An Appalachian Trail packing list

10 things you need to hike the Appalachian Trail The AT isn't the longest footpath in the US but it is one of the most challenging: 2180 miles of mountain, woodland, meadow and back country. A 1. Experience! You can go all the way from Georgia to Maine or pick a short section. Either way, here's what you'll need to get enjoy the magnificent Appalachian Trail! Before undertaking your first overnight hike, get some day hiking experience. Joining your nearest outdoor club is a great way to find new trails, meet hiking partners, and get skilled up. A 2. Hiking boots A sturdy, well-fitted pair of boots is essential. Be sure to Buying Choice: leather boots? X Full leather boots are usually heavier in weight But more durable wear them in before starting out. Leather will keep you dry even without a waterproof lining X But they need to be waxed regularly Waxed boots won't absorb water so won't be heavy when wet Good leather boots will shape to your feet over time Vegan hiking boots are available THE OFFICLAL Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine 3. A map & compass! Every party should have the right map and a good compass, and at least one person who 4. An ultralight tent Modern lightweight tents are very light indeed! Forget the old a-frame and pick up a couple of pounds of outdoor technology. knows how to use UNE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLU them. AT guides are also really handy. Buying choice: how light is light? The tent pictured (a Big Agnes Jackrabbit SL2) sleeps two and weighs 3lb 13oz. That's light, but ultralight solo tents designed for mountain marathons can come in well under 2lb. Remember, the lighter your pack, the easier the miles will be! A 5. Rain gear A really good waterproof jacket and trousers are essentials. Gaiters, which will keep snow and moisture from getting into your boots, can also help keep you nice and dry. Buying choice: GoreTex, eVent, and the rest Breathability is the key factor to think about when buying a rain jacket for hiking. A non-breathable jacket will feel sweaty and uncomfortable if you hike in the rain, especially if you're struggling uphill with a heavy backpack. Fabrics like GoreTex and eVent are designed to let moisture out but keep it from getting in. They are Imuch less sweaty than older, more plasticky waterproof fabrics. Brands like Marmot (the jacket pictured is a Marmot Aegis) also make their own breathable, waterproof fabrics. Breathable rainwear is usually more expensive, but if you want to hike in the rain, it's an investment well worth making. Super-lightweight choices are also great, because (hopefully) your jacket and rain pants will spend most of their time in your pack. 6. A sleeping bag and mat A good night's sleep makes hiking a lot more enjoyable. Your sleeping bag should fit. For smaller frames, a big bag will take longer to warm up and there's no need to carry that extra weight. Sleeping bags designed for women are usually better options for ladies, for those reasons. Buying choice: Down or synthetic fill? Weight for warmth, keep these in mind when choosing a sleeping bag: Down won't keep you warm when it gets wet Synthetic fill sleeping bags are easier to clean natural goose down is still the best sleeping bag insulation money can buy. However, If you do want to go light, choose a down bag but make sure it has a good 'fill power'- 600 is ok, 800 is better! 7. A back country kitchen Food stores and burger joints can be days apart on the AT. You'll need to carry food, a CHEESE OMELETTE stove, and a few other bits and pieces. A filter can reduce the need to carry water. MSR 8. First aid kit Just like the map and compass, at least one person in your hiking party should carry a first aid kit and know what to do in an emergency. Buying choice: Why an LED headtorch? 9. A LED headtorch Hands free- great for negotiating tricky terrain Lightweight LEDS get fantastic battery life Many have extra functions, like a flashing mode or red filter at 4am, or read a novel in With a headtorch, you can examine a map in the dark, find your way to the toilets LED bulbs are really hard to break! your tent. 10. A backpack You're gonna need to carry all this gear with you over some tough trails. A high quality backpack is your friend! If you're very tall or quite short, make sure to get a back with back length to match. Even the most adjustable will only customize to your body shape so much. Buying choice: What to look for in a multi-day pack Custom fit- most women will get better comfort from a pack designed for the female form Adjustable, padded shoulder straps and waist belt Easy access pockets Waterproofing or a rain cover Durable construction Light weight- heavy packs can add unnecessary Ibs to your load Pocket knife You might also find a few more things useful on the AT! Here are For everything from slicing cheese to fixing our best picks: tents Thermal base layers (underwear) Hiking poles Hydration system Light, warm, and quick drying They'll help spread the load, making hips and knees happy The easiest way to keep dehydration at bay AppOutdoors.com 1-888-610-1099 123 South Allen Street State College, PA 16801 email [email protected] for advice on AT hiking gear. Expert outdoor stores like AppOutdoors are always ready to help AT hikers do it right! appalachian outdoors since 1974 KATADYN