I'm doing my 2nd section hike this summer. I did my first in 2015 from GA to NC, 150 miles in 9 days. This summer I'll do New Jersey and part of NY or PA. I only have five days this year.
A key piece of gear that I use on the trail and in training is an REI fanny pack, very sturdy and roomy without being large. I wear it low on my hips, just below my pack belt and snug around my pelvis. The back buckle rests right in the slight dip in my lower back and doesn't bother me with my pack sitting nearly on top of it.
I noticed last time I was on the trail that no one else had a fanny pack and never hear mention of them on gear lists.
A fanny pack to me is the perfect trail accessory.
I keep my TP, wipes, knife, fork/spoon combo, hand sanitizer, hard candies, my phone and the day's snack and pages from the AT guide in there. The beauty of it is that when I get to camp or need to take off my pack for other reasons, I have everything I need for "walking around" -- for bathrooming, meals, taking a picture, looking at the map -- still on my person. No need to dig around in my pack or to carry these items on my back all day.
If you're not sure if you would like having one on the trail, try one on training hikes.
Can't wait to get back out there! The AT is calling me home...
Scout