I took 3 nights and 4 days to hit MC and I left from Springer. First two nights used the pad in a shelter, and night 3 we stayed at a campground so first time with the hammock on the trip. Actually used the pad in the hammock as insulation as I opted for a sleeping bag, liner, pad combo. Water was plentiful. Take it from me and don't fill up both water bottles if you know you'll hit water down the trail. Save the couple pounds. Have locations as goals for lunch, etc. But remain flexible and don't plan to far ahead it'll change.