AT Section Hike Packing List: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

The Appalachian Trail will destroy bad gear and expose poor packing decisions. Three days in, you'll know exactly which items earn their weight and which ones don't.

This packing list is for a 4–5 day section hike in moderate conditions (not winter, not peak summer heat).

Backpack (30–40L for 4–5 days)

Get this right. A pack that doesn't fit your back will create misery. Try on multiple brands at an outdoor retailer and hike for 5 minutes in the store with weight in it. You'll know.

Look for: hipbelt that actually transfers load to your hips, adjustable torso length, rain cover built-in, pockets for quick access items.

Weight: Your base pack should be under 2 kg (4.5 lbs). Any heavier and you're paying for features you don't need.

Brands that work: Osprey (most adjustable), REI Co-op (good value), Gregory (comfortable for longer days)

The Sleep System (3 kg / 6.5 lbs)

Sleeping bag:

3-season bag, rated for 4–10°C comfort. The AT has elevation — nights are cold even in summer. Brands: Kelty, REI Co-op, Marmot

Sleeping pad:

Inflatable pads pack smaller and insulate better than foam. Thermarest (heavy but durable) or Decathlon (lighter, slightly less durable). Weight: ~500 grams

Sleeping pad repairs:

Tape + patch kit takes up almost no weight and saves your pad mid-trip

Shelter & Weather (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

You'll use AT shelters when available (free), but bring camping backup. A lightweight 2-person tent (1 kg) or bivy sack (200 grams) adds almost nothing.

Rain jacket:

Essential. Waterproof, breathable, packed down smaller than a water bottle. Brands: Arc'teryx, Salomon, Patagonia (Torrentshell is the budget option)

Rain pants:

Lightweight waterproof pants that pack into their own pocket. Not essential but prevents misery on multi-hour rain days

Quick-dry clothes:

Merino wool or synthetic. Cotton is your enemy — wear nothing cotton. No jeans, no cotton underwear, no cotton socks

Hat/sun protection:

Lightweight cap with neck coverage or a Buff neck gaiter

Footwear (1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)

Hiking boots:

Broken in before the trip. Not new boots. Your feet will thank you. High-ankle boots are worth it on the AT (roots and rocks). Brands: Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva

Extra socks:

Pack 2–3 pairs of merino wool hiking socks. Change daily. Merino dries faster than synthetic and resists smell

Camp shoes:

Lightweight sandals or camp booties. Your feet need to decompress after 6 hours in boots

Gaiters:

Optional. Useful for keeping debris and mud out of your boots on rocky sections

Water & Hydration (0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs)

Water bottles:

2L total capacity (two 1L bottles or one 2L bladder). The AT has reliable water sources every 10–15 km

Purification:

Tablets (LifeStraw) or pump filter (LifeStraw Squeeze). Tablets are lighter, pump is faster. Either works

Insulated bottle

For hot coffee/tea on cold mornings

Cooking & Food (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

Stove:

Ultralight canister stove (MSR Pocket Rocket, ~75 grams) or simply buy hot meals at trail towns and skip cooking

Pot:

Lightweight aluminum 1L pot, under 150 grams

Spoon/utensil:

Titanium spoon or ultralight plastic. Skip the fork

Food:

4–5 days = roughly 2 kg of freeze-dried meals, energy bars, instant oatmeal, peanut butter packets. Buy at grocery stores — cheaper than outdoor retailers

Food note: The AT has trail towns every 2–3 days. Most people resupply at towns and don't carry full 5-day rations. Carry 3 days max, plan to hit a town on day 3–4.

The Non-Negotiables (0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs)

First aid kit:

Blister prevention is real. Include: Leuko-Tape (blister prevention, game-changing), antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, anti-nausea tablets, blister treatment pads

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm (SPF), personal meds. Minimal — no full shower setup needed

Repair kit:

Duct tape (wrap around pencil), small sewing kit, safety pins, paracord

Fire kit:

Lighter or matches

Toilet paper + trowel:

Leave-no-trace rule. Pack out everything

What to Leave Behind

Cotton clothing:

Anything. It absorbs and won't dry

Heavy camera gear:

Your phone camera is fine

Heavy books:

Kindle or audiobooks

Unnecessary toiletries:

You'll smell like the woods; that's the point

Heavy tent:

2+ kg tents exist, but at this weight they're old gear

Multiple outfits:

You'll wear the same clothes for 5 days. This is fine

The Ideal Base Weight

Everything except food, water, and consumables: 5.5–6.5 kg (12–14 lbs)

With 3 days of food and full water bottles: 7–8.5 kg (15–19 lbs)

If you're over 10 kg base weight, you've packed too much. The AT isn't forgiving of extra weight.

Buy vs. Rent vs. Borrow

Buy: Backpack (you'll use it again), hiking boots, sleeping pad

Rent: Sleeping bag (expensive to buy, usually available at outdoor shops near AT trailheads for $10–20)

Borrow: Tent (friend's extra, or shelter-only strategy and use free AT shelters)

Plan Your AT Section Hike → | Read the Full Appalachian Trail Guide →

Inspired?

Turn this into a personalized trip plan.

AT Section Hike Packing List: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

The Appalachian Trail will destroy bad gear and expose poor packing decisions. Three days in, you'll know exactly which items earn their weight and which ones don't.

This packing list is for a 4–5 day section hike in moderate conditions (not winter, not peak summer heat).

Backpack (30–40L for 4–5 days)

Get this right. A pack that doesn't fit your back will create misery. Try on multiple brands at an outdoor retailer and hike for 5 minutes in the store with weight in it. You'll know.

Look for: hipbelt that actually transfers load to your hips, adjustable torso length, rain cover built-in, pockets for quick access items.

Weight: Your base pack should be under 2 kg (4.5 lbs). Any heavier and you're paying for features you don't need.

Brands that work: Osprey (most adjustable), REI Co-op (good value), Gregory (comfortable for longer days)

The Sleep System (3 kg / 6.5 lbs)

Sleeping bag:

3-season bag, rated for 4–10°C comfort. The AT has elevation — nights are cold even in summer. Brands: Kelty, REI Co-op, Marmot

Sleeping pad:

Inflatable pads pack smaller and insulate better than foam. Thermarest (heavy but durable) or Decathlon (lighter, slightly less durable). Weight: ~500 grams

Sleeping pad repairs:

Tape + patch kit takes up almost no weight and saves your pad mid-trip

Shelter & Weather (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

You'll use AT shelters when available (free), but bring camping backup. A lightweight 2-person tent (1 kg) or bivy sack (200 grams) adds almost nothing.

Rain jacket:

Essential. Waterproof, breathable, packed down smaller than a water bottle. Brands: Arc'teryx, Salomon, Patagonia (Torrentshell is the budget option)

Rain pants:

Lightweight waterproof pants that pack into their own pocket. Not essential but prevents misery on multi-hour rain days

Quick-dry clothes:

Merino wool or synthetic. Cotton is your enemy — wear nothing cotton. No jeans, no cotton underwear, no cotton socks

Hat/sun protection:

Lightweight cap with neck coverage or a Buff neck gaiter

Footwear (1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)

Hiking boots:

Broken in before the trip. Not new boots. Your feet will thank you. High-ankle boots are worth it on the AT (roots and rocks). Brands: Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva

Extra socks:

Pack 2–3 pairs of merino wool hiking socks. Change daily. Merino dries faster than synthetic and resists smell

Camp shoes:

Lightweight sandals or camp booties. Your feet need to decompress after 6 hours in boots

Gaiters:

Optional. Useful for keeping debris and mud out of your boots on rocky sections

Water & Hydration (0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs)

Water bottles:

2L total capacity (two 1L bottles or one 2L bladder). The AT has reliable water sources every 10–15 km

Purification:

Tablets (LifeStraw) or pump filter (LifeStraw Squeeze). Tablets are lighter, pump is faster. Either works

Insulated bottle

For hot coffee/tea on cold mornings

Cooking & Food (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

Stove:

Ultralight canister stove (MSR Pocket Rocket, ~75 grams) or simply buy hot meals at trail towns and skip cooking

Pot:

Lightweight aluminum 1L pot, under 150 grams

Spoon/utensil:

Titanium spoon or ultralight plastic. Skip the fork

Food:

4–5 days = roughly 2 kg of freeze-dried meals, energy bars, instant oatmeal, peanut butter packets. Buy at grocery stores — cheaper than outdoor retailers

Food note: The AT has trail towns every 2–3 days. Most people resupply at towns and don't carry full 5-day rations. Carry 3 days max, plan to hit a town on day 3–4.

The Non-Negotiables (0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs)

First aid kit:

Blister prevention is real. Include: Leuko-Tape (blister prevention, game-changing), antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, anti-nausea tablets, blister treatment pads

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm (SPF), personal meds. Minimal — no full shower setup needed

Repair kit:

Duct tape (wrap around pencil), small sewing kit, safety pins, paracord

Fire kit:

Lighter or matches

Toilet paper + trowel:

Leave-no-trace rule. Pack out everything

What to Leave Behind

Cotton clothing:

Anything. It absorbs and won't dry

Heavy camera gear:

Your phone camera is fine

Heavy books:

Kindle or audiobooks

Unnecessary toiletries:

You'll smell like the woods; that's the point

Heavy tent:

2+ kg tents exist, but at this weight they're old gear

Multiple outfits:

You'll wear the same clothes for 5 days. This is fine

The Ideal Base Weight

Everything except food, water, and consumables: 5.5–6.5 kg (12–14 lbs)

With 3 days of food and full water bottles: 7–8.5 kg (15–19 lbs)

If you're over 10 kg base weight, you've packed too much. The AT isn't forgiving of extra weight.

Buy vs. Rent vs. Borrow

Buy: Backpack (you'll use it again), hiking boots, sleeping pad

Rent: Sleeping bag (expensive to buy, usually available at outdoor shops near AT trailheads for $10–20)

Borrow: Tent (friend's extra, or shelter-only strategy and use free AT shelters)

Plan Your AT Section Hike → | Read the Full Appalachian Trail Guide →

Inspired?

Turn this into a personalized trip plan.

AT Section Hike Packing List: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

Backpack (30–40L for 4–5 days)

The Sleep System (3 kg / 6.5 lbs)

Shelter & Weather (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

Footwear (1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)

Navigation & Safety (0.3 kg / 0.7 lbs)

Water & Hydration (0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs)

Cooking & Food (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

The Non-Negotiables (0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs)

What to Leave Behind

The Ideal Base Weight

Buy vs. Rent vs. Borrow

Related reads

AT Section Hike Packing List: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

Backpack (30–40L for 4–5 days)

The Sleep System (3 kg / 6.5 lbs)

Shelter & Weather (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

Footwear (1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)

Navigation & Safety (0.3 kg / 0.7 lbs)

Water & Hydration (0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs)

Cooking & Food (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)

The Non-Negotiables (0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs)

What to Leave Behind

The Ideal Base Weight

Buy vs. Rent vs. Borrow

Related reads