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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