Everything I’ll Admit to Bringing on my AT Thru-Hike
Written By: Steve Monaco
WARNING: Gear post in 3, 2, 1…
Here’s everything I’ll admit to bringing for my 2021 thru-hike of the AT
I’ll start with an apology of sorts. I really meant to post this update weeks ago. It’s long overdue. Quite frankly I’ve been repeatedly messing with the gear I’m intending to bring. The ‘Covid monster’ has me pushing my start date back into mid-April. Which in turn has me choosing somewhat less heavy winter items. And shhhh, a dirty little secret here; that it’s waaaaaaay easier to buy n’ try new gear thanzpac physically train for the grueling nature of the AT.
Somewhere through this process, I may have just missed one of the first lessons of the AT; that flexibility and just rolling with it is a key hiking survival skill (and I blew right past ‘less is more’). My gear will change so frequently thru adjustments for weather, seeing what other fellow hikers brought, gear fails, my conditioning, etc, that at any given point it’s just gonna be my best guess anyway. So I’m embracing my current gear, but being open to its evolvement to the backpack loaded with the gear of my dreams! Or at least good enough.
Note: This isn’t a gear review BUT…I will mention I bought all of this stuff with my own money, and shockingly, I’m not a Brand Ambassador or influencer for anyone.
So without further ado…here’s everything I’ll admit to bringing on my AT thru-hike.
May 6, 2022
The Trek
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving long distance backpackers.
We are All Things Long-Distance backpacking.
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving the thru-hiking and long distance backpacking community.
NOTE: Cordial debate is allowed and encouraged. If you're rude, however, your comment will be deleted. If you make personal attacks at another commenter or a Trek Blogger or Writer, you will be banned from this page.
LIFE OUTDOORS
MEDIA MENTIONS
Depending on where you travel, you may want to pack bug spray, too. In places like Florida and North Carolina, summers get buggy, and you’ll be happy to have packed a spray on nights when you want to sit on the porch or dine outdoors.
MEDIA MENTIONS
As a veteran of the Iraq War, I found myself struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder from which greatly impacted my mental health. In 2016, I came across the film “Wild,” an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about healing by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
MEDIA MENTIONS
Sawyer Permethrin Premium Insect Repellent is used on clothing, not skin, and it provides long-lasting protection against ticks.
