We
looked in the packs of several of our most avid backpackers. Some pack for weight, others pack for
comfort. All pack carefully and
thoughtfully. Below is a list of what we found.
Just a reminder…. you have a responsibility to yourself and to your hiking companions to be prepared for the unexpected as well as the expected. Carrying the lightest pack on the trail means nothing if you do not have the right equipment for the conditions you encounter. Be aware of the full range of weather conditions in the area you are hiking since mountain weather can change fast.
*Thanks
to Ray Payne, Roger Jenkins, Susie McDonald Will Skelton, Jason Taylor, John
Dunlap, and Beverly Smith for sharing their pack contents.
**Italicized items are considered optional
*Backpack
(internal or external) *Flashlight/headlamp
*Pack
cover *Extra
batteries for flash/headlamp
*Tent,
poles, tent stakes, rain fly *Extra
bulb for flash/headlamp
*Ground
cloth/foot print *
Hiking/trekking poles
*Tarp-backpack weight (suggested for bad weather) *Whistle (for signaling)
*Sleeping
bag (rated for anticipated weather conditions) *Binoculars
*Waterproof
stuff sack/plastic bag to protect sleeping bag *Compass
*Pillow-travel-size
or clothing bag *Map
(in waterproof case/bag)
*Sleeping
pad *Fire
starter
*Chair converter kit/or canoe type chair *Nylon
cord (to hand food bag)
(listed
as optional, a basic for many of us) *Pocket
knife
*First
Aid Kit *Thermometer
*Lantern/or candle lamp (especially in
winter) *2
plastic trash bags (one should be
*Water filter/purifier (or iodine tablets) “lawn/leaf” size)
*Lighter
and waterproof matches *Collapsible
water container (to
*Backpack saw carry water from source to camp)
*Two way radios (suggested for group hiking) *Water bottles/bladder
(filled)
*GPS *Car
key/money/driver’s license/credit
*Head net for bugs (suggested in the summer) card/health card
*Stove/fuel/carrying
case *Heavy aluminum foil
*Extra
fuel *Biodegradable
soap (also used for
*Cooking
pot(s)/pot grabber bathing)
*Cooking/eating
utensils *Enough
food for length of trip
*Insulated
drinking cup + extra day
*Plate/bowl
*Trail
snacks-high energy for length of trip
*Pot
scrubber + extra day
*Paper
towels/napkins
Note: Plan to layer clothing so that you can add
or subtract as needed. First layer
clothing should be moisture wicking.
Cotton is not a good choice for the first layer because it will hold
moisture next to your body, which can result in chilling.
*Hiking
Boots (substantial enough to support feet *Gloves/and
or mittens
with the additional weight of a pack) *Glove liners (carry extra pair)
*Gaiters *Fleece
jacket
*Knit cap or toboggan
(synthetic or wool) *Fleece
vest (or wool)
*Wool
socks (always carry a spare pair) *Down
or synthetic type jacket
*Wicking
liner socks (always carry a spare pair) *Long
thermal underwear (top & bottom)
*Rain
jacket/rain pants
(polypropylene, wool, duofold, or capilene)
*Quick drying pants/shorts *Fleece pants (or wool)
*Long
sleeve shirt(s) *Disposable hand and foot warmers
*Short
sleeve shirt(s) *Wind/water proof gloves/mitts
*Baseball
cap or other wide brim hat *Waterproof socks
*Stream crossing footwear (can sub as camp
shoes) *Neck gaiter (synthetic
or wool)
*Camp shoes
*Underclothes
*Extra
boot laces
*Sleeping
clothes (if different from day clothes)
*Waterproof
stuff sack or sealable plastic bag for packing and protecting clothes
Note:
Be sure to pack personal items that you are likely to use during the hike in an
easily accessible spot. An outside
pocket usually works best. Pockets too
small? Pack the items together in a bag
and make this last item you put in your pack.
We find that the underlined items are most often used during a hike.
*Quick
dry towel *Handcream
*Toilet
paper (preferably environmentally friendly) *Aspirin/Ibuprofen
*Trowel *Antacid
tablets
*Sunglasses
(with strap) *Q-tips
*Spare regular glasses *Small comb or brush
*Reading glasses *Camera
*Contact
lens case and solution (if you are a wearer) *Extra film
*Watch *Extra camera battery
*Tooth
brush and toothpaste *Note pad
*Deodorant *Pen
*Handi-wipes *Ear plugs
*Small
mirror (can also be used for signaling) *Chapstick
*Sunscreen *Repair kit (needle, thread,
rubber bands,
*Insect
repellent
safety pins, rip-stop tape)
*Bandanas
(use for sweat, bathing, injuries etc.)