Hey @sarabass ! Silly me...I was equating your start point with your proximity to it.  It never really crossed my mind that you would be in a position to choose anywhere along its 2000 miles.  I can sometimes be a bit short-sighted that way. D-OH!!! I live in Maryland, and have only done a few sections in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, so I am somewhat limited in what I can offer.  All of the places I have been are scenic in their own right, and have attributes that are all their own. While I am certainly biased, I tend to think that Virginia has some of the most spectacular vistas, and, if you enjoy history along with nature, Harper's Ferry has both, as well as being the semi-official mid-point and is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.  I would consider that to be a destination worth a visit.  But, its popularity makes it likely to be more crowded.  Something to keep in mind if solitude is more to your liking.  Depending on your schedule and the locations you choose, myself and my small group of hiking friends may be able to join you for some portions.  And even if that doesn't come to pass, know that I will be with you in spirit. ... View more

LOL @Philreedshikes !  That is my perpetual conundrum.  I try my best to take good care of my gear, and really hate that first scuff or scratch, but am always aware that if seen on the trail with a pristine item, that I'll be perceived as a newb. My solution has been to shop the Used Gear site first when I need something "new" (to me).   ... View more

Hi @Dad_Aint_Hip . First, let me congratulate you on your bad pun!  I am a fan.   😁 Now, on to the tent dilemma.  I personally would accept the extra weight for the additional room and, presumably, comfort level in camp of the 2-person.  I have a Sierra Designs 2P that is my go-to option.  But then, I typically am only doing "weekender" types of trips, hiking no more than 10 miles to a site, setting up and staying there for a few nights.  If I were contemplating a lengthy through-hike, I may rethink that decision.   I also have a 1P tent that I got from the REI Used site, and have used it a few times.  While I don't dislike it, it does feel a bit confining. So, I guess you have to reconcile what your end goals are and how much long-term usefulness your choice will afford you.  Is this the start of one or more extended backpacking trips where the tent may spend more time on your back than you inside it?  If so, then the lighter weight 1P would be your best option.  Or, conversely, are you more likely to have more opportunities for shorter excursions where the extra weight would be negligible and the added comfort and durability would prove advantageous? I know, I know...more overthinking to add to your own.  Good luck! ... View more

Thanks for the mention @REI-CarterC . And, welcome to the community @sarabass . I guess the first and most relevant question is...What portion(s) of the AT are you looking at tackling?   ... View more

Hey there Dora!  Welcome to the community, and welcome to the wonderful world of the outdoors! My best advice for a new hiker, and especially for you, is to not forget your MAP and BACKPACK!  😁 I'm sorry.  That was too easy. Seriously though, you will find a ton of good information and camaraderie here to help you expand your outdoor horizons. Feel free to throw out any questions you may have. ... View more

Welcome to the mid-Atlantic region, and to the Community @BigChefNy ! ... View more

Hi @RedCloud69. I can't disagree with @OldGuyot , but will supplement his recommendation with something that's a bit of a hybrid between a quilt and a conventional sleeping bag.  Sierra Designs has the Backcountry Bed, and the Cloud 800.  These are both zipperless and allow for more freedom of movement.  Both require a pad as neither has insulation on the bottom side (by design). It looks like REI is not currently carrying either, but you can check them out here.  https://sierradesigns.com/zipperless-sleeping-bags/ Good luck! ... View more

Hi @jonmd , and welcome to the U.S., and the mid-Atlantic region! And thanks for the shout-out @REI-CarterC ! I have a special connection here, as my daughter attended Durham University in the UK, studying archaeology.  I visited a few times and we traveled around Northern England and the Edinburgh region of Scotland.  She has visited the Lake District, but, unfortunately, neither of us have made it into the Highlands yet. Now, on to your question.  Despite the population density of the area, there's a surprising amount of nature within a reasonable distance from DC.  The closest to you would be Great Falls National Park, and, specifically, the Billy Goat Trail.  It's a fun hike, as it's mostly rocks to scramble over, not just a stroll through the woods, but it does get crowded. Some beautiful views of the Potomac River, but no solitude.  Adjacent to that is the C&O Canal Trail, which is, IMHO, more of a bike trail. Flat and open.  Not much challenging about it other than the length. Venturing further out, you have a bevy of state parks in Maryland.  Here's a link to the state park map. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/MD_StateParksMap-Amenities.pdf Western Maryland has the most mountainous areas and wilderness.  The Chesapeake Bay has some tremendous water trails for flatwater canoeing and kayaking.  I live near the Susquehanna River in northeastern Maryland, in Harford County (see map), and there are several trail systems that parallel the Susquehanna through Maryland and into Pennsylvania.  And, speaking of southern Pennsylvania, there's the Michaux State Forest, among others. Virginia and West Virginia have tons of hiking and camping opportunities.  Harper's Ferry is the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail, and might be a good place for you to check out.  @Philreedshikes can probably provide you better recommendations for the Virginia spots. Most of these places are only about a 1-1/2 hour drive from DC, and within 3 hours you can get to some really gorgeous and remote locations. I think I've rambled on enough for now, but feel free to hit me up if you have any questions or would like some more info. Good luck! ... View more

Hi @mjfellman  Another vote for Kahtoola.  For your described purposes, the NANOspikes are probably fine.  I personally  own a pair of Yaktrax Pros, and have had no issues with them at all, including in Banff in Alberta.  They worked just fine, and still do. I just purchased the EXOspikes and tried them out for the first time last weekend.  I can't say if they provided any better traction, but they felt more "natural" underfoot.  Of course, the EXOspikes are twice as expensive as the Yaktrax if budget is a primary concern. Good luck!   ... View more

I certainly understand your frustration @Zidar , but it is a bit unrealistic to expect any clothing item that is labeled as "One Size Fits All" to actually fit well for anyone and everyone. I have seen numerous items that are now being marketed as "One Size Fits Most" which is much more accurate a statement, albeit still not a 100% certainty. ... View more

Very nice @Philreedshikes .  Where I live, north of Baltimore, not far from you, we did have the 8+ inches of snow, which then changed to rain, compacting the snow and refreezing, then snowed again on top, making for very slippery conditions.   Here's a pic of the short day hike I took to a local waterfall, Kilgore Falls.  Tree tunnels ain't so bad.   😁 ... View more