Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2024 Gear List (Winter Start

One piece of advice with the short charging cords. I’ve been in hostels where the plugs are in weird spots and a longer cord was necessary so that my phone didn’t dangle and pull the charger out of the wall.. Thanks for the watch charger idea….I hate the apple watch cord, magnet thing!

Really good idea to size up on shoes. Some hikers size up an additional size or two by a month in because they can grow, as you said. You may end up finding that just a half size up is too small down the road. If your feet really start hurting and getting red, especially around the pinky toe (a hiker I read about had this exact thing happen to him), you need to size up shoes.

I am so glad that you got me on the train for Enlightened Equipment booties for the hammock. I am going to keep those in my sleeping bag and have my camp shoes under my hammock for me to use. Those covers that you made for them ARE kinda cute though, but I will be using my camp shoes around camp. IF you do go camp shoes, I would go with the closed toe option for more protection of feet. I think they will be very helpful for river crossings if I do not want to get my boots soaking wet on the inside… and with closed toe you have less chance of hurting your feet on something that you cannot see. That's my thinking at least, but I know you will make the right decision for you. You won't DIE without camp shoes, but I do think they are nice having along. They also dry really quickly so they are an alternative to wet shoes.

Great waterproof double system there so it looks like your food will be protected from getting wet in the rain. That's a really impressive system there. As far as the stove, do what works for you. If that stove works for you, don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't use it. I also have a number of extra ziploc bags; they come in handy. When I go to stores or wherever I want to be able to open up the bags with tons of air in it and put it in ziplocs. We can make trail mixs out of them too. I've added some quart sized bags since I did my gear video.

You do have a lot in your toiletries bag. I do get that you may need to be more careful about your skin than I do given the recent past, but consider if you could make any of those containers a bit smaller. I don't know how much you have used on your other hikes though so I'm sure you know what you need.

I definitely support the fanny pack. Great to keep the things in there that you may need throughout the day, for me that is a power bank, headlamps, handwarmers, phone, and maybe a snack or two. Great idea too to be prepared to waterproof your fanny pack.

If I had the funds ready I would get a satellite device too. If and when I do the PCT or CDT I will definitely invest in one of these devices. Glad that you are able to have one.

I am not sure what I would do about the extra sit pad. I like the pad that you have, but I also get the reason you have the bigger foam pad. I plan on going without a pad and just using my underquilt to separate me from the floor of the shelter. Then I am bringing a zpacks 2 ounce sitpad from Enlightened Equipment to put under my shoulders for cushioning there, since that's where I needed it most during my shelter night. So I would actually leave the foam pad and take the small sit pad, but I understand the reasons for you having the foam pad.

All of my devices use different cords too. It is a bit annoying but it is what it is. I am bringing two charging blocks to allow me to charge everything at once. Just one caution about bringing shorter cords. Just practice charging them at home first if you have not yet. I found when using shorter cords, they were sometimes not long enough to reach the floor or windowsill or whatever. If you are having the product you are charging hanging from the outlet, the weight of it will pull the block out of the outlet. So make sure your setup prevents that from happening.

That is a REALLY healthy base weight!! My base weight is 14 pounds over that so you did a really good job somehow achieving that base weight. Much respect to you and happy trails!!!

You may want to consider longer charge cords. Most wall outlets are a good foot off the ground. Also, you may run into outlets that aren't situated close to a table for supporting your electronics.

Also something to think about is sandals for the showers in some hostels and something easy to put on to go to the privy at night.

Solid kit, well thought out.

I am a big fan of alcohol burners !
The 1/8 pad I also use. I roll it out and then can fold it multiple times and it is just like a "real" sit pad.
I also use the Zoleo….I live in the middle of nowhere so I also use it in the car where there is no cell service.
Good load out list……let's get hiking!!!

Good luck with the Thru hike, Amazing gear list.

Not sure if you’ll run into restrictions for your alcohol stove, it’s tough in the western states. Even hammocks are banned in national parks unless they are free standing. I guess they think the trees will get injured 😳

Tuesday, February 20th: Interesting gear selections. We make our choices, we take our chances. Be prepared for rain! Good luck! Happy Trails! Ross08