Being Uncomfortable
Thru-hiking is dirty, wet, cold, hot, smelly, crowded, and lonely. Modern comforts are hard to come by.
Thru-hiking is the pinnacle of backpacking, where experienced hikers face their ultimate challenge. Spending months on the trail and covering hundreds or thousands of miles, you'll become intimately familiar with your gear—so make sure it’s top-notch.
A list of common thru-hiking gear. Exact packing gear will vary based on the hike, season, weather, and personal preference. Be sure to research about your specific hike.
Backpack
▢ Overnight Backpack
Sleeping
▢ Tent
▢ Sleeping Bag
▢ Sleeping Pad
Footwear
▢ Shoes
▢ Socks
Water
▢ Water Bottle
▢ Water Purification
Hiking Stick
▢ Trekking Poles
Clothing
▢ Hiking Shirt
▢ Hiking Pants
▢ Puffer Jacket
▢ Rain Jacket
Flashlight
▢ Compact Flashlight
Watch
▢ Outdoor Watch
Cooking
▢ Gas Stove
▢ Metal Pot
▢ Metal Spoon
Other Gear
▢ Lighter
▢ Hygiene
▢ Gear Repair Kit
▢ First-Aid Kit
▢ Navigation
▢ Para-chord
▢ Bear Spray
▢ Multi-tool
You’ll spend a lot of time with yourself, thinking and reflecting. Learn to enjoy your own company—you are your greatest asset. On a thru-hike, you’ll discover what you’re truly capable of.
Your journey can be a nightmare or an adventure. Depending on the attitude you bring.
Thru-hiking is dirty, wet, cold, hot, smelly, crowded, and lonely. Modern comforts are hard to come by.
Be cautious of your surroundings. Have situational awareness. Be wise.
A quality backpack is essential for a multi-day hike. It carries all your gear, food, water, and essentials, so it must be durable enough to handle the heavy load.
Brand
• Osprey: Known for highest quality backpacks
• Other quality brands: Gregory, Mystery Ranch
Hip Belt
• Essential for weight transfer from back to waist
• Helps avoid back injuries
Why No CamelBaks (Bladders)
• Complicated, leak-prone, and difficult to clean
• Hard to refill and track water usage
• Most experienced adventurers prefer traditional bottles over bladders
Size (Measured in Liters)
• 36L: Compact, for day trips
• 40-60L: Ideal for 1-day hikes
• 60-80L: Suitable for 2 to 5-day trips
• 80L+: Best for 5+ day expeditions
Waterproofing Options
• Waterproof backpacks: Often too heavy
• Backpack tarp: Lightweight solution
• Poncho: May cover smaller packs, but not large ones
65 Liters
4.81 lb | 2.18 kg
58 Liters
2.94 lb | 1.33 kg
50+10 Liters
3.70 lb | 1.68 kg
Nights in the wild can be cold, dark, and long. Proper protection from the elements, as well as insects, animals, and reptiles, is key to ensuring an enjoyable backpacking trip.
Trekking Pole Tents
• Uses hiking sticks as poles
• Ultra-lightweight
• Quick and easy to set up
Cowboy Camping (No Tent)
• Only for experienced outdoorsmen aware of risks
• Exposure to insects, snakes, wind, and rain, and the elements
Hammocks
• Often heavier than tent setups
• Increased exposure to elements
• Ideal for warm, forested environments
Duck Down Sleeping Bag Insulation
• Highest quality insulation
• Lightest and warmest option
• Often the most expensive
Sleeping Bag Liners
• Acts as a "sheet" for your sleeping bag
• Helps keep the bag clean and adds warmth
Storage Tip
• Store loosely packed to preserve long-term quality
Inflatable vs. Foam Pads
• Inflatable: More compact, more comfortable
• Foam: More durable, easier to set up/take down, generally cheaper
1-Person
Trekking Pole Tent
0.74 lb | 0.34 kg
1-Person
1.6 lbs | 0.7 kg
1-Person
Trekking Pole Tent
1.63 lb | 0.74 kg
20-30°F Rated
950-Fill Down
1.57-1.79 lb | 0.68-0.81 kg
15-30°F Rated
650-Fill Down
2.09-3.09 lb | 0.95-1.4 kg
20°F Rated
550-Fill Down
2.16-2.69 lb | 0.99-1.22 kg
Inflatable
0.8 lbs | 0.4 kg
Foam
0.7 lbs | 0.3 kg
Foam
0.8 lbs | 0.4 kg
Don't skimp on anything that separates you from the ground. Your shoes and socks will support every step of your hike, so it's essential to take special care in selecting and maintaining them.
High Cut vs Low Cut Shoes
• High cut: Prevent rolled ankles and more protective
• Low cut: Best for hot, flat, sandy areas
Online Shopping Tips
• Can't try on shoes when shopping online
• Try on at Cabela’s, REI, or Scheels to find the right fit WITH your hiking socks
• Allow time for returns or ordering different sizes before your adventure
Wool vs Cotton Socks
• Cotton Socks: Absorb moisture, become cold when wet
• Wool Socks: Wick away moisture, remain warm when wet
Break Your Shoes In
• Essential to wear new shoes for a few weeks before your adventure
• If short on time, use old sneakers instead
Blister Prevention
• Good hiking socks help reduce or eliminate blisters
• Properly broken-in shoes are key
• Feet develop calluses over time with long-distance walking
Leather
Waterproof
2.29 lb | 1.04 kg
Leather
Waterproof
2.56 lb | 1.16 kg
Leather and Mesh
Breathable
2.56 lb | 1.16 kg
Merino Wool
3.4 oz | 96 g
Marino Wool
3.53 oz | 100 g
Polyester/Wool/Spandex
4.4 oz | 125 g
Water is the lifeblood of your backpacking trip. Poor water management can lead to dehydration, illness, or even death. Your first and most crucial item is a reliable water bottle.
Stainless Steel
• Keeps drinks cold without producing condensation.
• Dents rather than cracks when dropped.
• Heavy (1-2 lbs) and bulky, making it unsuitable for backpacking.
• Tends to be more expensive.
Plastic
• Lightweight (<0.3 lbs) with a simple design.
• Porous material can retain an aftertaste from non-water drinks.
Filters
• Filters bacteria but not viruses
• Filters out particulates
• Can be difficult to use
Why Avoid CamelBak (Bladder Packs)?
• Complicated to use and maintain.
• Leak-prone and difficult to clean.
• Hard to refill, and you can’t easily track water usage.
• Most experienced adventurers prefer traditional bottles over bladder packs.
Purification Tablets
• Chemically kills bacteria and viruses
• Doesn't filter out particulates
• Takes time to work
• Can leave a bad taste in water
Plastic
32oz Capacity
6.25 oz | 177 g
HDPE Plastic
32oz Capacity
3.75 oz | 106 g
Plastic
17oz Capacity
0.3 oz | 9 g
3 oz | 85 g
2.24 oz | 63.5 g
0.9 oz | 25.5 g
A hiking stick is a versatile tool on the trail. It reduces pressure on your knees, engages your arm muscles, and can even serve as immediate protection against wildlife.
Wood Walking Sticks
• Strong, supports body weight and heavy loads
• Durable, but may splinter over time
• Heavier than trekking poles
• Not compact, difficult to store
Trekking Poles
• Lightweight, ideal for long hikes
• Versatile, can double as tent poles
• Collapsible for easy storage
• Unable to support full body weight like a wood walking stick
Trekking Pole Benefits
• Reduce pressure on knees
• Improve uphill efficiency by engaging arms
• Provide extra balance during river crossings
• Lower risk of falls and rolled ankles on downhill terrain
• Can double as tent poles for compatible trekking pole tents
95-145 cm Length
12 oz | 340 g
100-135 cm Length
18.0 oz | 510 g
66-137 cm Length
20 oz | 567 g
Proper clothing is essential for a successful thru-hike. Staying dry and warm while protected from wind, rain, and snow is crucial.
Why Wear Long Shirt/Pants
• Shields skin from harmful UV rays.
• Offers defense against insects and poisonous plants, reducing skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Provides coverage against thick vegetation.
Qualities to Look For in a Hiking Shirt
• Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.
• Lightweight material for ease of movement and to avoid overheating.
• Light colors are ideal for hot summer hikes, as they reflect sunlight.
Dress For The Season / Climate
• Hot Weather: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to promote ventilation and keep you cool.
• Cold Weather: Layer with thicker, insulated clothing to retain body heat. Fabrics like wool or synthetic blends work best.
Umbrella
• A jacket or poncho combined with an umbrella is the best for highly rainy climates/seasons
• Bring in especially rainy climates
Breathable, lightweight, and UV protecting hiking shirt for protection from the cold, brush, and sun.
Nylon/Polyester
UPF 30+
8.6 oz | 244 g
Polyester
UPF 50+
6.7 oz | 190 g
Breathable, lightweight, and UV protecting hiking pants for protection from the cold, brush, and sun.
Cotton/Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
14.9 oz | 422 g
Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
13 oz | 369 g
Compact and lightweight down puffer jacket for protection in cold weather and cold nights.
800-Fill Down
14.8 oz | 420 g
580-Fill Down
10.58 oz | 300 g
Protection from the rain to keep you and your gear clean and dry for rainy hikes and flash storms.
14.1 oz | 400 g
10.5 oz | 298 g
Unless your thru-hike is through Manhattan a reliable flashlight is crucial—and sometimes lifesaving. Bring one, even if you don't expect to be out after dark.
Batteries
• Removable external batteries: Allow easy replacement and flexibility.
• Common sizes (AA, AAA): Widely available and versatile.
• Remove batteries when not in use: Prevents leaks, extends lifespan.
• Use fresh batteries each trip: Ensures brightness and duration.
Size & Headlamps
• Compact flashlights: Prioritize for portability; weight and size are key.
• Headlamps: Preferred for practical, hands-free convenience.
3-AAA Batteries
600 Lumens
3.1 oz | 88 g
3-AAA Batteries
400 Lumens
3.03 oz | 86 g
1-AAA Batteries
180 Lumens
0.7 oz | 20 g
Watches are a practical essential for any hike. Whether for basic timekeeping or advanced smartwatch features, a reliable watch is indispensable.
Mechanical vs Automatic Watches
• Mechanical watches are primarily for fashion and status.
• Automatic watches are simpler, require less maintenance, are more durable, and offer better precision—making them the practical choice.
• Best for adventuring: Automatic watches excel in functionality and reliability.
Smart-Watches
• Highly functional, acting as a mini-computer.
• Offer features like notifications, fitness tracking, and more.
• Require frequent charging, often daily, due to high battery consumption.
32-Day Battery With Solar
GPS Navigation
100m Water Resistance
3.14 oz | 89 g
72-Hour Battery
GPS Navigation
Emergency Communicator
100m Water Resistance
2.26 oz | 64 g
Solar
100m Water Resistance
1.76 oz | 50 g
A lightweight, compact cooking gear is essential for any thru-hike, providing the heat you need to cook meals and stay warm. Making a fun and comfortable journey.
Food Options
• Choose calorie-dense, protein-rich, and carbohydrate-heavy foods that require minimal preparation.
• Good options include peanut butter, tortillas, tuna and chicken packets, nuts, protein powder, crackers, cheese, trail mix, oatmeal, dehydrated pasta, sandwiches, ramen, protein bars, dried fruit, hot cocoa, instant mashed potatoes, and Snickers.
Going Without A Stove/Cookware
• You can go without if you are okay eating dry/cold foods only
• Best for summer months. You might value hot food more in the winter
Titanium vs. Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
• Titanium: Lightest and strongest option, but poor heat transfer.
• Stainless Steel: Heavy yet strong, excellent heat transfer.
• Aluminum: Lightweight but less strong, moderate heat transfer.
Metal Pot Heat Transfer
• Poor heat transfer can lead to excessive fuel consumption
Stove/Pot/Cup
15.3 oz | 433 g
Stove Only
2.9 oz | 82 g
Stove Only
8 oz | 227 g
Aluminum
8.6 oz | 244 g
Stainless Steel
12 oz | 340 g
Titanium
3.6 oz | 102 g
0.7 oz | 19 g
3.53 oz | 100 g
Short smartphone battery life is a major limitation for adventurers, making battery packs essential.
Battery Pack
• Simple and quick: Easy, efficient to use.
• Affordable: Widely available from various manufacturers.
Solar
• Complex and costly: Provides unlimited power but relies on direct sunlight.
• Unreliable in varied conditions: Often impractical for seasoned adventurers.
• Battery packs still needed: Essential for energy storage.
Charge Venture 75 in 7-14 Hours
2.28 lb | 1.04 kg
19,200mAh
1.27 lb | 0.58 kg
10,000mAh
0.54 lb | 0.24 kg
0.4 oz | 11.3 g
5.8 oz | 164 g
4.8 oz | 136 g
8 oz | 227 g
GPS Navigation
Sattelite Communicator
3.5 oz | 99 g
100ft Parachord
8.8 oz | 250 g
30 ft Spray Range
7.9 oz | 224 g
8.5 oz | 241 g