Gear
Hiking in the southeast takes a special kind of dedication, we have to grapple with oppressive heat, consistently high humidity, high concentrations of mosquitoes, uniquely difficult trails, and more. These gear recommendations will help you to get out there with confidence
Trekking poles
While not at all necessary, a large amount of the trails we cover, much like any trail in the south Appalachian mountains, are very rocky, steep, and often slick. Trekking poles help you maintain your balance, ace yourself, and even climb steep parts of a trail. I recommend Cascade mountain tech as that is what i use and they never fail me!
Backpack
Due to the often intense heat in the south during the hiking season, I recommend that day hikers and short range backpackers opt for a lighter weight backpack to maintain reasonable airflow on any hike. you'll mostly need water anyways. I recommend a speedpark daypack.Â
Shoes
while hiking boots aren't wrong, anybody with more than a few miles under their belt will tell you that trail runners or tennis shoes with a thick sole are the way to go. I personally use an old pair of puma tennis shoes i found cheap second hand, but I know that any shoe with a primarily cloth construction and a good sole will do most hikers well
First Aid
This one isn't as much of a recommendation as it is a necessity. accidents happen and on the trail you're often over an hour from a hospital. even more often you'll have to get yourself to a clearing and when things go wrong nobody want's to be left unprepared, especially in matters of life & death.
Sleep System
For The everyday backpacker, a tet and sleeping bag will easily suffice, however, I have an abnormally small backpack and a normal sleep system won