>>2334268Sorry to hear it. The AT (and really long hikes in general) can be cathartic. You’re doing exactly what men should do to heal themselves or reset their lives, especially if you’re in a position to do so (no children to abandon, not walking out on an important job like a surgeon or something).
I’ve always looked into an AT trip. $6k is right there in the median (I think it’s 5k to 8k, according to the 2019 AT survey). It varies an insane amount, but the biggest issue is people staying in hotels when they get to town. That can really add up.
The X-Mid is made in batches and they sell out quickly. I don’t think they’re currently available. The next batch isn’t due until May, and I don’t think they’re sold outside of the manufacturers website (
DurstonGear.com).
Check out Six Moon Designs. I don’t have any experience with them, but they have great reviews and the specs look fantastic (not just weight and price, but materials and construction details). The AT is pretty humid, so a tent that can open and breathe on clear nights is a big bonus, as it helps prevent condensation issues. It can also be fairly rainy, so polyester has become a more popular choice than nylon.
As for a pack, DO NOT fall for the /Out/ Milsurp or Savotta meme. Most thru hikers are using Osprey, by a very large margin. You won’t be dragging it through a briar patch in some goofy off trail adventure, so you don’t need 1,000D rubberized cordora. Average base weight isn’t as low as you’d think; 19lbs.
I think people overstate the undertaking of the AT, and most find it mega tough mentally because they’re 23 years old and have never been alone for more than a few days at a time, not have they ever had to be self reliant.
