Appalachian Trail Gear List

This is a complete Appalachian Trail Gear List. Below is a list of the best to take when thru hiking or section hiking the Appalachian Trail. A Lightweight or Ultralight Appalachian Trail packing list will keep your base weight around 15lb or less.

This Appalachian Trail thru hike gear list is my personal recommendations on what gear to take thru hiking the AT. The biggest financial investment will be in the big four. The Backpack, Tent, Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat.

A wise choice on these items will ensure an ultra lightweight Appalachian Trail Packing List. These important considerations will lead to a comfortable nights sleep and less stress on the body. The Appalachian Trail is already a very tough hike, make it a little easier with good gear selection. What to pack on the Appalachian Trail is an important thing to invest both time and money.

I am currently updating my very worn out gear – Check out My Lightweight hiking Gear list which has a base weight is around 13lb (6kg).

Appalachian Trail Thru Hike Gear List

The Appalachian Trail is tougher than many other thru hiking trails in many ways. Early and late season snow and extreme cold or in complete contrast to the extreme heat and suffocating humidity in July.

Add to that the constant rain and the potential of former hurricane moving over the trail to drop biblical levels of rain causing localized flooding.

Yes, the Appalachian Trail is tough on gear. This Appalachian Trail packing list should give the thru hiker and section hiker the chance to take some of the best ultralight gear for the Appalachian Trail.

Then there are the long rocky sections of trail, overgrown sharp thickets and exposed ridges which make for varied terrain that is tough on gear. Read here to find selections of what to pack for the Appalachian Trail, written by Brad McCartney.