What A Shakedown Hike Can Tell You Before Mile One

A shakedown hike is where an individual puts their skills and gear to use before their hike to help determine two very important things: first, if their gear will work for their journey, and second, if a long-distance hike is something they feel physically and mentally ready for.

Naturally, these big decisions can make a shakedown hike feel intimidating, but it is an important step in the thru-hiking preparation process to ensure you and your gear are ready for the challenge ahead.

It’s important to have a plan going into your shakedown hike by knowing what to test, how to evaluate readiness (both for your gear and for yourself), and feel confident going into your longer hike.

Are Shakedown Hikes Only for Thru-Hikers?

Shakedown hikes can benefit anyone who goes backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. While traditionally, shakedowns are treated as a step in preparation for a longer hike like a thru-hike, they are also especially helpful for anyone traveling far from home to hike the A.T. or to a more remote section of the Trail with gear they have not tested. Both of these situations make it more difficult to swap out gear once your journey begins, so a shakedown hike can help you feel confident that you have the gear and skills you need.

Ultimately, this guide is for anyone who is planning a trip on the A.T. as it provides guidance on what gear and skills to test before you go to ensure your next hike is even better than your last one.

Where to Go

The best shakedown hikes last multiple nights. One night is a good start, but 2–3 nights is ideal so you can carry a full pack and experience at least one full day of hiking.

Try to match the terrain and conditions you’ll encounter early in your thru-hike. If you’re heading out on the Appalachian Trail, a weekend on the A.T. is perfect—but don’t overlook options closer to home. Local state parks, USDA Forest Service lands, and state and regional trail systems can all give you valuable experience.

If you’re looking for nearby sections of the A.T., the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Explore by State resources are a great place to start.

What to Test

The Big 3

Your core gear systems should be your top priority.

Backpack: Does it fit well? How does it feel fully packed?
Tent: Can you set it up quickly, and would you be able to do it in the rain?
Sleep system: Did you stay warm and comfortable throughout the night?

Food and Water

Water filtration: Does your filter actually work? Is it easy to use?
Stove & cooking setup: Can you reliably cook meals?
Food storage: Are you confident in your method (PCT hang or hard-sided bear canister)? Note: the ATC recommends hard-sided bear canisters as the surest and most flexible food storage method on the A.T. Read more about why.

Essential skills

Practice navigation with a map and compass. Don’t rely only on your phone.
Practice bathroom habits, including digging catholes properly.
Think through emergency scenarios. What would you do if you needed help?

The Details

Does your battery pack hold a charge?
Do you know how to use your GPS device, if you’re bringing one?
Did you forget any smaller items like extra batteries for your headlamp, a warm hat, toothpaste, etc.?

After the Shakedown

After your hike, take time to evaluate and dial in your gear, skills, and mindset.

Does your gear work?

Did your filter actually filter water?
Did your tent go up smoothly?
Did anything fail?

Does your gear work for you?

Maybe you tried a PCT hang and decided you’d rather carry a bear canister. Maybe your highly rated sleeping bag wasn’t warm enough for your body. Not every piece of gear works for every hiker. The goal is to figure out what works for you.

Physical and Mental Check-In

Consider how your body and mind responded during your shakedown:

Mileage: Did your daily distance feel sustainable? (Start small—you’ll build up over time.)
Soreness & injuries: Any blisters, hot spots, or lingering pain?
Sun exposure: Are you managing sunburn and hydration?
Mental state: What worries came up? Be specific—write them down and make a plan.

And the big question:

Do you want to keep doing this for 2,000+ miles knowing there will be both incredible days and really hard ones ahead?

Rachel Spiker

Hike Your Own Hike

It’s normal to feel sore, tired, and even a little nervous. You’re preparing for something huge. But you should also feel comfortable using your gear, confident in your ability to take care of yourself, and ready (or close to ready) to take on the challenge.

If you don’t feel ready yet, that’s okay. Take your time. Do more shakedowns. Try section hikes or consider a flip-flop itinerary. Flip-flop thru-hikes still require a high degree of preparation and planning, but they can help hikers start their journeys on less challenging terrain and may provide more favorable weather conditions at the start. Learn more about the pros and cons of flip-flopping.

“HYOH” gets thrown around a lot, but here’s the meaning that matters: Plan the adventure that makes you happy and supports your success.

A shakedown hike isn’t about proving anything. It’s simply a tool that can help you learn, adjust, and build the confidence you’ll need to carry you along your journey.