Appalachian Trail Gear List

In April I hopped on the Appalachian Trail for a few weeks. A few friends asked me to join and I came out with the possibility of thru hiking the entire trail. Some opportunities came up back home, but this is the gear I would bring for a thru hike, section hike or weekend hike on the AT.


Main Gear

Kitchen

Electronics

Camera Gear

Hygiene

First Aid

  • First AidTA oint/bandages/alcohol wipes/KT tape/Benadryl/advil/charcoal/immodium/earplugs

  • Repair Kitpatch/thread+needle

  • Wallet - Lite AF "First Aid"

  • Lip Balm - Dermatone Coconut

  • Sunscreen - Travel Size

  • Stuff Sack - Hyperlite 2L

10 Eco-Conscious Holiday Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2021

Each year, I find myself looking to spend money on gifts that are better for the planet and our society as a whole. This gift guide features sustainable and eco-friendly products that can help reduce waste while supporting companies that are working to make the world a better place. By purchasing from brands with sustainability in mind, you are making the choice to help create a safer future for us and the planet.



This Patagonia flannel is super cozy, soft and will last for years to come. I own two of these Fjord Flannels and I love the style and durability. They are great for daily casual wear, hiking in the mountains or working on the land. Made with organic cotton, which reduces CO2 emissions by 45% and water usage by 90% compared to conventionally grown cotton. If your Patagonia garments begin to fail, you can send them in to be repaired through their Worn Wear program!



These blankets are eye catching with their puffy design and unique patterns. They are packable and lightweight at 2 pounds- perfect to take on that epic road trip youโ€™ve been planning. Finished with protective DWR, rain and stains wonโ€™t stand a chance. The best of all? This blanket is made with 100% recycled polyester fill and 30D ripstop fabric.



Soft to the touch, flexible and beautifully designed, Pela cases are the world's first truly sustainable phone case. They are durable enough to protect your phone from drops and scratches and are also compostable! The Pela Case is made of flax shive and a plant based biopolymer. Pela is committed to create a waste free future by donating a % of every sale to Ocean Cleanup and Preservation Initiatives.



Lightweight and warm, these jackets are on the top of the list for hiking and backpacking adventures. Iโ€™ve owned my Ghost Whisperer for 5 years and have taken it on all of my thru hikes. It always performs spectacularly. Once it wears out, Iโ€™ll likely get a new one because look at those colors! Mountain Hardwear is bluesign approved which guarantees that the products were manufactured with responsible use of resources and the lowest possible impact on people and the environment. Partnering with Allied Feather & Down, you can track where your down came from by scanning a QR code on the inside tag.


Stasher Bags


Want to ditch ziplock bags? These are the perfect solution. This is one item that would be a perfect gift for those who like to go on day hikes, road trips, picnics or simply want to reduce their footprint. They are made of platinum silicone and harbor no toxic chemicals. You can put them in the freezer, dishwasher, or microwave. They can be washed and reused over and over, reducing your need for single use plastics. A portion of every Stasher sale goes to nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating our oceans.



I have found the perfect massage ball for relieving tension and muscle pain, not too firm and not to softโ€ฆ and best of all- they are made from 100% sustainable cork. Being lightweight, they are great to take along on your hiking or backpacking trip. I have brought them on thru hikes and also keep a small one in my bag at all times. I like them so much I bought my mom a set for Motherโ€™s Day. Also great for stimulating fitness recovery, reducing stiffness, and improving mobility.



Looking for a heavier duty camp blanket? The Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is just that. With classic designs and color ways, this wool blanket will not only keep you warm, it will stand the test of time with its durable fibers- 4 times more durable than other natural fiber to be precise. You can feel better that Pendleton wool buyers know each grower by name, with relationships spanning generations. Much of their wool is grown in Umatilla Country, Oregon, near the Pendleton mill. Other wool is sourced from responsible farmers around the globe. When a wool item has reached its end use, it can be recycled to create new textiles, insulation and more. When disposed of in the right soil conditions, wool will naturally decompose, slowly returning valuable nutrients back into the earth!



Polarized to protect your precious eyeballs from the sunโ€™s harsh rays, I love the look and the lightweight feel of these Sunski Dipseas sunglasses. These have been with me on 2 thru hikes and although the fancy mirror coating has worn off (recently learned this was a bad batch), the positive is that Sunski provides a lifetime warrany on their products. Sunski invented a way to turn scrap plastic into recycled frames. Instead of going to a landfill, their SuperLight recycled resin gets a new life of your adventures.



Hereโ€™s another way to reduce your reliance on single use plastics- Beeโ€™s Wrap! Made of beeswax and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton, itโ€™s washable, reusable and fully biodegradable. Itโ€™s easy to clean and is naturally antibacterial, so it will keep your food fresher longer. They use beeswax and plant-based waxes that are responsibly sourced. Beeโ€™s Wrap may cost a little extra upfront, but in the long run the cost evens out.



Taken on many of my adventures, this Fjallraven Kanken backpack is ultra popular among outdoor lovers and for good reason. These backpacks are durable, minimal yet well-designed and ultra versatile. I take this backpack on hikes, use it for travel, to store my camera gear and for transporting my laptop. When designing and producing their products Fjallraven keeps sustainability in mind. They place strict standards on themselves and their suppliers in order to develop the clothing and gear that lasts for generations. In addition to the laptop backpack, I also own a Mini Kanken Backpack for daily use!


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