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The following backpacking and canoeing gear lists were compiled by REI. They are offered here for your reference.

Appalachian National Recreational Trail

Equipment

  • Backpack (big enough for a bear canister, where mandated)
  • Pack raincover
  • Small daypack (optional)
  • Tent suited to terrain, with guylines and repair sleeve
  • Tent footprint (optional)
  • Sleeping bag suitable for wet weather and anticipated temperatures
  • Sleeping pad
  • Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
  • Multifunction watch with altimeter (altimeter feature is optional)
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Compass
  • GPS (optional)
  • Map(s) and guidebook(s) or route description
  • Trekking poles (optional, but recommended)
  • LED headlamp with extra batteries
  • Water filter and backup treatment system
  • Stove, fuel and repair kit
  • Matches or lighter
  • Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups (measuring/drinking)
  • Nylon cord (at least 60 feet)
  • Repair kits for mattress and other gear; duct tape strips
  • Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

Clothing and Footwear

  • Wicking, quick-drying underwear
  • Wicking, quick-drying sports bra
  • Wicking, quick-drying long underwear
  • Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt
  • Quick-drying pants
  • Quick-drying shorts (optional)
  • Fleece jacket or vest, or insulated jacket or vest
  • Fleece pants (optional)
  • Waterproof/breathable rain jacket suitable for the conditions
  • Waterproof/breathable rain pants suitable for the conditions
  • Bandana or Buff
  • Sun-shielding hat or ball cap
  • Winter hat
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Hiking boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
  • Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
  • Sandals (for fording streams and relaxing in camp) or water shoes
  • Swimwear (optional)
  • Blaze-orange hat or vest (in hunting season)

Personal Items

  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottles or hydration reservoirs (3 liters total capacity)
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Sanitation trowel
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Women’s hygiene items
  • Personal wipes
  • Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Medications
  • Plastic zip-top bags
  • Insect repellent (effective against ticks)
  • Tick-removal tool (optional)
  • Bear spray (optional)
  • First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Camera or video cam and extra memory cards (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Cell phone (don’t rely on service)
  • Satellite communicator / personal locator beacon (optional)
  • Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)
  • Journal, pen and e-reader or reading material (optional)
  • Fishing gear and permit(s) (optional)
  • Credit card; cash for layover days and camping fees
  • National park AT permits, plus camping reservations for your itinerary
  • Trip itinerary left with friend

Food

  • 6,000 calories per day in these categories:
  • Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
  • Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
  • Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
  • Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
  • Energy gels
  • Energy bars
  • Electrolyte replacement drink mix
  • Extra day’s supply of food (carried on each leg of the hike)

Lighter Gear Options

  • Stuff sack, dry bag or rodent-resistant food sack (for most of the trail)
  • Ultralight/mesh hiking shoes
  • Ankle-high gaiters
  • Lighter sleeping bag (30°–39°)
  • Ultralight rain jacket


More Robust Gear Options

  • Bear canister (for a short mandated stretch of the trail)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Calf-high waterproof gaiters
  • Warmer sleeping bag (15°–29°)
  • Waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants

The PCT Master Checklist

Equipment

  • Backpack that’s large enough to hold a bear canister
  • Pack raincover
  • Small daypack (optional)
  • Tent suited to terrain, with guylines and repair sleeve
  • Tent footprint (optional)
  • Sleeping bag suitable for the conditions
  • Sleeping pad
  • Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
  • Multifunction watch with altimeter (altimeter feature is optional)
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Compass
  • GPS (optional)
  • Map(s) and guidebook(s) or route description
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • LED headlamp with extra batteries
  • Water filter and backup treatment system
  • Stove, fuel and repair kit
  • Matches or lighter
  • Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups (measuring/drinking)
  • Bear canister
  • Nylon cord (at least 60 feet)
  • Repair kits for mattress; duct tape strips
  • Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

Clothing and Footwear

  • Wicking, quick-drying underwear
  • Wicking, quick-drying sports bra
  • Wicking, quick-drying long underwear
  • Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt
  • Quick-drying pants
  • Quick-drying shorts (optional)
  • Fleece jacket or vest, or insulated jacket or vest
  • Fleece pants (optional)
  • Waterproof/breathable rain jacket suitable for the conditions
  • Waterproof/breathable rain pants suitable for the conditions
  • Bandana or Buff
  • Sun-shielding hat or ball cap
  • Winter hat
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Hiking boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
  • Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
  • Sandals (for fording streams and relaxing in camp) or water shoes
  • Swimwear (optional)

Personal Items

  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottles or hydration reservoirs (3 liters total capacity)
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Sanitation trowel
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Women’s hygiene items
  • Personal wipes
  • Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Medications
  • Plastic zip-top bags
  • Insect repellent
  • Bear spray (optional and prohibited within Yosemite National Park)
  • First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Camera or video cam and extra memory cards (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Cell phone (don’t rely on service)
  • Satellite communicator / personal locator beacon (optional)
  • Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)
  • Journal, pen and e-reader or reading material (optional)
  • Fishing gear and permit(s) (optional)
  • Credit card; small amount of cash
  • PCTA permit plus additional permits for your planned itinerary
  • Trip itinerary left with friend

Food

  • 6,000 calories per day in these categories:
  • Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
  • Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
  • Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
  • Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
  • Energy gels
  • Energy bars
  • Electrolyte replacement drink mix
  • Extra day’s supply of food (carried on each leg of the hike)

Desert Gear

  • Extra water reservoirs: 2- to 5-liter capacity
  • Animal-resistant sack and 60 ft. cord to hang food (swapable with a bear canister outside of mandated areas)
  • Ultralight/mesh hiking shoes
  • Ankle-high gaiters
  • Tarp tent or bivy sack
  • Ultralight sleeping bag
  • Ultralight rain jacket

Mountain Gear

  • Traction devices like microspikes (essential, especially early or late in the year)
  • Ice axe (recommended, especially early or late in the year)
  • Bear canister (essential for mandated areas)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Knee-high waterproof gaiters
  • 3-season tent
  • Warm sleeping bag: 15°F rating
  • Waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants

Canoe Basics

  • Canoe
  • Paddle (1 per paddler)
  • Extra paddle
  • Personal flotation device (1 per paddler)
  • Extra PFD
  • Seat
  • Knee pads
  • Yoke (with pads)
  • Dry bags (for gear organization)
  • Spray covers
  • Weather/VHF radio
  • Signaling devices (whistle, mirror, flares)
  • Float bags
  • Emergency floating throw line (with throw bag)
  • Bailer or bilge pump
  • Sponges


Core Gear

  • Maps and charts in waterproof case
  • Compass
  • GPS
  • Matches/lighter/fire starter in waterproof container
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Two-way radios
  • Cell phone in protective bag
  • Multifunction watch
  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • First-aid supplies (see our First-Aid Checklist)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Water bottles (filled)
  • Water treatment method
  • Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
  • Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
  • Beverages or powdered drinks


Camping Basics

  • Tent, tarp or bivy sack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Meals and snacks
  • Cooler (with ice)
  • Stove and fuel
  • Cookset and utensils
  • Dishes, bowls and cups
  • Insect repellent (plus headnet, if needed)
  • Toilet paper and sanitation trowel
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Packable lantern
  • Credit card; small amount of cash
  • Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat


Clothing

  • Dry suit or top
  • Paddling gloves or pogies
  • Neoprene footwear
  • Sandals
  • Helmet
  • Sun-shielding hat
  • Hat or cap retainer
  • Skullcap
  • Bandana or buff
  • Wool/synthetic cap or balaclava
  • Moisture-wicking T-shirt
  • Moisture-wicking underwear
  • Rashguard
  • Swimsuit
  • Shorts or convertible pants
  • Sun-shielding shirt (long sleeves) and pants
  • Spray jacket or rainwear (jacket and pants)
  • Synthetic vest or jacket (for insulation)
  • Synthetic gloves or mittens

Repair-Kit Options

  • Sealant (such as Aquaseal)
  • Bailing wire (copper, small roll)
  • Nylon cord (or bungee cords)
  • Putty
  • Replacement nuts/bolts
  • Repair/duct tape

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