Thru-hiking gear list

Struggling with what to bring for your next thru-hiking trail? It can be hard to find the right gear list. No worries, we’ve got you! Here you’ll find a complete thru-hiking gear list with all the gear you need for your upcoming thru. Whether you’re hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, the Te Araroa, or the Via Alpina, go ultralight! This page focuses on the necessary items to complete your thru-hiking trail safely. Always add more specific items that are important for the trail you choose and circumstances you expect during your thru-hike.

Most important items
Top brands
Complete thru-hiking gear list

items needed for camping To make your next thru-hike a bit more comfy, bring some items that are not essential but make hiking more enjoyable for you (and maybe other thru-hikers). Consider items that you won’t just use during the hike but also for the evenings in the tent or while taking a ZERO (rest day). You can think of an e-reader, journal, card game, book with unsolvable crossword puzzles, or something else. It’s all about having fun out there!

Best store for your lightweight gear

Find here all outdoor gear for your next thru-hiking trail whether it’s the Pacific Crest Trail, the Via Alpina or the Te Araroa. This is the most popular store for your thru-hiking gear.

You’ll find the full gear list if you scroll down a bit more. We’ve outlined a few items that are the most important for your thru-hiking trail. If you click on the links you’ll be redirected to the brands we recommend and the most trusted outdoor gear shops where you can buy the gear.

Most important items

These are the essentials for your next thru-hiking trail. Always choose to invest in the right quality gear when you have the possibility. It’s more sustainable and keeps you safe on your trails, especially hiking day after day covering long distances.

Hiking shoes – trail runners or light hiking shoes
Backpack – 40-65 liters
Lightweight tent with footprint
Lightweight sleeping bag
Lightweight sleeping pad
Cooking gear – stove, pan, spork, lighter
Water filter or purification tablets
Rainwear – preferably hardshell
Clothing – layers & socks
Water bottle and bag
First aid kit – for emergencies
Hiking poles – to support your knees
Power bank – when there are no outlets available for long stretches
Trash bag – Leave No Trace
Sun protection – sunglasses and sunscreen
Safety device – for example, a Garmin inReach

Top brands for your gear

Lightweight tent

Your shelter night after night during all kinds of weather conditions. Go lightweight or ultralight.

MSR

Lightweight sleeping bag

Choose something that will keep you warm in colder conditions and is breathable in warmer weather.

Therm-a-Rest Rab equipment

Lightweight sleeping pad

Gives you comfort while you’re cowboy camping or in your tent.

Therm-a-Rest Rab equipment

Hiking shoes

Provide comfort, grip, and protection against rugged terrains, ensuring safety during your long-distance trail.

LOWA HOKA

Backpack

Essential for all the gear you bring, good backpacks are designed to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to transport water, food, and gear.

Gregory backpacks Hyperlite

Hiking poles

Assist you in keeping pace mile after mile and reducing knee strain on descents. An essential item for thru-hikers.

LEKI Black Diamond

Rainwear

A shield against the elements because even when the weather looks good, you can always end up in a rainstorm.

Rab equipment Columbia

Layers

Layers protect you against fluctuating weather conditions. Take at least three layers with you, a base-, mid-, and outer layer.

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Water bottle or bag

Vital for staying hydrated and maintaining energy levels during your hike. Always bring at least 1.5 liters of water with you.

Rab equipment Pinewood

Socks

More than just for comfort, the right socks prevent blisters, wick moisture, and provide cushioning over long distances.

Injinji Darn Tough

First aid kit

A compact lifesaver, it is equipped to ensure minor setbacks don’t become major emergencies.

Ortovox First Aid Kits

Safety device

For absolute emergency situations, this could be your lifeline. Never go on a thru-hike without this device.

Garmin Garmin InReach mini

Complete thru-hiking gear list

Essentials

Hiking shoes
Backpack with rain cover
Lightweight tent with footprint (groundsheet)
Lightweight sleeping bag
Lightweight sleeping pad
Inflatable pillow
Cooking gear (stove, pan, spork, lighter)
Freeze-dried meals
Water filter or purification tablets
Sitting pad
Clothing: T-shirt, fleece jacket, down jacket, shorts, long pants, base layers (an underlayer, for example, of merino wool), underwear, and hiking socks
Rainwear: (hardshell) jacket and pants
Quick-drying towel
Hiking poles
Water bottle or hydration bladder
Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Power bank
Water bottle and bag
Food: energy-rich food (nuts, chocolate, energy bars, muesli balls, wraps)
First aid kit with an emergency blanket
Roll of small garbage bags
Headlamp
Gloves & hat (for colder conditions & high elevations)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc.)
Personal items (mobile, passport, cash etc.)
Pocket knife
Gaiters

For navigation & safety

GPS watch
Map of the area
Navigation app on your mobile (FarOut, Alltrails, Komoot, Hiiker, Outdooractive, GAIA)
Safety device – for example, a Garmin inReach

As for every gear list, add specific items that are important for the trail you choose and circumstances you’re hiking in. Think of insect repellent spray, crampons, ice axe, micro spikes and other specific hiking gear to ensure your safety.