re: First Backpacking Through Hike, Any Tips?

That's a lot of time for that trail, you'll be able to sleep super late and chill after 5pm daily.

You certainly won't need 5k calories.

Have fun!

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TigerOnTheMountain

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I need some GSMNP advice. Aren't you somewhat familiar with the park?

3 days 30 mile hike Thanksgiving week. I don't know what would be a good spot to start. At first I was thinking just hit the AT at Fontana dam and hike to Clingmans Dome where I would get picked up. I want high ridge lines and peaks. Would the AT north of Clingmans be better.

I live near Bryson City and spend a lot of time in the park. It sounds like the Tri Corner Loop Trail is exactly what you're looking for. You have the opportunity to summit 8 peaks and it follows the AT for about half of the trip. Beech Gap is a great place to start.

So from what I'm reading, basically backpack -> Don't Die -> Learn What You Want/Need From Experiences -> Buy Nicer Stuff of What You Want/Need -> Rinse & Repeat.

No problem. It's an excellent hike after the elevation gain.

Exactly. My gear is constantly evolving. Expensive gear doesn't always mean best gear either.

Anyone have any experience with the Tarptent Protrail or any Tarptent products?

Might want to bring mosquito repellent. When I did the Wild Azalea Trail the skeets where horrible at one of the campsites.

Here is my tip, check your pack before you set out. Like right before you take your first step on the trail. Some awesome friend may or may not stick a gallon of water or heavy arse rocks in your pack.

Be careful the pack-it-gourmet are real small if you're the get hungry type. I've only done them once as a result. But they are tasty.

I prefer to add a handful of baby carrots and snow peas in a ziplock, they don't spoil for a week's trip, can take a little pack abuse, and can be added to a great many meals. Get ya a small bottle (naligene's best) to carry a little Bailey's. A real small amount, just a tablespoon, will make oatmeal and hot choc the bomb. Think fresh cream instead of drunk, that's what hot cider and ya favorite liquor is for. And I always cut my toe nails before leaving. Nothing worst than loosing a big toe nail if there's any real downhill. I don't read on a trip but seems most everyone else downloads something to their phone. Have had good results boiling scrambled eggs in a zip lock, when making coffee water and no wash up. They're good in a wrap w/some cheese and they'll last well if cracked into a small plastic bottle for carrying a few days.