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Anonymous
Its always been a dream of mine to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, and I'm seriously thinking about going next spring. Any hikers with some protips to share?
>> Anonymous
I've never hiked anything as arduous as the AT, but I have some experience in backpacking. Here's a couple that you'll need. Always double sock. Synthetic on the inside, wool on the outside. It prevents friction from rubbing your feet raw. And always get boots that are half a size too big, as you're feet tend to swell after a long walk. And make sure they're broken in before you begin hiking.
>> Anonymous
good thing to do if you hate hiking, cause you will never want to do it again afterwards, but you can send the rest of you life telling people about your worthless accomplishment.
that is if you finish, which you wont, you'll get an ankle injury and try to continue on through the pain for a few more days until you're permanently crippled.
>> Anonymous
>>72868

Sounds like somebody's bitter they couldn't complete the trail.
>> Anonymous
>>72877THATS NOT WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR BBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW
>> Anonymous
>>72866

not 100% true. Certain brands work a hybrid sock w/a 'built in liner' that acts almost as well if not better. Some liners will fit so snug to your foot that theyll slide *inside* the outer sock and generate friction that way. I hiked much of the cascades and portions of philmont w/out a liner, worked out alright.

Broken in, definately. Part of it is comfort, i forget the exact brand of boot but after ive been on a few hikes the boots fit AMAZINGLY well, never blister or anything.

Otherwise id say do several trips from weekend lenght to week long beforehand to get an idea for the weather, trail conditions, ect. Pack *extremely* light and work up to a fast hiking speed so youre doing over 20 miles a day.
>> Anonymous
The usual, haste makes waste, better safe than sorry, plenty of slack in the plan, etc. And yes, friction = bad. It's not restricted to boots alone; just about anything that so much as rubs you in the wrong way will be a pain in the ass on a haul like this. Backpack is one point of intrest; make sure it's on your back like a second pair of buttocks. I've had my share of tards complaining about having a welt that eventually gets to the proportions that it reminds a siamese twin in their midbacks after not having the presence of mind to strap that pack on properly.