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