So! You've decided to go for a 2,190-mile walk in the woods! First off, CONGRATULATIONS! The Appalachian Trail is a transformative experience for those who follow its iconic white blazes. Second, get ready for the planning! It's both intense and rewarding.
Where to begin? Let's start with a pack list! We've assembled an assortment of gear that, with minor exceptions here and there, is similar to kits we've confidently recommended to Appalachian Trail thru hikers thousands of times. This setup will keep you dry, warm when you need to be, and comfortable sleeping in all the conditions you'll travel through. It'll also handily accommodate the varying amounts of food and supply carries, allow you to prepare meals, stay hydrated, and make minor repairs to both yourself and your gear.
PACK
- Unbound 40 or Windrider 55
- Shoulder Pocket or Versa (for easy access to phones, maps, cameras, snacks, satellite communicators, etc.)
- SHELTER
- Unbound 2P or UltaMid 2 Pyramid Shelter
- Ultralight Stake Kit
- 2 Voile Straps
SLEEP SYSTEM
- 40º Top Quilt (choose the appropriate quilt or bag for the temperature ranges the time of year of your trip)
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
- Stuff Sack Pillow
- KITCHEN
- MSR PocketRocket Stove
- VARGO Ti-Lite 750ml
- Mini Bic Lighter
- REpack Freezer Bag Cooking System
- Vargo Titanium Long-Handle Spoon
- GSI Outdoors Compact Pot Scraper
HYDRATION
- Sawyer Squeeze Filtration System
- Platypus Platy 2.0 - 2 L Reservoir
- Smartwater Bottle - 1 L
ORGANIZATION
- Jumbo 13L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Shelter)
- Small Pod and Small 2L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Kitchen/Cookware/Food)
- Nano 0.3L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Electronics)
- Small 3L Roll-Top Stuff Sack (Sleep System)
- Large Pod (Clothing/Ditty)
CLOTHING
- Rain Jacket/Shell
- Fleece Hoodie
- Fleece Beanie
- Down Hoodie
- Hike Socks
- Camp Sock
- Undies
(What you wear every day is up to you!)
MISCELLANEOUS
- Trekking Poles
- Pack Towel
- Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
- NiteCore NU25 Headlamp
- iPhone and case
- Extra Misc (License/Credit Card/Advil/Soap)
TOTAL WEIGHT: Approximately 10lb (Before consumables like food, water, and fuel)
