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Packing: Backpacking

What to pack for a standard fall or spring trip

The Ten Essentials

Other personal gear

  •  Backpack
  •  Pack cover or contractor bag
  •  Sleeping bag (in waterproof sack or trash bag)
  •  Sleeping pad (NOT air mattress; foam pad or Thermarest-type self-inflating)
  •  Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  •  Trash bag (large)
  •  Ziplock bags (3)
  •  50 feet of thin rope
  •  Pencil and paper
  •  Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)
  •  Cup
  •  Bowl/plate
  •  Spoon or spork
  •  Bandana (this can be cotton)
  •  Personal toilet paper (in zip lock bag)
  •  Tooth brush & toothpaste
  •  Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
  •  Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)
  •  Insect repellent

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

  •  Long Pants (1–2 pair)
  •  Shorts (1 pair—or make one of the pairs of long pants zip-offs)
  •  Short sleeve shirt (2)
  •  Long sleeve shirt (1)
  •  Underwear (2-3 pair; optional)
  •  Socks (3-4 pairs)
  •  Fleece or wool sweater
  •  Long underwear (1 shirt, 1 pants; only in early spring/late fall)
  •  Skull cap/warm knit hat
  •  Brimmed hat (suggest all-around brim, for sun protection)
  •  Rain Jacket (waterproof)
  •  Hiking Boots (waterproofed)

Optional

  •  Rain pants
  •  Hiking poles
  •  Day pack (tiny)
  •  Small camp towel
  •  Camera
  •  Book
  •  Cellphone (but you CANNOT use it to call, text, play games, or use Internet; it is for emergencies only—or as a camera)
  •  Camp shoes (flip-flops are great: lightweight, and they won’t rub blistered heels)
  •  Deodorant (not advised—especially in bear country)

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