Our Backpackers Checklist is offered as a near minimum for a safe and comfortable backpack outing. At first glance the list may appear extensive, but many of the items will be shared with other members in your hiking party. Pre-planning will prevent duplication. Divvy up shared items among all the packs. Equipment marked with a "*" is optional depending on the season, weather, geography, and personal need. Equipment listed in bold type should be carried at all times, even when day hiking, as an unexpected emergency may keep you overnight. When you return from a trip, eliminate the extras you thought youd use and didnt. After a few trips youll know your personal requirements and the best place for everything in your pack. FOOD/COOKING __ Stove/Stove Fuel __ Cook Kit/Drinking Cup __ Eating/Cooking Utensils __ Matches In a Waterproof Container __ Spices/Seasonings __ Powdered Milk/Sugar __ Coffee/Tea/Drink Mixes __ Cooking Oil __ Dehydrated Food __ Trail Snacks __ Plastic Bags For Food Storage And To Pack Out Trash Most backpacking foods, drink mixes, and snacks are packaged in aluminum foil. Aluminum foil doesnt burn and isnt degradable. If you pack it in, please pack it out! Many grocery store food items backpack well, but they often use excess packaging. Eliminate and recycle as much of this extra material as possible at home, before you load your pack. NECESSITIES __ Topographical Map/Map Case __ Silva System Compass __ Flashlight __ Extra Flashlight Batteries/Bulb __ Knife/Sharpener __ Nylon Cord (30 Ft.) __ Candle Lantern/Candles __ Needle/Thread __ Nylon Repair Tape/Duct Tape CLOTHING __ SocksBoth Heavy Weight & Light Liners __ Underwear __ Hat __ Polypropylene Underwear * __ Down Vest or Light Sweater or Synthetic Fleece Jacket __ Parka * __ Windbreaker __ Rain GearPoncho Or Rain Suit __ Bandanas __ Swim Suit * __ Gloves * __ Hiking Shorts/Trousers __ Shirt __ Hiking Boots __ Running Shoes/Moccasins for in Camp __ Polarguard/Down Booties MEDICAL __ Moleskin __ First AidSurvival Kit __ Allergy Restrictions * __ Medic Alert ID __ Sunglasses __ Lip Balm __ Sunscreen * __ Insect Repellent __ Water Purification Filter or Tablets PERMITS/IDENTIFICATION __ Fire/Camping Permits __ Fishing/Hunting Licenses SHELTER __ Eureka! Tent, w/ Floor Saver & Optional Vestibule __ Sleeping Bag __ Sleeping Pad (Foam Or Self-Inflating) __ Lightweight Tarp for a Ground Cloth or as an Emergency Shelter TOILETRIES __ Toothbrush/Paste __ Biodegradable Soap __ Toilet Paper __ Sanitary Supplies * __ Towel __ Personal Identification SAFETY MEASURE Always leave a detailed trip schedule, in writing, with a responsible person! Make sure you tell them when to call for help if you haven't returned by a certain day. Of Course you can add or take away form this list as you see fit. Always use comman sense and have a great camping/hiking experiance! |