10 Items You Don't Have To Take on the AT | Appalachian Trail 2024

[@myleftthumb2294]

"YOU ARE HIKING, NOT CAMPING !!" - Sorry, I forget the name of the other hiker who said this on his video - credit where credit is due. Thru-hiking is all about getting from point A to point B, rinse and repeat.

[@Adventure_Together]

It seems like that some days. There were certainly a few days where it felt like all the day was hiking from one stealth campsite to another, for no other reason than to make miles. On those days, the camping and time with friends is what makes the day positive.

[@Mike___Kilo]

Generally good advice. As for gun carry; I don’t have a blanket rule against carrying a gun whilst backpacking or venturing into the backcountry. IMO it’s a personal/circumstantial decision.

[@Adventure_Together]

I feel I communicated this point poorly. My opinion on guns is that, like you, it is a personal choice, but someone that doesn't own a gun shouldn't think that they need to buy one just to hike.

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

My loaded Glock 43 weighs less than 22 ounces. At least 6 states on the AT don't require permits, three or four others reciprocate CCW's from other states. This leaves NY, MA, CT, NJ and 40 miles of MD. where if you have to use a weapon, you collect your brass and quickly change scenery.

[@SparkyOne549]

I don’t agree about not carrying bear spray. A pair of thru hikers stopped to eat lunch when a black bear was approaching them, after standing up and yelling at the bear, it didn’t deter the bear, the bear got within 3 feet of them, and one of the hikers had bear spray and sprayed the bear. The bear ran away. In another instance, a hiker who filmed a lot of his thru hike had a video of when he was eating his lunch, a bear approached, he also yelled and jumped up and down which didn’t deter the bear, he then threw stones at the bear, that didn’t deter the bear, the bear grabbed his lunch and ran off. I also disagree about matches, I have waterproof matches for backup.

[@Unnaturalfly]

I disagree with the fishing rod only because I fish for fun not food lol.

[@Adventure_Together]

Fair enough if you have your hobby. I took a large camera because I enjoy photography. This list was more of what people at home tell most hikers to take with them for survival rather than recreation

[@Unnaturalfly]

@@Adventure_Together ya I meant I’m going for a overnight hike and I have family thinking I’m bushcrafting my way in the Amazon jungle. Talking about me having to look for berries and nuts just to survive lol. But good video tho I’m trying to start a outdoors type channel for fun. So your videos help give me ideas.

[@Adventure_Together]

I know your pain all too well. "What do you eat out there?" From people expecting me to say bramble roots 😅 Good luck with your channel, I hope it goes well!

[@spatialinterpretations449]

Yip you can take a rod but don't need it, I think that was the pointy point.. - even you admit to only for recreation.

[@deancheek9499]

Hey man! It’s dean from the first day at amicalola falls. I’ve thought about you guys a few times and wondered how your hike went. Congratulations!!!

[@Adventure_Together]

Good to hear from you, dude! I messaged you on FB a while back. Glad that you made it the whole way. Congratulations to you too!

[@deancheek9499]

@@Adventure_Together I’m not very active on the fb. I made it almost 2000 miles I’ll be back to do the whole thing as a thru hiker! And good content my guy,keep up the good work👍

[@Adventure_Together]

@Dean Cheek I know you'll smash it! Did the mini-carbon guitar make it with you all the way?

[@daphne142]

naglene bottle is good to use as a hot water bottle for starting early in winter

[@Adventure_Together]

You need that heat in winter 🥶

[@HolisticHikes]

Thanks! Chipping away at weight for hikes next summer! 🫶🫶

[@Adventure_Together]

You'll get there. My advice is don't take "just in case" and "spare" items.

[@HolisticHikes]

@@Adventure_Together thank you! Sort of starting our lists now! Going to keep tabs on your content for tips!

[@DamionJR4923]

Bringing a Nalgene bottle is crazy I can’t believe any would bring that 😂

[@Adventure_Together]

Lots of people do. They seem to love it in the beginning. Didn't see any by the time I reached NH and ME though.

[@williampennjr.4448]

deodorant attracts mosquito's too. What about micro spikes in the winter. You said in April, so that leaves a little confusion. I would add, There's no need to take a 4 person tent or larger. If you're in a large group, each person or couple should have their own tent. No need to bring a large shovel or pick. There is no reason to be digging holes. The only hole you will need to make is a small one for going to the bathroom.

[@Adventure_Together]

I've not hiked the AT in winter, I would imagine the weather is vastly different and they might be useful in some parts. Some great points you've added there. No need to overpack.

[@L2theWcarscoffeelife]

ahhh the deodorant argument, so you go into town take a shower put on clean clothes your going to take a zero maybe 2 and you stink right away for no reason at all. Merino wool doesnt hold odor so if you wear that and use deodorant you wont stink I used it just fine so yeah I dont agree with you on this. I had a guy at Hawk mountain shelter had a tripod with a pot hanging from it to cook!!

[@Adventure_Together]

That's fair enough if it works for you. I can't imagine wearing wool in summer. To be honest, most thru-hikers reeked no matter what they wore. I certainly did. There's not much a deodorant spray could have done.

[@L2theWcarscoffeelife]

@@Adventure_Together merino wool is amazing it wicks away moisture and drys very quickly I was skeptical at first too it is amazing totally different than the normal wool your used to not itchy or hot you can even get it in lighter weights they are pricey for shirts to me as a traveler its worth it to not carry 7 shirts and have to do laundry every few days.

[@Adventure_Together]

I wore the same t-shirt every day.Maybe that's why deoderant wouldn't work 😂

[@charliebell4632]

I don’t know I’m thinking about taking a small keltec or revolver

[@Adventure_Together]

If it makes you feel more comfortable and you're used to carrying a weapon, then maybe it's better for your peace of mind. I think people that don't usually carry a weapon with them shouldn't feel that they have to go out and buy one just because they're hiking the AT. I don't believe it's necessary at all. If it's part of your routine, do what makes you feel better. It's your hike 😊

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

By all means, carry a gun where legal. And take a firearm safety course. It could save your life.

[@wthurman5910]

Merry Christmas Al ⛄🎄🎀⭐

[@Adventure_Together]

Merry Christmas! Thank you for all of your support this year!

[@badasshiker9637]

I respectfully disagree about the matches. If your BIC malfunctions or runs out of fuel, then matches comes in handy. What you do to prevent the wetness problem, before you hike, get a chunk of paraffin wax and melt it. Take stick matches and dip them in the melted wax, then lay out to dry. Get a medicine bottle to store them in. Cut a small piece of the striker plate, or a piece of sandpaper, and glue it inside the lid of the medicine bottle. place the dried matches into the medicine bottle and viola, a back up lighter.

[@Adventure_Together]

We all have different opinions. That's what makes our hikes so personal. We make different choices on gear, and that's OK. It would be boring if everyone used all of the exact same stuff. I feel a common comment I see on this video is that people believe I am saying it must be this way or not at all. I didn't communicate my message well, and that's on me. What I meant by making this video is that some people were insisting that I must take all of the items mentioned in this video or else my hike was doomed to fail. I wanted to assure first time long distance hikers that they needn't think they need these items if they don't already want to take them. Feel free to take them if you want. But don't feel that you have to, was the message I meant but didn't make that point obvious enough. Regarding the matches. I use a ferro rod. That's kept me out of trouble so far ☺️

[@kathycasey9153]

Hey Al, I agree with everything on the list however when I solo section hike the AT, I have an unreasonable fear of bears. I do carry bear spray but if I was doing a thru hike I probably wouldn't. Its very hard to make noise constantly when you are alone 🤪

[@Adventure_Together]

If it makes you feel safer, then there's an advantage to carrying it. I don't believe it is an essential item by any means. Black bears are something to be respected but there are much better ways to deal with a black bear encounter than using Bear spray.

[@johnyokum2593]

In the end hike your own hike, do and take what is comfortable for you As for me, I appreciate the 18" blade on my hip and a machete strapped to make a pack for easy access if the need should arise to clean a trail Also Not sure With laws and bylaws of fishing licenses, true it would not be feasible to take a pole Of course, a foldable one might be resourceful through the 100 miles of wilderness for an added treat and break from the monotony of hikers' diet Just a thought

[@Adventure_Together]

Very true. Hike your own hike and take whatever you want. The point of the list was to highlight that for the majority of hikers, when they are advised to take things on trail for a thru-hike, the things on this list aren't necessities. I'm hoping that novice hikers aren't scared into taking things that they don't need.

[@loufaolla]

After this video, all the freaks will know the hikers aren’t carrying and be easy prey 😂

[@Adventure_Together]

I don't think freaks care whether you have a snake bite kit or not 😅

[@christopherm7592]

He’s not exactly the authority on self defense now is he? He comes from a country where you aren’t allowed to own the kinds of weapons we can in America. To each their own, I say. If you feel more comfortable having a pistol, take it.

[@raymondbond1468]

ANYTIME you go into the woods, whether on a short or long hike, you should always carry at least a knife. To say it's too bulky, or weighs too much, just shows your more worried about your weight than your safety. And that can get someone unalived. Be careful with your advice. Many people could come on here looking for real advice and then not hit the trail with what could definitely save them.

[@sld2155]

A British guy telling Americans not to carry a gun. What a way to start a morning....🤣🤣🤣

[@Adventure_Together]

I'm not telling you not to carry one. I'm saying that if you didn't already plan to, you don't NEED one. There are a lot of people who didn't plan to hike the AT with a gun, who have had people around them tell them that they should. The majority of people don't carry one. If you're in rural Svalbard or the wilderness of Alaska, it'd be totally different, but on a footpath with over one million other hikers, it isn't necessary.

[@sld2155]

@@Adventure_Together joking with ya...

[@Adventure_Together]

I thought it was serious, and I was drawn into it. Sorry 😞

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

Guns are illegal in the UK, so he's obviously been conditioned against firearms. Nonsense. Always carry a gun for protection!

[@Andy-Mesa]

Some of those items seem fine. I would use my polypropylene cold soak jar to put hot water in, but otherwise I could see carrying a bottle you can put hot water in for keeping warm. A rubik's cube seems like a perfectly okay luxury item. Jupiter carries a yo-yo and a watercolor paint kit, and you're definitely not more ultralight than him. Lots of people carry books and journals on trail.

[@Adventure_Together]

I did carry a lot of stuff I didn't need when I started. A lot of energy and aching shoulders from packing my fears (cold) and extra energy lugging it all up and over hills. It's all about working out what you need and don't need, and everything I saw on that list ended up in hiker boxes real quick.

[@unknowuser1843]

I'm staying true to my trail name (blades) and carrying a big knife

[@Adventure_Together]

Here I was thinking you got your name after your passion for Roller Blading 😂

[@spuriouseffect]

I'm gonna take an AR-15 and a Taser! Heck yeah! LOL

[@Adventure_Together]

Don't forget your bulletproof vest! 😂

[@willswalkingwest7267]

Now THAT'S a knife!

[@Adventure_Together]

It looks like something from a horror movie 😱

[@jax9224]

I take three and not two so I have an extra for myself and one to give away if someone needs.

[@Adventure_Together]

That's very good of you to think of others

[@christopherknowles]

Imagine being mauled by a mountain lion and you think “if only that dingus hadn’t told me not to bring my gun.”

[@dannynye1731]

The cats are extinct on the southern in. In NM we chased one around one night. They like to avoid people

[@sigmalife0570]

Iron skillet?😂

[@Adventure_Together]

Better than lead 😂

[@suntzu5562]

I was robbed at knife point on the AT in Virginia. Mentally ill man at an overlook. I obtained a concealed permit for the 3 states I was going through, and luckily saved my own skin. I lifted my shirt and he left, no issues. Your advice could get someone killed, but that's all my opinion. Cheers!

[@ohnonotagain8935]

I agree with you! Especially with all the FBI notices of the area

[@cwd243]

Where in VA did this happen? What year?

[@addisonesslinger3653]

So, technically, you weren't robbed. You were threatened. Good thing you were packing.

[@davyhenry8985]

I agree. I rather be safe the sorry.

[@clbbig]

@@suntzu5562 amen

[@dannynye1731]

What about garmins, ear buds and other useless gear?

[@twofoots5955]

This is for the tourist hikers. Who wouldn't want to fish and protect themselves and hike AND camp?

[@Adventure_Together]

Not going after car campers or people that go out hiking and camping with fishing or hunting as their purpose, but more talking about thru-hiking, where we want to carry as few things as possible so it doesn't weigh us down.

[@scottmacmillan9707]

Great list. Merry Christmas

[@Adventure_Together]

Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@jamietetrault4517]

If you wear prescription glasses, do not bring your prescription glasses. Its all trees and dirt so no need to focus on any one thing.....

[@Adventure_Together]

I think they count as worn weight, so they get a pass.

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

You can buy shatterproof prescription lenses mounted in heavy frames, and should. When hiking it is most important to have clear vision, in order to notice your surroundings.

[@Net_Observer]

👍

[@Adventure_Together]

😊

[@Oslohiker]

naglene bottle is goodnaglene bottle is good if you have take a piss in the middle of the night.

[@Adventure_Together]

🤮

[@Oslohiker]

@@Adventure_Together Some need it (and it will of course be a dedicated bottle).

[@Adventure_Together]

Some people use Gatorade bottles with the wide necks. To each their own, I suppose.

[@Oslohiker]

@@Adventure_Together For many men the opening is too small on gatorade bottles.

[@Adventure_Together]

Never used one for that. I just go outside if I need to go.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Lookout, you do know that people are going to take this video and bring all of these things?

[@Adventure_Together]

Just to be contrarian

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

It's more fun to be a contrarian. @@Adventure_Together

[@jax9224]

Take a actual bic lighter and not the kind that was shown. Those are junk and not reliable in my opinion. I actually take three lighters. One in my pocket. One in my first aid baggie and one just in my pack somewhere.

[@Adventure_Together]

Mine has lasted two thrus so far. Hopefully, it'll make it through all three. We will see.

[@doconawalk9367]

A light weight chair. Great for weekend backpacking but all the folks I saw who brought one sent it home after a hundred miles or so. A sit pad that weighs nothing and your pack as a back rest are all you need. A chair is not worth the extra weight

[@Adventure_Together]

There's always a log to sit on somewhere!

[@clbbig]

Better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have one. Remember the poor veteran who was attacked and killed by a nut with a knife in va about 5 years ago. But to each his own.

[@Adventure_Together]

Do whatever makes you feel safe.

[@mhe8545]

I take bear spray for humans!!

[@Adventure_Together]

😬

[@PacMan257]

Don't hike in snake boots.

[@Adventure_Together]

An all too common mistake smh 😂

[@myleftthumb2294]

@4:07 - I can see the spare set of boots. Yeah, I know, you're looking at 2.5 pounds there, but being able to swap them out, keep feet dry, and accommodate for swelled feet with a larger size pair might not be something to laugh at. I know I'll be carrying more pairs of socks than most others, probably five extra pairs.

[@Adventure_Together]

Do whatever makes you most comfortable. It's a hard slog to make it even 100 miles, let alone over 2000. If it keeps your spirits high and you're happier to take a few extra things, then go for it.

[@vegasjaydon1aauditstrump2024]

Alaminium? You mean aluminum? Lol

[@Adventure_Together]

I mean what I said 😂

[@myleftthumb2294]

Bet he pronounces solder as sol-der as well.

[@vegasjaydon1aauditstrump2024]

@@Adventure_Together Lol

[@jjano2320]

Wife.

[@Adventure_Together]

What does your wife have against hiking?

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

With his accent, you just know he's an expert.

[@Adventure_Together]

It's all a cover. The English you sound, the more you can get away with 😂

[@kysngaming7787]

I stopped this video so fast. Im taking a gun. Even if i dont need it, id rather have it.

[@Adventure_Together]

That's up to you. Do whatever and take whatever makes you feel safe. My message was for the people who aren't already planning on taking one, that they don't need to worry about not having it on the Appalachian Trail. In my year, I only met three people with guns on them, and none of them completed the trail.

[@randysmith6493]

Bears , you don’t need to take bear spray… likely. But if you have bear spray and are threatened , Bear spray is likely safer than a gun (this assumes you have a silly little gun that does not kill the bear in one shot, because bears don’t like that, and they get deathly mad). But bear spray disrupts their vision and it disrupts their sense of small, both of those they rely on to survive, and the bear is quite confused now, this is new, so it’s life was not threatened and it can run, and run they do. Just putting that out there because the presentation sounded a little off on spray. Fact Alaska Dept. St. Fish & Game has about fifty years of bear attack statistics , and in an attack the bear spray is 10 times more effective of you surviving an attack than If you had shot the bear. Bears don’t often die in one shot. The stats are online, you can look them up if you want. But for the AT, bears grew up knowing people are on that trail in great supply, they are quite use to you, you only have to not be stupid with food, trash, harassment of bears. Relax, keep eyes on, don’t approach and enjoy your hike.

[@Adventure_Together]

That's really interesting to hear the stats on bear spray efficacy. Being that it's Alaska, are those more likely to be Grizzlies than Black Bears? My point did sound anti-spray; I didn't mean it to be. My personal opinion is that on the Appalachian Trail, Black Bears aren't usually a threat if you follow guidelines. They will often leave the scene before you do. It's because of this that I feel friends and relatives warning hikers to take bear spray on the AT are overestimating the danger that Black bears pose compared to Grizzlies, that aren't on the AT.