Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Gear List
Although some will deviate from the below gear list in one way or another, this Appalachian Trail thru-hiker gear list serves as an excellent template for prospective thru-hikers, with some products we recommend below.
Quick Navigation
- Tents
- Hammocks
- Backpacks
- Sleeping Bags and Quilts
- Sleeping Bag Liners
- Sleeping Pads
- Hiking Footwear
- Base Layers
- Hiking Fleeces
- Insulating Jackets
- Rain and Wind Protection
- Socks, Undies, and Bras
- Hiking Bottoms
- Hiking Tops
- Camp Bottoms
- Gloves and Hats
- Camp Shoes
- Stuff Sacks
- Cooking Gear (Pots/Stoves/Spoons)
- Trekking Poles
- Headlamps
- Water Purification
- First Aid
- Toiletries
- Guidebooks
- Common Luxury Items
- Trowels
- GPS
- Miscellaneous
Shelters
Your tent is one of the most important—if not the most important—piece of gear for your long-distance hike. It’s literally your home away from home.
So how do you choose the right one? How do you avoid staring at a screen or walking around the same store for hours on end if you’re the indecisive kind or just a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choice available on the market?
What you shouldn’t do is jump on the ultralight wagon because it’s the hip new craze, or grab the most recommended six-pound, three-person mansion just to stick it to the fad. You’ll be running to the nearest outfitter (probably in tears) in search of a lighter upgrade faster than you can say Appalachian Trail.
Most thru-hikers look for a lightweight, durable tent with enough livable space and features to stay comfortable for the duration of weeks (or months) on the trail. That’s what you should be looking for too.
When looking at a tent, ask yourself:
- Can you live in this tent night after night, for weeks or months at a time?
- Can you set it up quickly in the dark or rain? Both?
- Is there enough room to comfortably sit up without brushing the sides of the tent with your shoulders? Does your sleeping bag hit the wall of the tent?
- Can you crawl in and out of the tent without getting the floor soaked?
- If there is enough room in the vestibule to comfortably stash your gear?
- If you’re hiking with a partner, do you want two doors for entry/exit?
Here are our top tents for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike.
- Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
- Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2
- Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
- Nemo Hornet Osmo 2
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2
- Zpacks Plex Solo Tent
- Zpacks Duplex
- Zpacks Free Duo
- Tarptent Double Rainbow
- Tarptent Protrail Li
- Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid
- Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
- Gossamer Gear The One
- Gossamer Gear The Two
- Durston X-Mid
Hammock
If sleeping on the ground bothers your back (and a cushy inflatable pad doesn’t seem to be helping), a hammock might be a good option for you. Hammocks are also great if you’re worried about not being able to make it to a shelter flat tent site before dark, since they can be set up regardless of the terrain or ground cover (provided you have two sturdy, adequately spaced trees to hang from, which you virtually always will on the AT).
Hammocks are generally less expensive but somewhat heavier than tents (though the lightest ones are on par with lightweight freestanding tents), and there’s a bit of a learning curve to set them up correctly. They can work OK for side sleepers but are not a great choice for stomach sleepers. They also only work for people under a certain height or weight. Even though you’ll be sleeping suspended off the ground, you’ll still need either a sleeping pad or an underquilt beneath you to provide insulation from the cool air underneath. Choose a hammock with an integrated bug net and a decent rainfly.
Pack
Your gear list needs to go hand-in-hand with your pack. Are you an ultralight fastpacker or do you carry everything but the kitchen sink? Choosing the wrong pack for your base weight can lead to discomfort or even injury. Being honest with yourself is important.
Frameless UL packs have pretty hard limits for weight capacities, which means you also need to be aware of support and weight distribution, in addition to fitting all your gear in a smaller volume pack. Unless all of your gear is ultralight, don’t opt for an ultralight pack.
If you carry everything but the kitchen sink, you need to be wary of padding and endless pockets. While added comfort and organization can be tempting, a more featured pack means your base weight can increase by several pounds.
That might not seem like a lot while you walk around the store, but the weight adds up over hundreds of miles. It’s all about balance. Some food for thought: if you’ve got a larger capacity pack (65-70 liters), you’re more likely to fill it with things you don’t need.
When shopping for a pack, consider:
- Weight: Minimalist UL packs weigh less but also can’t carry as much and are generally less comfortable
- Torso size: Most outfitters can measure this for you
- Women-specific design: Straps and belts designed to accommodate larger hips and chest
- Ventilation between pack and your back
- Padding: Adds weight and traps sweat, but is more comfortable and can be crucial for those with historic back or shoulder pain
- Organization: Pockets and straps add weight but can help organize unwieldy/oddly shaped gear
Top Picks
- Gossamer Gear Mariposa (Unisex)
- ULA Circuit (Unisex)
- ULA Ohm 2.0 (Unisex)
- Osprey Exos (Men’s)
- Osprey Eja (Women’s)
- Osprey Aura (Women’s)
- Osprey Atmos (Men’s)
- Gossamer Gear Gorilla (Unisex)
- Gossamer Gear G4-20 (Unisex)
- Gossamer Gear Kumo (Unisex)
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider
- ZPacks Arc Haul Ultra (Men’s || Women’s)
- Zpacks Arc Blast
- Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet
- Granite Gear Crown3 (Men’s || Women’s)
- Granite Gear Blaze (Men’s || Women’s)
- LiteAF 40L Curve Full Suspension
- Mountainsmith Zerk
- Six Moon Designs Swift V
- Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul
Sleeping Bags and Quilts
Quilts have really caught on the past couple years as a lightweight alternative to traditional sleeping bags. The idea is that the down on the bottom of the sleeping bag, the part you’re laying on, does not actually insulate you, so why carry those extra feathers. However, because quilts are open on the sides, they can be draftier than a traditional sleeping bag.
There are several variables to keep in mind when choosing a quilt or sleeping bag. Size, weight, and temperature ratings can make or break base weight and comfort level. You’ll want to choose your bag based on your ideal combination of temperature rating, fill power, weight, packability, and price.
A good warmth-to-weight ratio is the most important aspect of your bag. Unless you’re planning for a consistently warm-weather hike, choose a bag rated to at least 20 degrees, or grab a liner for colder sections if you opt for a bag rated to 30-degrees and up.
A note to prospective NOBOs: many of your predecessors chose to start with a 10-degree bag for the early spring / Smokies section.
Make sure your bag is durable enough for the long haul, compresses so it doesn’t take up too much room in your pack, and if you are worried about it getting wet, a bag with a treated fabric or treated down will be a good choice.
When shopping for a sleeping bag or quilt, consider:
- Design: Mummy bags are warmest, but are heavier and bulkier than minimalist quilts
- Fill type: Down is more expensive but performs better than synthetic. It is also more susceptible to water damage, and can take longer to dry when wet.
- Temperature: Choose a bag rated lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
- Women’s-specific design: Narrower shoulders and wider hips, more insulation in hips and feet, more conservative temperature ratings
Top Picks
- Western Mountaineering UltraLite
- Western Mountaineering AlpineLite
- REI Magma 15 (Men’s || Women’s)
- Feathered Friends Hummingbird 20 UL
- Feathered Friends Swallow 20 UL (Read our review)
- Feathered Friends Flicker UL Quilt
- Enlightened Equipment Revelation (Read our review)
- Katabatic Sawatch 15 (Read our review)
- Katabatic Alsek 22
- Katabatic Flex (Read our review)
- Marmot Lithium
- Marmot Trestles 15
- Zpacks Classic
- Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 (Read our review)
- NEMO Riff 15 (Men’s || Women’s) (Read our review)
- Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20 (Men’s || Women’s)
- Nemo Forte 20 (Men’s || Women’s)
- Kelty Cosmic 20 (Men’s || Women’s)
- UGQ Outdoor Bandit
- Hammock Gear Burrow 20
- Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20
- Enlightened Equipment Accomplice (for couples and cuddlers)
Sleeping Liner
A liner is optional, but it keeps your sleeping bag cleaner and can easily be thrown in the laundry. Body oils can make down less insulating, and sleeping bags are a pain to wash. It’s also a great way to add warmth to your sleep system without shelling out for a brand new bag.
Sleeping Pad
Do you want to be warm and comfortable? If you answered yes, you need a sleeping pad. Sleeping pad types are pretty straightforward. The options are foam, inflatable, or combination/self-inflating pads that have a thin layer of foam and also rely on air for comfort.
Pads provide both cushioning and insulation from the cold earth beneath you. Insulation is measured by the pad’s R-value. An R between three and five is adequate for three-season use. For cold weather camping, look for an R greater than five.
Combination/self-inflating pads are durable and generally considered an easier set up than inflatable pads, but the added comfort comes with some extra weight.
Inflatable pads are lightweight, compress well, and generally have the highest R-values, but will need love and care–they’re a little fragile and when their hearts get broken they tend to pop.
Foam sleeping pads are durable, less expensive, and serve many purposes, but they are bulky and don’t provide the same cushioning or warmth as insulated inflatable varieties.
These things should be kept in mind when making your decision/budgeting.
Top Picks
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Read our review)
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (Read our review)
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
- Therm-a-Rest Apex Prolite
- Sea to Summit UltraLight Mat
- Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air (Men’s || Women’s)
- NEMO Tensor Trail Insulated (Read our review)
- NEMO Switchback
- Klymit Insulated Static V Lite
Footwear
Hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners? Although trail runners are the popular choice and what the majority of thru-hikers finish the hike wearing, there is no one size fits all–each hiker has individual needs. If the continuing popularity of Solomon and Altra have you one click away from ordering the latest model and stowing them away until your hike, ask yourself–would I buy a car without taking it for a test drive first?
There’s only one way to make sure they’re the perfect fit and that’s by trying them on. Whether you go with the trail runner or a mid / boot, we recommend the non-waterproof versions when possible. Your feet will inevitably get wet. It’s just a matter of how quickly your shoe, and thus your foot, dries (and waterproof shoes take much longer to dry).
When shopping for footwear, consider:
- Weight: They say a pound on your feet is worth five on your back in terms of energy expenditure. Trail runners are much lighter than boots.
- Support: Boots provide more ankle support and protection from rough trail surfaces.
- Traction: Make sure your footwear has a nice, grippy outsole.
- Breathability: Trail runners tend to breathe better and dry faster. Mesh uppers are a must for breathability.
- Durability: Trail runners cost less than boots but can wear out almost twice as fast.
- Return policy: You may need to try several pairs of shoes to find the perfect fit. It’s acceptable to return lightly used shoes to most outfitters, but don’t abuse generous return policies.
- Drop: This refers to the height difference between the heel and the toe. Some people swear by a “zero-drop shoe” and argue that it’s a more natural way to walk, and others think it’s a load of baloney. This will be argued out over Reddit threads and Facebook comments until the end of days, but in the meantime, Altras are known for their zero drop offerings, if that’s of interest to you.
Top Picks
- Altra Lone Peak
- Altra Timp
- Altra Olympus
- Salomon X Ultra
- Salomon Speedcross
- Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
- Saucony Peregrine
- HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
- Merrell Moab
- Keen Targhee Mid II
- Brooks Cascadia
- Topo Ultraventure
- Oboz Sawtooth
- La Sportiva Wildcat
- Astral Designs TR1 Mesh
Insole
Aftermarket insoles: some people swear by them, others get serious problems from them. We recommend trying your footwear with the standard insole first. You can always add a beefier insole later on if you run into issues with foot pain.
Baselayer (Synthetic, Polyester, Capilene, Merino, Blend)
It’s just a base layer, won’t any old thing do? Thru-hikers sleep in them, hike in them, and since they’re always wearing them, the clothes get washed less than they should. On top of being worn 24/7, base layers need to keep you comfortable in a range of conditions, from cold nights camping or sitting static to wicking sweat on a tough ascent… all without stinking to high heaven.
Going back to the original question–any old thing really won’t do.
When shopping for base layers, consider:
- Temperature
- Use: Just for sleeping, or will you hike in them too?
- Fit: Should be snug but not tight
- Material: wool is more expensive than synthetic but is warm, light, and does not stink
- Weight
Here are some durable options that will not only keep you comfortable but also help keep the smell at bay. Here we recommend tops—for bottoms, see “camp pants” below.
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily
- Smartwool Merino 250 (Men’s || Women’s)
- REI Co-op Lightweight Baselayer (Men’s || Women’s)
- Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis (Men’s || Women’s)
- Isobaa 200 Zip-Neck (Women’s)
- Meriwool Lightweight Base Layers (Men’s || Women’s)
Fleece Midlayer
Fleece midlayers aren’t quite as warm and light as insulated down midlayers, but they’re significantly more affordable. They also perform well when wet, in contrast to insulated midlayers, so you can wear them while hiking and sweating.
- Patagonia R1 (Men’s || Women’s)
- Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover (Men’s || Women’s)
- Mammut Aconcagua Light ML Jacket (Women’s || Men’s)
- Decatholon Quechua MH120 (Men’s || Women’s) (<$30)
- Arc’teryx Kyanite LT (Men’s || Women’s)
- Mountain Hardwear Microchill (Men’s || Women’s)
Insulating Jacket
Down vs. synthetic–that old chestnut. Down fill has a higher warmth to weight ratio but is generally more expensive, and you have to be careful to not let it saturate as down loses insulating properties when wet. However, there are now many choices for water-resistant down.
Synthetic fill, while heavier and less compressible than down, maintains insulating properties when wet, which can be a literal lifesaver on humid or wet trails.
Note for the girls: opt for women-specific jackets (down or synthetic)–the fit will be better and you’ll have less empty space to heat up, which saves energy and keeps you warmer longer.
- Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex (Men’s || Women’s)
- Patagonia Nano Puff (Men’s || Women’s)
- Mountain Hardwear Hooded Ghost Whisperer (Men’s || Women’s)
- Rab Microlight Down Jacket (Men’s || Women’s)
- Feathered Friends Eos (Men’s || Women’s)
- Montbell Superior Down Parka (Men’s || Women’s)
- Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie (Men’s || Women’s)
- Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka (Men’s || Women’s) (Read our review)
- Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Jacket (Men’s || Women’s)
Rain / Wind Jacket
Good rain gear can make or break your outing, and it’s something absolutely worth investing in. While you might be tempted to look for jackets and pants that are less expensive than their lightweight counterparts, paying for the higher-quality construction, materials, and performance is well worth it.
You’ll want gear that’s quick-drying, wicks sweat during periods of high exertion, keeps the rain out, and doesn’t take up too much room in the pack.
Most thru-hikers don’t carry rain pants, preferring to let their legs get wet and dry out in their own time. However, rain pants are advisable on potentially cold sections of trail such as the Smokies in spring and fall or the Whites any time of the year.
- Outdoor Research Helium (Men’s || Women’s)
- Enlightened Equipment Visp
- Arc’teryx Beta SL (Men’s || Women’s)
- Montbell Versalite (Men’s || Women’s)
- Patagonia Torrentshell (Men’s || Women’s)
- Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket
- Marmot Precip Eco (Men’s || Women’s || Women’s Plus)
- Frogg Toggs (Men’s || Women’s) (<$30)
- Zpacks Vertice (Men’s || Women’s)
- Patagonia Houdini Jacket (Men’s || Women’s) (windbreaker)
- Montbell Tachyon (Men’s || Women’s) (windbreaker)
Umbrella
Umbrellas are optional, especially on the heavily wooded Appalachian Trail. Still, for not much added weight, an umbrella can provide both sun and rain protection with excellent ventilation. You just have to be careful not to snag it on any low-hanging branches.
Socks
Consider durability, breathability, comfort, and warmth. You want socks that won’t slip, bunch up, or have you wincing in pain as you tape over raw blisters. Hiking socks should help regulate temperature, keeping you cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather. Although minimalism is the law of the land on the AT, you’ll probably want several pairs of socks so you can give sweaty, rain-soaked socks a day off to dry before you wear them again. In cold weather, you may also want thick sleeping socks.
Hiking (Medium weight merino wool)
- Darn Tough Micro Crew
- Darn Tough CoolMax Hiker
- Smartwool Hiking Socks
- Farm to Feet Hiking Socks
- Point6 Medium Cushion Mini Crew Socks
Camp socks (Heavyweight merino)
Underwear (2 pairs: 1 camp, 1 hiking)
Whether or not to wear underwear during a long-distance hike is a personal preference. For those who choose to go the way of the undergarment, ExOfficio has been a longtime staple of the thru-hiker. With smooth seams and the EGIS Microbe Shield antimicrobial treatment, these stay comfortable, chafe-free, and you have to wash them significantly less than you would a normal pair of underwear.
Bra
Similar to underwear, whether or not you wear a bra on trail is a matter of personal preference. For those who want the extra support, most synthetic sports bras do the job. Just make sure it’s comfortable, and not made with cotton. If you’re worried about the stink, consider switching to a merino wool sports bra for odor and moisture control.
Camp Pants (Leggings — wool, polyester, synthetic)
For chilly nights, or to hike in on early mornings or brisk days. Similar to base layer tops, these should be warm, fit snuggly, and made of something that won’t reek to high heavens.
- IceBreaker Leggings
- Smartwool Base Layer Bottoms
- REI Base Layer Bottoms
- REI Merino Base Layer Bottoms
Hiking bottoms (1 pair synthetic)
You might hate pants and be more comfortable in shorts, or perhaps you’re a fashionista who wants to turn heads in the latest trendy hiking skirt. Choosing the right type of hiking bottoms is all down to personal preference. You should test your bottoms to make sure they’ll be comfortable for hiking over an extended period of time. If you’re rolling with ultralight, breathable shorts with a full range of movement, you’ll want to have a good base layer or a set of wind pants you can throw on when it gets cold. Whatever your preference, durability, and breathability should be considered.
- Patagonia Baggies
- Purple Rain Adventure Skirt
- Brooks Running Shorts
- Any Synthetic Running Shorts
- prAna Stretch Zion Pants (Men’s)
- prAna Halle Pants (Women’s)
- REI Co-op Sahara Hiking Pants
Hiking Tops
A close-fitting long-sleeve thermal base layer top is ideal in cold conditions, while in summer a thin, breathable short- or long-sleeve shirt is the way to go. Sun protection isn’t as big an issue on the AT as on more exposed western trails, but long sleeves can still protect you from bugs.
- Smartwool Intraknit Crew
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
- Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down
- Town Shirt Sun Hoodies
- REI Sahara T-Shirt
- Any breathable synthetic or merino wool shirt
Gloves
Keeping warm in wet and cold conditions is a morale booster, and investing in a good pair of gloves won’t be a decision you’ll regret. You’ll want to look for gloves that are lightweight, warm, and maintain insulating properties when wet. Tech-savvy? You might want to check out sensor gloves!
- OR Sensor Gloves
- OR Gripper Gloves
- Icebreaker Merino Liners
- SmartWool Merino Liners
- Zpacks Brushtail Possum Gloves
- Zpacks Vertice Rain Mitts
Hat (Lightweight)
- Smartwool Merino 250
- Any merino wool or synthetic beanie
- Polar buff
Camp Shoe
A luxury item to some, up there with the “big 3” to others, camp and comfort both start with the letter ‘c’–coincidence? Probably not. When you’re strolling around camp after a long day of hiking your feet may be screaming out for a little R&R. Camp shoes will provide just that. They should be comfortable and lightweight. If you’re not sure if camp shoes are for you, try an old pair of dollar flip flops or sliders.
Stuff Sacks (3-5 waterproof)
Stuff sacks are optional. Some hikers choose to pack most of their gear loose inside a waterproof liner in their pack. Still, if organization and reliable waterproofing are important for your sanity, a set of quality, lightweight dry sacks is in order.
- Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry Sack (camp clothes, hiking clothes, food, sleeping bag, and electronics- a must for camp clothes and sleeping bag minimally)
- Granite Gear eVent Sil Dry Sack
Cup/Bowl/Mug/Pot (you won’t need all of these… pick your cook setup to match needs)
Stove
Who doesn’t love coffee or hot chocolate in the morning? When choosing a stove you should be looking at weight, boiling time, fuel efficiency, and versatility.
Standard canister stoves like the MSR PocketRocket are the lightest and sometimes come with a piezoelectric ignitor so you don’t have to use a lighter (you should always bring one as backup though). Integrated canister stoves like the Jetboil Flash weigh more but are more fuel-efficient and boil water faster, meaning less wait time before din-din.
Most hikers use some form of canister stove with isobutane fuel, but solid fuel Esbit stoves and alcohol stoves are also viable options. Some hikers forego the stove overall and cold soak or stick with ready-to-eat cold foods. This makes sense if you run hot already and don’t need hot foot to overheat you even more, or if you would prefer to save time and hassle by eliminating cooking from your routine. You might save a little weight by eliminating the stove and fuel, but not as much as you might think (unless you cold soak a lot) because ready-to-eat cold foods tend to weigh more than dehydrated stuff.
- MSR PocketRocket
- Snow Peak LiteMax
- Jetboil Flash
- Jetboil Stash
- BRS 3000T
- Soto Amicus
- Esbit Pocket Stove
- DIY Alcohol Stove
Spoon
Sporks are overrated. You’ll mostly be eating soft, mushy stuff and finger food (not a lot of salad or other spear-able fare in the backcountry), so the tines are just a torn stuff sack (or worse) waiting to happen.
- Toaks Titanium Spoon
- Snow Peak Spork
- Wendy’s Frosty Spoon
Hiking Poles
There are three types of hikers when it comes to trekking poles: those who swear by them, those who aren’t fussed by them, and those who channel their inner Gandalf by using a sturdy stick found somewhere along the trail.
You’ll have to decide which type of hiker you are but before making a decision, it’s worth noting that trekking poles aid balance, make your knees happier on descents, and can help with climbing. They’re also useful for pitching non-freestanding tents.
When shopping for trekking poles, consider:
- Weight: Carbon fiber poles are more expensive but lighter than aluminum
- Locking mechanism: Flick lock telescoping poles are easiest to adjust and most reliable
- Handle: Cork grips are said to cause less blisters than foam grip
- Straps: Trekking pole straps can help you to grip the pole properly. Contrary to popular opinion, they’re not just for hanging off pegs in the shelter.
- Women’s models: Usually slightly lighter and smaller, with a narrower grip.
Here are a few recommendations if you decide you’re the hiker who swears by them.
- REI Traverse
- Leki Makalu Lite Trekking Poles
- Gossamer Gear LT 5
- Black Diamond Alpine Cork (Men’s || Women’s)
- Cascade Mountain Tech
- Durston Gear Iceline Poles
- Zpacks Minimalist Poles
- Diorite Gear Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Headlamp (Lightweight)
Your headlamp is something you can throw in your pack (preferably in an accessible place) and forget about… then be really, really glad you have it. From night hiking to bathroom breaks to searching in your pack for your bear-bag rope, this is an indispensable piece of gear for thru-hikers.
You want your headlamp to be easy to figure out/change the settings, comfortable to wear for long periods of time and serve your purpose with high range and visibility. There are tons of options out there, but a simple, lightweight choice with long battery life is what you should be looking for. A bright option around 200 lumens plus a red light setting is ideal.
Water Purification
Giardia is not a party–so unless you want to risk catching the infamous germ or other waterborne illnesses, you should treat your water. There are a number of ways you can do this. Filters like the Sawyer Squeeze are a popular choice for their simplicity–fill a bottle, attach your Squeeze and you’re good to go. (We compare the Micro and the Squeeze here.) No waiting required.
Gravity bags take a little more effort but are great in camp and worth checking out too. Chemical treatments and tablets are also options but be sure to look at wait times when making a decision. Devices like the SteriPEN are also on the market. They use UV rays to treat water, although it’s worth noting that batteries are required.
Water Bottle (Lightweight)
Nalgene bottles are heavy, bulky, expensive, and largely unnecessary. A disposable water bottle will do. SmartWater is a common choice because the bottle mouth mates with the popular Sawyer Squeeze filtration system.
- Gatorade Bottle
- SmartWater Bottles
First Aid Kit
You can buy a ready-made backpacking first aid kit, but it’s simple enough to put one together in a Ziploc bag from supplies you probably already have. Don’t get carried away with your first aid kit: a small supply of basic medicines and bandages
- Antiseptic Wipes (2)
- Triple Antibiotic Cream (tiny tube or spray bottle)
- Ibuprofen
- Antidiarrheal (diarrhea in the backcountry puts you at risk of dehydration)
- Antihistamine (for allergic reactions to pollen, poison ivy, bee stings, etc. Obviously not a substitute for epinephrine if you need that.)
- Bandaids
- Sewing Needle (heal ripped clothes, tents, shoes, etc. using dental floss as thread)
- Duct tape
- Leukotape (thru-hiker’s blister prevention/treatment of choice. A little bit wrapped around a golf pencil or your trekking pole is adequate, don’t take the whole roll)
- Emergency Fire Starter (Cotton balls in Vaseline, dryer lint dipped in wax, etc. In a pinch you can use corn chips, like Fritos, or pine cones found around the campsite instead.) (2)
Toiletries
Bring hand sanitizer and/or biodegradable soap so you can wash your hands at least once per day (helpful if you want to avoid illnesses like norovirus). Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste. Do cut your toothbrush in half (to save space, not weight: it’s probably the only long, thin thing in your bathroom bag, so cutting it in half will let you pack down much smaller). Leave the deodorant at home.
- Toothbrush (cut in half to save space) and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer and/or biodegradable soap in a tiny bottle
- Floss (doubles as thread for emergency repairs)
- Hair brush or comb (optional but nice for those with a lot of hair)
- Vaseline, Bodyglide, etc. (optional but nice for those prone to chafing and blisters)
- Baby wipes (very optional, but nice if hygine is really important to you; pack them out!)
- Kula cloth and/or pStyle (optional for hikers sans-penis who don’t want to squat and drip dry)
- Menstrual cup, tampons, or pads (Remember Leave No Trace: you hike it in, you hike it out!)
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes and ticks (including deer ticks) abound on the AT. Lyme disease occurs in every state on the trail, and the disease can be transmitted from tick bites at any time of the year.
- With DEET
- DEET-Free
- Permethrin (for clothing and gear—reapply approximately every six weeks on your zero day)
Guidebook
We recommend that you carry both since phones can run out of battery or otherwise fail pretty easily. You can save weight by just carrying a small section of the physical guidebook at a time and mailing the other sections ahead. Also, obligatory reminder, there is not substitute for a map, compass, and the skill to use them for backcountry navigation (plus maps are super fun and interesting).
- AWOL’s Guide
- FarOut (previously Guthook) (phone app)
Luxury/Comfort Items (pillow, mascot, journal, instrument, electronics, etc.)
See our full guide to thru-hiking electronics.
- Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal
- Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow
- Portable Phone Charger (Not a luxury item if you are reliant on your phone for maps)
- Sit Pad
Trowel
Make sure to follow Leave No Trace guidelines at all times, including burying your poo in a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source. Pack out your toilet paper. Don’t bury uneaten food, trash, or greywater from cooking or brushing your teeth (pack out the food and trash, drink or disperse the greywater by scattering it in an area 200 feet away from any water source).
GPS
The AT is generally easy to follow, but a GPS device can still come in handy. It will give you and your loved ones back home peace of mind, and if you get into an emergency situation you can easily call for help. Also, two-way communicators will let you check the weather and keep in touch with people at home even when you don’t have cell service. When budgeting for your hike, factor the cost of the GPS subscription and rescue insurance into the price of the device (these things aren’t included in the list price).
Pandemic Gear
Still a thing, sadly. Although outdoor transmission of Covid-19 is highly unlikely, shuttles, stores, and crowded hostels could still pose a risk.
- Face mask
- Pocket hand sanitizer
What gear do you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured image via Mellanie.
Comments 209
First aid kit I include a pill Ziploc baggie (Walmart 50 for $1.89) with Neosporin squirted along the bottom and Qtips broken in half with the cotton swab in the Neosporin for blisters. Baklava for windy summits. Sewed loops on gloves bottoms to attach to clip on pack.
Does baklava taste better on windy summits?
yea and is better cold or should we try and warm it up first.
Cold? that is a crime!
Every. Single. Hike.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/266556882/homemade-baklava?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-home_and_living-food_and_drink-baked_goods&utm_custom1=f380c500-ce2d-46be-ac3a-eeaefe3591d3&gclid=CjwKEAjww_a8BRDB-O-OqZb_vRASJAA9yrc5phy3oBKu6mEjl3KEJacoFaCZNe5jszwEHxWPaHQEHRoCPDzw_wcB
The Baklava shop is amazing!
Cold is a crime Y’all!!’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everything tastes better on windy summits, especially when you’re enjoying the
wind-proof protection of a balaclava!
Agree with Robert – Wear a balaclava while munching on baklava and heading up to (or down from) a windy summit.
Only in Greece.
Istanbul is the baklava capital of the world!
Not Constantinople?
Not anymore. Istanbul overtook it about 1930.
He means the head covers that Arabs wear to not get shot
Yes
I like my baklava with fava beans
Hey Bushy, I really enjoyed meeting you. I had a small set back, my 1996 pack went belly up and died and as you know my filter bag ruptured. So I took the weekend off to regroup. If you see Broke-down tell him thanks for the gift it meant a lot to me…see y’all soon should be at neels gap monday …Uncle Dave.
Hi Uncle Dave, Sparks and I really enjoyed meeting you too! Sorry to hear about your backpack and filter bag! I will certainly pass on your thank you to Brokedown; we should see him tomorrow when the shuttle takes us all back to Woody Gap to get back on the trail; we are taking a zero day in Dahlonega. Hopefully, we will see you again in Neels Gap! Bushy & Sparks
Wow! This gear list is the best one I’ve seen yet! It will definitely aid me and my mom on our future thru hike. Thank you!
I think he means balaclava, I highly recommend!
How about when you literally post “thru-hiker gear list” you actually make a gear list rather than a 6-page article…
i am a section hiker day hiker at a place in life to start 10 day sections in 2015….question…I have seen many hikers on trails now with poles. I’m not sure if that is me…What do you think the pro’s and con’s are?
Pros–They are great to help pull you up the mountains a bit, and work out your upper body. On the downhills it is nice to take some pressure off of your knees, and to help with stability. I also use mine as the structure for my tent.
Cons–Extra weight if not being used to support your tent. Takes a while to get used to them and use them properly.
Also good for stream crossings. I never backpack without them.
I would say poles are essential for the AT.
I never use poles so I consider them optional
They’re a huge help getting through the rocks. I usually hike with one unless it’s a tricky section and then I keep a second where I can just unhook and grab it.
ehhhhh…. they help to a point. i’m old school, one staff. learn to use them correctly or you’ll double your chances to trip.
Got used to them hiking the Florida Trail…they are great for feeling out sumps and holes in the swamps, and for balance.
Whomever made this list is clearly a male. Can we get some more female gear links please? Most of the clothing links directly to mens.
Maybe they updated the list since you have seen it. Looks like a lot of links for women’s clothing are given.
YES! they have made many improvement to provide more female options since I last posted this comment. I’m happy they have 🙂
62 male going to attempt it next year . Takinbut TVg this year to get in shape and knee surgery. Going to be walking and camping parts of AT in N.C with 5 day trips .
62 yo F looking for someone to hike as much of the AT as possible with in 2021 from ME to GA starting next May. Call – don’t Email – if interested or know someone who is – 352-566-3073 EST.
Tampons. There, done.
Not yet a hiker, but how about something along these lines, Ladies? There are also multiple non-disposable options, Wild Bill, if that’s important to you. 😉
https://www.amazon.com/Instead-Hour-Feminine-Protection-Cup/dp/B0000533CC/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1471044813&sr=8-2&keywords=instead+softcup
YES! I also recommend the Pstyle: https://smile.amazon.com/pStyle-Pink/dp/B002AA2LD2?sa-no-redirect=1
Mmmm, I’d personally go with a diva or luna cup rather than tampons or pads. Less waste and grossness.
Bear in mind that your hands will never be clean enough to avoid bacteria where you least want it
I never use tampons. I’m a dude.
You can use it as a instant clot, like if you get shot, or fall and puncture ur self with a rock/stick.
As an experienced medic, I say this only because I care.
Please don’t actually attempt to use a tampon for punctures/gunshot/similar wounds. This is an old joke that somehow got turned into an idea of being an actual way to treat or “save a life” that is extremely inaccurate. A tampon will not hold even a minor amount of blood from a serious injury. Better would be to pack 2 rolls of 2″ or 3″ width gauze, or Israeli bandage dressing, and practice “wound packing”.
A tampon in a serious wound will just result in a cadaver with dark-humor-fodder for the coroner.
You said Tampon’s as if tongue in cheek. They are an essential item, ( I’m a guy) in my first aid kit’s, and we keep them in our hunting camp first aid/survival gear. The obvious use not withstanding, they work great for puncture wound’s, and, as a civilian, have seen one used for a gun shot wound. Their absorption qualities are far better than a typical gauze pad. Happy Trails!!! Roger
Please, do not ever use tampons for wound packing. They absorb blood, they do nothing to stop the bleeding. Direct pressure is the best way to stop all bleeding, proper wound packing and a pressure dressing will work for areas that a tourniquet can not get too for life threatening hemmorage. I can site numerous resources that says we have learned that painful lesson in the GWOT. As a combat medic I’m always more than willing to offer free advice you need just message me.
That’s what I thought that when i heard they can be used for GSWs! Any advice on improvised clotting? (To be used in conjunction with medical gauze and pressure application)
So true about tampons and gunshot wounds.
Go to REI. Since 2017 they cater almost solely to females. Check out their Instagram and web pages
Poles can really save your hide. Multiple times I still ended up like a turtle on his back but no serious injuries. Mainly useful for keeping your balance in rocky areas or crossing streams/logs, In bogs like Mass has they kept me from stepping in boggy areas. I went with the Black Diamond Cork Alpine Trekking poles others go with Leki. I would recommend graphite because of my first night hiking in a thunderstorm. Hope that helps.
Just for the record: graphite is a dandy lightning conductor. So don’t imagine graphite poles are any safer than aluminum ones. Plenty of anglers have been struck by lightning conducted by their fishing poles. That said, it is a myth that lightning is “attracted” by metal objects. The anglers who got hit, like the mountaineers with ice axes and so on, got hit because they were in the middle of open water or open mountain tops. Lightning tends to strike open areas. That’s what you need to stay away from, not some specific material.
actually lightning hits the highest object often a fishing rod or an ice pic or walking stick held in the air lol..Lightning looks for the quickest ground. So in a wooded area ..yes it is still hitting just you may not see the strike because of the cover. people think a car is the safest place to be in a lightning storm because of the rubber tires insulate the car from being grounded. That’s not true..the lightning just traveled through a few miles of air to hit the car..do you think that tiny bit of rubber is going to protect it? no it wont..what makes the car a safer place is the lightning is grounded through the car and not your body
Tires are not made out of rubber. I was in a pu the was struck by lightning. All my hair stood and man did sparks fly as it hit the hood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire. “The materials of modern pneumatic tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds.” I’d say tires are made of rubber + other items.
Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes. While metal does not attract lightning, it does conduct it so stay away from metal fences, railings, bridges, flag poles, etc. during a storm.
Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. If you lean on the car doors during a thunderstorm, you will get shocked.
The static electricity of a lightening strike will jump past the insulation of tires to the ground. Sometimes through the air is “the easiest route.” Sometimes the car will act as a “Faraday Cage” and what is inside won’t be hurt. It is not a myth that lightening is attracted to metal objects. Lightening rods continue to be used because they work. That said, electricity can be very fickle. 25 years ago at Ft. Benning, GA a group of soldiers were on a training exercise during a severe thunderstorm. Some of them took shelter from the rain under a large tree while another group went to an open area and stood in the rain. Lightening struck the tree knocking down everyone under it and traveled along the ground to the group standing in the field. Two died but about ten more were saved because of CPR by fellow soldiers and IVs stuck in by the medic that was with them.
Lightning is _not_ “attracted to metal objects”, it merely finds the lowest resistance (which is the shortest if the medium is homogenous) path to a lower potential (“ground”).
Metal objects are conductive, hence are at the potential of the object they touch. If they touch the ground, they provide a preferential (i.e. lower resistance) path for the lightning.
Lightning rods work because they are both taller (mounted at the top of a structure) and are connected to ground (via an earth strap).
Next time you see a lightning rod, look closely and you’ll see a thick strap of metal that runs all the way down the building – this provides the path to ground, greatly reducing the current passing through the building and hence preventing damage to it.
Under a tree is the absolute last place you’d want to be. I’d already left Benning by 2005, but it that’s the incident, the trainees ditched their metal and spread out (at least according to reporting).
I learned from a hiking bro to use trekking poles to lightly tap in front of blind step-downs to give any nope-ropes (snakes) a chance to let you know they are there. Better than your ankle being the thing that startles Mr. Copperhead from his nap.
Hammocks are becoming increasingly popular. Any suggestions for brands that are good?
Heather
Im a 56 yo and doing the North half this year from Harpers. Bought a Hennesy Hammock and will not go back to a tent. Useful in rocky terrain and you can useally find 2 trees far enough apart to hang.
I swear by my Hennessy. I have 2, both asym side zips one ultralight and one with the super shelter for winter. I have a big Agnes UL tent and others, but unless I’m packing in treeless land, I’ll take my Hennessy thank you. (You CAN use it on the ground with hiking poles to convert to a tent/bivvy of sorts in a pinch.)
I was wondering what do you do with your pack if it rains
For keeping your pack dry in the rain you can hang your pack from your hammock ridgeline or from your hammock suspension under your tarp. Some folks bring a small gear hammock for their pack and/or boots, others just use their pack cover and hang it from a tree or put it under the hammock on a tarp. Check out HammockForums.net for more a deep dive into hammock camping. As WhiteBlaze is the go-to for all things A.T., HF is the go-to for all things hammock-related.
I use a gear hammock (one I made about 1/3 the size of my Blackbird) and adjust it to ride under my main hammock. It makes my stuff easier to reach and it provides some (not much) of an insulating quality also. The gear hammock can be rigged to be a chair of sorts in camp also. My sources for my DIY gear hammock are: theultimatehang.com and ripstopbytheroll.com.
I recommend a cottage company like Dream Hammocks. A lot more bang for the buck and offers a lot of customization. That being said I made all my gear with no prior experience and it outlasted all my purchased gear. Head over to hammock forums for all you could ever want to know about hammocks.
Geez, this is going to unleash the cult of hammocks…….for those who have not drank the hammock kool aid….or those who have, and just prefer tents….It’s ok!
They are heavier then many camping hammock brands but I swear by my Clark Jungle Hammock and will gladly sacrifice the weight for the comfort, reliability, and quality.. not to mention the all in one ease of set up
A year late sorry. Use an ENO Double nest. Hammock Gear makes light fantastic underquilts and top quilts. I used to get cold in my hammock, now I sleep as sound as a baby in mommy’s arms!
I use my Combat hammock! Ok so its not actually called a combat hammock, but a multi-purpose net from Quartermaster. it weighs a few ounces and strong enough so it has held me in all my body armor during my field exercises.
Warbonnet Blackbird and Blackbird xlc. a little pricey and heavy but very comfortable and made in the good old U. S. of A.
I agree, I love my Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, the shelf storage is extremely convenient to me. There are many great cottage hammock vendors to choose from: Warbonnet Outdoors, Dream Hammock, Dutchwaregear, Simply Light Designs, Bearded Hanger, Wilderness Logics, etc. All outstanding craftsmen and all made in the USA.
I was an avid mountain camper & I perfected what size & type of tent to have a teach time of the year. In the last 2 years, I have transitioned from a camper to a hiker; and I have to say that a hammock is the way to go!! I bought a cheap hammock & fly, but I still use them to this day. I had a WARBONNET, but went back to the cheap hammock & fly; FREE SOLDIER. It’s double stitched, has surprising strong loops, and very spacious & comfortable. I had to buy better riggings, but the hammock & tarp work great. The FREE SOLDIER tarp is huge & very light. I make different configurations depending on the weather. I was surprised as you are reading this post, but I have taken it on 7-10 day hiking trips & it has been perfect. I am about to thru-hike NoBo in March 2018. I’ll let you know how it holds up.
Love mine….. bought two a couple of years ago along with cloudburst tarps, one standard Blackbird and one mirror reverse. Mr. Waddy was too cool in helping me with that reverse project and said that he was working on making a version that would unzip the bug net all the way off and just flip the hammock to have a reverse.
My new WB Blackbird weighs exactly 0.8 lbs.
With the customary shelf and footbox, this hammock is the ultimate in comfort. Strong too, made with 40D nylon.
My entire sleep system; the hammock, quilts, tarp, and stakes, is 3.75 lbs.
Warbonnet blackbird
Cheap and light and ships out fast, Dutchware gear ”half-wit”. Standard out the box perfection, Warbonnet “Blackbird XLC”, and if you have time and money on your side and want a custom built to your specifications: Best comfort and value IMO is Dream Hammock “Raven”. These are all made by Cottage vendors. For a more in depth source of info to all things hammock, I suggest diving into the forums like http://www.hammockforums.net .
Anyone have size recommendations for the dry sacks needed? Looking at the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil sacks, but there are a lot of options there.
My dry bag is the super lightweight Sea to Summit Air Stream Pump Dry Sack. I got it because it is also a pump for my Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Sleeping Pad. This pad is far better than the neoair ultralight pads. They delaminate because of the moist air used to blow them up. The pump sack attaches easily to the pad, and then it’s 2-1/2 pumps, and the pad is inflated. The pad also is more comfortable. They have several different ones from no-insulation to enough insulation for winter camping.
I get all of my clothing and my sleeping bag in the dry sack. used on the PCT, Tahoe Rim Trail, and fast-packing trips.
I have not thru hiked but I used to do a lot of backpacking and bike camping and I used 1 and 2 gallon freezer zip top bags along with lightweight nylon stuff sacks to keep stuff dry and organized. Lightweight, durable if you’re careful, and easy to replace. That said, I have not seen the ultralight dry bags and I am intrigued.
The mention of Permethrin is a good idea . Sprays on gear in either areosol , or pump spray . Good for 6 washings , or all summer ?!? .Keeps bugs off gear , kills them while they creep . Good Tick stopper ! . I would also recommend using Picaridin as a replacement for DEET . No smell , non oily . Won’t ruin nylon gear . IT WORKS . We experienced the swarming flies each day and evening on our 8 day AT section hike in late May this year . They stayed away completely . Reapplied it after mid day as perspiration ,wore down its effect .
Great articles . Great Blog !
Bill
‘Two Dogs’
Hello everyone! I’m new to hiking and have never done an overnight hike, but plan to do so in the future. I’ve heard about people using bear proof containers for food. What are your recommendation for those? Thanks!! Happy trails!!
Hi Marrenby. Did you ever do your over night hikes? I am so new to the concept of hiking the AT and am actually taking a year and few months to plan. I’m so excited about the thought that at times I find it hard to sit still. I have so much to learn but so eager.
I’m new to hiking. I will need a lot of mentoring. can we train prepare together. I want to hike with a group. what are your plans. I live in near Sharon Conn. in New York.
Dear Marrenby Cole, Don’t bother with the bear proof container! Them bears is smart, oh ya! I’m pretty sure they can figure out how to remove the top to any container – especially when there is food inside the container! Don’t underestimate them varmints! In fact, if you are ever approached by a bear and they are eyeing you up-and-down, just give them your food and remember not to panic and run! Happy Trails………
Ahhhhh, no. Bear cans are great but you can also use bear bags out of Kevlar which are lite weight and keeps all the varmints at bay. And never, ever run from a bear. It kicks there instincts into second gear and they will run you down. Its best to make noise so that they are not surprised that you are there. They almost always run for the hills. If not, raise your hiking poles up make your self big and if you are in a group even better. They will then take off. Last but not least, never ever feed the bears. You really don’t want them to associate people with food.
Please do not feed the bears! I grew up near the Smoky Mountains and have hiked many of the trails almost all my life. Black bears are common in that area. I’ve seen many wild animal lose their life because of PEOPLE! Unfortunately, I have witnessed people feeding the cute little cubs. I’ve seen parents push little Johnny and little Julie to hand a bear cub food. I’ve screamed at people for feeding bears. Once you’ve fed a bear, you’ve signed that bears death warrant. They associate people with food and will chase people to get food. They’re not after you, they want what you have! Food. Once a bear begins to associate people with food, that bear must be put down. Never throw food at any wild animal. Please read about how to avoid wild animals if you plan to be in their habitat.
I would recommend watching a couple of you tube videos by a young lady (trail name Dixie) who is on the CDT right now finishing up her Triple Crown …… She has done it all….. and has several (many, many) videos describing her trips and any subject you could possible think about asking. Her videos are listed under the name of > Homemade Wanderlust < and are very good and informative. She is not sponsored by anyone, and if she talks about a product its because she used it ….. Including bear proof containers ……, and the three primary manufactures of them (pros and cons)
Just finished our thru-hike and found that a good sense of humor is a most valuable asset, and ultra-lite weight too!
On a more materialistic note, a trash compactor bag as a pack liner was much more effective than pack covers (although we used both..wet year!) Also, good zip bags in various sizes will serve you well for a multitude of unexpected situations. They’re light weight and easy to store.
I’m currently planning my 2016 thru-hike and I’m heading to an REI garage sale tomorrow morning to see what gear I can get on the cheap. I’ve seen people buying tents there before and was thinking this would be a great pickup. What do you folks think? Is there anything I should stay away from at these garage sales?
Thanks!
If I have the Patagonia Nano-Air, but not a down insulating layer, would I survive with a few layers under the Nano-Air? The Nano-Air is warm (not as warm as the ultralight) but still warm. Is it necessary to have both? or one or the other? Thanks
For my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail I was thinking to buy the Primus Spider Stove Set. But I`m not sure if suitable gas will always available along the AT. Do you have any experience or suggestions to me?
Jetboil! And gas is readily available IMHO. The jetboi lid also way more efficient with the heat (and therefore the gas). My Peak stove went through 2x the gas as my buddies for the same meal count, so I switched. Plus compact for all meal gear in one lightweight container. Hard to sauté something if your are a trail gourmet, but for Mountain House, Coffee and Tea it can’t be beat.
For beginners I would recommend two important gear choices: 1) footwear, 2) tent.
I wear homemade huaraches and go barefoot. I hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail in them (even through some snow now and again). With huarches/sandals your feet don’t get hot. And that saves you from blisters. A friend of mine did the whole PCT in Chaco Unaweep sandals last year (2015) and no blisters. He did bring calf-high waterproof socks to wear with them when it was cold or snow.
The second important thing is the tent. Get a free-standing tent like the Fly Creek UL2 or the new REI quarter dome. Both weigh about 2-1/2 pounds with everything.
The two reasons I noticed people bailing from the first couple hundred miles of the PCT were from blisters upon blisters on their feet, and from a couple of really stormy nights where tent poles broke and sleeping bags got soaked.
Finally, keep your TOTAL weight of gear, food, and water under 20 pounds. My base-weight is now under 10 pounds (with 3 days of food the total weight is under 15 pounds with carried water). This allows me tor hike fast, and then I can enjoy a couple of long lazy breaks in the day by a lake or something and still manage 18-23 miles a day.
Secret tip: I carry a tiny 1/2 ounce bottle filled with bleach for my water purification. Just 2 drops per liter, and wait 1/2 hour. 1/2 ounce of bleach can filter 300 liters of water. That’s one gallon a day for over two months. “Walking with wired” uses the bleach method and she is an expert through hiker (AT, PCT, TRT, CDT, …)
Holy crap! That’s some real lightweight gear/minimalist sacrifice. Good for you. I am 26lbs with 3L water for warm weather and 29lbs cold weather..
never hiked 72 yrs young do you wnt me to go on??
Visine bottle re-named for the bleach (way easier to get the right amount out)
Dont use a bottle designed to put drops in your eyes! If someone makes a mistake thinking they can put drops in their eyes they may blind themselves.
Hiked a good share of the PCT in California. Red Kelty frame pack, wool trousers for nights and bugs, nylon running shoes for camp shoes and crossings, and a Whisperlight stove. Tarp to sleep under and a bug bivy. I like a sturdy and well fitting boot- either Lowa or Vasque- Have watched sneaker wearing folks struggle and fail in snowfield crossings. With my wool Pendleton shirt and
a down vest or jacket, and my rain jacket I have never been cold. Wool hat and a brimmed one for sun. Poles are annoying to me.
hey Brad! what water proof socks did your friend use with his huarches? I wear shamma sandals made in Santa Cruz and realize I will need some neoprene insulated socks that work for that type of shoe when I hike the AT this spring. thanks for the informations
sealskins
In 2013 I went on a 24 mile weekend hike up near Aspen CO. Towards the end of our first day it started raining so I put on my Frogg Togg jacket. Within 15 minutes the jacket had soaked clear through and I was drenched. Frogg Toggs are quite tempting because of the low price but I definitely suggest spending a bit more money on a jacket that will work better.
Frog toggs as you say will soak through in a few minutes. If you have Frogg Toggs over your puffy it will get soaked. Almost immediately.
Hand knit socks are my favorite hiking socks , but they are a recent must haves. Wish I had them when I section hiked the AT (1992-2007).
Recent studies have found the Steri Pen as effective as your flashlight. I witnessed one in use by my buddy in Nepal. Next day antibiotics were deployed to area concerned. I have a steri pen. Won’t use it.
Turns out I fell victim to content marketing and the SteriPen is more reliable than I stated. Link https://www.snewsnet.com/news/blurry-lines/ Friend did get violently ill but may not have been the SteriPen’s failure to do it’s job.
Prefer filters to additives or electronics like the pen. Have tabs for backup if filter clogs, but I like the platypus system – one dirty water bag, one clean water bag, gravity feed in camp. No more crouching at the stream pumping. First Needs water filter system is great for home/travel/bug out, rock solid, but weighs like a rock too…
EAR PLUGS!!!!
If you haven’t tried the USGI “waffles” for thermal/camp pants, save the $120 for the name brand and pick up a better pair that the local surplus shop
I did not read anything about a completely reliable lighter. What do folks do if the bic lighter doesn’t work?
Ultra light, ultra cheap: Chapstick and dryer lint and a flint/steel. Plus you have Chapstick too… Bonus.
Just remember to get dryer lint from a friend in a pet-free home. My 50% dog hair/cotton mix stinks…
I carry two or three of them, as they hardly add any weight.
I always suggest an extra bottle cap, you never know.
so how entirely sponsored content is this page exactly because REI’s site says that you can find “our recommendations here” and its a hyperlink to here.
https://blog.rei.com/hike/how-to-pack-for-an-appalachian-trail-thru-hike/
Been backpacking for 53 years. My advice, fwiw, get what works for you…
In the wilderness, you’ll find no handrails, no courtesy phones, no attendants, no flush toilets, no water fountains, no snack bars. It’s a potentially dangerous place.
Hi all, this is great reading. I will be heading over to do the AT in mid Feb 2018. I know its a long time away but I need to prep and gather info as I live in Victoria Australia. Thank you every one for the information as its a different type of hiking than I am use too. I love the Himalayas but over there I have a porter! My intention is to hike -thru in 6 to 7 months on my own (I will be 57) so any tips re hiking alone will be greatly appreciated. I intend to stalk this site! 🙂
Hi I’m tommy I’ll be hiking the AT in march2017 I’ll be 60 and going solo I’ll keep you informed
Hi Tommy,
Thanks that would be great!
I am 73 and very active w/o health problems. Hoping to do the AT. Any suggestions/helps?
Annette, I found the videos at Homemade Wanderlust youtube very very helpful. Dixie has 44 videos about her travels and travails plus 12 or so about equipment, bears, etc. Btw, she is contemplating the Pacific Coast Trail as well. Be sure to visit DC during Independance Day. If you trekked in the Himalyas, I hear Killomanjaro is easier. –Chris in Virginia
Hi Chris, thanks for the reply. I looked up Dixie on utube. Loved her videos!
I did Base Camp 4 years ago and the full Annapurna circuit last year. Both in winter as I love winter trekking.
I was in Africa 3 years ago and still kicking myself for not doing Kilimanjaro. Oh well looks like there are plenty of mountains on the AT!
Dixie (Jessica Mills) is now a Triple Crowner….. She and “Perk” finished the CDT and she is going back on trail with her mom and puppy to do all the fire closure areas that they had to detour around the first time (just for fun). Dixie has (lord knows how many) videos out now about almost everything hiking related under the YouTube title of Homemade Wanderlust. (2019)
Hi- I am planning thru hike in 2018 as well. I will be 61. Mid February might be a little early to start? Someone correct me if I’m wrong?
Hi Elaine, yes your right. I didn’t express myself well.I will be arriving mid Feb from Australia. Will need a day or two to get over jet lag and then I will need to finish buying gear etc and get the feel of everything. March 1 is my start date depending on weather.
I’m planning on going Feb 1. 18. I ll be 62. Starting training maybe next week when more of my gear arrives. Army Vet.
Hi, I’m 56 and hoping to hit the ATT trail too. I’m looking at starting late but I don’t have a set schedule so to me it will be not the miles I make but the miles that take my breath away
Right ON Debby!!! Love your attitude! I’m a section hiker (61) and have learned to slow down and enjoy the views……….. very rewarding!
Hope to see you on AT. I also will be hiking in 2018. Best wishes
Hi still in the planning stages let me know how it goes.
You will not be alone for very long at any given time on the AT. especially if you’re leaving in Feb. AND …. as for the 57 …… SO WHAT, it just means you’re smarter than half the folks out there already.
I’ve always been interested in hiking the AT, and with recent issues I’m even more determined to do it. I’m a 20 yo female. I’ve hiked several mountains and trails, but I’m no every day hiker. I’d love to do the trail on as minimum of a budget as I can. Roughly what does it cost between gear and travel expenses?
They say that the average cost works out to about $1000.00 a month. I think this is for equipment and all (when everything is said and done average).
Planning to thru-hike the AT in 2017. I’ll be doing a flip-flop, starting in Roanoke in May and heading NB, then Amtrak back down around Labor Day and heading SB. I’m 60.
Hello! I’m doing the Georgia section the beginning of February and then starting back up in NC in late March. I’m excited about my first solo winter hike and would appreciate any advice or opinions regarding economical GPS devices and services. Or any winter hiking/camping suggestions for that matter.
Check Wilderness innovations ponchos and Sierra chaps.
I’m using Keen waterproof boots and gaiters. Poncho covers you and your pack. Can also get a Polartek liner and other options. I plan on staying dry.
Here’s another awesome gear list! https://bencerise.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/ultralight-backpacking-gear-list/
Check it out.
I am planning for my first AT Thru Hike next year. You have several shoe suggestions in your gear list. All of them are trail shoes rather than hiking boots. Do most hikers use trail shoes or hiking boots on the AT? Thank you.
I noticed the Keen Targhee Mid II hiking boot in your gear list. However, I am still looking for a recommendation for whether to purchase a trail shoe or a hiking boot. Thank you.
Go with trail runners. They are lighter, they dry faster, and they’re more flexible. I love the Altra Lone Peak 3.0s, but I know people with narrower feet prefer the La Sportiva Ultra Raptors or Saloman Speed Cross 4s. Summer 2017 Altra will release a trail runner mid that won’t be waterproof and will have better ankle support (worth thinking about for Pennsylvania). But no waterproof/goretex. Once it gets wet inside, and it will… takes forever to dry. And I think three pairs of hiking socks are worth the weight. Make the third pair your “wet” socks…choose ones that are thinner (lighter) with less merino to dry the fastest and breathe the best while soaking wet.
I also suggest getting the guthook app for your smart phone, it uses GPS (works when there is no cell service available) to provide an accurate location. I also have the AWOL guide to get the scoop on the towns, etc.
I too will use both.
First, I want to thank all you hikers that DO carry cell phones on the trail with you! Second, that guthook app really, truly works great! I highly recommend it! Any time I inquire as to “where in the hell am I?” or “where is the next water source?”, invariably those that consult the guthook app are spot on ALL the time! Now, as an old timer, I never carry a cell phone, to much bother…….. and besides, asking the previous two questions is a good ice-breaker for opening a conversation…… Happy Trails!
Tripplecheck,
AMEN brother!
Great site with lots of good information ! I am tentatively planning a 2018 thru-hike of the AT … I am 68 , and plan on going Northbound , starting in March or early April . Hope to see some of you on the trail !
Hope to see you on the trail, I’m so excited to be planning my hike in 2018 AT.
I’m planning my hike for start in March, 2018! I’ll be 58 and can’t wait to get started. See you on the trail!
Loved the site, the recommend list and the comments. Hoping to get going NoBo 2018.
I got this site from my buddy who informed me about this web site and now this time I am browsing this web page and reading very
informative posts at this place.
Two things missing from this list that I found essential on my hike, and both weigh next to nothing:
(1) Earplugs. I thought there was no point when someone suggested then. I purchased them at Neil’s Gap. When you find yourself in a shelter with snorers, you’ll be glad you brought these.
(2) Immodium AD. Didn’t pack them at first. Now I won’t go hiking without some. You don’t want to be stuck in the woods in a condition where you wish this was in your first aid kit. Trust me.
Jesus…what is this? THe list for yuppie IBM’ers? Who the fu*k would spend $300 on a sleeping bag??
THANK YOU!
Yeah, I wouldn’t spend $300 for a sleeping bag. That’s why I spent $700 on mine.
You need to link to a version of the Euroschirm Liteflex Swing Umbrella (same one) that has the silver metallic coating since that is the one everyone uses. No point in carrying the extra weight if it is only good for the rain and not also for blocking the sun in the early spring before the forest has leafed out.
i’ve only ever gone on week long trips, but there was a three month period of time when all i had was my backpack and the guys around me. maybe this’ll fall on deaf ears, but i’ll say it anyway. we had a regular old tarp, a cheap sleeping bag, a pot, a spoon, a foam pad, two extra layers, and fifty feet of p-cord. you don’t need all this shiny, high tec bull, just go to Walmart with 200 bucks and you’ll be fine.
And you completed the AT outfitted just that way?
My husband and I are taking our 5 kids on a 100 mile section hike in NC/TN in June. We are all runners, so trail runners are much more appealing than bulkier boots. Boots don’t seem necessary for that time of year. Yet I’m open to suggestions…esp want to protect my kids’ feet. I’m also thinking one pair of pants and one pair of shorts (baggies or zip off), lighter base layer, very light down layer, and lighter accessories (hat, gloves, etc) are all that we’ll need that time of year. Is 5 day food supply too much? We would only have to stop once for drop that way. Or should we carry 3 days and stop more?
I started section hiking with the MSR stakes, but I’ve moved on to a real trowel (deuce of spades) and haven’t looked back.
I thru-hiked the AT in 2013 and would recommend the journal system I used, as it was perfect for a thru-hike! I’m in the process of making more journals to share with fellow thru-hikers (called Trailbooks). They’re lightweight, customizable, and made out of recycled materials. A protective cover secures a collection of small blank booklets with elastic cord. The booklets can easily be inserted and removed, depending on how many are desired for a particular trail section, and mailed home as you progress along your hike for safekeeping (and to keep your pack light :). Over the course of my thru-hike, I filled up 15 booklets (usually at night by headlamp in my tent or in lean-to’s). For Trailbooks, I’ve redesigned the journal cover I used on my thru-hike to be lighter, use less materials, and to better secure the inserts. etsy.com/shop/theopenwild
I was curious on the Feathered Friend’s choice. http://featheredfriends.com/swallow-nano-down-sleeping-bag.html seems more popular.
Cascade Mountain Tech makes really nice (and inexpensive) carbon fiber poles.
All links to BackCountry.com do not work in Europe from the 25th this month. This means none of us from Europe are able to see the products 🙁
I hope you update the links or write the products’ names so we are able to see the products as well 🙂 thanks
I am 80 yo and will be thru-hiking the AT- cannot believe a 20# pack, including tent, sleeping bag,clothing and food for the 100 mile wilderness in Maine
Just a thought but you can use Neosporin ointment with the cotton balls for emergency fire starter and wound treatment.
Great list. I have a few things to add.
Komperdell poles, ultralight compact. The best I’ve used.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear tarp, Echo tent or Ultra mid. The lightest + best stuff out there and made in Maine!
Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs and stuff sacks. Have used them for years and they are super light, waterproof and durable.
Platypus gravity filter, great when you have a few people especially (use the 4 later one).
ZPack cuben fiber poncho. Don’t leave home without it. Doubles as a ground sheet too.
So glad to see Esbit stoves mentioned. Have used them for years and find them the lightest and easiest of all stoves to use.
I never use toothpaste in the woods. At first I struggled with this, but after trying it, find it works fine. Plus you can spit anywhere.
Snow peak titanium cup and spork. Love the snowflake logo too.
Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals–lighter than crocs and easier to hike in if necessary, if the trail isn’t too rough.
Finally, if I plan to use shelters/leantos, I bring an Intruder Mousetrap loaded with peanut butter. In a zip lock. (NOT an inferior Victor trap)
Easy to empty, only an ounce, and you sleep much better if mice aren’t running all over you. Sometimes you’ll need to empty it several times, but you usually get most of them by midnight. The best trap for home use too.
God bless you Mouser for the traps ….. I would really be mad if I woke up and had holes chewed in my stuff.
Just tossing out a budget option for a cold weather base layer: Uniqlo’s Heattech long sleeve shirts retain warmth, don’t really retain odor, are easy to wash, and very durable. They’re not quite as light as Icebreakers or Patagonia, but we’re talking about 0.5-0.8oz weight savings. Unfortunately, I’ve found that the Airism base layers, which are for warm weather, do retain odor, stain easily, and the material wears out a lot faster than Heattech.
This is a good list, but there are cheaper choices on many of the items that do not sacrifice quality. Don’t get me wrong. I have some of the brands on this list, but some specific choices seem to just represent status symbols.
There’s a new inflatable insulating layer on the market now, the Exotogg, that uses air to keep you warm. It’s more insulating than down, kinder to animals, and still works if it gets wet. You can wear it to keep warm, but also use it as a pillow or a sleeping pad. Or even a float if it came down to it! It weighs 9oz, and it just won the ‘Best Clothing’ award from the UK Outdoor Industry Association – well worth a look! https://exotogg.com
What a great resource and great comments! Thank you!
Please include Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet backpack on your list. I’ve had one for two years and have seen several on the trail.
They are great!
the gear list is an ad not a representation of what was scene on the trail, if you want to make money on ads you should tell people who are truly interested in what has been working for other people, you have lost credability with me over this.
I’ve been a long-time reader of your blog. I just read your post on “Hiking for Beginners on a Budget” and thought you made some really great points. I especially liked your take on ask to respect our ecosystem. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time and just wanted to give you heads up for new post suggestion [Hiking for beginner, the most common question]. I’m looking for help getting the word out about it and would appreciate any mention you can make on your blog
Thanks!
thanks!
Time to update this list? Most of the links are obsolete. A lot of the gear models have been replaced.
A hockey mask is surprisingly warming to the face on night hikes. Zero chill from the wind. I always keep a machete handy for those rattlesnakes—less warning at night. I’ve tried to join a few other night-hikers but nobody seems interested when I try to approach. They all seem like they have a lot of miles to make and are gone before I know it. I may just have to chase them down to ask them?
Female pee device! Shewee or the like!
Appreciate the info. Good to know I’m on the right track.
Hi. Great list. I would include quick dry shorts. I hiked in these most of the time, even in rain, They dried out very well. Hagloffs are a great brand.
Today is 4.8.2021
Many of the items on this list are discontinued.
How old is this list?!!?
And when will it be updated…
Thanks, great info despite the situation!
Gearing up for 2022 nobo. I have not had a car since May 2018. Walk hike run everyday. About 45 miles a week. Plus work full time. What does anybody else do to get in shape for the trip? I will be 68 next month
Walt
I was wondering about three person tents for the AT; my husband and I would be hiking together and we’ve tried a two person tent and it was just not comfortable for two people and our gear. Any suggestions or recommendations. Preferably free standing.
Thank you!!!
What about those of us that use a CPAP for sleep apnea? Any suggestions?
Settling on the following:
Resmed AirMini Travel CPAP
Airfit P10 Mask assembly
Resmed AirMini DC/DC converter
Renogy 72000mAh 266Wh 12v Power Bank
I have run the CPAP off the Renogy for 35 hours. That should be sufficient charge to get me from charging station to charging station. It also contains a light, wireless charging for phone in addition to USB connections.
The down side is that the entire setup weighs 6lbs.
Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify for ice NSPIRE if you have good insurance.
It makes you self contained, so no gear to carry
I’m thinking about a NOBO thru hike in 2023, when I’ll be 59 years old. I did several one-week backcountry hikes in 2019 (Smoky Mountains and Laurel Highlands), and I need something like an AT thru hike at this point in my life. This gear list is great, very similar to what I carried on my prior hikes. The only thing I would add is a lightweight camp chair. I use the Helinox Zero, which I love at only 17 oz. It’s wonderful to have something comfortable and off-the-ground with back support to sit on at the end of a long day hiking!
Hey guys
My daugther is going on a hiking trip end of february. And I want to gift her a sleeping bag for christmas. Are all the sleeping bags waterproof or not? I’m really not an expert on this topic, so I’d appreciate your help.
I came for the gear list. I stayed for the lightening strike and tampon/bullet wound conversations. This place is great.
Ha! Me too, don’t forget the Baklava thread… I laughed out loud! Good guide though.
Hi! Your “AWOL’s Guide” link links to the Companion (which is not as good). Can you update the link to go to an option to buy AWOL’s guide (“The A.T. Guide”)?
Thanks. I loved my Hubba single self supporting very compact, never leaked 6 years… tent and only needed only light rainfly in fall. SOL breathable bivvy as liner and only bag in summer. Altra Olympus is supposed to be for hikers but rarely mentioned.
With the current concerns with bears on the AT and recent encouragement to use Bear Vaults along the whole trail should it not be added to this list? I feel like it should be the 4th of the big 3. I am reluctantly planning to carry it the whole way myself. Also articles and blogs that blatantly disregard safe practices should not be published. I’ve read too many that talk about throwing half eaten food out of the shelters because of exhaustion. Adding to the problem.
Embrace the Suck. Life will be better. Miles don’t matter until you pass “the Suck”
Socks
make a big difference in your comfort on the trail. I used Wrightsocks for years, no blisters. I switched to the thicker Darn Tough and had the first blisters in years. I liked the Darn Tough for feel and wear so I did this, I wear Wrightsock quarter socks with the Darn Tough over them and that settled my issues.
Hello!🙋🏼♀️
My husband and i are planning to hike the AT in Mid March 2024. Brand New to this sort of adventure. Any words of wisdom would be amazingly awesome and helpful. Thanks!
Water bottles need to be sturdy. I take metal water bottles. I don’t like drinking from plastic and worse, if I drop a metal bottle the worst that will happen is a dent. Try dropping plastic or even nagalene bottles filled with water. They will crack….
I find it funny that no mention of any kind of cutting tool is mentioned. Don’t need a Rambo Knife on the trail, but a small sharp Victorinox could certainly come in handy.
Just saw this. Summary from a scientific paper
Sweat, which is mostly made up of water, also has oily compounds that bacteria transform to form odours, McQueen explains. “These oily compounds and odorants in the watery sweat can interact differently with textiles, depending on the fibre chemistry.
“While water-loving cellulosic fibres such as cotton and viscose absorb more of the water from sweat than polyester does, polyester doesn’t want to absorb the water,” McQueen notes. “It’s more oil-loving, and it absorbs more of the odorants, which don’t dissolve in water, and more of the oily compounds, which could also later break down and become smelly.”
The results of the study help explain why clothing made of cellulosic fibres tends to be less smelly than synthetic clothing after being worn.
The research also showed that although nylon and wool initially took in a lot of the odorants from the sweat, they dissipated them more quickly than polyester. After 24 hours, wool and nylon had much lower intensities of the odorants and were more similar to the cellulosic fibres.
“That tells us that while polyester still needs to be washed, for nylon and wool garments, people might be able to freshen them by just airing them out rather than laundering every time.
Hello, I live in Virginia and looking to hike the AT in Virginia sometime next year. Not looking to hike the entire AT but part or all of the AT that lies within Virginia. Anyone know of hiking clubs or groups I can contact for information?