My buddy wants to go on an overnight trip on the AT in April, but he has a herniated disc. Any advice on how to keep him from demolishing his back? I'll try to get him to pack gear that's less than 30lbs, and we'll be doing like maybe 5 miles per day. Just go at a slow pace and see what happens?
>>2864568I'm gonna be honest with you, it seems like a terrible idea. That being said, if you're going to do it anyways I'd plan for the worst. I imagine its going to be hard to get a good nights sleep, so a thick inflatable sleeping pad would be good. Lidocaine patches, oral steroids or oxys if you can get a doctor to write a scrip for them (they won't). Any weight you can save by sharing equipment will be important because I expect him not to be able to carry much, stuff like sharing a stove, a two person tent instead of each bringing your own.
>>2864568have him do a practice ruck of ~5miles with a 30 pound back.i'd suggest at a track or something so you can scoop his dumb ass off the ground when he fails. if he has trouble on a FLAT surface, you know with 100% certainty he's not going to get very far on a hike.
>>2864568can't wait for the thread about the news article on his retarded death
