#138 | Hiking the AT: How to Prepare, Reduce Pack Weight, and Transition Post Trail

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things Appalachian Trail (drink?).  Everybody's favorite honorary third co-host, Jabba, joins us in a roundtable of tips we would offer someone looking to take on a long distance backpacking trip on the AT (drink).  We touch on budgeting tips, ways to reduce your pack weight, advice for ensuring you complete your goal, insight on how to transition post-trail, and much more.   We round out the show with a triple crown of dance moves, some fast facts from the AT Class of 2021, and a fun announcement about the cinnamon connection's very own visit to the AT this year (drink).    Good To-Go: Use code "bpr25" HERE to save 25% on your next order.  Gossamer Gear: Use code "littledonkeygirl" for 15% off at Gossamergear.com.  Hike the International Appalachian Trail, Ulster-Ireland: Go to www.iatulsterireland.com to learn more about this beautiful hike!  AT Panel with Chaunce, Badger, & Jabba  Time stamps & Questions 00:05:08 - QOTD: What is the correct thermostat temperature for sleeping?  00:11:13 - BPR Announcements: We'll be at Trail Days!  00:12:23 - Introducing the AT Panel  00:13:28 - Badger''s Tip #1: For NOBOs, earlier start dates may be favorable but southern Appalachia weather may not agree 00:21:05 - AT hiking experience  00:22:13 - Chaunce's Tip #1: Avoid the town experiences in the beginning, so you can slow down later on the trail  00:25:04 - Jabba's Tip #1: Have some type of game-plan for post-trail life  00:31:06 - Badger''s Tip #2: Mentally prepare yourself for the hike  00:34:15 - Did your "Why?" ever changed on a hike?  00:34:54 - What was your "why" for the PCT in comparison to the AT?  00:44:06 - Chaunce's Tip #2: Keep a stricter budget  00:44:57 - How do we feel about hiker "Go Fund Me" pages?  00:54:44 - Jabba's Tip #2: Figure out your footwear  01:02:53 - Badger''s Tip #3: You don't need as much water on the AT  01:11:45 - Chaunce's Tip #3: Strategize your days around the rain, when convenient  01:14:11 - If you're going to hike the AT, get Verizon!  01:15:25 - Let's family/friends know when you won't be having service  01:16:47 - Jabba's Tip #3: Experience the social bubble & allow yourself to pivot  01:19:20 - Panel wrap-up, thanks Jabba!  SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda:  TLDR: Summarizing the 2021 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker Survey (Plus Hikers' Favorite Sections of the Trail) by Joal & Jenny  Triple Crown of dance moves  5 Star Review "Love is Blind" Debrief   [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.