Thru-Hikers’ Favorite Essential Items

Most hikers know you need several specific items to make a long-distance backpacking trip successful. A shelter, a pack, sleep system, and layers are all necessary to survive 2,000 miles. And some items just stand out in the crowd. Here are 2018 thru-hikers’ most valued “essential” items from their long-distance hikes.

Zpacks Duplex

My tent gave me the comfort of a home away from home. I felt comfortable and secure in it in all kinds of weather. Plus it gave me much needed privacy when I just couldn’t take another crowded shelter.

Froggy, AT
@Shield_maiden_southard

Gossamer Gear The One

I would have my tent pitched in one-third of the time it took everyone else. It was affordable but only 22 ounces. Plus, always felt very comfortable and spacious inside!

El Chapo, AT
@Mary.wanders

Injinji Toe Socks

Injinji toe socks saved my life on the trail. My feet sweat a lot and the toe socks kept them dry and stopped my between-the-toe blisters (oww!).

Rocky, AT
@thatotherrachel

Melanzana Fleece

My Melanzana Fleece was my favorite gear item. It always kept me warm and when I was sad it was like I was already being hugged.

Rocky, AT
@thatotherrachel

Hyperlite 2400 Southwest

Not only was it lightweight and an amazing fit, but the pack and pockets are so incredibly roomy. Bonus: the pack is waterproof. Nothing more annoying than a surprise rainstorm and having to take your pack off to put your cover on. I was able to hike stress-free with my pack in every type of weather.

Sniffles, AT
@sarah_ann_gracee

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1

It was the perfect size for me, never let me down, was so easy to set up, and is semi-freestanding, meaning I could still set it up on tent platforms, and if I was feeling lazy, did not need to stake it out.

Mountain Cat, Appalachian Trail
@cassieadventuring

Underground Quilt 

This custom quilt is rated for 20 degrees and I added an extra ounce of down in the body and foot box. I’ve never been too cold, and it was light enough to keep all summer so I didn’t need to switch out gear.

Moon Pie
@JoyfulRambler

ULA Circuit

This pack took being stuffed full, dragged up and over numerous mountains, shoved into car trunks, and slammed on the ground and only wound up with a tiny hole in the outside pouch, which I patched easily.

Sniffles, AT
@sarah_ann_gracee

MEC Synergy Jacket

This is the only rain jacket I’ve ever had that’s proven to be for real waterproof. From the Shenandoahs and on (south), I basically never take it off because it doubles as being warm, while actually is breathable.

Spirit, Appalachian Trail
@jenniithomps

Osprey Eja

It was light, breathable, and the hipbelt fit me even after I lost 48 pounds on trail!

(Find the men’s Exos here)

Life Alert, AT
@trailnamehere

NeoAir XLite

The NeoAir XLite was my runner-up essential item. Twelve ounces, two inches thick… the most popular sleeping pad on the trail

Spirit, Appalachian Trail
@jenniithomps

La Sportiva Ultra Raptors

Durable, light, fast-drying, and comfortable. Not a single blister or foot pain after I got them. I started with plantar, blisters, and achilles problems.

(Find the men’s model here)

Life Alert, AT
@trailnamehere

Klymit Static V Insulated Lite Sleeping Pad

This durable pad is wide and cozy for me as a side sleeper who tosses and turns a lot. It’s extremely comfortable and kept me warm even on the coldest nights. At 19 ounces, it’s pretty lightweight, too.

Moon Pie
@JoyfulRambler

Wool Layers

All my wool clothes! Always comfy and cozy even when wet.

(Here’s an excellent merino base layer top and bottom.)

El Chapo, AT
@Mary.wanders