Hiking the Appalachian Trail Advice

[TNDiver]

I have done some weekend backpack trips, but we are going for almost a week in May.  We plan to hike the AT in the Smokeys.  Any advice?  I know they have shelters you are supposed to use, but I plan to bring a tent, just in case they are full or we are still in COVID rules.  I am looking at a couple books to read up on. Any suggestions or advice would be welcomed!

[Capt. BassinLou]

I have done some weekend backpack trips, but we are going for almost a week in May.  We plan to hike the AT in the Smokeys.  Any advice?  I know they have shelters you are supposed to use, but I plan to bring a tent, just in case they are full or we are still in COVID rules.  I am looking at a couple books to read up on. Any suggestions or advice would be welcomed!

A guy I know, does did those types of hikes, but his were month's long. He did the AT trail and the West coast trail. Fascinating stuff enduring the elements like that. One thing he would do is gain a good amount of weight before his expedition date.  He would always come back 30-40lbs lighter.

[Wizard]

A guy I know, does did those types of hikes, but his were month's long. He did the AT trail and the West coast trail. Fascinating stuff enduring the elements like that. One thing he would do is gain a good amount of weight before his expedition date.  He would always come back 30-40lbs lighter.

+1  I found that to be the case in the anti Atlas mountains of Morocco and the Hindu Kush. Two weeks on mountain trails and eating MREs will knock 20-30 pounds off.  A good idea is to use a slip style belt. It doesn't use holes and can tighten as much as you need.

Wizard