As I recently mentioned, I’m about to attempt a thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. While I’m sure this list will change drastically as I go, I thought I’d share the equipment I’ll be starting out with. Disclaimer: most links are affiliate links.

• Clothing
  • Polyester T-shirts (2x)
  • Vest (Mammut Kaleetean)
  • Jacket (Mammut Guye)
  • Balaclava
  • Thermal underwear
  • Under armour
  • Liner socks (3×)
  • Wool socks (3×)
  • Pants with zip-off legs
  • Hat with sun visor and removable ear warmers
  • Bandanna
• Backpacking
  • Backpack (Osprey Atmost 65, later upgraded to a Gregory Z 65)
  • Tent (REI Quarter Dome T1)
  • Sleeping bag (Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Stove (MSR WhisperLite)
  • Pots / pot gripper
• Tools
  • Pocket knife (Victorinox Swiss Army)
  • Keychain flash light
  • Large external USB battery (heavy, but useful in an emergency; will probably end up being the first thing to go)
  • Smart phone (HTC One) (and an app to check in with of course…)
  • Trekking poles (REI Carbon Power Lock)
  • Water filter (MSR Miniworks EX, later upgraded to a Sawyer PointOne Squeeze)
  • Whistle
• Sanitary / Safety
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Deet
  • Trowel (all hikers must have an orange plastic trowel, other trowels are unacceptable for political reasons…)
  • Toilet paper
  • First aid kit
• Other
  • Dry sacks (4, 8, and 13 liter)
  • Notebook (Moleskine 5×8.25 Plain, Black, Hard Cover)
  • Ball point pen
  • Appalachian Trail Data Book 2013 by Daniel D. Chazin (you probably want the current edition)

I’m still considering carrying a camera (not my 7D). I don’t want to take the extra weight, and my phone has a camera already, but I want to conserve the batteries for emergencies and I’d like a better lens. I keep going back and forth.

Update: I eventually purchased a camera; an EOS M with a 22mm prime lens.