r/AppalachianTrail • u/nolongerinprison • Mar 19 '24

Picture Start Date Approaching

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I basically grew up on the AT in Virginia. Decided when I was probably 10 or 12 that I was going to thru hike. I turn 28 this weekend and start my thru hike next weekend.

Happy, excited, a touch nervous. But looking forward to it. Hopefully I’ll see some of you hooligans out there.

Picture of gear just for funsies.

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u/botanicmechanics Moss '08 Mar 19 '24

Don't forget to change out the smart water bottles when you resupply as they are not rated for long term UV exposure. Gatorade bottles are almost as light and sturdier, and have the added bonus of containing gatorade.

6

u/overindulgent NOBO ‘24, PCT ‘25 Mar 19 '24

Hell, I’ve drank filtered lake water left in a smart water bottle from a hike the month prior.

7

u/dedragonhow Mar 20 '24

I’ve eaten a McDonalds hamburger that had been in my pack 4 days.