Damn that sounds exciting Axiom. I wouldn't need hotels/motels I can sleep on the ground. Baths are easy just jump in a body of water and wash up and then dry. I'll have to figure out the gear part.
You have to understand that hiking the AT on one thru hike means you're starting early in the year and hiking for about 4-6 months. Some of that it's going to be hot as hell, them it will get cool and in altitude, cold.
Jumping in a body of water isn't always an option.
As for Zot's advice later in this thread, you don't always need filtration from a mechanical device. In fact, I've only ever used my water filter while testing it out. It's an expense I glad I made if I ever actually make this trip, but right now it's useless.
I carry Micro Pur tabs, a little chlorine bleach and a camp towel to filter the sediment out. If all else fails, I boil the water after I've let the sediment settle to the bottom of the container.
I used to carry heavy (4oz empty) nalgene water bottles, but have since started carrying a 20oz soda bottle. To show you how far some people are willing to go to get light, I've known guys to remove the plastic ring around that hangs loose around the bottom of the cap, remove the tags from their clothing and cut straps on a 300 dollar pack that they're not going to use.
The real bottom line is to learn that there are some things you can skimp on to save money. But whatever gear you have, you need to get to know it and learn why and how to use it effectively. Having gear with dual purposes is a great idea.
If you don't mind sleeping in the dirt, go for a lightweight tent. But, if you're like me, and don't want to sleep on the ground, look into hammock camping. All you need are two trees to set up and your impact on the environment is reduced because you don't have a huge foot print from the tent.
Or you could skip out on both and just make a tarp tent. I've got a few tarps that clock in at 10oz. Using my hiking poles, I can make an a-frame tent or one of several other shelters.
