I went hiking for two weeks on the Appalachian Trail last September and I thought I was in shape. I ran pretty regularly before that and had built up some endurance. Of course, it is Indiana and the flattest ground around, so I didn’t have experience hiking up mountains and I definitely didn’t practice hiking with a pak on my back! So, word of advice, even if you run or workout, you most likely are not prepared for hiking. I would definitely recommend hiking with some weight on your back and if you have access, up some inclines. I definitely was in alot of pain because I hadn’t exercised the right muscles (including my back and shoulder muscled that carried most of the weight). Just a thought to hopefully help everyone out- from my experience. oh yes, and another word of advice, try to get a small and very light sleeping bag. Mine was light and expensive, which was nice, but it was HUGE and caused quite a problem on the trail.
