AWOL on the Appalachian Trail

Scissors: Scissors are better than a knife for common tasks like opening food packaging, cutting moleskin, or trimming your mustache.

I carry the Leatherman Micra, which has a very functional pair of scissors and a knife blade.

Suntan Lotion: The AT is known for rain, cold and for long walks through the green tunnel.

Yet every year, especially before the trees regain their leaves, hikers will get sunburned.

Chafing powder: Hikers disagree about whether hiking uphill or downhill is more demanding, but they all agree that hiking with chaffed, burning skin is less tolerable than the ups and downs.

Body Glide is another popular treatment.

Trash Bag: Pack it in; pack it out...

and remember to have something to pack it out in.

A gallon-ized zippered bag usually serves this purpose.