If you are planning a short hiking trip or perhaps you want to take that 'journey of a lifetime' and hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail you are going to need maps!

This site will give you complete maps for each state. Click here.

  We've compiled a check off list of needed hiking equipment.

A plan and route left with a reliable friend		Cellular telephone
Daypack or fanny pack		Handheld GPS receiver with spare batteries
Survival whistle		Binoculars
Water bottles or hydration system		Plant, animal, or geological field guide
Compass, floating or sighting		Camera with extra film
Map		Spare disposable camera
Pocket knife with locking blade		Pen, pencil and paper
Rain gear or poncho		Small towel
Personal first aid kit		Bathing suit
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries		Snake bite kit
Waterproof matches		IN WINTER
Two survival candles		Hand warmers
Large lawn and leaf trash bag		Snow shoes
Small trash bag		Tarp, emergency tent or bivy sack
High energy carbohydrate food		Crampons
Extra pair of socks		Ice Axe
Survival blanket		Trekking poles
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED		Extra clothing layers
Sunglasses		Face mask or ski mask
Insect Repellant		Avalanche rescue beacon
Sunscreen		Collapsible shovel
Broad rimmed hat or cap		Glacier glasses
Walking staff		Emergency heat source, stove, sterno, etc.
Thirty feet of nylon shock cord		Small pot or container for melting snow
Six to twelve feet of duct tape
Toilet paper with plastic Ziploc bag

Just like your hiking boots you need the right pack for your plans, but finding the right backpack can be so complicated.  External frame, internal frame, suspension systems, torso size, capacity, sternum straps, all the different brands and options.


 An extra ounce here and an extra ounce there suddenly becomes several pounds.  Learnt how you can shed that extra weight off of your pack sparing your knees and back from forcing you into early retirement and making your next trip into the outdoors more enjoyable. - Ever experience the frustration of looking for your tent stakes?  How about getting caught in an unexpected rainstorm with your rain gear buried at the bottom of your pack - So whether it be for the right back pack, the needed hiking and camping gear, preplanning and spending some time doing a bit of research will prove to be a valuable investment of your time!   You'll be glad you did! 

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