The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Checklist
Getting ready for a thru-hike is a daunting process. Unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life for a multi-month trek sounds incredible, but first, you have to actually get to the starting line. Not only do you have to prep for the logistics of the hike itself, but you have to make sure your home affairs are in order. That way, you can focus solely on the trail when the time comes.
Trust me: getting your ducks in a row before you hit the trail (while you still have cell service) will make your hike go much more smoothly. If you’re getting ready to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, make sure you complete everything on this checklist before you go.
The AT Thru-Hike Checklist: Do These 27 Things Before Starting the Trail
1. Pick a start date and register your hike.
2. Practice your bear hang.
3. Learn to identify poison ivy and deer ticks.
4. Brush up on Leave No Trace principles.
5. Figure out section-specific gear.
6. Consider getting a Verizon phone plan.
7. Get your bills on autopay.
8. Health insurance.
9. Cancel car insurance and surrender plates/registration.
10. Cancel or pause subscriptions.
11. Visit your doctor: renew prescriptions + address outstanding health concerns.
12. Put your stuff in storage.
13. Notify your landlord and employer.
14. Notify your credit card company you’ll be traveling + make sure you know your debit PIN.
15. Entrust someone with your important personal information and passwords.
16. Designate someone to handle your mail.
17. Set your vacation reminder.
18. Shakedown hikes: test your gear + make needed returns and exchanges.
19. Gear TLC
20. Activate subscription for your GPS beacon + program the device and practice using it.
21. Download books, movies, music, apps, maps, etc. that you plan to use on the trail.
22. Get your blog/social media/etc. set up.
23. Familiarize yourself with the trail: outline a tentative itinerary + choose where you want to send boxes.
24. Arrange travel to the trailhead.
25. Personal grooming.
26. Try not to freak out.
27. Enjoy the comforts of home while you still can.
October 28, 2024
The Trek
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving long distance backpackers.
We are All Things Long-Distance backpacking.
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving the thru-hiking and long distance backpacking community.
NOTE: Cordial debate is allowed and encouraged. If you're rude, however, your comment will be deleted. If you make personal attacks at another commenter or a Trek Blogger or Writer, you will be banned from this page.
Explore More Content
Media Mentions
All three of our experts love the Sawyer filtration systems for durability, quality, and ease of use.
Media Mentions
Here are the things you need for an easy weekend vacation
Media Mentions
For this guide we focused on gear that could be more easily carried in a backpack, emphasizing lightness and portability wherever possible.
From the Squad
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
