bootsthealchemist

Congratulations on your hike, I'm sure your feelings about it will change and become more positive. A forum I'm on is currently having a huge debate about women hiking alone, roughly split between Europeans ('you probably won't get hurt') and Americans ('go armed for bear'). As someone with real experience, what would your advice be?

EDIT: the debate started originally from a question about the human threat rather than the animal.

Agreed. I also think treating men as potential attackers is insulting.

Also I had no idea the Appalachian Trail was so busy. if you take a more remote, wilderness trail in future, would you choose the same gear?