See Bags Go

You see people’s true colors when they realize you’re doing something that they believe is a horrible mistake. You get the caring, harmless worriers saying, “can I put a tracker in your arm?” or “don’t get eaten by a bear.” You get the people who don’t get why you’re doing it: “I can’t understand why you’d do this to yourself” or “the PCT is cooler.” Then, there’s my least favorite: “don’t go because what if you fail.”

Everyone has said something when they find out I’m doing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Some are excited for me, nervous for me or happy that I’m stoked for this adventure. Many have tried to stop me from going. So, clearly, amidst all these naysayers, I’ve decided to use up all my teenage rebellion that I didn’t use in the first place. I’ll go on the trail despite those who’ve tried to convince me otherwise—I’ll finish or I won’t. Regardless of the end-game, it’ll be a wild ride that I can’t yet fathom. If you’re on board with my adventure, take a look at the details, packing list and all the planning I’ve done that is sure to go out the window as soon as I set foot on the trail.
The Dirty Deets:

I’m rolling out beginning of March for a chilly start on the Approach Trail with my friend, Kyle. My Mom thinks it’s good to be going with a friend so I can feed him to the bear and make my getaway if we ever get attacked.

Luckily, both Kyle and I have skills to bring to the hike, which should save us in dire backcountry emergencies. Kyle: dad jokes and the ability to drink twice as much Pabst as the average man. Me: dance moves and laugh-crying.

My pack isn’t ultralight, but it’s not crazy heavy (base weight: about 16 lbs). I got the pack weight down by wearing tall socks and shorts instead of pants, a skill passed onto me from my brother’s après ski lifestyle.

It will be a pretty straight shot to Maine aside from a week-long break I’m taking to see one of my best friends get married in North Carolina. Somehow, I’ll have to hitch a ride down there in all my smelly glory. I’m saying a preemptive “you’re welcome” to the friendly stranger who lends me a seat in their car.
The Trail:

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile trail that spans from Georgia to Maine. Hikers start in the Spring if going from South to North, which is what I’m doing. Hikers trek through and sleep in the forest with stops in towns along the way for showers, food and rest about every 4-7 days. It goes through 14 states and there is approximately a 464,500′ gain/loss in elevation along the way, about the same as if you ascended and descended Mount Everest 8 times.
The Gear List (as of now):