Some categories are flexible. Hiking poles are important but don’t fit the categories.
Clothing
- Two pairs of hiking socks
- One pair sleep socks
- Sun hoodie (you will live in this)
- Long pants. I used convertible pants but later realized that I was using pants when I needed protection from sun or undergrowth. Or mosquitoes.
- Shorts. I’ve had times I used them a lot, times I wore them only when doing laundry. Optional.
- T-shirt. Optional.
- Fleece. Optional. I feel it is worth four ounces.
- Puffy. For every night’s stop.
- Buff. I carry two. Two is optional.
- Beanie. Optional. Can use the second buff instead.
- Gaiters.
- Shoes.
- Sun gloves. Gloves. I prefer padded for hiking/sun as I wear them through too fast otherwise. I have a separate pair for cold/wet conditions.
- Hat.
- Underwear. Two pair. Some skip, some carry only one pair.
Shelter
- Tent.
- Tent pegs. Ground hogs or similar from Amazon.
- Groundsheet, tyvek. Also used to sleep on for naps/siesta.
- Sleeping bag or quilt.
- Sleeping pad. I use an inflatable but ~25% can use a closed cell foam pad.
- Baselayer. For sleeping or very cold conditions.
- Wind shirt. At 1.7 ounces the new ones are worth the weight.
- Rain Jacket and Rain Pants. Visp. Versalite. Lightheart Gear all make lightweight ones that will last a thru-hike if you don’t also use them for wind shirt use.
Food & Water
- BRS or GasOne or Snow Peak or similar stove.
- Stanco Grease Pot or Titanium wide pot. Wide heats up much faster than tall & narrow. Alternative is an IMUSA aluminum cup in the quart size.
- Long handled spoon with a polished bowl. I like titanium. Sea to Summit makes a slightly lighter aluminum one. Light My Fire makes a two end “spork” (fork one end, spoon the other). I own all three.
- Lighter. Dyneema food bag & hang kit.
- Filter. Aftermarket bag (I like HydroPak). A couple water carry bags/reservoirs (I like the platypus bags I got from hiker boxes). 2-3 smart water bottles. Pull top alternative tops from Gossamer Gear.
Toilet
- Trowel.
- Toilet Paper. Ziplock to keep dry.
- Disposal bag ( for when you need to carry paper out).
- Bag.
Other Gear
- Headlamp (Nitecore).
- Battery (10 mah). I prefer to carry two.
- Wall charger with two outlets.
- Long cords (on the AT short cords were perfect. But there are times you will want long ones).
- Phone (with FarOut installed, Camera built in).
- GPS (for extraction insurance). Optional.
- Sunglasses. I gave up on them for the Appalachian Trail. Important for the west.
- Dyneema wallet.
- Pack. Pack liner. I like Nylofume. Win likes heavy duty trash sacks.
- Possible dry bags. I use one for toiletries, one for water gear, one for electronics & meds. I used to use one as a food bag until I had a failure and switched to a Dyneema bag for food.
- Bear Canister. Smelly Proof Bags. Both optional.
- Camp shoes or flip flops. Optional.
- Night bottle.
- Microfiber wash cloth/towel.
- Ice Axe and micro-spikes.
- Tenacious tape.
Medical
- Compression sleeves in case of shin splints.
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol. altitude sickness medicine.
- Vitamins. Chemical water treatment.
- Chap stick. Mosquito repellant.
- Head net.
- Tenacious tape, Leukotape.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush.
Bottom Line
It is tempting to carry too much. There are things that are specific to some people. I carry reading glasses, many will not need those.
In specific areas you will add bear spray or might want a sun umbrella. Some add a belt to their gear.
You might carry a Lixada solar panel & only one battery.
People have done without just about everything on the list. For example, I know a guy who sleeps on the ground. I’ve met barefoot hikers.
Misc.
Some people carry baby wipes or freeze dried toilet paper. Some cold soak. Some carry a camp chair or a sit pad. Others have ear buds or hearing aids.
I met two Russian IT workers who had carried laptops on the trail. They were “working from home” while hiking the PCT when I met them at the 2/3 mark.
People who carry guns usually send them home (guns are heavy).
Some carry sunscreen. I cover up instead, but I burn easily.
I’ve been talked into carrying a compass for the CDT.
But this is my generic “gear you need” without too much editorial comment or affiliate marketing.
Last note
Everything will eventually wear out and need replaced. Just keep that in mind.