How I did it: Started walking north from Springer Mountain 5/6/2010. Used David Miller's A.T. Guide to plan resupply/town stops on the go (this is the only way to do it-planning further than 5 days ahead on your thru-hike is massively futile). Hiked every day whether I felt like it or not (apart from my days off, which ended up numbering over 25 due to spending a week in DC with friends and getting Lyme disease). Summitted Katahdin 10/5/10.

Lessons & tips: Don't waste a lot of time planning the itinerary of your trip-all you need to plan for is from Springer to your first resupply (Walasi-Yi at Neels Gap if you're planning on taking it slow at first, otherwise Helen or Hiawassee). Focus instead on physical conditioning and preparedness (at least one overnight trip using the gear you plan to bring, know at least a few knots, etc.). Don't obsess over gear—I saw plenty of people finish the trail in spite of old 'crappy' gear. On that thread, don't think you need huge, heavy hiking boots; I saw more people succeed in trail runners. Use whatever you're comfortable with. Go as light as you can—force yourself to really question what's necessary and leave behind lots of 'typical' camping gear.

Resources: David Miller's A.T. Guide is hands-down the best guidebook available. Ray Jardine's various long distance hiking books are filled with a combination of nutty ideas and useful info. I'm a big fan of hammocks (Hennessy Hammock or similar, e.g. Warbonnet Blackbird) but tarps do well too (or a traditional tent if you don't mind the weight). I thought hiking poles were dorky and didn't use them at first, but got some after 100 miles to save my knees. Leki are a good brand. Salomon make badass hiking shoes, and Adidas adiStar Ravens are miraculously durable & comfortable.

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Nov 02, 2010, 03:01PM PDT | 1 comment | 3 cheers