Appalachian Trail Backpacking Gear List! (What Lasted, What’s Trusted, What Next)

After doing the Appalachian Trail NOBO, I have plenty to say about GEAR! I’ll unpack my backpack with you and go through everything I have. I’ll also include what other hikers were doing (always good to know what else is out there!) and what I’ll replace or leave behind on my next big hike!
Some pieces of gear I forgot to mention:
•a tripod for videos (I carried 3 different ones throughout the trail! I thought it was worth the weight, but not for everyone!
•a buff used for a headband and to patch a hole in my shirt
•cheap sunglasses I hardly wore but never ended up getting rid of
A huge THANK YOU to AeroPress for sponsoring this video! Use code BEER for 20% off coffee makers that aren't on sale or visit aeropress.com/BEER
I don’t have Amazon affiliate links because I think you should buy gear secondhand or from your local outdoor store! 🙏 🌎
Ideas on How to Get Gear Cheap or Free
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Hi, I’m Maddie! Celebrating an outdoor adventure with a beer has been a long-time tradition for me, and I wanted to create a platform for like-minded folks to come together. In my videos, I cover all types of adventures and review beer! Topics include day hiking, kayaking, travel, thru-hiking, and life on the road. In short, if you would describe yourself as an outdoorist, outdoorsman, outdoorswoman, hiker trash, nomad, or dirtbag, come on along, this is the channel for you! Welcome and cheers!
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[@cameronbrown321]

14 months deployed in afghanistan the best thing i had was a micro fiber towel. Was the size of a full towel, yet folded up to nothing. Light weight and very quick drying. You could use it as a blanket. And very easy to clean. I dont have a brand i can recommend because i bought mine at an army px , but a Micro fiber towel of anykind will work!!

[@jenniferdavis6608]

Thank you for your service !

[@cameronbrown321]

@@jenniferdavis6608 thank you, i really appreciate that!

[@bradbishoff9766]

Regard wrapping your tape around the plastic straws-use a pencil. 👍. Added benefit of double-duty of keeping the diary 👍🤪.

[@thewanderingpond]

Hi Maddie! It might be nice if you framed your shirt with a photo of you at the end of the AT at Katahdin that you layer in front of it 😊😊

[@JackSheahan2012]

Ranger, the ranger shirt you asked about... you gotta get that thing framed, like others do with sports jerseys. A true once-in-a-lifetime collectible like that deserves it. Hope you're doing well. All the best, and Happy Thanksgiving to all who might read this. Jack NYC

[@OmaGoesAdventuring-VA]

This is what I was thinking! Get a shadowbox and preserve what is left. :)

[@jeff6909]

Absolutely! It's really useless now except for memorabilia. But great memorabilia.

[@allenwilson5235]

Put it in a quilt.

[@StitchesNSummits]

Oh man I remember watching and yelling “HER SHOES!! SHE NEEDS TO REPLACE HER SHOES!!!” So hearing this makes a ton of sense, I’m glad everything worked out. Loved this series so much

[@pattyk8594]

I was thinking the same thing towards the end. It looked to me like those shoes must hurt and hiking shoes would be better on those rocks :o)

[@Sourpatchhikes]

I thought the same thing. No wonder her poor feet hurt. Most hikers go through 4 pair on trail.

[@user-tp6ip6vy2u]

Replacement gaskets for the Sawyer filter: rubber gaskets found at any hardware store. They are in the section with outdoor green water hoses. They are a different color, but they have the same diameter and fit perfectly. At Home Depot/Lowe’s, they are 5 for $1.00. At 3grams each, carry extra and be somebody’s hero!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s awesome!! Thanks for telling me!

[@jeff6909]

Good to know. I used an O-ring to replace my watch band (not for trail). I'm frugal, so every little savings helps (kinda like weight, which I'm trying to figure out).

[@HalfwayHikes]

There’s also another rubber gasket in the white cap that comes with the sawyer. It’s not as necessary as the the one at the dirty water side. So it’s like a free spare

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

The Shirt will definitely become a treasured heirloom.

[@aprilfensom6412]

❤make a pillow out if your shirt.

[@thexxit]

my husband loves his aeropress. he prefers it over so many other coffee makers and he's a man who LOVES coffee!

[@deglerja]

Hi Maddie, I think it would be interesting for you to explain the process and how you make your videos. I am amazed at how good they are!!

[@pyrholorange]

somehow, reflecting on an adventure is my favourite part

[@lacyLor]

As a Kansan I have to say nice Jayhawk shirt! 🌻

[@williambranham6249]

I’m old school with tender feet. I used one pair of boots.All leather tops vibram sole, non breathable and waterproof with regular treatment. Took 100 miles to break in. The brand is Vasque Sundowner. Somewhat heavy compared to Altra and less expensive. Great for tender feet.

[@MrsStevenBrown]

Check out an XMid 2 tent! It’s like 280$ US, and under 2 pounds. So much space inside, easy pitch and you can get a kit to use it fly less to wac stars ❤

[@ivydeliz]

I’m laughing here because I just realized I have the same hiking shirt! Thanks for showing us. That aeropress will be a nice trail luxury!

[@Josephhikes]

I used the ULA Catalyst in ultra material, it worked well in rain also .

[@MaryPonder]

I hear people talk about their feet hurting a lot. Can you maybe talk about how to care for your feet while hiking long term.

[@williambranham6249]

I’m sentimental. Hand stitch the torn shirt and either wear it or put away as a memory.

[@christinahikesandstuff9532]

I really appreciate your excellent videos, time taken editing, and feedback on your adventures. It’s brilliant you don’t have affiliate links but rather recommend buying local where possible. My favorite hiking clothing and items were bought secondhand at goodwill and used from REI garage sale😊 You show us how accessible hiking can be without super expensive gear.

[@JRoss707]

The sit pad is worth it, Maddie. After two long hikes with one, I decided to leave it behind to save weight on my next long hike and I really missed it. For one thing, air mattresses fail, I have the same Klymit mattress you have, and in August on the JMT the valve failed and it started going flat overnight. I was thankful to have the little ZSol sit pad (I only took off three panels so it’s still somewhat long) under me to at least give me some padding. I cut back on clothing to save weight, finding that a sun hoodie, puffy, and rain jacket are really the only top-clothing I need (outside of base layer to sleep), but yeah I can see how the tanktop/tshirt is essential on a long trail, especially for women.

[@oldguyriders]

I like the idea of post-hike lessons learned videos. If done right I’m sure you could easily quadruple your view count, get more subscribers, and have a lasting series. I would recommend that you slow down and carefully theme each video. For example instead of having a rambling, spatial dissertation on the clothes, rain gear, cooking gear, sleeping gear, etc. you used on the AT, why not make each of these subjects its own video? You could have “the clothes I wore on the AT” , “the camping gear I used”….etc. Food for thought. Re video?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s an interesting idea! The reason I went in the order I did was to show how I packed it all in my bag, but I guess I didn’t make that very clear so I see where you’re coming from. This video is actually getting significantly less views so far, but it makes sense because it’s a lot of info and not a lot of action. Even so, I’m gonna keep doing info videos like you suggested! My next videos are probably gonna be how I paced my hike and how much money I spent. I learned so much, I gotta get the info out there!

[@oldguyriders]

Sounds like a great idea because you know there are going to be lot of prospective AT hikers looking for first hand information and you’ll have it for them.

[@stephenkenny7661]

Looks like a true experience !!!

[@JohnFiocchi]

Great video! Great tips ...and insight!

[@spencerrebosmax7915]

Thanks much! I have learned so much from your videos.

[@jimmymalone3494]

Maddie I really enjoyed this video! thank you for this with us.Good luck to you and God bless you.

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Just ordered your headlamp for my husband - he was just saying he needed a good one - thank you for the recommendation!

[@debr721]

Thank you for doing a gear video. I was hoping you would. 🙂

[@roselee_explores]

Loved watching your adventure! I highly recommend the Tarptent DR LI ... it's semi-freestanding but can be freestanding by using your trekking poles (I've never done this - but at least it's an option). I'll second the other comment that recommended a hammock/tarp ... it's a fantastic way to backpack! Happy trails!

[@JRoss707]

I have the ULA Catalyst in that same waterproof material, it’s been a great pack for me. I saw a lot of ULA packs when I hiked the JMT. Great packs.

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

Thank you so much for sharing your whole adventure, I have watched every video along the trail with you...!!! I appreciate your real life documentation of your trek......most I see are sugar coated and not totally believeable.....the only recommendation for equipment I have is try the Topo Trailadventure 3s.......its the only shoe I have backpacked in that my feet never hurt, and the next day it doesnt feel like I even hiked the day before, and they have a rock plate so I do not feel anything poking my feet......Love you and Smoke......:)

[@NYDaughter1972]

Hello from NY!

[@bobv7753]

Great gear load out review Maddie!!! Thanks for doing it. Only one recommendation....Keep That Ranger Shirt!!! Needs to go into the AT Museum!!!!

[@rachelyoung2775]

So glad you are getting sponsors :} Thanks for the video.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@meitalkupfer6436]

yo Ranger! Glad to see you made it! loved the gear overview. -Rocket Sauce

[@OmaGoesAdventuring-VA]

Aeropress Is amazing! So glad you finally got a sponsor on your video! congrats!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! And what an awesome sponsor it was!

[@janetwarren]

Thanks! Not an accident Maddie and smoke 🎉

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! ❤️

[@edfrhes]

I wonder if better shoes would have increased your hiking speed. Perhaps 👟

[@jennifercocharan4526]

No. Ultras are breathable shoes. The problem is she needed a 2nd pair that had a arch. And switch it out. I have the same shoes. They last. The only reason I know this is bc of a bunch of noisy scientists telling me so after my foot cracked one night. Crocs....are assholes...those are jail shoes....and I hope crocs burn in a deep hell.

[@jennifercocharan4526]

A very deep hell

[@jennifercocharan4526]

Under hell

[@jennifercocharan4526]

Maybe in Asia.

[@abreezeinthepines]

When you're ready to settle down... "Shirt & Kettle Hostel"! Maybe with a couple converted vans instead of cabins.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh my gosh that would be awesome!

[@janetwarren]

Thanks!❤❤❤❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank YOU!

[@cinramirez8627]

Hello from MN, Maddie! What a ride you took us on while on the AT! Curious about those shoes. They seemed to hold up (as best as they could). God Bless! ✌🏽

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah they did hold up pretty good considering all I put them through!

[@sallys2423]

You could use Grangers Performance Wash on most of your fabric stuff and then Grangers Performance Repel Plus for your rain jacket and pants. Kinda pricey, but it brings them back to life which is ultimately cheaper than new stuff.

[@jennifercocharan4526]

The great thing about those shoes....they probably kept ypu from falling bc you can feel your steps. -Sam scientist.

[@jdeveloper777]

I've always wondered since the beginning of your AT hike where you got the ranger shirt. Because I want one too!! It looks so good on you. Regarding your question: you got to KEEP the ranger shirt. It's a great badge of honor. It survived your entire through hike. The red patch on your right shoulder looks like an officer's epaulet.

[@raisinsanchez6631]

Maddie I think you should make that Ranger shirt into like a little bag for your future Electronics or other backpacking items.

[@_andy_gibb_]

Great to see a rundown of what worked and what didn't - we try and do that at the end of our backpacking trips to see if we need to improve anything. Looking forward to seeing your next adventures! As for the thread on the Pocket Rocket, we have one and have found that it can be fussy about its gas canisters. It screws onto the MSR canisters wth no issues but I have to work really hard to get it to screw onto other brands (Primus, etc) and I'm always worried about messing up the thread (on either the stove or the canister). Our solution is to only buy MSR canisters where we can. Not always possible but we stick to them when we can.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Okay, nice, I’ll try that!

[@annwroblewski2668]

Frame that shirt, for sure. I would keep that air mattress! ♥️

[@lovesallanimals9948]

Frame the shirt 😊

[@crewzillakelly3655]

I would save that shirt😊

[@jenniferdavis6608]

This is probably one of those ignorant questions everyone is going to be like, "You just can't hike if you have those problems" but I was wondering if you met anyone who was diabetic on the trail and if so how they carried their insulin? My insulin doesn't necessarily have to be cold but it can't get hotter than 80 or it just doesn't work. Thank you to anyone in advance who might be able to answer this!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I met two diabetics on trail, but I didn’t ask much about their set up. I know one had pumps on the outside of her stomach and wore a crop top so they’d be easily accessible. Sorry I can’t help more!

[@mybuggadog15]

The best insoles in the entire universe are Ener-Gel Insoles. They last seemingly forever and makes it feel like you're walking on pudding!!! (family owned company in PA) 👍

[@703am]

you have to keep the shirt, put it in the Maddie Hall of Fame...Lol. Once again, I fell in love with the trail and all your videos great job!!

[@tomellis3218]

Thank you for the equipment review . Was your sleep system a mummy bag or a quilt? The blueish color light weight tent your thinking about is a Zpack single wall tent & they come single & double… most go with double for the extra room… I’m told. ❤ I hope this is not your final AT video. How do you select a tamily? What daily mileage did you start out at 8, 10 , 15 or 20 miles per day? ❤😊

[@jeffreyking3807]

Hey young lady. Glad your home. The ranger shirt has to be keep for a conversation piece. That shirt is a true ACT statement. Get it framed when your 80 you can tell all your nursing home friends all about your trip. Lol.

[@yesidtac7863]

Eso es mucho equipo

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Unfortunately!

[@deglerja]

Hello Maddie, I also love your video! Can you please tell me more about the SeaKnock (spelling?) gravity water system you described on your video? I am also adding the Aeropress to my Xmas list.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It’s CNOC! It’s a bag used to scoop up water that you attach to a filter, which you can attach to a waterbottle and hang up, then gravity causes the water to move through the filter and into your bottle for you! Here it is in action if that still doesn’t make sense, it’s hard to explain! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXrZkoWFbbaEj6ssi=fNjzSb90VAsmsgjn And heck yeah, an AeroPress would make a great present!

[@chrisgregore359]

It might be a hassle but if you have a small bag of uncooked rice it works great to dry out electronics. Thanks for sharing all of this info. 😀 I'm happy you are back safe and sound.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I tried to save my rice dinners for last in case I needed it for drying purposes! Unfortunately, the time I dropped my phone in water, I forgot and ate my rice the night before!

[@sallys2423]

Rice doesn't work for that. In fact the starch and dust can get into the ports and gum it up. Air dries things out.

[@chrisgregore359]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Hee hee ... that's funny. Thank you for the videos you share. It is really fascinating to see all of this information. =)

[@chrisgregore359]

@@sallys2423 I never thought about the starch and dust. Rice has always worked great for me, in these situations, in the past.

[@MaryPonder]

I think you should frame your shirt, AT tag and some favorite photos into a nice collage

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I like it!

[@tomellis3218]

Oh another question for NoBo what is the logic of starting out in February versus March or April …. To avoid the bubble and access to shelters or campsites??? ❤

[@williambranham6249]

Yes to both questions. On my 98 trek I started in Feb and saw my first hiker at Outfitter just north of Blood Mt. It averaged 10 degrees overnight for a few weeks with very light snow. After that there were a few hikers at Erwin Tenn.

[@stevendavis6556]

Hope you and smoke can make it to Trail days next May in Damascus.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

We would love that!

[@redbetty1284]

I’ve always had crocs for camp shoes but stuck to my trail runners for water crossings because I feel that crocs would be slippery in water. Did you find that to be true or were they really grippy enough to be secure? (When I’m hiking, I’ll bring Chacos for water crossings and they work great, but they definitely weigh too much for backpacking.)

[@janmariolle]

❤

[@lindabraden5723]

I cannot imagine how you fit all of that stuff in your backpack and carried all with you for 6 months+. Ever time you camped did you have to take it all out and put it all back in again?

[@andywebb7351]

Congratulations on your successful thru. Your post trail gear was insightful. One question: why in the world is a good KY girl wearing a chickenhawk shirt????

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha it was an old shirt before I started the hike, and got so threadbare it was barely holding itself together at the end!

[@dougwoods9885]

To carry ducktape just wrap a bunch around one of your poles

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I was worried about it getting weathered by being outside all the time but the straws worked so terrible, I’ll try it next time!

[@janesiskind9467]

Frame your shirt and maybe your. Socks!

[@jenp59]

Anymore after this😮

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Keep the legs, they might fit on the new psi❤😂🎉

[@misslindalou6479]

And people marvel when they think about someone living in a van.

[@MaryPonder]

Did you get sick from the water? Good filter?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Nope, never sick! Sawyer was good stuff!

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Average toe nails clipped while on trail ? Try those toe socks on feet to prevent blisters. 👣 Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing! 🦁

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

🦃

[@fishntools]

Try a good hammock and tarp, you'll never look back!

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

The biggest problem with that strategy is that there aren't always hammock camping-friendly places available on thru-hikes.

[@clydewillis]

They aren't for everyone. I've never had a good night of sleep in one, though I've tried over and over. When I move the hammock starts moving too, and that wakes me up fully... over and over again all night.

[@lindal986]

Take a picture of the shirt, say goodbye, throw it out!

[@SHADOW1982]

That Kansas shirt isn't funny. lol Congratulations on your hike

[@streetall7882]

You literally spent more than 100 days in the mountains in summer and you didn't even got a tan, how did you do it? or just anybody can't possibly get a tan there because the sun isn't that strong

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It’s the green tunnel! So many trees! Also I’m just usually pale

[@judithloudon1129]

I’m wondering about your boyfriend. Are you still together?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep! I’m answering comments while he plays video games right now!

[@SpacialMeg]

Congratulations again. Throw away the shirt and the shoes. Your feet will thank you❤