Serious hiking trips start with serious planning. The Appalachian Trail (often called the AT) is 3500km long, which puts it in the “serious hiking trips” category. Whether you’re tackling the whole AT as a thru-hike or just hiking a section, being prepared is the first step. Research is an absolute must, and if you’re going to be on the trail for more than 6 months, weather and terrain will vary greatly along the way. The Appalachian Trail gear checklist below is just the start of your hiking research and journey.
See Appalachian Trail packing list pdf
Sleeping and shelter
- Sleeping bag and compression sack
- Dry bag or garbage bag to put your sleeping bag in
- Sleeping pad
- Lightweight packable pillow (optional)
Shared items for your hiking group:
- [Tent with full-coverage rain fly](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/tents-and-shelters/tents/c/1449?filters[custom_fields.ideal for][0]=backpacking)
- Tent poles and [stakes](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/tents-and-shelters/tent-pegs-and-stakes/c/1443?filters[custom_fields.ideal for][0]=backpacking) (may want to bring snow/sand stakes for beach campsites)
- Footprint
Camp kitchen
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Water filter/water treatment system
- Food – create a food plan for your group (don’t forget snacks and coffee)
- Single-burner backpacking stove
- Fuel for stove
- Lighter or waterproof matches and fire starter
- Pot set
- Cooking utensils
- Biodegradable soap
- Dishcloth and dish scraper
- Tarp to cover cooking area
- Lightweight dry bags for hanging food at night (make sure they’re big enough for all the group’s food and scented items, including toiletries and garbage)
- 15–20m of lightweight rope or cord, plus a carabiner for hanging food
Hiking gear
- 50–75L backpack
- Rain cover or pack liner
- Stuff sacks or sealable plastic bags to organize items in your pack
- Hiking boots – make sure you break them in at least a month before your hike
- Lightweight shoes or sandals for river crossings and camp
- Gaiters
- Trekking poles
- Garbage bags for extra waterproofing (and to pack out your garbage)
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Hiking permit in a sealed plastic bag
- Appalachian Trail guidebook
- Topographic Appalachian Trail maps
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Large sealed plastic bag to store guide, map, compass and GPS
Safety gear
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Watch
- Whistle
- Personal first aid kit with blister care
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Knife (one with a safety locking blade)
- Bear spray in holster
- Repair kits for sleeping pads, tents and stoves; include duct tape and repair tape
- Prescription medication in a sealed, dry container. Bring twice the amount you’ll need; half stays with you, and the other half stays with your hiking partner with detailed info on dosage and side effects.
- Trip plan left with a friend
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Multi-tool
- Trowel (for the bathroom)
Clothing
When it comes to materials, leave the cotton behind. Make sure your hiking shorts, long johns, pants, t-shirts, underwear and sports bra are made of quick-drying materials that wick moisture.
- Hiking socks (2–3 pairs, wool-blend)
- Liner socks, if necessary (2 pairs)
- Dedicated pair of socks to wear in camp
- Synthetic, quick-drying underwear (2 pairs)
- Sports bra
- T-shirts (1–2)
- Hiking shorts
- Hiking pants (nylon works well)
- Lightweight long johns
- Fleece jacket, lightweight puffy jacket or wool sweater
- [Rain jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025?filters[custom_fields.ideal for][0]=camping and hiking)
- Rain pants
- Toque or neck gaiter (wool or fleece)
- Lightweight wide-brimmed sun hat
- Lightweight fleece gloves
Personal items
- Toilet paper – bagged and lots of it
- Hand sanitizer
- [Quick-drying towel or face cloth](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/bath-and-sanitation-products/towels/c/811?filters[custom_fields.ideal for][0]=camping and hiking)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (small amount)
- Power bank or spare batteries for electronic devices
- Phone or emergency communication device
- Earplugs
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Notebook and pencil
- Cash and credit/debit card for food and lodging along the trail
Optional items:
- Hammock or [lightweight chair](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/camp-and-beach-furniture/chairs-and-chair-kits/c/1434?filters[custom_fields.ideal for][0]=backpacking) for camp
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Bug spray or bug hat
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Playing cards
