James’s Blog

A laundry list of supply for a backpacking trip (items in brackets are optional):

Packs

• Backpack (external or internal)
• Waterproof pack cover
• Daypack or lumbar/waist pack

Shelter and Sleeping

• Lightweight tent (includes poles, stakes, and guy-lines)
• [Mosquito netting (for around head when sleeping under the stars)]
• Sleeping bag (down or synthetic)
• Sleeping pad (self-inflating pads are more comfortable, but more expensive; closed cell foam pads are more durable and cheaper, but less comfortable)
• Camp pillow
• [Ground cloth]

Essentials

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle or hydration system (carry two quarts in mountains when water is available; one gallon per day in desert environments)
• Water purification or water filter
• Nylon cord (50 feet)
• Waterproof/windproof matches
• Flashlight/headlamp (extra bulb and batteries)
• Fire starter
• Pocket knife
• Toilet paper
• Topographic map
• Compass
• Emergency blanket
• Whistle
• Signal mirror
• Emergency snacks

Clothing-First layer

• Underwear (symthetic)
• Long underwear (tops and bottoms in either light or midweight; synthetic)
• Liner socks (one extra pair only)
• Wool outer socks (one extra pair only)
• [Sport-specific socks (one extra pair only)]
• T-shirt (cotton; for sleeping)

Clothing-Second Layer

• [Wool shirt]
• Fleece, Polartec, or wool sweater
• [Shorts]
• Long pants/convertible pants (synthetic)

Clothing-Protective Layer

• Polartec hat
• Sun hat
• Fleece or Polartec jacket
• [Parka (synthetic fill or down)]
• [Wool mittens]
• Rain suit (jacket and pants)
• [Gaitors]
• Windbreaker
• Hiking boots
• Sandals (for après-hike)

Kitchen

• Backpacking stove
• Fuel/Fuel bottle
• Lighter/Matches
• Windscreen/3 feet of aluminum foil
• Cookset
• Water bag (collapsible)
• [Food Storage Containers]
• Zip-lock plastic bags (freezer variety)
• Large spoon
• [Can opener (GI folding variety)]
• [Knife, fork, and spoon]
• [Plate]
• Cup
• [Bowl]
• [Cutting board (small nylon variety)]
• [Scrub pads]
• Biodegradable soap
• Paper towels
• [Spice kit/salt and pepper shakers]

First Aid and Toiletries

• First Aid in a pouch
• Antibiotics/Neosporin
• Tylenol/Advil
• Benadryl
• Spyroflex blister kit
• [Snakebite kit (depending on locale)]
• Pencil
• Emergency phone numbers and money for a phone call
• [Comb / Brush]
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Small towel
• [Shaving kit]
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Moisturizing lotion
• Towlettes
• Lip balm
• [Tampons]

Miscellaneous Gear/Fun and Games

• [Bandanna]
• Note pad and pencil
• Reading material
• Camera, memory storage, lenses, charger
• [Binoculars]
• [Frisbee]
• [Nerf ball]
• [Animal, flower, or other field guides]
• [Star guide]

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