Hiking Gear for the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,160 mile footpath spanning 14 states. Ambitious through hikers will brave the entire trail. Those opting for a shorter hike have almost unlimited options and can jump on or off the trail at nearly any time. Whether you will be hiking the Appalachian Trail for a few days or several months, the right gear is essential to a safe and successful trip.

Types

First to consider when selecting your gear, is the type of trip you will be taking. If you are planning a hike, you will want to take special care and consideration when selecting your gear as you will be reaping the benefits or suffering the consequences for several months to come. Though there are plenty of places to get off the trail and resupply, buying new equipment is both inconvenient and extremely expensive. You should consult guidebooks, other hikers, and even the employees at reputable stores. Your hiking gear should come from a specialty store. Discount stores and retail outlets with only a small sporting goods section tend to carry equipment that is better suited to car and backyard camping. The Appalachian Trail is long and rugged with few amenities. Your selection of gear is a very personal decision. Through hikers have successfully completed the trail with a variety of supplies. Both external and internal frame backpacks have worked equally well for different individuals. The first woman to complete the trail, Emma Gatewood, made the entire trek with only a handmade duffel bag.

Features

While you may be tempted to bring as many amenities as possible, it is generally best to stick to 25 to 50 pounds of gear. Through hikers especially should stick to the bare minimum. You should dress in layers so that you can easily add and remove clothing and stay comfortable in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. Some parts of the trail can prove especially difficult in certain seasons. Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia are prone to oppressive summer heat. It is best to avoid these months, but if you can't, be prepared with extra water, and very lightweight clothes. At the northern end of the trail you can encounter snow almost any time of the year, so you should be prepared with additional layers of clothing. Rain gear is necessary for any part of the Appalachian Trail. The majority of your gear should be food and water and basic shelter and sleeping supplies. If you want to splurge, focus on lightweight, multi-purpose items. For a trail as long as this, minimalist gear is key.

Function

It is important that you focus on functional gear when planning to hike the Appalachian Trail. Foremost in your considerations should be shoes. Your feet will swell, so it's a good idea to have enough room in your hiking boots for this eventuality. Make sure that your boots fit well and are broken in. This is not the time to tackle a brand new pair. It will also be useful on this trail to have a walking stick. Hikers who don't begin with a walking stick tend to still end the trail with one, so save yourself the trouble and invest in a good quality walking stick before you begin. This is especially important in areas where you will encounter steep uphill and downhill climbs, such as the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. A comfortable hand grip is essential to preventing blisters on the palm of your hand from a poorly fitting walking stick. For through hikers, essential gear also includes a first aid kit, flashlight, fire starter, emergency tarp and sharp knife.

Time Frame

The time of year that you plan your hike for will effect the types of conditions that you will encounter. For a through hike, it is virtually impossible to hit the ideal months for every section of the trail. You should consider carefully which you would rather endure - harsh summer heat, or biting winter cold. If you are only hiking a small part of the trail, you can easily plan for the best time of year. There are some conditions that should be specially noted as they may effect the type of gear you choose to pack. In Vermont, mid-April through Memorial Day is mud season. This will make for slick and slippery trails and wet camping conditions. Bring a good walking stick, hiking boots with excellent traction, extra pairs of socks, and plenty of tarps and rain gear. In Maine, you will encounter more muddy trails as well as black flies if you are hiking here in June. The Appalachian Trail at this northernmost end is especially hazardous when wet, so you should avoid this season whenever possible.

Geography

If you are planning to hike through the Appalachian Trail, you will need to be prepared for all of the following conditions. However, if you are planning a shorter hike, you can invest in a whole set of gear that is especially suited to the conditions you will be hiking in. The Appalachian Trail in Georgia passes through the Chattahoochee National Park. This section of the trail is especially rugged and well suited to ambitious hikers. If you prefer an easier trip, consider hiking the trail in Maryland where it is relatively easy to traverse and has convenient access to many small towns. If you are hiking the trail in North Carolina, you will get to enjoy some especially beautiful views from fire towers and natural openings in the forest. If you are planning a shorter hike here, consider bringing along a good camera. The entire length of the trail is well marked with blazes. Hikers who are familiar with following these often choose not to bring a map. However, if you are unfamiliar with the trail, a good map and guidebook can be useful. Your guidebook will also help you identify and enjoy special points of interest along the trail.

Considerations

Over 96 percent of the Appalachian Trail is owned by federal and state governments, and there are more than 60 parks and forests along the way. It is important for hikers to keep in mind that they are sharing this wilderness with its natural inhabitants. A variety of wildlife can be found along the trail including loons, moose, and bears. Including a guide to the various birds and other animals you may encounter might be a valuable addition to your gear. More important, however, is bringing the appropriate gear for coexisting safely with bears and other dangerous animals. New Jersey has an especially active bear population. You should bring ropes for hanging your food and other supplies in the trees at night.

Resources

• Appalachian Trail Resupply and Mail Drops
• Backpacking and Camping Gear Reviews
• The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store