Two to four weeks on the Appalachian Trail is long enough that you’ll resupply in town at least once and short enough that every ounce still matters. The Trail crosses 14 states, and rain, roots and rocks are the constant. This list assumes you’re on foot, sleeping in shelters or a tent, and carrying everything between towns.
On you & documents. Carry ID, a card and some cash. Small trail towns and hostels don’t always take cards. Keep your phone in a zip bag and a power bank charged at every town stop. A backup copy of your ID and insurance card in your pack, or a digital copy, saves a lot of trouble if your wallet goes missing.
Clothing & layers. Plan for wet. A rain jacket and rain pants, quick-dry clothing and extra socks sealed in zip bags will do more for your comfort than anything else here. Cotton stays wet. Permethrin-treated clothing is optional, but it helps against ticks.
Sleep & shelter. Shelters can fill up, so carry a tent or other shelter even if you plan to use them. A sleeping pad matters as much as the bag; the ground pulls heat out of you, even in summer.
Water, food & health. Treat or filter all water, even springs and piped water at shelters, unless a sign says it’s safe to drink. Foot care is the difference between finishing and limping home: moleskin, foot powder and a first-aid kit with blister care up front. Use insect repellent with picaridin or DEET, and check yourself for ticks every evening. Snacks and electrolyte mix keep you moving between meals.
Gear & tools. Size your pack to the trip, not the other way around. Dry bags or pack liners keep your sleeping bag and spare clothes dry when the rain finds a way in. Trekking poles are optional but help on steep, wet descents. A stove is optional too; some hikers go without and eat cold.
Safety & conditions. Black bears live along the whole Trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommends a hard-sided bear canister for every overnight hiker, and one stretch in Georgia requires one each spring, so check the rules for your section before you go. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bring a map and compass or offline maps, and leave a trip plan with someone at home: where you start, where you plan to finish, and when they should worry.
Comfort & extras. A notebook and an e-reader or offline downloads are nice in a shelter on a rainy afternoon. Keep the extras small. You’ll feel every one on the climbs.
Before you go, check the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s trail updates for closures and current rules on your section. Then mark what’s optional for you, add your own items and print the list.