So you want to walk across America with us? First and foremost: Do Your Own Research!

Below is a list of suggested gear, based on some experience and some guess-work – but this is an area it is difficult to develop expertise in and we do not claim to be experts – we’ve never walked across America before! Liberty Walks is not responsible for faulty or insufficient gear.

With that said, here are some sites we think will be useful for researching other, comparable long-distance hikes and/or pilgrimages:

https://americanpilgrims.org/packing-list/

https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/en/get-ready

https://www.erinexploring.com/blog/pacific-crest-trail-gear

https://www.ginandfaith.com/gear-list/walk-across-america-gear-list/

https://halfwayanywhere.com

https://www.talesofatrail.com/pct/pct-final-gear-list

In addition, foot care is an essential part of preparation and maintenance while hiking long distances. Here’s one site we’ve found really helpful:

https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/en/get-ready/physical-and-mental-preparation/recommendations-for-keeping-fit-and-healthy#feet-care

Please check back regularly as these lists may evolve.

Some logistics for you to be aware of:

We will have a support vehicle which can carry much of registered walker’s bulky gear, such as backpacks containing clothing, extra shoes, etc., as well as tents and sleeping bag/pads. However, please be advised that this support is available on only if you register to join us on the walk. 

We will certainly be camping some of the time. While we intend to sleep in churches, temples, school gymnasiums, rec centers, etc. for much of the walk, there are some stretches where camping will be necessary – please anticipate this and plan accordingly.

We will be walking through all kinds of weather. Please consider carefully the route you’re hoping to walk and the weather demands of that portion.

Essential Gear

Footwear

 Comfortable running/walking shoes *Note: not trail runners, as soles will wear down too quickly from asphalt. Plan on approximately one pair of shoes for every 500 miles.

 Lightweight sandals to relieve feet at end of day.

 Hiking Socks – 3-4 pair – 1 to wear, 1 to change into mid-day, 1 to be clean and change into at end of day. Wool blend, moisture wicking, cushioned. (Examples: Darn Tough - https://www.rei.com/product/128818/darn-tough-hiker-quarter-cushion-socks-womens)

Clothing

 Yellow Reflective Vest

 Moisture wicking t-shirts – 2-3 (Examples: any sports/active wear will work - https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-wild-springs-short-sleeve-shirt-2119271.html?dwvar_2119271_color=464)

 Sun Hoodie (Example: https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-pfg-tidal-tee-ii-hoodie-2113691.html?dwvar_2113691_color=487)

 Utility Shirt

 Hiking Pants

 Light down/synthetic jacket

 Rain jacket

 Merino base layer top

 Underwear – moisture wicking, anti-chafing

 Sports bras

 Sun hat – wide-brimmed, UPF protection

Camping Gear

 Tent

 Sleeping bag – zero degree

 Inflatable sleeping pad

 Headlamp

In your daypack

 Hiking daypack – 20-30L

 Water bottle - 1L – durable, leakproof, ex. Nalgene

 Sunscreen

 Sunglasses – polarized, UV protection

 Lip Balm with SPF

 Whistle

 Cash and ID

Navigation

 Smartphone – with offline maps, GPS

 Portable battery pack – high capacity for multiple charges

 Headlamp

Personal First Aid & Hygiene

 Basic first aid supplies – band-aids, alcohol wipes, etc.

 Blister care (moleskin)

 Hand sanitizer

 Prescription medications (keep these with you at all times)

 OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.)

 Insect repellent

 Anti-chafing balm

 Toilet paper or portable bidet (like this one)

Nutrition

 Snack bars – restock as needed

 Electrolyte tablets

Important Gear – consider investing

Footwear

 Trekking Sandals for camp and stream crossings, foot recovery. Could take

the place of lightweight sandals mentioned above. (Examples: Tevas,

Chacos, Keen, Bedrock - https://www.rei.com/product/228649/teva-original-universal-slim-sandals-womens)

Clothing

 Shorts – quick dry

 Rain pants

 Merino base layer bottoms

 Buff/Neck Gaiter

 Gloves – lightweight for cool mornings

 Beanie – smartwool

Camping Gear

 Inflatable or camp pillow

In your daypack

 Water bladder (2-3L) – easier drinking on the move (Note: some hikers use SmartWater bottles with sip hose adapters like this)

 Water filter (ex. Sawyer Squeeze)

Navigation

 Maps/guidebooks

 Watch

Personal First Aid & Hygiene

 Foot powder

 Multi-tool

 Shewee and trowel

Comfort

 Trekking poles

 Lightweight towel

 Journal and pen

 Extra Ziploc baggies

 Duct Tape

 Bandana (2)

 Rain/Sun Umbrella

 Head net (for mosquitos)

 Ear plugs

 Eye mask