One can find dozens of AT equipment lists on the Internet. Rather than provide another one here, I will offer some wisdom on what to take and what to leave behind. A photo of my unpacked gear follows. This includes 18 pounds of dry gear, to which 8 pounds of water and 11 pounds of food are added when fully loaded:

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Once the tent, sleeping bag, food, and clothing have gone into their respective stuff sacks one is left with this prior to loading the pack:

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All of this fits into a 55 liter backpack, which is pictured next to the lightest compliment of clothing.

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If you need something bigger, then you are carrying too much gear. How does one slim down their pack?

 

  •  Leave the camp stove behind, unless you will fail to function without that morning cup of coffee. But if you are that person, transform a tuna can into your stove. Under any circumstances, be sure to hit the hot food hard when you are in town.
  • Do not bring maps. Or a camera. Or a compass. Or a GPS unit. A smart phone with a map app such as Guthook’s Guides can be all those things.
  • Do not bother with the extra shoelaces. Nylon cord is a necessity for bear-bagging, and can be easily cut down to the appropriate length.
  • Do not bring a knife. Or tweezers. Or a bottle opener. Or scissors. Or a screwdriver. Or a nail file. Instead, carry a Leatherman Micra, which is all of those things.
  • Do not bring a tent repair kit or moleskin. Duct tape works well for both equipment repair and blister treatment. Although wrapping a few feet around your trekking poles is popular, the better location is your water bottle.
  • DO Bring a bandanna. Or rag. Or small camp towel. In the words of my sister, AT thru-hiker “Hobbit” 2004, “don’t go without one, they have a zillion uses: water pre-filter, hanky, bandage, sweat towel, napkin, keep bugs or sun off your neck, etc. … I carried mine in a loop on the outside of my pack so it was always handy.”