6 favorite gear choices for the Appalachian Trail

I’m about to begin my adventure on the Appalachian Trail very soon, and can’t wait to get started! Here’s a list of the gear I’m most excited to use on trail, and one didn’t cost me a dime! Find out why below.

1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack

I’ve day hiked with this pack about 100 miles already, and she carries weight like a dream. Lately I’ve been fully loaded with about 23 pounds of gear and food, and I love the wide hip belt straps and cushioning. Compared to the backpacks I have from 2014, this backpack is a miracle of comfort. The DCF waterproof material is what ultimately made my decision to buy this backpack, even though I’ll still line my pack with a trash bag (can’t be too careful). The 2400 is a 40-liter pack, but the pockets on the outside make it closer to 50 liters.

2. Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail Runners

Cue the most divisive piece of gear ever!! You either love Altras, or you hate them and can’t fathom how anyone can wear them. I’ve worn out 1 pair of Altra Lone Peaks this past year. I can’t promise I won’t change to other shoes during my hike, but so far my feet feel strong and I’ve had no issues.

3. Injinji Sock Liners

LOVE LOVE LOVE these sock liners. Before buying these socks, I was wondering if I would develop blisters over time when I was wearing just Darn Tough Socks. I was thinking in my head “crap, am I really just going to fight blisters for 2000 miles?” After using these socks paired with Darn Tough wool socks, I haven’t had a hot spot or blister yet. Just this last week I hike 50 miles with my backpack and my feet feel wonderful, and a lot of it has to do with using these sock liners.

4. A cheap umbrella I found in a ditch!

I got lucky with this one. This past summer I found a super nice lightweight umbrella in the ditch by my house. It looks exactly like the Gossamer Gear Lightrek Hiking Umbrella, except it doesn’t have the logo. The awesome part? It weighs 7 ounces and the GG umbrella weighs 6.3 ounces. Knowing I’ll stay even just a little more dry and comfy on rainy days makes the extra weight worth it.

5. Cotopaxi Fanny Pack

For easy snacking while hiking, look no further! While the HMG backpack has hip pockets, they are kind of small and I’ve already designated one for trash and one for first aid. This spacious yet lightweight fanny pack fits plenty of candy and protein bars plus phone, chapstick, sunscreen, sunglasses, and earbuds. The other bonus is these packs come in such bright and fun colors, and you won’t know what colors your pack will be until you receive it. Each fanny pack is one of a kind.

6. Gossamer Gear The One Tent

Finding the right tent was one of my biggest gear decisions. I wasn’t going to spend $500+ for a tent, no offense but I find that kind of silly. I’m only 5’2″ and I knew a one person tent would suffice for me and all my gear. The One is where I landed. At only 21 ounces INCLUDING the tent stakes, it keeps my pack light and is easy to set up with trekking poles. An insider tip: listen to Backpacker Radio to get 15% off this tent.

Comment below your favorite piece of gear you’re loving! I’d love to know more about cottage company brands and the latest and greatest in gear.

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Comments 1

  • SPARKY : Mar 11th

    I walk alot, thats what older guys/gals do instead of running (soon to be 73). I used Wrightsocks for some years, switched to DarnTough and walking alot with DarnTough gave me blisters on my small toes, maybe the way they slide a bit under the toe next to it. I am now trying a combination of Wrightsocks (thin but good) UNDER the DarnTough and will see how that happens. I have plenty of both so will try it and see!

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