Thru-Hiker Maintenance Checklist
Before every hike you should carefully inspect all your backpacking equipment while referring to your personal maintenance checklist. If you’re a thru-hiker, you should regularly inspect and maintain your gear during your hike, while you are taking a break in town.
Related Post: 5 Things You Should Include in Your Backpacking Repair Kit
Here are 10 very easy things to put on your thru-hiker maintenance checklist when you are in town and have access to running water, soap and a gear shop. Go through this checklist before and during your hike and your gear will be in good shape!

1. Check and clean zippers
It is very important that checking zippers is on your thru hiker maintenance checklist. Check the zippers on your jackets, tents, backpacks, etc. While inspecting the functionality of the zippers give them a quick clean wipe down with water and a towel. Most zipper problems occur because of accumulated dirt and grime.

2. Empty your backpack out and inspect for tears
It is important to clean out all the debris that accumulates in your backpack before each hike. It is very important that you don’t have any food crumbs or remnants that can attract rodents. Wash off any stains with mild soap and water.

3. Clean out your tent and inspect for wear
It’s important to clean out the inside of your tent everyday. Accumulating dirt inside the tent will prematurely wear it out. It’s also important that you don’t have any food crumbs or remnants inside your tent because you don’t to attract bugs or animals at night while you sleep. You should also inspect seams and repair any areas that require attention.

4. Check your shoes for any structural damage
Shoes rank as one of the most essential pieces of hiking gear. A poor functioning shoe can easily ruin a hike, especially when they start to hurt your feet or cause blisters. Replace your shoes before they become a problem.

5. Check socks for wear
Check for unusual wear patterns in your socks. The toes and heals normally wear out first. If you see any signs of wear it is time to replace them. Most hikers carry at least one extra pair of socks.

6. Check your water filter flow rate
You should know what your normal water filter flow rate is. Most water filters have a flow rate of about 1 liter per minute. If your water filter flow rate has diminished it might be time to backwash or treat for calcium deposits.

7. Check the cleanliness of your water containers
Water containers need to be periodically sanitized. If you add any additives to your water containers you will likely have to clean your water bottle more frequently. Check out our blog on how to sanitize your water bottle.

8. Inspect general equipment for holes, tears, rips, or wear and then replace, repair, or replenish needed items
It’s important to look over all your gear for signs of premature wear. You should be aware of the condition of all your equipment at all times. Replace, repair, and replenish items regularly. Check out our blog on how to patch a jacket or tent.

9. Check your first aid kit
It’s important to check your first aid kit and replenish any missing supplies before each hike. You don’t want to get to a point that you need something in an emergency and don’t have it anymore because you already used it. To get a general idea what to carry you can view the first aid kit section at Web MD.

10. Check your headlamp
Make sure your headlamp is functioning properly and you have fresh backup batteries. A headlamp is an essential piece of emergency equipment, so you’ll want to double check to make sure it still works. Check out our blog post on selecting the right headlamp.
When you are finally done going through your thru hiker maintenance checklist it is good to double check things.
Summary
It’s super important to keep your hiking equipment in the best condition possible. By keeping up and maintaining your gear, it will last a lot longer.