Fun Facts for the Appalachian Trail

Many people start out at Springer Mt, Georgia, intending to thru-hike the entire length of the trail to Katahdin. About 10-15% actually make it. That means the drop-out rate is almost 90%.
Reasons for leaving:
Personal injury, illness, finances, weather, homesickness, hiking partner quits, run out of time to finish.

Physical challenges on the trail:
Blisters, chaffing, shin splints, broken bones, knee problems, back problems, foot problems, sunburn, frostbite, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, malnutrition, diarrhea, giardia, lyme disease, severe weight loss, cuts, bruises, sprains, etc.. But most of the people who leave the trail don't leave because of physical injury. The fittest and most experienced people are not necessarily the ones who complete the hike. It comes down to mental toughness and desire to complete a goal.

Test Run

An urban test run with our fully loaded or nearly fully loaded packs may not be the way to gauge the conditions of the A.T., but it did give us a few answers we were looking for. Mike's test run - The backpack I have chosen is an ULA Circuit, 4,200 cubic inches and weighs only 2 lbs 4oz. My test run pack loaded, weighed 29 lbs. I really like this pack, and I spent many hours researching the many different backpack they have on the market now, and came up with this pack. It is hand-made in a garage of the owner of the company ULA, in Utah. This is a popular pack on the A.T. by those who wish to hike lightweight, as this pack has a recommended maximum load of 35 lbs, I hope to keep my pack under 30 lbs, including 3 to 4 days of food and 2 liters of water. The test run was a 4 mile out and back on the pavement. I was very happy with the comfort, and the way the pack fits on my body. Next test will be in the woods, and a few hills to climb. Stay tuned!