It is also advised to pack as light as possible: Up to 15kg in the northern and central parts and up to 18 kg for the Israeli desert. The size of your backpack will have a direct effect on the amount of enjoyment (or suffering) on the INT.  

Food    (Food places in Israel)

At the northern and central parts of the INT, which ends at the city of Arad, you can get fresh supplies every day (and usually several times a day). In most settlements you will find a convenience store that will provide all your cooking needs. At the southern part of the trail you will need to carry supplies for 3 days at the most.

Water

At the northern and central parts of the INT, which ends at the city of Arad, you can travel with 3 liters of water on you.

The main rule about water is to fill up in every occasional faucet and thus carry less weight (instead of carrying 5 liters for the whole day). Be aware not to fill up water from red-painted faucets (outside cities) as they contain purified water for agriculture only. 

At the southern part you will need to carry 6 liters of water per day. You can fill up in every settlement or industrial area along the INT (such as quarries, factories and gas stations). 

It is recommended to plan your hiking days carefully so you will know were you will sleep on every night (you can make a table for that). It is also recommended to hire a 4X4 driver to drop you water and food every night or drive you around, before actually starting the trail, to all the places you intend to sleep in so you could "stash " your water in the ground.

For recommendations on such drivers, just ask around in our Travel Talk Forum.

Remember that hundreds of hikers are hiking the trail every year so there is little chance that you will be ‘left to dry'.

Accommodation in the Israel National Trail

Along the INT there are plenty of hostels and guest houses capable of hosting the economical hiker as well as the spoiled traveler. Make a list of hostels and dorms you want to stay overnight and book them in advance, especially in holiday season or on seasonal breaks.

You can use our Israel Hostels List to find reliable places at a reliable cost.
 

Along the Israel Trail you will also find the Trail Angels .

These individuals host the INT hikers in there homes or in community centers where they live, without any charge or with a minimal charge. These people set a good example of the warm Israeli hospitality.

Visiting the Trail Angels is recommended. There is a list of Trail Angels referred to in the Trail Angels page. 

Camping out

Hikers who wish to camp outdoors will find plenty of overnight campsites  all along the INT.

Though some of those campsites have drinking water in them (marked with a faucet image on the map) it is advised always to reach the camp site with your water accessories full.

Sleeping in Nature Reserves and on some of the beaches (mostly the ones within city limits) is forbidden and bears with it a heavy penalty.

Learn more FAQs: Wikitavel: Israel National Trail.
View Pictures of Israel Trail taken by INT hikers.
Find a lodge on the INT: Backpacker Hostels and Guest Houses.
Join the travelers talks in the Israel Trail Forum.
Walk About Love.

• Lipsmackin' Backpackin': Lightweight Trail-tested Recipes for Backcountry Trips

• Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail