What’s in a Thru-Hiker’s Backpack?
WARNING: this post will be met with controversy as everyone has a different opinion on what should go into your backpack for thru-hiking a Long Trail. At the end of the day, always remember to hike your own hike.
Hello Trail Mix Family! We are so glad that you have continued to show interest in our adventures! Today, we wanted to give you a breakdown of what each of us carried in our backpacks on our 2017 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. A few things to remember when reading through our pack list: (1) we hiked as a couple, (2) we hiked with our dog, (3) we packed to be comfortable, and (4) we went as light as we could with our budget. Below, you will find what we ended our trip with. This was a learning process as we constantly sent home items we realized along the way that we did not really need.
Moonshine’s Backpack
Pack:
Osprey Women’s Aura 65 AG
Clothing:
Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoodie
FITS Hiking Socks (2 pairs)
Merino Wool Buff
Hiking Boots (Went through two pairs)
Camp Shoes
2 Pairs of Nike Running Shorts
North Face Hybrid Leggings
Freefly Bamboo Tanktop
REI Synthetic Pullover
1 Unpadded Sports Bra
Rain Shell
Sleeping Gear:
MSR Hubba Hubba NX Two Person Tent w/Rainfly
5×7 Piece of Tyvek
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s)
Electronics:
Phone
Toiletries:
2 Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Contact Solution
Contact Case
Comb
Medicines
Towel
Food:
Peanut M&M’s
Various Snacks
Dog Supplies:
5-7 Days Worth of Dog Food
Peanut Butter Powder for Dog Supplement
1 Collapsible Bowls
Water:
2 Smartwater Bottles
Cooking:
1 Camp Mug
Gibberish’s Backpack:
Pack(s):
Osprey Men’s Atmos 65 AG
Thrupack Summit Bum Fanny Pack
Clothing:
Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoodie
Merino Wool Baselayer Bottoms
FITS Hiking Socks (2 pairs)
Lightweight Polyester Pullover
Nike Running Shorts
Synthetic Button Up Hiking Shirt
Merino Wool Buff
Camp Shoes
Hiking Shoes (Went through four pairs)
Rain Shell
Sleeping Gear:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture
NEMO Tango Duo Slim Quilt
MSR Hubba Hubba NX Two Person Tent Poles
Towel
Electronics:
Headlamp
Phone
Battery Pack
Water:
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
2 64oz Bladders (empty)
Cooking:
5-7 Days of Food two people
Optimus Crux Weekend HE Cook System
Fuel Canister
Miniature Lighter
1 Camp Bowl
2 Sporks
First Aid:
Human Kit:
Neosporin
Gauze & Ace Bandage
Band-Aids
Duct Tape
Moleskin
Ibuprofen
Benadryl
Dog Kit:
Children’s dissolvable Benadryl tablets
Hydrogen Peroxide
Neosporin
Gauze & Ace Bandage
Medical Records
Tick Collar
Bravecto
Sentinel
Tweezers
For the Parents:
Delorme InReach GPS Communication Device
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