My Gearlist so far....

I know for many people reading this, you really couldn't care less about what I'm bringing, but for the gear heads (or TP followers) who are wondering, here it is!

I'm adding to and updating this list as I prepare: please critique or make any suggestions!

Boots: Vasque Summit; and Superfeet insoles
Socks: Smartwool Hiking Socks (3 pair)
Crocs for around base camp/showers

Pack: Gregory Triconi
Pack cover: REI Duck Cover - will use compacter bags too inside pack

Sleep System: Big Agnes Encampment , BA Insulated Air Core, bag liner

Tent: Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 & footprint

Water System: Katadyn Micropur tablets, 1L Nalgene, 2L Platypus

Stove: cat can stove, WalMart 1L aluminum mug, utensils

Hygiene / First Aid kit: toothpaste/brush, floss, bio soap, toilet paper, ibuprofen, daily vitamin, band-aids, antibiotic cream, duct tape, cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, anti-diarrhea, Benedryl, needle, safety pins

Rope w/ homemade rock bag
Life Gear Flashlight
Ziploc Baggies
Matches
Bic Lighter
Knife - Cabela's Pine Ridge folding knife

Clothes:
Base/wicking Layer - REI & PolarSkins baselayer top/bottoms
Insulating Layer - REI ultralight fleece, Sporthill pants
Wind-proof shell - Marmot jacket
Water-proof shell - Frogg Toggs rainsuit (top) and Marmot cargo shell pants
Gloves
Rain hat
Turtle fur Balaclava
Underwear - BEST Sportsbra evah!
Sunglasses
Bandanas (2)
paper & pen
watch
Harmonica
Medium pack towel

Appalachian Pages

Camera: Canon Powershot (THANKS DAD!), charger, USB cord, 2 extra batteries, 2GB chips (2)

As I hike, I'm certain I'll make some changes, but this is it so far!

AT Information

I decided that after finishing school and before beginning the rest of my life, that I wanted to go have an adventure! This might be one of the only times in my life that I have the time and the money to do something that would require both. I threw around different ideas and finally settled on hiking the AT, something that was kind of hanging out in the back of my mind after reading Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods.

I started to research everything I could, and even told a few people my plans. With the passing of the last year, my idea has turned into a reality and I've found great support and encouragement from my family and friends. A big thanks to Steve B. for all his advice and help.

I have a HUGE list of different resources for the AT/hiking/backpacking, etc. I thought maybe compiling them all in one place would be helpful not only for me, but in case anyone else is interested, or just FYI, here you go!

General Info:
Trailquest (general info - good gear checklists, articles, resupply list)
Trailplace (great forums for newbie questions, articles, etc.)
Backpacking Lightweight
Appalachian Pages (guidebook)
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Appalachian Trail Home Page
White Blaze
The Backpacker
Fixing Your Feet
Shuttle Services

Gear:
REI (also great info/advice)
Sierra Trading Post (discounted gear)
Spadout (camping/hunting/hiking price compiler)
Campmor
Backcountry Gear
Gear Comparisons (all kinds of gear in SPREADSHEETS! OMGOMGOMG)
AntigravityGear
Vargo Outdoors (good backpacking tutorial link & gear lists)

Cooking:
Stove Comparison
Cobra Stove
Soda Can Stove
Soda Can Stove
Wings Stove Archives
Freezer Bag Cooking

I have to say that by reading the different forums/message boards and trailjournals I had many of my questions answered without even having to ask them and these resources have been a great help. Especially Trailplace, where everyone has been especially helpful and friendly.
Thank you!