Quote:
Originally Posted by pcmc
Sorry, I realize its a much longer hike. Do you need any specific gear to ascend and descend or are the trails manageable by foot alone.
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You don't need any special mountaineering gear, it's really just a long walk in rugged terrain with potential for craptastic weather.
Good shoes and socks are a must. I like light-weight hiking shoes by Merrill. They need little to no break-in and seem ruggedly made. Polypropylene sock liners and wool blend hiking socks round out the foot gear nicely.
Avoid cotton clothing and layer up so you can adjust clothing for 90 degrees and sunny down to 30 degrees and windy/wet.
You can get water and snacks at the AMC huts and at the summit so you don't need to carry vast amounts of either. That said, I still think it's hard to beat a Camelback and some easy to access trail mix. I also bring ibuprofen and 5 hour energy. Those two things can convert a miserable descent into a walk in the park.
For a laugh, bring some apples and give them to people you are hiking with while your are climbing (not during a break). It's funny to watch how quickly a person can get out of breath trying to eat an apple and climb steeply at the same time.
