Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear List

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great info for when i go
:) :) :) :)

thanks for the tings i need ill make shure i have all of it

thanks for the tings i need ill make shure i have all of it

thanks for the tings i need ill make shure i have all of it

thanks for the tings i need ill make shure i have all of it

This is a descent list of things you could forget .. it never hurts to have one. However, I did 500 miles of the AT last year and hiked with lots of successful Thru's. Go ahead and scratch map and compass off that list, just bring the AT guide book instead. You can also scratch off the Bounce box unless you have special food you want or unless you just have noone anywhere that will help you in an emergency ( eg. ripped /lost tent ) Also, scratch the insect repellent and anything extra like the sun hat(the green tunnel) and the stuff sackS .. you only need something to keep your sleeping bag dry and something to hang your food in ( you can use the same dry sack for both but swapping will be a pain)
Bring gloves if you want them .. your socks will be NASTY! ( both pair)
An excellent resource for anyone of you who will be hiking is the Appalachian trail Class of 2013 group on Facebook. Don't be afraid to join the 2012 group as well to see what people posted last year.

Good luck - remember the AT isn't just a trail, its a way of life and it begins and ends way before and way after your time in the woods.

"Two pairs of socks, one doubling as mittens"? Anyone who has long-distance hiked before knows there's little chance you'll be wearing those bad boys on your hands... If you want mittens or gloves, bring mittens or gloves, and bring three pairs of socks: two to rotate (in case one pair needs to dry) and one for bed only. When packing for something like this, be careful thinking you'll get too creative with your gear, cause it probably either won't work or won't happen.

Can anyone tell me what the point of this list is? Anyone that is even contemplating a thru-hike should be able to come up with a comparable list on their own and could use this to supplement theirs in case they might have overlooked something. The way the author portrays this list is so someone can grab it and go, but they fail to give any mention any sort of experience, thought, planning, etc. that goes along with a thru-hike.

Need this hike!I am a 25 year old male ready for my next chapter! I am planing a April(2013) Start south to north thru-hike. I have never really hiked or camped before...but I am in good shape and in great sprits. If anyone could give me any help and or info that would be great!I dont have a huge buget for this.Please Email me at cookrob23@hotmail.com or even if you perhaps would like to tag along! -thanks-

i heard that bounce boxes where a wast of time and money

29 y/o living in Virginia Beach area. Looking to do some prelim training/hiking in the VA AT portion during the week. Anyone interested to join can email me at huntinghound008@hotmail.com. I'm kinda of a newb at backpacking for more than a week, but not by any means to camping or being outdoors. I also intend on bring my dslr camera and an extra lens, so if you have similar interest that would be cool too! My goal is to conquer part of the AT For a few months in the spring but I'm flexible.

i am leaving GA late march for thru hike i am 64 and in good health looking for anyone who would like a partner email at johncee1234@aol.com live in south carolina

How much should I expect to spend on all this gear?

It is cool web site to give you shopping online various clothes and other products to get it go to this web site ........great collection there

No need for suit hire Canberra for special occasions when Overhsip will save hundreds over a suit hire Canberra store. Formal Suits from $79 save on suit hire

http://www.discounttalk.com.au/suit-hire-canberra/

I plan on doing the thru hike heading north bound to Maine. I will be starting in march 2016 once i graduate college. Looking for a hiking partner to plan and hike with! Let me know if your interested! beccabelaire@yahoo.com

I may be dumb for this, but I plan on doing a Thru-hike starting from South florida, near Ft lauderdale/Orlando. And am planning on starting this hike in early november. I might have 1 or two others doing this trip with me, so if anyone else would care to join or comment. Please do.

Any Ideas/comments/concerns? Feel free to inform me at D.Pojoga@yahoo.com or at http://www.facebook.com/dpojoga

I am 34/M experienced hiker planning a thru-hike in March 2013 going north to Maine. This is my first thru. If anyone is interested in joining, email me steve@ratdeer.com. Due to my getting married in September 2013, I am not planning on taking alot of time to stop in any 1 area. You would need to be able to hike a regular distance of 20+ miles a day with your pack and equipment on you already. Yeah, I know terrain plays apart in daily distances...

Currently in preliminary planning for a thru-hike hopefully for 2014 or 15. Curious if any thru hikers have taken a canine companion? And any tips you have for this such as putting them on a new diet? dont want to be too weighed down with dog food, but cant imagine not including him on this journey. Thanks for any tips!
volleylove_1@yahoo.com

Hey I am I 21 year old going on a thru-hike in April of 2013. LF anyone who wants to join or any tips? Just email me at camdk16@yahoo.com
Also please visit my go fund me site, if you would like to help or know anyone who would, it would be most appreciated!
http://www.gofundme.com/At-journey

25 years old prior Army infantry, Currently living in va, Thinkin about going south on the AT this time of year with just the bare essentials. If anyone's interested in joining me text me at 540.999.6699 or email me at jalvarez171325@hotmail.com

I want to do a one month hike to start . This would be
My first time on the AT

I am planning to take this trip someday, soon I hope. I would like to know if someone wanted to "train" for this trip, what would you recommend we do?
krista_corner@yahoo.com

I will be hiking Springer to Harpers Ferry late May.I am a 48 year old laid back guy from South FL.Please e mail me at dolphintime64@gmail.com

Hi was just seeing when will be the best time to do a thru hike at the AT or any advice for me and my girlfriend it's her first time even camping please email me at kolipoki21@hotmail.com thank you

Looking to thru hike the at March 2013 I plan on doing it alone since most of my friends are unable to take off from work. I am a 36y/o male i have limited experience backpacking, done some when i was in the Marines would welcome any advice. If anybody is looking to thru hike around March email would love some company on the trail marcolopez76@gmail.com

Hi guys, just found a nice one to calculate weights on www.sherpagear.org

the AT is no place for a 13 month old

Did the trail based on comfort and speed i put actual products in their backpacker list and altered it a bit. these items are considered epic when it comes to the A.T.

CLOTHING

• long-sleeve top - Patagonia Men's Merino 1 Silkweight Crew
• Synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt - Patagonia Capileneฎ 1 Silkweight T-Shirt
• Wind or rain shell (not both, under 12 ounces) The Northface makes some great light shells with nothing to them. I like The North Face Verto Jacket
• Rainpants (optional) your gonna get wet so just get some that are light and comfy GoLite makes some good rain pants don’t be shy to get something with a little thickness you legs can get pretty cold especially when its rainind and sticks keep wipping your legs. I like Patagonia Alpine Guide pants
• Lightweight synthetic shorts I just used the typical nike soccer shorts dry so fast and ligher than most no pockets for less irritation.
• Down jacket (10 to 12 ounces) - Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody
• Socks (two pair, one doubles as mittens)- Merino wool one long one short
• NO Underwear! You don’t need em
• Bandana – any one is fine works for multiple things turst me
• Shoes – Vasque Mindbender Trail Running (light, sturdy, dry fast, comfy, get insoles and put them right on top of existing for added durability until feet acclimate)
GEAR

• frameless pack- GoLite Pinnicle the womens version
• Down sleeping bag
Lafuma Warm'n Light 600 40 Sleeping Bag
Lafuma GR20 Warm Sleeping Bag
• Short sleeping pad- Thermarest z-lite small you can put between back and pack vertically and its sooo comfy hiking.
• lightweight solo tent- GoLite Shangri-La 1 Shelter
• Trekking poles- any Black Diamond flick locks
• Headlamp (small LED)- I used Petzl e-Lite and ditched the plastic case (bring one extra set of batteries)
• Water bladder – Platapus Gravity filter cut the lines down to a manageable size and have it filter directly into water bladder way better than pumping and if you don’t want a water bladder than just carry a couple empty Gatorade bottles durable and lighter than all the crap they make.
• Alcohol or canister stove, fuel, and lighter- Optimus Crux stove is sick and folds down super small fits in pot with all cookware.
• Cookpot – MSR quickone pot only, and The Bowls Set squishy cups and ditch the small one that way you can fit cup, forks, fuel and stove nicely inside your cook pot without any rattling.
• Regular plastic fork carry two if you want still lighter than the backpacking ones haha
• Water treatment drops (chlorine dioxide or iodine) or inline filter
• Single-blade knife ( if you want one just keep it small I used a lighter to cut rope)
• Small first aid kit (include Imodium, big bag of Excedrin with caffeine , and cold medicine)
• Guidebook/map- “The A.T. Guide 2012” used to be called “Pages” is hands down the best guidebook out there. All you need Trust me
• Insect repellant- 99% Deet is a must
• Toiletries (ear plugs too)
• Stuff sack (siliconized nylon)- Outdoor Research Ultralight Dry Sack
• Small notebook and pen
• Point-and-shoot digital camera- any camera just get rid of all. honestly the iphone 4s and newer take great pics as well as music, phone and internet for orderind stuff if needed. Just turn it off when you don’t need it and a micro usb battery pack is next to nothing in weight the phone and pack combined will be about same or less as camera.
Bounce Box

Didn’t use one expensive and a pain in the ass order gear ahead of time and plan to pick it up at P.O.’s (listed in the guidebook I recommended) so you don’t end up spending a ton of money on subpar gear at the outfitters.

any questions??
antsmanpc@yahoo.com

I'm looking in to a month or so on the AT starting in georga, i want to bring my son he will be 13 months and possible walking a little, I have been researching on pros and cons. and what i will need to bring so all my bases are covered. If anyone has any insite on supplies, gear, etc.. that would be very helpfull. you can email me at Koriboss@yahoo.com
thank you

Where is the closest parking for Springer Moountain? Hiking the GA portion.

18 y/o looking for a group of similarly aged people to hike the AT. E-mail me at dynamitestars@hotmail.com

I never saw a down jacket on my thru hike if you pack one you would only use it a couple of times at the begining and end of your hike I used a down sleeping bag minus nine ratting and I only zipped it up on the odd night once when I was almost hypothermic from a downpour with huge winds I don't know what I would of none that day with out rain pants I would never go without them.

For those looking for fellow AT hikers, look no further than: http://www.facebook.com/ATClass2012

The percentage of AT thru-hikers that actually use a bounce box throughout the trail is much smaller than traditional literature would lead you to believe. I'm guessing this article was not written by a thru-hiker?

Add smartphone (Android) plus 4 extra batteries. Use Back Country Navigator. Don't recommend iPhone (try swapping batteries and you'll understand).
Trekking poles are not realy optional.

I am thinking of starting a thru hike in april north or a july hike south.....if anyone wants to join me send me an email... i am 55 but dont feel it and just wanna have some fun for 6 months.... bvic1@aol.com

I am thinking of starting a thru hike in april north or a july hike south.....if anyone wants to join me send me an email... i am 55 but dont feel it and just wanna have some fun for 6 months.... bvic1@aol.com

In April I will be starting at Springer Mtn doing a Thur hike. I'm 29 year old male who lived in the wilderness for two years. Been hunting ,backpacking,camping, rafting, and so on all my life. Look for some one to hike as a partner alone with me...... email me at hatchelbryan@yahoo.com

In April I will be starting at Springer Mtn doing a Thur hike. I'm 29 year old male who lived in the wilderness for two years. Been hunting ,backpacking,camping, rafting, and so on all my life. Look for some one to hike as a partner alone with me...... email me at hatchelbryan@yahoo.com

In April I will be starting at Springer Mtn doing a Thur hike. I'm 29 year old male who lived in the wilderness for two years. Been hunting ,backpacking,camping, rafting, and so on all my life. Look for some one to hike as a partner alone with me...... email me at hatchelbryan@yahoo.com

In April I will be starting at Springer Mtn doing a Thur hike. I'm 29 year old male who lived in the wilderness for two years. Been hunting ,backpacking,camping, rafting, and so on all my life. Look for some one to hike as a partner alone with me...... email me at hatchelbryan@yahoo.com

me and my friend daniel are starting our northbound thru-hike on the approach trail at amicalola falls on march 10, im 18 and daniel is 21. we are looking for people to hike with. kylearegister@yahoo.com

thru hiking the whole thing alone, girl 18 looking for advice from female thru hikers who did it alone/with a partner

hello im looking for a buddy to hike the entire trail im starting in maine durring the summer i live in pa send msg to alexandergerhardt@aol.com

To the one looking for a ride. Contact a local hiking club near the point you plan on stopping. I am sure you can make the arrangements through them.

I am starting the trail in GA on MAR 10. recent school grad out of the Navy looking for partners who want to average 15miles a day. I am 26 years Male who is not a whacko in the whacko sense. Let me know if your interested. Busboom_kody@yahoo.com

I'm looking at starting the threw hike in G.A. in about a month. I'm buying all the gear in the next couple of weeks. I love to it. I've been hiking my entire life. From the mountains of Alaska as a child to all of the world during my time in the Marine corps. I'm a full college senior. I'm 26. I'm taking an Ipad and finishing my last couple of classes on line while I'm on the hike. I'm going to do this hike no matter what, but if someone wouldn't mind me tagging along I could sure use the company. Just shoot me an email. joshuaam321@yahoo.com

Babes in the woods... good luck everybody it's not that hard it's more a matter of endurance then anything else. I hate to say this because I'll be missing out on all the great food you guys leave behind in the hiker boxes. the best way to go is to buy things in towns as you go. there I said it probably still be plenty of people over pack and leave their food behind to them I would like to say thank you in advance

No one really knows anything is what you meant to say...

.Looks likw ill be goin alone also in middle Tennessee I am stoked aboyt this adventure but dont want to go it by myself jaketarpley47@yahoo.com I have plenty o gear an maps yee-hawwww lol oh yeah im 31 male thanks

We're hiking Woody Gap up to the NC border ... will need a pick-up there to get back to our car .... anyone have names & contact info for drivers in that area?

thanks.

Planning on a thru hike starting in early april. I have little experience in hiking, it would be nice to hike with someone to help guide me in tthe beginning of hike at least starting in georgia. I'm a 20 year old male. Email me daveybrian07@hotmail.com

Planning a thru hike northbound wondering how to pre-plan what post offices and when I should have my food sent there. I'm hoping not to have to buy much on the trail, I would rather buy everything ahead of time and have it shipped from home. Any help would be appreciated if you could email any help to me at damientheking@msn.com.

me and my roomate are wanting to do a month long hike and end up back in tn wondering if yall have any good suggestions on start and stopping points

me and my roomate are wanting to do a month long hike and end up back in tn wondering if yall have any good suggestions on start and stopping points

To answer the Question about sleeping in trail cloths, always stip down to the your base layer that way you keep your bag as clean as possible and you dont sweat, because you have all your cloths on. It will be cold when you get out in the morning and you put your cloths on, but once they are on you will be warmer, Also remember sleeping bags are rated so look at the ratings not the cost, I slept in a sleeping bag (rated to -45) in Alaska in an improvised shelter in -44 degees in silk and medium weight longjons. I slept fairly confortable, also you can leave your cloths in the sleeping bag with you and they will stay warm plus with practice you can dress in your sleeping bag It all what you want to do? each to his own hope it helps, just passing some thing I have learned 20 years in the Army

Thanks everyone for all your comments. The Guy that stated I quote "you people really don't know a goddamn thing" I was just wondering if you had anything to share? on what we don't know

Planning a Southbound AT Thru Hike starting in October 2012. If your interested, please look me up on matadornetwork.com user name leroylll and leave me a message

starting a thru hike around march 10 from georgia, looking for hikers to come along, email me at cruzz211@hotmail.com

Planning on doing 10 section hikes of the AT. I plan on using a single person tent the Eureka Spitfire. Weighs 3 pounds which is not much more than a decent tarp.

I wonder how the upcoming post office closings are going to affect mail/food drops. When the USPS starts consolidating the small town PO's it'll be time reorganize the drops. This could happen during a 2012 thru hike.Be aware!

haha, sorry about the typo. Im actually starting a thru-hike in Feb 2012, its a bit early but I am looking for a teammate. any takers can contact me by mail. 489 west main street, Bloomsburg PA, 17815

Im starting a thru-hike in November 2012, its a bit early but I am looking for a teammate. any takers can contact me by mail. 489 west main street, Bloomsburg PA, 17815

Add 2 36" lengths of 30 pound monafilament fishing line to your gear. Weighs nothing but when hanging your pack or food bag in any shelter or even out in the woods, it will foil mice from climbing into or onto your gear. Bears are not a problem. MICE ARE!!! With the monafilament line you can watch the little suckers try and slide down the line and just fall to the ground. Add to this a few traps bated with peanut butter and you have great night time sport no matter if you sleep in shelters or in your tent. :) See you down the trail...

Doing is a more valuable learning tool than reading. Ironically enough, I'm an English teacher...but when it comes to backpacking, you can read all you want, but you just have to do it and find out what works best for you. For instance, I sleep in a base layer to keep warm in colder months, in hot, humid months, undies will suffice.

you people really don't know a goddamn thing

tuna isnt very good for u it has too much mercury in it

ray jardines book "trail life" is a good referance to packing for thu-hiking. i've used his advice and done quite well over 1000 miles. might just have to take the AT next spring.

Where and how do you get food on a thru hike?

stop whining take off your hiking clothes and sleep in your undies. its hiking not a hotel resort you dont need another set of clothes for sleeping.

stop whining take off your hiking clothes and sleep in your undies. its hiking not a hotel resort you dont need another set of clothes for sleeping.

Some type of cord (parachute works great) is necessary for bear bagging and to use as a clothesline. Also, handkerchiefs and carabiners have a million different uses. One thing that is absolutely NOT optional is a tarp or tent. It is foolish to depend on the shelter system. Bad weather, an emergency, and oddly spaced shelters cannot be predicted. Besides, is is unfair to walk into a full shelter and ask someone to get out because you wanted to go ultralight. You want to lighten up? Forget about the sunscreen in the Green Tunnel.

Some type of cord (parachute works great) is necessary for bear bagging and to use as a clothesline. Also, handkerchiefs and carabiners have a million different uses. One thing that is absolutely NOT optional is a tarp or tent. It is foolish to depend on the shelter system. Bad weather, an emergency, and oddly spaced shelters cannot be predicted. Besides, is is unfair to walk into a full shelter and ask someone to get out because you wanted to go ultralight. You want to lighten up? Forget about the sunscreen in the Green Tunnel.

Hi I'm am 12 years old and I have planned to hike a 45 mile section of the appilachian trail and I need to know what to pack since I'm going in July and I need some advice on what I need to bring ..... Before I stuck with 2 day 15 milers but I need to pack light so any advice is helpful

I'm going to be hiking the AT next spring and from what I can tell, if you're hiking on a budget, it's cheaper to buy food as you go as opposed to mailing ahead. You can find sample lists people have made of where good places to buy food are and how long they went in between resupplies, if you just google it. There's talk of people spending an average of $4000 dollars on the trail, but people also saying they've done it for around $1500. All you have to do is look.

I'm 16 and am planning on Thru-Hiking the AT in 2013 after I graduate from high school.

How many of you use Tents? I prefer using a tarp, much lighter.

What about food? Do you send food ahead or buy along the way?

While I was active duty infantry we slept in our same clothes that we humped all day and night in. But there was a reason for that (quick response). When I do this in civilian life... I try to be as comfy as I can so I won't hop in the fart sack with the same clothes I rucked in.

Over the hill Sgt, will be hiking the AT doing a Thru-hike of the AT 13th of March 2012 going North to Crampton's Gap then flip-flopping north Maine then hiking back South to Crampton's Gap. Looking for a partner. www.vfom.org I am now training and trail building. robertcrampton91@gmail.com

"but Wingfoot's or ATC's guidebook is almost necessary. (Nearly every AT hiker uses one book or the other)" -- this advice is a bit dated...Wingfoot's book is no longer published. The A.T. Guide is most popular.

Read "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail" for great gear advise as well as a fun read.

That down bag is going to suck if it ever gets wet. Some things are worth carrying a little extra weight. Like not freezing to death in a wet down bag.

im only 15 but as an avid hiker im thru hiking next summer, planning this summer, so im confused, a 2000 in3 bag, with a light tent, and down sleeping bag is plently?

You don't need all that space and weight Symantha, just 2500 to 3000 if fine for a month. The guy was probably jut trying to scam you into buying his really expensive stuf thay you wont need.

I have looked at several gear lists for thru hikes and this is the first one that DID NOT suggest some sort of lip balm. And yes I would add TP or biodegradable handiwipes to the list. so I don't spend eternity in the hot place...LOL

You guys seem really upset about toilet paper, very amusing... what happened to using leaves? haha.. wow

What do you guys like to pack for food? I like the tuna pouches.. comments?

I've heard that most people do crawl into the bag in their trail clothes. That doesn't sound very comfortable or sanitary to me. believe i'll also carry something to sleep in as well.

Hey, if you cant stock up on bog roll-how you gonna survive anything?

I've thru hiked twice. In addition to the clothing mentioned above I also had a dedicated set of "sleep clothes." No way no how was I willing to crawl into my clean dry bag wearing the filthy,grimy, sweat and or rain soaked clothing I had been hiking in day after day. Not only do you smell bad, but its extremely uncomfortable and leads to your bag deteriorating in comfort and warmth...How many of you out there hike and sleep in the same set of clothes? Just wondering....

Mark,
In regards to your question, alcohol stoves are preferred because of the ready supply of denatured alcohol along the trail. Fuel canisters aren't always available, and shipping them is often difficult or prohibited (there are some legal guidelines that do allow for small canisters, but most Post Offices aren't aware and it's an uphill fight to make it happen). Alcohol stoves are generally a little lighter too. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.

Good luck!

Stealing TP is leading to the decline of western civilization and the destruction of the small business owners all along the AT.

Come on "footing your bill" it's TP, it cost about $1 a roll. Also, larger chains have sealed dispensers that are not accessable and you have to roll out whatever you can ruck out of there in your hand.

HYOH people, if that means taking ketup packs and crap tickets...whatever.

Stealing TP is leading to the decline of western civilization and the destruction of the small business owners all along the AT.

Come on "footing your bill" it's TP, it cost about $1 a roll. Also, larger chains have sealed dispensers that are not accessable and you have to roll out whatever you can ruck out of there in your hand.

HYOH people, if that means taking ketup packs and crap tickets...whatever.

Having owned several businesses, I will tell you conclusively that "scrounging" TP, or anything else is stealing. It leads to places like McDonald's having to ration thinks like ketchup. IF you don't have the money to buy toilet paper, then get a TP company to sponsor your trip, or work more. Hey, even bother to ask the owner or manager, and take it with their blessing. Theft is theft. Even a public restroom is there to supply you only for your immediate needs rather than subsidizing your recreation. The reason you are unable to afford stuff is because people like your steal, and cause prices to go up. Come on, folks.

Having owned several businesses, I will tell you conclusively that "scrounging" TP, or anything else is stealing. It leads to places like McDonald's having to ration thinks like ketchup. IF you don't have the money to buy toilet paper, then get a TP company to sponsor your trip, or work more. Hey, even bother to ask the owner or manager, and take it with their blessing. Theft is theft. Even a public restroom is there to supply you only for your immediate needs rather than subsidizing your recreation. The reason you are unable to afford stuff is because people like your steal, and cause prices to go up. Come on, folks.

I recently moved from Colorado to the East Coast (CT. to be specific). Out west we almost exclusively used down sleeping bags and ect. I was under the impression that here, in a much wetter climate, synthetic bags and apparel are a better choice. However, this AT list specifies down. Can anyone comment on this?

footgear optional?

Public restrooms in Japan do not supply toilet paper for visitors. You must bring your own or purchase it from a vending machine or restroom attendant. Really, no kidding. So how is pilfering toilet paper from public restrooms not stealing in the United States? Must not be any international toilet paper treaties in effect.
Just a funny.
Have fun and be safe.

I have seen a couple of list for the AT, and all have alcohol stoves and not coleman fuel, kerosene or butane. Why is alcohol being used or is it the only fuel available on the trail stops/hostels?

Whatever. It's toilet paper. WE'RE ALL GOING TO BURN IN HELL AND DECAY MORALLY because we took a little toilet paper. Do you ever pick flowers??? YOUR STEALING FROM THE EARTH!!!!

dosent anyone have anything better to do than nit-pic. get outside, find a trail, and follow it!

Symantha - the sales clerk was wrong. Your 3000 cu pack will be more then huge for 30 days with proper packing and equipment choices. Plus, why add the weigh of a larger pack or the temptation to fill the extra space. Besides, you're not taking thirty changes of clothes, just a little extra food. A weekend pack and 30 day pack are going to be the same size, the necessary equipment doesn't change with the number of days.

mmmm...everybodys an expert...Do your own hike

•Short sleeping pad (60", closed foam or uninsulated air mattress) Short? 60 in? that is a long. i use a 49 inch

I'm getting ready to start a month on the trail. I went to get a new pack and the guy said I was crazy looking for such a small pack for a whole month. He said I should be thinking 4500 to 5000 in space minimum. Any feedback welcome.

Some of you need to get some new compasses for your next hike. A new moral compass especially.Taking anything; or half of anything that does not belong to you is stealing.If you cannot afford the toilet paper, maybe you need to try ripping some pages out of your Wingfoot's or ATC's guide books,or keeping those little soap wrappers from the comp soap you paid for at the hotel.So everyone takes half of the 4 rolls,only 8 of us get to make the hike and everybody else goes back home?

no grizzly bears, however there are black bears. it's on a very rare occation that you even run into them, they scatter very easily.

Where's the plane ticket to Venezuela?

Just think after carrying that dead weight for 160 miles you can roller skate over Fontana Dam!
No skates allowed on AT (new rule)!!

Good luck with finding those paved areas!

I'm planning on hiking the entire AT starting spring 2011. Next year will be many one-dayers, weekenders, and a couple week -longers. I plan on taking roller skates with me for the paved areas.

bread sacks for over socks,after rain wets your books

I'd have to agree with gimp. I would and have "scrounged" simple supplies i could use, but have never stole. If you go into a public bathroom, your out of tp for the trail, taking a 1/4 to a 1/2 roll is not stealing. Especially when theres usually three, sometimes four rolls on the roller. You stay in a hotel for a night. You pay for the room, so You take the little paper wrapped soap and shampoos. There is quite a differance between scrounging some things and stealing some things. Some of us are just not as fortunate as others when it comes to $$$. Some people camp for fun and escape from their small town where they work a minimum wage job, go to school, pay their rent, etc, and have little cash resources to do what they really love(i.e camping/backpacking) Other people can buy super lightweight gear, pay shipping and buy expensive rolls of recycled tp because they can afford it. All I'm saying is that cash for me is an issue, and i'll save where I can. I don't steal. I beleive it wrong, very wrong. But scrounging is fine and can add some fun to the adventure:)

Just starting out on hiking, is it recommended to take short weekend hikes to build up to the AT?

Awww Peaches. I hiked the whole trail (including black boot hill) with nothing but my trusty hiking stick.

How about layers of clothes? you will hike in fof, snow, and rain in the spring, heat and humidity in the summer, then back to rain, wind, snow and ice in the fall.

that whole list looks pretty solid. But where i struggle is how much food to bring. there are usually stops every five to seven days or so. Any suggestions?

with each hike i find that there are more and more items that i pack that i don't need. so by the time i'm through with the a.t. in twenty years i'll be an expert. lisa

Down Jacket? What happened to a layering system? Maybe a midweight fleece, it`ll work when wet

In response to "Gimps" idea that shipping is expensive, I can only say that ripping off supplies from the hotel or hostel or anyone else is expensive to THEM. Being self sufficient in life, and on the trail, involves buying one's own supplies and not stealing them. Oh, sorry. I mean... not "scrounging" them.

There are no grizzly bears on the AT. No penguins either.

JD... A map and compass are never "totally optional". People that think they are optional are the people SAR has to come find. All the "Crocs", MP3 players, and ATM cards in the world can't guide you out of the woods when you get turned around in fog or have an injury and need a shorter route. Do youself and the SAR teams a favor and ALWAYS take a map and compass even if it's a day hike, let alone 2,175 miles across the country..

We never bought or shipped toilet paper. Every time we went into town, we scrounged it from our motel/hotel/hostel or washroom somewhere. Each time you open your "bounce box" you must pay to send it to the next PO. If you don't open it, you can "forward" it for no charge Never used one and can't see raeson for one. Very expensive.

Tarp is recommended, as you can use your walking poles to pitch it(or just use tree's....depends on the terrain). Then add a mosquito net, might help on those night the mozzies are out.

I'd pack 4-5 pairs of socks, ideally 2 cotton and 3 woolen. If it's cold you can use them as mittens(as said above), and as an improvised scarf(stick em around your neck)

Wow, this list is missing some key items...Underwear--optional? (I think you will chafe more without it. Synthetic boxer-briefs are best!) Down jacket is optional, as most hikers pack fleece jacket/shirt. Map & Compass are totally optional on the AT, but Wingfoot's or ATC's guidebook is almost necessary. (Nearly every AT hiker uses one book or the other). Sunscreen & bug juice are optional--nice to have, but only needed in certain areas/times. (you won't use more often than not.) After-hike footwear...i.e. "Crocs" or sandals are practically a necessity. Two pairs socks is absolute minimum, Better with 2-3/pr for hiking + 1 warm pair for camp. (dry socks/clothes for camp are a MUST!) Nobody uses iodine. Use Aqua Mira or small filter (Katahdine/Pur or MSR filters are most chosen by hikers. Don't forget a small repair kit including duck tape! 2 lb pack?...only if you're going ultralight. Yes, a tarp/tent is optional on the AT, but highly recommended. If its pouring, and you get to a full shelter, what you gonna do? Gaiters are also highly recommended, particularly if you don't pack rain pants. Also camera case, memory cards, extra cam battery. MP3 player is really nice to have while hiking or when solo... +ATM/credit card & enough $ saved to finish the trail...I cannot stress how important this is!

What about a short rope to tie food to hoist into trees to avoid grizzly brown bear confronations on the trail. Cellular phone or GPS boost phone or some communication device

What about a short rope to tie food to hoist into trees to avoid grizzly brown bear confronations on the trail.

I found diamonds in Arizona near an old volcano it is a coincidence that I did find them . This backpacking is called Rock hounding. So I am registering for a course at the local college in florida geology 3 credits. I found blood turquoise in Arizona. The Greyhound bus tires blew and the driver had to pull over with us allon the bus until we got help for the flat. I went around looking picking up stones.

its a box u send ahead of yourself with gear u'll need later. such as buying 12 pack of toilet paper or batteries, keeping some, and sending the rest ahead of u so u can resupply as u need it.

http://www.webehiking.com/hikingterms/maildrop.html

What is a bounce box?