would work better because it's easier to access things in my pack. With the internal frame pack, if I wanted to get something from the bottom of my pack, I'd have to unload everything that was on top of it. I was also thinking that an external frame pack might give better ventilation for my back. So, that's what I'm using this time. Almost no one uses external frame packs out on the trail. The thinking is that they're too heavy, and minimizing the weight you carry is one of the most important things you can do to improve the experience. So... I don't know how it will turn-out. Hopefully, it won't be too heavy.
I'm planning on leaving on the weekend of the 28th/29th (April). I'll be starting in Damascus, VA - which is where I finished on my last hike.
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| From AT 2012 |
Just like last time, the updates will probably be pretty sporadic - maybe once a week.
Wish me luck!!
Good luck, Matt! Back in the North American wilds!
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