Gear Post # 2 - Where to stay while on the AT

Where does one stay while hiking for several days, nights, and miles on the AT?  Well, there are 3 choices for accommodations:

1. Shelters
2. Tent
3. Under the stars

Shelters are a good choice - They are usually well maintained (generally by volunteers) and some have a water source nearby.  The only downside is that during the busy season, these can fill up fast.

Tents are always a good choice because you can go anywhere with them.  I usually carry one even if we are planning on shelter camping, just case one gets full up or for some reason or another we do not make it to a shelter or decide to push on past a shelter.  I just picked up a new tent - the REI Half Dome 2.

Very lightweight, roomy, and 2 doors - Hampton Inn has nothing on this baby.  It also has 2 vestibule areas to store gear outside the tent to make more room on the inside.  I already had a pretty decent tent that I really like, but the Half Dome 2 is about 2 1/2 pounds lighter, and at my age, every ounce counts.

I don't recommend option 3 due to unpredictable rain and animals.  nuf said.

Tune in next time........when we will discuss footwear.