Let’s Talk About Gear!

As I move closer to my start date, my gear selection becomes more refined. My main concern is weight, since last year I ended up sending a lot of unnecessary items back home. Additionally, I swapped out some of my heavier items for lighter options.

Continue reading to learn more about gear, written by Courtney (A.K.A Smiles).

Contributing Writer

Smiles

Hi! Welcome to my profile. My name is Courtney (A.K.A Smiles) & I am an aspiring 2025 AT Thru-hiker.

The Trek: Talk About Gear

Person sitting on rock outdoors wearing yellow hat and jacket with mountainous landscape behind.

Smiles

Last updated:

July 6, 2026

| 5 min read

Let’s Talk About Gear!

Continue reading to learn more about gear, written by Courtney (A.K.A Smiles).

Contributing Writer

Smiles

Hi! Welcome to my profile. My name is Courtney (A.K.A Smiles) & I am an aspiring 2025 AT Thru-hiker.

Contributing Writer

Smiles

Hi! Welcome to my profile. My name is Courtney (A.K.A Smiles) & I am an aspiring 2025 AT Thru-hiker.

view author profile

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HomeBlogMedia Mentions

The Trek: Talk About Gear

Smiles

Last updated:

June 27, 2026

| 5 min read

Let’s Talk About Gear!

Continue reading to learn more about gear, written by Courtney (A.K.A Smiles).

Contributing Writer

Smiles

Hi! Welcome to my profile. My name is Courtney (A.K.A Smiles) & I am an aspiring 2025 AT Thru-hiker.

Contributing Writer

Smiles

Hi! Welcome to my profile. My name is Courtney (A.K.A Smiles) & I am an aspiring 2025 AT Thru-hiker.

learn about the author

Media Mentions

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.