Comprehensive Backpacking Gear List

I have backpacked over 2,500 miles.

Here is a comprehensive gear list and guide for backpacking.

Like many things in life, you learn by doing! 
I'm going to talk about what gear you need to do a backpacking trip. Whether you're doing an overnight or a seven-month thru-hike this post is for you! 

The Big Three: Sleep System/Shelter, Backpack & Cook System. The three most expensive and necessary items in your arsenal. These items are where you can cut the most weight and space and will be the biggest monetary expenditure. These are also the most important to survival. The most thought should go into these items.

Sleep System/Shelter 

Sleeping Bag
I used the Northface Tephora Prodown 20 degree sleeping bag in a Sea to Summit compression bag for the duration of my 2015 AT Thru-Hike and have since upgraded to the Big Agnes Hitchens UL 20' Down Sleeping Bag. 

Down vs. Synthetic for sleeping bags. Down is significantly lighter, compresses a lot more and will keep you warmer than synthetic sleeping bags. Some people will argue that down isn't a good option because if it gets soaked then it clumps together. I have hiked over 2,500 miles with down sleeping bags and have never once had that issue, even after putting them in washing machines and dryers. I highly suggest down to synthetic.

Use your own logic when thinking about the temperature rating of your bag. Don't buy a below 0-degree sleeping bag if you only hike in the south during July - you'll sweat all night. Also, don't buy a 30-degree bag if you plan on camping during the fall or winter. I believe a 15/20 degree bag is good and then use a liner during the colder months - use your own discretion when making this decision.

Having a waterproof compression bag for your sleeping bag is a must imo. There are plenty of brands, just make sure its *waterproof & is capable of *compression  For days when you're hiking through rain, it'll keep your sleeping bag dry (preventing hypothermia and allowing you to sleep), you can also put an extra pair of clothes in with it. And the compression allows you to have room in your backpack for everything else. Trust me on this.

Sleeping Pad

Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad is what I used for most of my AT Thru-Hike. Since then I soley use a Neo Air Backpacking Pad, it keeps me warmer, is less bulky and offers more comfort/support.

Shelter

For my AT Thru-Hike, I used the MSR Hubba Hubba NX two-person tent. Having a two-person tent for one person for me is ideal, as all of my gear and myself can fit comfortably inside during crazy weather. Now that I am willing to invest more money into my gear I suggest any backpacking tent by Big Anges.

Many people opt for hammocking as well - which only really works for east coast backpacking due to the amount of accessible trees. I suggest Hennesy Hammock, Warbonnet Hammocks and Dutch Wear Gear for hammocks and accessories.

Backpack

The most important thing is that you get fittest by a professional (REI can help you) so you get a pack that fits your body correctly and will be the correct size to hold everything you plan on carrying.

Osprey Aura 65L is what I carried for 2,000 miles of the trail. Osprey is a wonderful brand with outstanding customer service. If you cut off straps on your bag to save weight or alter your pack in any way, and it breaks or rips, they will 100% fix your pack, no questions asked. They also have great suspension to keep the weight where it should be, and airflow so your back doesn't get super sweaty. I've used three different Osprey Packs if you're looking for a UL pack I have also used and suggest the Osprey Exos.

Also, grab a waterproof pack cover for your pack.

Cook System

Pot & Stove
I use a Toaks Titanium cooking pot, with MSR Pocket Rocket, fuel canister & spork. There are all sort of brands for pots and stoves. * I recommend titanium pots over popular items such as Jet Boils, due to the fact that I like the option to be able to cook over a fire which will ruin a Jet Boil. I also keep a bandana in with my cook system in order to clean my pot after eating.

Knife & Spork
Bring one, I don't care if it's a cheap buck knife or an expensive fancy thing. You don't need a machete.... a three-inch blade that's been sharpened is plenty. Pro-trick if you lose your spork very five seconds like I do, you can sharpen a stick to eat with.

Water Filtration
I highly recommend a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. It has a universal thread and can attach to the brand platypus, most soda bottles, smart water bottles etc. Gravity does half of the work for you while filtering, it's a third of the size of clay filters, significantly easier to clean, and filters water the fastest and easiest out of any filter system i've ever used. I carried this with a smart water bottle to keep my "dirty" or unfiltered water in and filter the water into my "clean" (filtered water only) Platypus Water Bladder System and a backup Nalgene when needed.

I found the water tablets were precautionary things I never used that just added weight, if it makes you feel safer you can always through some in your medkit for emergencies.

Clothing

I always carrying a tank top and shorts to hike in then a backup set of synthetic leggings and a long sleeve merino wool shirt for night. Plus three pairs of socks. I am a minimalist in this regard and am okay hiking in dirty clothes.
I recommend calf-length wool hiking socks, I always bring three pairs. My favorite brand is Darn Tough.

*Don't wear cotton* in the woods. *Cotton Kills* - Cotton takes up to four times as long to dry as synthetic and wool does. If it gets wet and you're in bad weather wearing cotton is how you get hypothermia and die. I know I sound harsh. Now trust me - NO COTTON.

Shoes
For waterproof hiking boots, I recommend a brand called Ahnu. I exclusively hike in trail runners now though, due to their lightness and quick-drying abilities and am in love with Solomon Trail Runners.

Waterproof Jacket

Down Jacket

Other Essentials

Headlamp

It needs to have a few different brightness settings and a redlight setting. Don't forget this item and an extra set of batteries in your medkit.

Stuff Sacks
Stuff sacks are great for organizing, I currently use Big Agnes Tech Dry Bags.
There are plenty of brands that offer these. I recommend a waterproof one with a roll down top. I used a small one for my med kit, toilet paper, toiletries. A medium one for my extra clothes. A large one for all of my food/trash.

Bandanas
Use them for sweat, snot, tears, blood, pee, cleaning - the uses are endless. I usually bring 2-3 of them.

MedKit
My med kit always now just consists of the following: Nail clippers. Floss. Needle. (use floss in place of thread if you need to stitch yourself or your pack up). Neosporin. Ibuprofen. Toothbrush & Paste. Benedryl. Paracord - That's it.

I use a Menstrual Diva Cup for my periods. If this doesn't float your boat then OB Tampons are my second choice.

Map/Guide
Always have a guide or map for where you plan on hiking. Safety first.

Extra but not needed items

Hiking Poles

There are plenty of brands. I do recommend hiking poles, they'll save your knees by absorbing some of the impact of hiking.

Camp Shoes

Many people carry "camp shoes". Cheap plastic flipflops from walmart or crocs to wear once settled at camp. I didn't find it pertinent for my own comfort and a waste of weight and space.5. Bandanas.

Journal & Archival Pen

Other hiking resources I enjoy

For the weight-conscious: https://www.geargrams.com/

Hike your own hike.

This guide was last updated: July 2019.

Have any questions or comments on my gear?! Feel free to leave me a comment or email me at: madelinerella@gmail.com

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Instagram: @rellamadeline

Panther Creek Falls Trail

Panther Creek Falls
Fannin County, GA
3.5 miles to Panther Falls

       It's well into the new year and I must say this year has been a strange one so far. It seems as if everything shifted leaving things scattered, chaotic and in need of growth in order to regain balance. I know i'm not the only one thats felt this shift that happened, many around me, far and near have been experiencing it as well. This escape into the woods helped clear my head, recharge my energy and allowed me time and space to digest the everything thats been happening since the stars and planets came into such a rare alignment earlier this year.

       It had been too long since i'd laid my head down to sleep under the stars whilst listening to natures sweet lullaby. I excitedly packed my smelly backpack and joined some friends for an overnight trip to Panther Creek Falls in North Georgia. The hike in gradually declined, playing peek a boo with Panther Creek, providing a good warm up before it leveled out to a quiet and forgiving trail with a small scramble just before reaching the falls. 

Maine. The last Stretch.

        I've been contemplating how to accurately describe a thru hike, this is what i've come up with:

Living in the woods for half of a year means a lack of cleanliness, the term showers was broadened to gas station bathroom sinks, streams, and cold hoses. They also became less necessary.
Two Words: Crispy. Socks.
No matter how much you wring them they will bleed dirt.
I've come to call a burning pile of pine and birch home.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire for damn sure.

Crossing into New Hampshire was exhilarating, "New Hampshire for damn sure! New Hampshire for damn sure!" kept coming out of my mouth as I was bouncing up and down happy to be surrounded by good people and to have made it this far. I was excited to conquer all of the craziness ahead, for the White Mountain range and the fact that reaching Maine was starting to feel so much more attainable. I was entering the hardest stretch of the trail, with unforgiving terrain, taller summits then I had consistently climbed in months, and the most beautiful views of the hike thus far.

Vermont

Vermont

"When in doubt the AT goes up" 

Connecticut & Massachusetts

     I've opened this web page multiple times to write this blog that I've already postponed and I can't seem to think of the words I want to put on this page. I've always been torn with what to write in my blogs. Torn over how much of my life I should disclose so publicly. For this post I choose to keep it to a minimal, partially because i'm feeling behind on posting and access to a computer is far and few in between (& currently I have access to one) but I'm also feeling a bit selfish (Part of me wants to keep these memories and stories for myself) and have chosen to keep most of it to myself to share with people over a cup of joe once I finish.

Connecticut 

My first time in New England.

New Jersey & New York

New Jersey

Eight down, five more to go!

July 11

       Selfie at the border of Pennsylvania & New Jersey! The first day in Jersey was a success, the terrain started to noticeably improve (there are still rocks, but they are much gentler & kinder thus far). The lakes are perfect swimming temp and a great escape from the midday sun. I also saw my first Rattlesnake (nearly stepped on it, oops)! I also hung a wicked bear bag.

Pennslyvania

Pennsylvania

Home of millions of rocks.

Mile 1094.6 is the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail this year!
I made it halfway there!!

Six down, Eight to go!

West Virginia!

The photograph of me taken at the ATC in Harpers Ferry WV! This is regarded as the mental halfway point. I was the 616th northbound thruhiker to passthrough.

Virginia

VIRGINA

The Appalachian Trail is a crazy adventure that is hard to explain to people that haven't expirenced it first hand.

Last day in Babylon.

I leave tomorrow morning.

I'm about to take a very long walk in the woods, with hopes of making it to Maine. 

I've gotten every reaction possible about my upcoming trip... The consensus seems to be that most people wish they could, but never will, and that i'm crazy (which i'm in no position to deny). I know that the journey I'm about to take is a road less traveled, one that will shape the rest of my life. I am equal parts excited & nervous! Id like to thank everyone who is following my journey!

I've triple checked all of my gear. I can boil a cup of water in under 5 minutes. Heet seems to be the best fuel for my homemade alcohol stove. My pack is lined with a trash compactor bag in hopes of keeping most of our belonging dry when the sky decides to open up on top of us. And we have enough thermals to keep us warm throughout the horrid flip flopping weather through georgia & the smokies. My pack is packed to the brim, I know some of it will be sent home, it'll be interesting to see what I don't actually end up needing. I'm afraid my cooking pot is to small, but luckily I can remedy that in 4 days at mountain crossing if that's the case.

Dear family & friends

Over the next six months I will meet some amazing characters, I will see and experience things that i'll remember for the rest of my life, and ill have one heck of an adventure. But there will be days or weeks that will be extremely taxing and rough, mentally and physically. So if you get a phone call in a few weeks and i'm homesick or discouraged that is normal. give me a few words of encouragement, tell me to pick my chin up and keep walking!

       The First Big Change

       I chopped off a good portion of my hair in an attempt to make it more manageable during the next six months in the woods. It'll help prevent a billion knots and hopefully detour some ticks! I loved my long hippie mane, but having short hair is actually really refreshing & will be a godsend on the trail!

Middle of 21, beginning of 22.

I haven't updated my blog since I hiked the Smokies over the summer. 

So now i'm going to play catch up. 

Here are some of my favorite cellphone snaps & DSLR snaps from the past six months.

Illinois & Wisconsin

The Great Smoky Mountains.

       About a month ago me and three other friends, grabbed our backpacks and drove to the Smokies for a three day, two night hiking & camping adventure. The smokey Mountains are beautiful, these photographs don't do it justice. We got to experience more fireflies then i've ever seen before. We swung from Tarzan vines, naked, screaming are heads off. We played in creeks and streams. And we had the time of our lives.

Day One
Hiking to the Jumpoff

Paris once again.......

Toulouse, France

       After returning from Italy, I spent a few days wondering around Toulouse with the friend I had gone to visit. After nearly three weeks of being attached by the hip with little privacy we were getting a little sick of each other and I booked a ticket to Paris and spent the last few days exploring Paris again by myself.

Italia: Adventure in Portofinio & Florence.

24 Hours in Marseille 
     
       We got tired of Spain and decided that I had enough time left before I had to be back in Paris, to drive to Italia and spend a few days. We drove from Barcelona to Marseille, where we spent one night to catch up on sleep and divide up the driving time. I woke up early and explored the nearby streets in search for a bakery, once I located one, I was presented with a weird situation. Before I knew what exactly was going on, I had a homeless (Maybe Gypsy) women hanging on me, sobbing in French that she was hungry, not knowing what to do, I bought her a chocolate croissant, shook her off my leg, and headed back to the hostel.

Espana: San Sebastian & Barcelona.

   

 After a little to long of being cooped up in Arthur's flat, the second that the car was fixed, we eagerly set off for our next adventure. Arthur had heard a lot of talk about San Sebastian so we decided we would go there. The spontaneous-ness was beautiful but little did we realize what our lack of planning was getting us into.

Colomiers

Aug 10 - 15 2013 - Directly After Paris.

       Arthur has been living in Colomiers (which is a suburb of Toulouse) for the past eight months, apprenticing with a two Michelin star restaurant to pursue his dream of cooking and his love of food. We ended up staying at his flat for five days for some needed rest and due to the fact that his car battery had completely died and didn't want to be revived. During these five days we explored much of Toulouse, ate some amazing homemade sandwiches, grudgingly shared one computer, and watched to much YouTube. So basically we didn't accomplish much of anything, but we got to recharge ourselves.

Paris: The City of Lights & The Beginning.

Before Departure,

       I was determined to pack everything for my three week trip into a carry on bag. Why not just check a bag? ... because I didn't want to have to deal with the anxiety of rechecking my bags during my short one hour layover in Miami. And also the jet I was taking from Paris to Toulouse wanted an arm and a leg as payment for checking bags & I valued my limbs to much.

Pre-France.

11 days left. 

       Eleven days until I leave the country for the first time, step onto foreign land & see my best friend who has been tucked away in the south of France apprenticing with a chef for the past eight months. Eleven days until I start living my dream.
       Anyone who has known me over the past six years has known a wide eyed, rambling girl, who will talk to anyone who will listen about her dreams of traveling the world, photographing other cultures & experiencing everything foreign lands have to offer her.
       Soon enough I will start the adventure i've been loosing sleep over ever since the tickets were finalized. In the mean time i've been doing more research than is healthy. Packing and then repacking my bags. And spending to much time indulging in my picky eating habits (because I know all my food particularities & picky-ness will not be aloud once I step off that plane) while watching every episode of 'New Girl' & 'How I Met Your Mother'.

Tybee & Savannah.

  (June)    

       So much has happened the past few months. They have been filled with some of the hardest times but are undoubtedly some of the best of months my life thus far. I hopped in a car with a bunch of unshaven band members, drove to Tennessee and had a crazy, shower-less, loud weekend. I fought, I forgave, and I was forgiven. I learned how to bake pastries & what good produce is suppose to taste like. I learned how to dance. I escaped to Tybee and Savannah for a weekend camping trip. I spent another week getting all of the sand out of my hair. I got my first passport. I lost in chess, lost in pool and got covered in acrylic paint. I drove to Texas where I rode on a mechanical bull, went to a rodeo, and wake surfed, shook my butt at a honky tonk, and then my uncle entertained everyone by riding on a unicycle with sparklers in his mouth. I received the hardest news of my life. I cried until I couldn't physically cry any longer, then when I could, I cried again. I bought my tickets for my France trip and am about to embark on a journey i've been dreaming of ever since I promised a dear friend I would fly out to France and visit him, a promise I didn't think I could gather the funds for but ended up doing it.

Here are photographs from a weekend spent camping on Tybee Island & Savannah.