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William's AT Section Hike Gear List (2026)

Not aspirational gear — what is actually in my pack on AT sections in Virginia and Maryland. 14.2 pound base weight, built over five years of section hiking and one Eagle Scout who does not carry unnecessary things.

By William • Updated May 2026

This is the actual gear I carry on 3-5 day AT sections in Virginia and Maryland. Not aspirational gear, not affiliate-optimized picks — what is in my pack when I leave the trailhead. Last updated May 2026 for a 3-day Shenandoah section with temperatures forecast 45-75°F.

The numbers

14.2
lbs base weight
22.5
lbs with 3 days food
$1,840
approx gear value
5
years refining it

Shelter

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL22 lb 10oz • $550

Used on every Virginia and Maryland section for three years. The 40-inch peak height and two vestibules handle AT afternoon thunderstorms without feeling claustrophobic. I considered the Zpacks Duplex to save 25oz but the trekking pole setup on rocky AT ground is not worth it for 3-season use.

Sleep System

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20°F Quilt18oz • $350
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT12oz • $200

The quilt took one season to trust. Now I would not go back. The NeoAir packs to grapefruit size. Combined sleep weight: 30oz for a 20°F-capable system. I carry a fleece hat for cold nights where the quilt alone is marginal.

Pack

Osprey Atmos AG 654 lb 10oz • $270

The Anti-Gravity back panel is worth every ounce on Virginia summer days. I carry a 65L because I like the margin — I never fill it — but a 50L would work for my actual gear volume. The All Mighty Guarantee has replaced one hipbelt buckle that cracked in cold weather, no questions.

Water

Sawyer Squeeze3oz • $40
2x 1L Smartwater bottles2.6oz • $4

Smartwater bottles thread directly onto the Sawyer. I carry 2L and refill at every water source. The Sawyer Squeeze has never failed me. I backflush after every trip and carry the plunger syringe.

Cook System

MSR PocketRocket 22.6oz • $50
Snow Peak 450 Titanium Cup2.8oz • $40
MSR IsoPro 100g canister3.5oz full • $8

Navigation and Safety

Garmin inReach Mini 23.5oz • $350
iPhone with FarOut app (offline maps)Already carrying
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp2.9oz • $55

The inReach Mini 2 is the piece of gear I am most glad I carry and least glad I have needed. My wife knows where I am at every scheduled check-in. For daytime navigation, FarOut (formerly Guthook) has every AT water source, shelter, and elevation profile. No paper map needed for AT sections with downloaded offline maps.

Footwear

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (low boot)11oz each • $165
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion (x3 pairs)3.5oz per pair • $25

Blister Prevention Kit

Leukotape P (small pre-cut strips)0.5oz • $15 per roll
Body Glide 0.8oz0.8oz • $12

Sun and bug protection

Freaks of Nature SPF 50 (travel size)1oz • $18
Sawyer Picaridin 20% (small bottle)2oz • $10
Clothing treated with Sawyer Permethrin0oz • $17

Trekking Poles

Leki Micro Vario Carbon (pair)9.5oz • $210

I hiked without poles for my first two AT seasons and paid for it with knee pain on rocky Pennsylvania descents. I will not go back.

What I do not carry

The gear I specifically chose not to pack after trying it:

  • Camp chair / sit pad: The weight is not worth the benefit for sections under 5 days. I use a stuff sack as a seat.
  • Extra pot or camp kitchen items: One titanium cup. One long-handle spoon. That is the kitchen.
  • Backup navigation device: FarOut on iPhone with offline maps + printed elevation profile from ATC website. The inReach Mini 2 has GPS if needed.
  • Solar charger: 10,000mAh Nitecore power bank covers 3-day trips for phone and inReach. Added solar weight is not justified for my trip lengths.
The gear you should not carry is whatever you used last time and did not touch. Audit after every trip. Something always comes out.

Common Questions

What pack does William carry on the AT?
Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($270, 4 lb 10oz). The Anti-Gravity suspended mesh back panel handles Virginia summer heat better than any other pack tested. The All Mighty Guarantee has covered one warrantied repair with no friction.
What sleeping bag or quilt does William use?
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20°F quilt ($350, 18oz, 850 fill power). Custom-made in Winona, Minnesota. Used for four seasons of Virginia and Maryland AT sections. The 20°F rating covers April-November in the mid-Atlantic with appropriate base layers.
What satellite communicator does William carry?
Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($350) on all overnight trips. Two-way messaging to his wife for daily check-ins, live tracking, and SOS capability. Recreation subscription plan at $34.99/month activated during hiking season.
What water filter does William use on the AT?
Sawyer Squeeze ($40, 3oz) with two 1L Smartwater bottles. Smartwater bottles thread directly onto the Sawyer, eliminating the need for the included squeeze pouches. Backflushed after every trip.