Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear List

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CLOTHING
Synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt

• Midweight synthetic or fleece long-sleeve top
• Wind or rain shell (not both, under 12 ounces)
• Rainpants (optional)
• Lightweight synthetic trekking pants (zip-offs preferable)
• Lightweight synthetic shorts (optional)
• Down jacket (10 to 12 ounces)
• Socks (two pair, one doubles as mittens)
• Underwear (optional)
• Wool or fleece hat
• Sun hat

GEAR

• Internal frame pack or frameless rucksack (3,000 cu. in. or less, 2 lbs. or less)
• Down sleeping bag (preferably one for summer; one for colder months)
• Short sleeping pad (60″, closed foam or uninsulated air mattress)
• Tarp or lightweight solo tent (optional)
• Lightweight shoes with after-market insoles
• Trekking poles (if needed for pitching tarp)
• Headlamp (small LED)
• Water bladder
• Alcohol or canister stove, fuel, and lighter
• Cookpot with lid (titanium or ultralight aluminum)
• Spoon
• Water treatment drops (chlorine dioxide or iodine) or inline filter
• Single-blade knife
• Small first aid kit (include Imodium, ibuprofen, and cold medicine)
• Map and compass
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries (ear plugs too)
• Stuff sacks (siliconized nylon)
• Sunscreen
• Small notebook and pen
• Point-and-shoot digital camera

BOUNCE BOX

• Sturdy box
• Extra batteries
• Extra gear (new socks, shoes, warmer clothes, etc.)
• Bulk food (optional)
• Packing tape, labels, and markers
• List of mail drops and addresses