Published on June 23, 2026 06:05 am
Thru-hikers have to carefully weigh each gear they choose: If you’re going to carry something for a few weeks or months, it better be up to the task. That said, it can be hard to tell exactly what you’ll need until you set out on your hike, especially if it’s your first hike.
Now that we’re almost halfway through the hiking season for America’s longest trails, most hikers have made their final gear decisions. Most people have dropped, changed, or added gear. They’ve also had time to seriously love their essential pieces and make decisions about what they’ll happily carry for the next 1,000 miles.
Here are 8 items that 2026 hikers say are indispensable on long-distance trails.
ultralight hiking umbrellas
The umbrella is a widely discussed tool. While some hikers find umbrellas cumbersome, many others resort to umbrellas for protection from the sun and rain.
A hiker named Lori (Colorado Trail ’22 and currently on the Appalachian Trail) uses this Six Moons Silver Shadow Carbon Hiking Umbrella. A silver coating reflects heat away from the user, and the material blocks UV rays. “Umbrella life in the sun is a game-changer,” says Lori. Packaged up, it weighs just 6.8 ounces.
Chopsticks (Pacific Crest Trail ’25 and currently hiking several long-distance trails in the UK and Europe) agrees: “I would have liked an umbrella – especially mine. 3F UL Gear Hiking Umbrella. This makes walking in the rain fun. It’s something I’ve used a lot during my British travels, and it started as a novelty that I thought was relatively meaningless… something I won’t leave behind.
illuminated equipment outerwear
In cold weather and at high altitudes, warm outerwear such as puffy jackets and pants can be important for staying warm throughout the night. Vegas (Appalachian Trail ’23, Pacific Crest Trail ’25, and currently on the Tahoe Rim Trail) certainly agrees and recommends illuminated equipment gear for best in mild heat.
“I love all my Enlightened Equipment puffy stuff—the warm jacket, pantsAnd booties,” says Vegas. He brought all three items to his current TRT endeavor because, “You never know what the weather is like out there and what you might need!”
Also provides illuminated equipment heat hood, mittsand a pull over. The ultralight synthetic insulation used in these pieces is not only warm for its weight; Unlike non-dry-treated down, it will keep you warm even when wet.
Filter-Compatible Reusable Bottles
SmartWater plastic bottles are popular among thru-hikers, but, given concerns about microplastics, they may not be safe to reuse for weeks and months. While reusable options are typically heavier than SmartWater bottles, they are safer to use and generate less disposable plastic waste. Add a filter to one of these, and it’s a huge boon on the trail.
“The best brand I’ve seen is mazama migo Because it has the option of small and wide mouth in one,” says Lori. It weighs 4.6 ounces empty, and the universal thread pattern fits a variety of filters. CNOC Thru-Bottle Another great option.
sleeping pad pump
Air pumps are sometimes seen as luxury items, especially for hikers who don’t mind inflating their sleeping pads with lung power alone. However, manually fluffing your sleeping pad can cause mold to grow inside.
To avoid this and make setting up camp easier, some thru-hikers use air pumps. Dried baby bananas (carrying Pacific Crest Trail ’25 and currently hiking Italy’s Via Alpina Red) Alpenblow Classic Micro InflatorWhose weight is only 8.5 grams.
“Even before they came out with the ultralight version, I had one flextail pump It weighed as much as the InReach (heavy), and I still would never consider not bringing it,” says Dried Baby Bananas. “Alpenglow is so light, there’s no reason to blow up my sleeping pad anymore.”
sleeping bag liner
The sleeping bag and quilt are not the only elements of a complete sleep system. Some hikers prefer sleeping bag liners, either for hygiene reasons or because of the modularity they provide.
“I love my cocoon silk liner,” says Dried Baby Bananas. ”I like to keep my quilts relatively clean and wash the liners. And it’s very warm but also perfect for hot nights (when used alone).
Other hikers prefer something more substantial.
“It’s a little unconventional, but I’ve been a lover of it Big Agnes Alpha Direct Liner,” says Chopsticks. ”On my hot walks, I’ve been using it as a sleeping bag. It’s very comfortable, and I don’t have to worry about one little tear and $400 worth of stuff going flying.”
On cool nights, the Alpha Direct Liner reportedly adds up to 10 degrees of warmth to your existing sleep system.
Ultralight Single-Wall Tent
When hiking, the most important items on your gear list are arguably your big three items: your tent, sleeping arrangement, and backpack. And hikers who love their tent systems are always ready to speak up.
Terp and Chippy (Pacific Crest Trail ’25), who are currently backpacking across New Zealand, recommend this Gossamer Gear The Two Tent for two people. At just 1 pound, 11 ounces, it’s exceptionally light and still boasts better ventilation than most single-wall tents.
Lori, on the other hand, swears by it Six Moon Design Lunar Solo. It weighs 1 pound, 10 ounces, and offers significantly more headroom than most single-person shelters; At $260, it’s also quite affordable. Both of these are single-wall tents, providing a lightweight and packable option. The Lunar Solo only requires one hiking pole to set up, making it quick and easy to assemble.
Backcountry Bidets
Dried Baby Banana Swear Holi Hiker Bidet She’s using it on Italy’s Via Alpina Red, where getting privies isn’t always easy. The travel bidet – a glorified squeeze bottle with an attachable nozzle (pictured above) – is lightweight and easy to use. This keeps everything nice and organized without the added inconvenience of packing or burying toilet paper.
fanny packs
When thru-hikers are trying to pile on the miles or haul themselves up a steep climb, the last thing they want to do is yank down their pack in search of their cell phone, snacks or headphones. Fanny packs are often a boon in this regard, and modern models are roomier, roomier, and more customizable than you might expect.
Vegas is a big fan Mountainblaze Fanny PackA hiking-specific fanny pack created by a hiker in Maine. Bonus: Some MountainBlaze products can be customized with your trail name.
honorable mention
This list is by no means exhaustive. Some other items that hikers love and swear by (and in many cases, have made their own!) include:
buff headwear
garmin fenix 8 pro watch
light load towel
perfect toes original toe spacer
Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Mosquito net from sea to peak
