I posted a question regarding winter camping a couple weeks back and I thank you for all your responses. Our trip has now turned into a hike on the Appalachian Trail in December. We start around Philly and end up near Harrisburg, I think. It'll be for 3 days and 2 nights.

My brother has done a couple long hikes but this is his biggest one. I'm in pretty good shape but I plan on being in even better shape by the time we leave.

Any advice?
Has anyone walked the Appalachian Trail?

It'll look odd, maybe, but go for a lot of walks with a loaded pack (you can load it with bags of sand, beans, you can use chains, whatever.). I don't know what the terrain is where you live, but anything with hills would be good. Stairs will work in a pinch..

I was going to post the one-word recommendation 'rucking', but not everyone knows what that means.

My bro said it's rated a Class 5.

I have no idea what that word "rucking" means.

"rucking" is marching/hiking/jogging (eek) with a full pack.

hence the word: rucksack.

I've never heard of that word either.

It's been a few years, but my sister and I hiked the Appalachian Trail in Virginia for a few days near the skyline drive. We ended up doing a loop and took a side trail to get us back to our car. We did this during summer. Lots of other hikers around and the lean-to shelters were always full (of ticks and mice too).

I walked that part as well. My Uncle lives right off the Appalachian Trail in VA. It has some great views.

To get myself in shape for any hike I would fill my daypack with large jugs of water, strap it on my back, and take a 5 mile walk each evening after work in my local state park. The extra weight of the water simulated the weight of the backpack.

One of the trips I did this for was for hiking in the Grand Gulch Canyons in southeastern Utah. Regretfully, it did not help me avoid getting high desert altitude sickness. (I came from sea level Pennsylvania.) It didn't last long at all though, and I was able to enjoy the trip.

How much should I expect to carry; food, clothes, etc? I think we are planning on staying in the shelters that are along the trail.

I've got a couple of friends that have hiked the entire trail at different times. Both said they avoided those little shelters because of the rats. One encountered a bear at one. Other scavengers include skunks, possums and raccoons.

Just something to consider.

Well, looks like I'll be tenting it. I hate any kind of rodent.

Ah, MRE's and hot sauce!

astronaut ice cream!

I have a friend who has hiked almost all of the App Trail in Georgia. When she does overnight hikes, I know she always carries a tent, too. She eats a lot of jerky, cheese, & summer sausage.

BG - Depending on when in winter you're planning the hike, you won't have to worry too much about animals. Bears in PA usually go into hibernation at the end of November/beginning of December. Same with skunks and possums. Raccoons are out in during the winter months. You'll want to be alert for coyote. They are becoming more prevalent lately in rural areas.

We have also heard of several reliable cougar sitings in our area of the Poconos.

I've hiked it in Shenandoah and near Harrisburg...It's always fun! Get a good walking stick. I've even seen guys on there with what look to be ski poles...

"Take plenty of water and bear repellant!!" We recently went to Georgia and stopped at Talulah Falls, met a nice young college student who was "biking and hiking" the Appalachian. He said that was what he recommended to my 16 year-old who was infatuated with him.