Training day 1: the first walk with equipment

January 6, 2026. My first hike with my AT gear.

At least some of that. I grabbed some gear from my storage boxes, about 8 pounds, and loaded it into my REI Flash55. Some snacks for my hipbelt pockets and 2 water bottles that spend most of their time strapped to my bike. And off I went (picture first – apologies in advance, if you’re staying with me on this trip – I’m 60 – I can’t take a worthwhile selfie… so here’s a photo of the trail system and not of me… and I don’t take enough pictures) Just across the lake is a walking/biking trail system that I thought would be a good place to start. I know the trails, the longest of which is just over 3 miles. Decent elevation (for Texas) at 500′. Many ups and downs to test my agility with the trekking poles.

How did it go?

Pretty good, for the first time. I was glad I followed a fellow Trek Blogger’s recommendation (I borrowed a spreadsheet with suggestions for hiking miles and pack weights) and started slow; At some points I got tired. So I stopped and enjoyed the views of the lake; Googling some random pretty berries on a bush (poisonous, by the way). But above all I felt good. The package fits well. My Lone Peak 8 gripped well. My snacks and water mixed with LiquidIV were necessary and hit the spot. I lost a cup of clay on one of my posts. And I discovered that water bottles can’t be easily grabbed from the side of my backpacks. A positive result of a shakedown! I’m currently researching bottle holders that attach to the front strap of my backpack. Good lessons all around.

Other

It was my only walk of the week (unless you count dog walks). I still get most of my cardio through cycling. But this was a good first step. A couple more before trying to spend the night. But the anxiety is easing. I can do this.

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