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Appalachian Trail checklist

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

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:

Hiking gear

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

Shared items for your hiking group:

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.

Personal items

Optional items: