Update on My Appalachian Trail Hike

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One of the most taxing things about buying items for a massive hiking trek is whether or not it is going to be something that you are actually going to be able to use. For the Appalachian Trail hike I am going to need almost completely different things than for a weekend or week-long hike. I started ordering and testing out things like tents, air mattresses, clothing and gear to see what was going to work best for a longer hike. While it might seem like a waste to carry a griddle it is something that is going to pay off in the long run because I will always have something to cook on and the grilling surface allows for a wider assortment of food options. Since I will be buying a fishing permit for each state I will be hiking through, it will be nice to know that I can cook it on the griddle or on the pop-out wire rack that tucks in under the griddle. My backpack isn't small, it was something that a neighbor gave me when she was moving and I really never thought I would have use for something with a frame but it turns out that it's the perfect size. I will have to get some smaller bags for inside the backpack (for clean and dirty clothing, medications, sport bars etc). One of the coolest things about this framed pack is that there is a two inch deep zip-around pocket under the body of it that you can use for light weight things like storage bags, trash or dirty clothing. The griddle fits perfectly inside the middle section of the backpack with plenty of room for other things around it. One of the things I am not going to sacrifice is power; I invested in two solar chargers and I might pick up a couple more. I have been testing them out and they seem to have a really good 'shelf life' if the power isn't used within 48 hours. Even though my trek is postponed, I am trying to stay focused on training for it and stay in shape (as best I can at this stage of the game). That's easier said than done but I try to stay focused through the pain and all the disappointments that I've had to deal with. If nothing else I will be one of the most prepared hikers hitting the AT somewhere in the (hopefully) near future.