How To Pack Your Life In A Backpack

It’s time for gear chat! The most exciting part of planning your thru-hike in my opinion, is to check out and acquire all the equipment you need. But what you need and what you want may differ.

Disclaimer: I’m not an ultra-light hiker, nor do I aspire to be. For some of you some of my gear choices will seem luxurious, while some might wonder how I can go by with so little. It’s so individual! I think this will work for me, and I’m sure I learn along the way and might change up my gear as I go. So let’s start!

Continue reading to learn more, written by Ines Zettl.

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Ines Zettl

Hello there, Trekkers! I‘m Ines, your girl from Austria, and in 2025 I’m thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I love sunsets and naming all the flowers I pass while hiking. While I had my fair share of climbing mountains in the Alps, my longest trek (in terms of consecutive days) so far has been one week - a far cry from what the AT is! This will become the adventure of a lifetime. I’m truly excited for all the highs and lows the AT can throw at me, so hike along with me to discover the wonders and pains that makes a thru-hike.

Medya Mansyone

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion lasts a long time, stores well in survival kits and cars, and doesn’t have the laundry-list poison control label like DEET sprays.

Sean Gold
Founder & Lead Writer

Medya Mansyone

Secure a small loop of cord to a trekking pole to create a convenient place to hang a water bladder and filter water.

Nathan Pipenberg
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Medya Mansyone

It contains 20 percent picaridin, a powerful insect repellent that will make nights around the campfire much more enjoyable.

Liz Provencher
Freelane Writer