[shane at theplacewithnoname.com (shane)]

> 1- Did you use zip up jacket(s) or would zip-neck
> pullover have worked as well?

I like jackets for outer layers.  A pullover for fleece and other underlayers works for me.

> 2- What was your most treasured piece of
> equipment during your hike and why?

The backpack is #1 for me.  The backpack is the thing that makes it all possible, and a pack that fits and rides right is critical.  Otherwise the thing just tortures you with every step.  

#2 would have to be the walking stick.  It is a valuable companion, and it never talks back.

> 3- Fleece or fill for a jacket or pullover/zip
>neck?

Fleece, no question.  Easier to care for, comfortable, and if it gets wet, who cares?

> 4- How did you treat water?	Iodine, Aqua Mira,
> Filter (what brand)?  Would you change for
>another Thru Hike?

Filter (Pur Hiker).  It's unnececary, and I wonder if I'd actually carry one on the AT...

>> 7- What is the least expensive item that you'd
>> never be without (doesn't have to be most treasured) on
>> a Thru Hike?

A small towel.

>> 8- What is the most expensive item of its type
>(not necessarily the $400 sleeping bag but perhaps the
>> $800 sleeping bag; not the $100 wrist watch but
>> perhaps the $300 wrist watch; not the $250 tent
>but
>> perhaps the $650 tent) that you carried on your
>Thru
>> Hike?

I never could afford that expensive stuff.  Didn't seem to make much difference.  For awhile I used a K-mart orange pup-tent, and that did just fine.  Later I graduated to hammocks, but those weren't expensive either.  Probably the most expensive piece of gear that I carry now is a camera, and that's not critical gear...

>> 10- How many Zero Days did you have on your Thru
>> Hike?  Would you have more or less the next time?

I take a zero day when I want one or need one.  Not knowing when I'll need or want one, they're hard to plan.

>> 16- Describe one way in which your Thru Hike
>changed
>> you from the person you were pre-hike.

I had a lot more self-acceptance.

Shane