Appalachian Trail Gear List & Strategy 2025

For those with their sights set on section-hiking or thru-hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail (AT), this 2025 gear list and trail-wide strategy cover everything you need to bring with you and tips on how to hike.

We’ve broken each section of the AT (The South, Virginia, The Mid-Atlantic, and New England) into comfort and ultralight gear lists, plus we have strategies on how to prepare for the Appalachian Trail — when to go, and what to expect — whether you’re doing the entire thing or a section.

Continue to read to learn more about gear needed and strategies for hiking the Appalachian Trail, written by Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi Hudetz.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

January 24, 2025

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Mike Unger & Naomi Hudetz

Contributing Writers

Mike Unger & Naomi Hudetz are contributing writers.

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

We zeroed in on Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent in particular because its smart, compact bottle design makes it easy to apply evenly and accurately.

Doug Mahoney

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Sawyer Squeeze epitomizes ultralight water treatment and has been a mainstay on the thru-hiking scene for years.

Jenny Abegg and Maddie Downie
Senior Editor (Former)

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

“[Sawyer Permethrin] is a leave-in treatment solution, will last for up to six washings, and can treat up to five different outfits!”

Sara Coughlin