[pct-l] Most common causes of thru-dropout

[MAXINE WEYANT]

What timing!  This week's BackpackingLight website newsletter features an article by Francis Tapon addressing differences bet. backpacking and thru-hiking and factors causing thru's to drop out.  You might have to be a member to read the whole thing, but it's worth it as you plan your gearlist for your upcoming journey.  
My own 2 cents---almost everything that can make a hike go bad (other than weather, catastrophic acts of nature) will happen, happen sooner, or be a lot worse than it otherwise would if your pack is too heavy.  That includes blisters, heat exhaustion, overuse injuries, chafing, cranky moods, certain falls and sprains.....Also, trekking poles offload your knees and shins, especially on downhills, can help prevent overuse injures, and often can prevent serious sprains, falls.  Dys-feng shui-nal