There is a category of hiker called an Ultralight Backpacker which pretty much means that anything and everything that goes into a pack (and the pack itself) will be weighed and scrutinized to minimize weight as much as possible. Something as tiny as an ounce can add up fairly quickly, and some people spend hundreds of extra dollars to ensure they have the lightest gear on the market.

Sadly, I cannot afford to be a true Ultralight Backpacker, but I cut weight where I can. Today it occurred to me that the most unnecessary weight I will bring is clothing.

Therefore, I have made the difficult (but oh-so-freeing) decision to hike the Appalachian Trail naked!

That’s right! What more perfect way to commune with nature than in the buff? And I’m sure it will help me to quickly catch a hitch into town.

I know by now some of you are staring at your computer screen in amazement- such a trendy gal like myself would choose to cast off the textiles and baubles that make me look so fashionable? I assure you, this was not an easy decision to make. But I know that if I can handle the loss of fashion (and the gain of chafing), I will be a stronger woman.

p.s. I would be a real fool if I didn’t tell you all, Happy April!