What do I pack? The ESSENTIAL list for backpacking and day hikes in Appalachia

Essential Packing Tips for Backpacking in Appalachia

Why Packing the Right Hiking Gear Matters

Pack Only Gear You’ll Actually Use on the Trail

There is something special to be said about coming up with an idea.

All of us have an adventurous streak.

I’m always yearning to explore!

Once the idea comes to mind; the planning stages start.

I really enjoy this part.

Googling and checking out the area. Searching restaurants and nearby attractions.

Downloading maps.

Maybe even booking hotels.

Your tiny idea has bloomed into a full-blown adventure!

Let’s go!

But.

Wait..

What should I pack?

Pack Light!

Minimalist Packing Without Sacrificing Safety or Preparedness

Water– Obvi. This is important.
Snacks– I buy treats from the Dollar Tree. They’re cheap. Non-perishable. I can easily keep them in my backpack.
Baby Wipes– #1 most needed “thing” besides food and water. I end up using at least one or two. Grab some wipes before you hit the trail!
Recycled plastic bags– This is right up there with baby wipes. Good to have, and I almost always use a few. Walmart bags, Target bags, it’ll do for messes!
Axe– Maybe my least used. But, it’s nice to have. Especially with camping. It works as a good “hammer” too. Personally, I have the Estwing. The Estwing axe is my favorite. It’s made right here in the USA. Mine came with a nice sheath too.
Knife– I’ve had to cut up a thing or two on my treks. It’s a great utensil to have when you need to MacGyver something up. Essential for camping. Here’s a great selection of Handy-knives
Shovel– Good to have for foraging or burying.. stuff… This garden trowel is perfect for backpacking!
Tweezers– These are essential. I’ve reached for my tweezers more times than you’d think. Head over to Amazon for tweezers
Scissors- I bring stationery scissors on hikes. It’s been used in the most random scenarios. More than a few times. These scissors are a backpack essential!
First Aid kit– It’s good to have. Especially one with antiseptic, gauze and bandages. Find a kit here
Extra Socks– Because crossing a creek, then spending the rest of the day in wet socks is… unpleasant.
Jacket– In case you get chilly. Or in case of a MacGyver scenario that may pop up.
Hammock– On a day hike, it’s nice to stop and enjoy the scenery. Personally, I have a wonenice hammock. I bought it in Amazon in 2017. Seven years later; and thousands of uses later– it’s still incredible! Get yourself an incredible hammock!
Hammock Straps– I have a separate set of straps for my hammock. When I bought my hammock, I was much larger. Like; 350+ pounds. I bought these mallome straps to ensure I wouldn’t fall flat on my tailbone. They are super secure and trustworthy. Best part; they leave no trace. Relax knowing you’re secure. These are the best straps ever!
Duck Tape– It’ll fix anything and everything!
Hand Sanitizer- Even when you’re in the dirt; it’s good to be sanitary.
Bug Spray– April through October in West Virginia. 100% essential!
Sunscreen– Depending on the landscape. But, I’ve always got it with me!
Whistle/Compass– This is great to have for preparedness. But, I use it quite often while hiking and camping with our dogs. Our girls have a great recall. But, sometimes they “just don’t listen”. The whistle works 100% of the time! This is a great whistle
Notepad/Pencil-As a writer is it’s fun to write observation and itty bits about the journey. In emergency preparedness, it’d make a great fire starter.
Rope– I’ve had to make and shift things. Rope always gets it done! This paracord is perfect for backpacking.
Waterproof Case– In case you may need it; it’s great to have!
Lifestraw– This straw can make any water viable! I’ve drank from streams. I try to pack enough water; but if I were to get lost–This would be a life saver
Emergency blanket– One of those things I’ve not had to use; but would appreciate having in an crisis situation. Emergency blankets are super lightweight. Get ’em on Amazon! They’re less than two bucks a piece
Cooling Towel– In the summer months: add water and this will keep you movin’. In the winter; it makes a great scarf! In emergency preparedness; it’d make a great tourniquet.
Beanie Hat/Gloves– Body heat escapes fast through the head. A warm hat can be a life saver. Or a welcome treat on a chilly mountain on a Summer morning.
Bear Bell– The highlands of Appalachia is bear territory. Or bear-itory. It’s in my bag. It’s magnetic and doesn’t “activate” unless strapped onto your backpack. There’s a time and a place for everything. For the bear bell; I would use it in less densely populated hikes. Like Mon Forrest or Dolly Sods. At just under $4; This bear bell may save your life.
Water proof matches– In an emergency crisis situation. Fire can save your life. At a very low cost, and they don’t “expire”. These strike anywhere, waterproof matches will bring warmth to the harshest scenarios. Find some waterproof matches here.
Headlamp- This is great to have if the trek is taking longer than planned. The sky can get dusky quick in the colder months. Lots of great headlamps to chose from here!