2019 App Trail Thru Hike: Going To School

Getting a "shakedown" at Mountain Crossings as I prepare for my early April Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike departure

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While I've been interested in hiking and backpacking for a while, my exposure has been more the storytelling variety. I really don't "know" anything and haven't really "done" anything, so I've been busy trying to get up to speed in order to give myself a decent chance.

Where to start? Google, of course (this list is just an overview of all that's out there):

Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC): Organization managing the Appalachian Trail
National Park Service: The ATC works in partnership with the NPS and the Forest Service

The Trek: Non-intimidating user friendly information
REI: Big box retailer, but still has some trail cred
Clever Hiker: Non-intimidating user friendly information
Darwin: Fun hipster guy with some charismatic youtube videos
Homemade Wanderlust: Dixie dishes with a fun chick attitude
Evan's Backpacking Videos: Love this guy. I really relate to him age-wise and to his analytical style. It was so informative going back and watching his older youtube videos to see how his 2018 AT thru hike preparations evolved over a couple years. He lists books and resources in his youtube video notes. The comments from these sites are also informative.
Handstand: Neat girl Evan hiked with during his thru hike
Early Riser: Good ole boy, ex-military, vlogged his 2017 thru hike with good advice and heartfelt struggles to overcome ego and become more mindful
Walking With Wired: One of my favorite interviews from Sounds of the Trail podcast
White Blaze Stories From The Trail: One of many youtube documentaries on hiking the AT

The Trek AT Gear Surveys: Surveys of what gear people used on the AT
HalfwayAnywhere: Surveys of what gear people used on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Hiking Life: Good list of more advanced backpacking sites

White Blaze: Long time home of the AT trail community
Trail Journals: People writing about their journeys is a tradition and great place to learn
Then The Hail Came: Classic trail journal from 1983
Post Holer: Non-AT specific trail community

AT (AWOL) Guide: Guidebook of choice for hiking the AT
GutHook App: Mobile app of choice for hiking the AT