-- [ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ] Peggy, plan to go to the Kick-off Gathering next year and you will have your pick of who you want to hike with and every question about the trail will be answered. Buy a pair of New Balance 803/804/805's shoes, find a light pack under 4 lbs. ,get a tarp/tent under 2lbs. and your set. Good luck