Prepping like a Newbie: Stuff I'm getting for my first thru-hike

I talk a big game but I’m going to be honest: I’ve never slept a whole night in a tent. Or cooked my own meal over a camping stove. Or not showered for more than a day. Not even in college. But I love nature and I’ve fallen in love with hiking. So when a friend suggested we do a portion of the Appalachian Trail over 5 days, I was all gung-ho. I’d missed my opportunity for a Camino trip this year due to Covid-19 so I needed a new adventure to latch onto. 

Naturally, I started planning the thru-hike with over-zealous enthusiasm. I researched and researched and watched online videos of people doing the exact hike we want to embark on. And I started spending money. Not a LOT of money but enough to realize that gear can get expensive if you let it. I’d say I’ve got the Thru-hiker’s Starter Pack. And that’s what I’m going to share with you today. My prepping-like-a-newbie shopping list. 

First, the tent. I needed something waterproof, that fit two people, but that was still lightweight. Trying to keep the pack as light as possible. After reading and searching I settled on the Naturehike Cloud-Up for a few reasons: 

1. It’s lightweight. The 2-person version weighs in at 4.7lbs. And that’s important because every ounce counts!

2. It got great reviews on Amazon. Almost 5 stars for it’s sturdiness, weather-hardiness, ease of use, and portability.

3. It was inexpensive. Tents can cost a pretty penny and go up to the thousands with all the bells and whistles. This one cost me $109. 

Next, the pack. I know, you’re supposed to try them on first. But there’s a pandemic so again, got mine online. I read that the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 SL was especially great for petite women like myself so I purchased this one. It’s breathable, ergonomic, and anatomically created for the female frame. The fit feels great and I’ve already started walking with it on. I fill it with about 20lbs of weight and hit the treadmill. 

Yes, that little adorable flower comes with it. 

For water filtration, I asked an expert and they suggested two ways. 

1. A Sawyer water filtration system which creates a gravity-based water filtering system with a water filter and 1-gallon reservoir. I like this because I’ll be filtering water for myself and my hiking buddy. 

2. Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets which are a quick way to purify water. Each tab can purify 2 quarts of water. 

Water filtration is so so important on a thru-hike because the last thing you want to happen is stomach troubles when you have to dig your own toilet!

For sleeping, I didn’t go crazy. I knew I wanted a cocoon-style sleeping bag and a sleeping pad for comfort. I went with the TETON Sports Outpost Sleeping Bag which is lightweight and perfect for warm weather and the  KLYMIT STATIC V Sleeping Pad. They were cheap and had good reviews. I’m still considering getting an inflatable pillow.

Then, I got a bunch of extra stuff. Things that I read along the way that would make the experience more enjoyable. Trekking poles, body wipes, a quick-dry microfiber towel, a trowel.

Prepping and planning my trips is just as exciting as going on them. But I also understand that the right gear can make or break your journey. You don’t want your pack to be too heavy but you don’t want to leave any necessity behind. I hope this helps any other newbies like me to choose the kind of stuff that will make your next thru-hike a success.

Much love and happy hiking, Nicky