3. Bear Spray

Very few things could turn a thru-hike sour or scary like an encounter with a bear. This inclusion in our list obviously depends on where you plan on heading but on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Great Western Loop, for example, the big boys are sure to never be too far away. While a bear-sighting is a beautiful experience, we never know exactly how a bear might react to our presence in its natural habitat, particularly if it has young nearby. Carrying a can of bear repellent can provide extra peace of mind and might just be a life-saver.