BootsEditor's Pick4.8
4.8Best Hiking Boots for the Appalachian Trail — 2025 Guide
After 200 miles of testing across the AT corridor, these are the boots that held up — and the ones that fell apart.
Read Review→
Alum Cave Trail4 min
Appalachian Trail · Smokies
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BootsEditor's Pick
Jackets4.7
4.7Best Rain Jackets for Smoky Mountain Hiking — 2025
The Smokies get more rainfall than a rainforest. We wore these jackets through 3 days of November downpour so you don't have to guess.
Read Review→
Chimney Tops Trail4 min
Boots4.9
4.9Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX Review — Tested on the AT
After 200 miles in these boots across rocky VA ridgelines, here's exactly what we think of the Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX.
Read Review→
McAfee Knob4 min
Find Gear for Your Trail
Different trips, different gear needs
Top Picks Right Now
Our current recommendations, tested and updated
Boots4.8
4.8Best Hiking Boots for the Appalachian Trail — 2025 Guide
After 200 miles of testing across the AT corridor, these are the boots that held up — and the ones that fell apart.
Read Review→
Alum Cave Trail4 min
Jackets4.7
4.7Best Rain Jackets for Smoky Mountain Hiking — 2025
The Smokies get more rainfall than a rainforest. We wore these jackets through 3 days of November downpour so you don't have to guess.
Read Review→
Chimney Tops Trail4 min
Boots4.9
4.9Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX Review — Tested on the AT
After 200 miles in these boots across rocky VA ridgelines, here's exactly what we think of the Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX.
Read Review→
McAfee Knob4 min
Backpacks4.6
4.6Osprey Atmos 65 vs REI Flash 65 — AT Thru-Hiker Comparison
We carried both packs on the same 5-day route through the Roan Highlands. Here's how they compare on comfort, weight, and durability.
Read Review→
Roan Highlands4 min
Backpacks4.4
4.4Best Budget AT Hiking Gear Under $400 — Full Kit Guide
Gear snobbery is real on the AT. Ignore it. Here's a full hiking kit under $400 that actually performs.
Read Review→
Max Patch4 min
Gear by Season on the AT
Different weather, different gear. Here's what we recommend.
Peak season on the AT. Cool temps, fall color, and the best hiking conditions.
Boots4.8
4.8Best Hiking Boots for the Appalachian Trail — 2025 Guide
After 200 miles of testing across the AT corridor, these are the boots that held up — and the ones that fell apart.
Read Review→
Alum Cave Trail4 min
Jackets4.7
4.7Best Rain Jackets for Smoky Mountain Hiking — 2025
The Smokies get more rainfall than a rainforest. We wore these jackets through 3 days of November downpour so you don't have to guess.
Read Review→
Chimney Tops Trail4 min
Boots4.9
4.9Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX Review — Tested on the AT
After 200 miles in these boots across rocky VA ridgelines, here's exactly what we think of the Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX.
Read Review→
McAfee Knob4 min
Local Trail Guides
Know what to bring before you hit the trail
Moderate
Alum Cave Trail
Great Smoky Mountains, TN
Distance4.4 mi
Elevation1,200 ft
Seasonsspring, fall
Moderate
McAfee Knob
Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Distance8.8 mi
Elevation1,740 ft
Seasonsspring, summer
Hard
Chimney Tops Trail
Great Smoky Mountains, TN
Distance4 mi
Elevation1,400 ft
Seasonsspring, fall
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Quick Verdict Box
Quick Verdict
4.8
4.8/5- Best For:
- AT thru-hikers and section hikers
- Price:
- $120–$190
- Tested On:
- Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains
"If you're section-hiking the AT or tackling the Smokies, these boots are our #1 pick for 2025."
Check Current Price →Trail Tested Callout
🥾 Trail Tested
"We wore these for 3 days on the Alum Cave Trail in November rain. Water crossings, muddy switchbacks, and rocky scrambles — these boots handled all of it without a single blister."
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Excellent traction on wet rock
- True-to-size fit
- Gore-Tex waterproofing held up in streams
Watch Out For
- Break-in period can be rough
- Heavy compared to trail runners
Our Verdict Box
Our Verdict
4.8
"If you're section-hiking the AT or tackling the Smokies, these boots are our #1 pick for 2025."
Gear Cards (Best Picks)
#1
200+ Miles Tested
Best Hiking Boots for the Appalachian Trail — 2025 Guide
4.8
$120–$190After 200 miles of testing across the AT corridor, these are the boots that held up — and the ones that fell apart.
Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky MountainsAT thru-hikers and section hikers
Check Price ↗#2
200+ Miles Tested
Best Rain Jackets for Smoky Mountain Hiking — 2025
4.7
$150–$350The Smokies get more rainfall than a rainforest. We wore these jackets through 3 days of November downpour so you don't have to guess.
Chimney Tops Trail, Great Smoky MountainsSmokies day hikers and AT section hikers
Check Price ↗#3
200+ Miles Tested
Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX Review — Tested on the AT
4.9
$175–$195After 200 miles in these boots across rocky VA ridgelines, here's exactly what we think of the Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX.
McAfee Knob, Virginia ATLong-distance hikers needing max cushion
Check Price ↗Comparison Table
| Feature | Osprey Atmos 65Best Pick | REI Flash 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4 lbs 9 oz | 2 lbs 11 oz |
| Volume | 65L | 65L |
| Frame | LightWire alloy | Aluminum |
| Ventilation | Anti-Gravity mesh | AirMesh |
| Price | $270 | $170 |
| Buy | Check Price ↗ | Check Price ↗ |
Author Bio
TT
Written by a thru-hiker
Trail Tested South reviews are written by hikers who have actually carried this gear on Appalachian Trail and Smoky Mountain routes.
2,190+ AT miles hiked