The equipment I will be carrying during my 2026 southbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Note that this is all as of departing, and updates to the list, as well as final markups and review of gear will be published upon completion of the trail.
Current Base Weight: 19.6 lbs
Base weight does not include food, water, or consumables.
Brand / Model: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Weight: 1lb 9.94 oz
Notes: Chosen for being lightweight with some space. Has nice vestibule for storing shoes/pack.
Brand / Model: Six Moon Designs Tent Stakes and Six Moon Designs Groundsheet
Weight: Stakes 2.59 oz, Goundsheet 4.45oz
Notes: Chosen for being an integrated system. Easy to order w/ tent.
Brand / Model: Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
Weight: 1lb 5 oz
Notes: Cheap. One of these is used for tent pole.
Brand / Model: Kelty Cosmic 20
Temperature Rating: 20°F
Weight: 2 lbs 9.28 oz
Notes: Warm, relatively inexpensive and light. Decent tradeoffs between each.
Brand / Model: Thermarest Z-Lite
Weight: 14 oz
Notes: Opted for CCF over inflatable pad to avoid popping issues, simplify packing
Brand / Model: Osprey Exos 58
Capacity: 58 liters
Weight: 2 lbs 14.72 oz
Notes: Opted for a heavier pack with a better frame to save back and make heavy carries easier.
Brand / Model: MSR PocketRocket 2
Fuel: Isobutane
Weight: 3.69 oz
Notes: Used prior, reliable.
Items:
Brand / Model: Sawyer Squeeze
Weight: 3.66 oz
Notes: Simple, reliable, easy to use and replace.
Purpose: Satellite communication and live location tracking.
Notes: iPhone 11 w/ 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery pack