This list below does not include what you are wearing at the start of the backpacking
trip. You should be wearing the following:
Broken in hiking boots that give good ankle support (Tennis shoes should only be
worn on beachcombing hikes)
One pair of polypropylene or other socks that wick moisture away from your feet
+ one pair of wool socks
One pair of shorts or long pants, depending on the time of year
One short or long sleeve shirt, depending on the time of year
Briefs or boxers
Things required for each person. Pack your clothing in separate gallon size plastic
bags. You may combine small items like socks and underwear. Why do this?
If the pack leaks, clothing stays dry
You can keep dirty & clean clothing separated
Bags compress the clothing so it takes less space in the pack
If the pack falls into water, clothing stays dry, & the pack will float, and
not sink to the bottom of a lake or river.
Survival Kit - See Survival Kit list
A good backpack with a hip belt
Sleeping bag with a waterproof cover (Winter-0°, Spring & Fall-25°, Summer-45°)
Air mattress or foam pad-most important in cold or wet weather
One pair of long pants (Jeans are not good because they get wet & stay wet)
Quick dry nylon ski pants are good
Two pairs of shorts for warm weather. One may be swim trunks. In cold weather skip
the shorts and bring 2 pairs of long pants
One long sleeve shirt. Wool is best because it dries quickly
2-4 underwear-depending on trip length
2-4 t-shirts, depending on trip length. You might want to bring quick drying polypropylene
shirts instead of cotton
Two pairs of socks, one polypropylene and one wool
One wool hat for cold rainy days
Long johns (Tops & bottoms) (In the mountains, bring these in all 4 seasons.
In the Midwest, only skip summer.)
One wool sweater (One that compresses well)
One rain jacket or poncho with hood
Mittens in winter, Gloves in spring and fall
Two garbage bags or one good pack cover
Small towel for yourself & one for dishes
Ivory or other biodegradable hand and dish soap. If you bring shampoo make sure
it is also biodegradable
Toothbrush
One roll of toilet paper & matches to burn it after use
Pad & pencil for log or messages
One quart plastic water bottle with a wide mouth
Water filter or water purification pills
A fork and spoon
Plastic drinking cup (Metal cups burn your lips)
A 2-quart cooking pot (Avoid Boy Scout mess kits)
A piece of aluminum foil for a pot lid
Plastic bowl for eating. A pot lid can serve as a bowl
Medicines or vitamins you take daily
Sun glasses
Things that need to be brought by only one of partners
Pancake griddle (6"x6")
Pancake turner.
One dish cleaning pad. Avoid SOS pads with soap.
Small bottle of biodegradable dish soap.
One G.I. can opener if you have cans (Try to avoid)
Stove with extra fuel.
Flashlight with new batteries. For long trips, bring an extra bulb and extra batteries.
One small tube of toothpaste
Needle and thread.
Sun block cream.
Moleskin in case of blisters
A tent that weighs 5-7 lbs. with rain fly.
50 feet of thin, light-weight, but strong rope for hanging food in bear country
or bring a plastic bear proof container.
If there are river crossings bring 100 feet of rope to string across and hold onto.
Tennis shoes for river crossings. Also nice in camp.
Optional Items
Chapstick
Headband
Camera
Cards
Games
Readin book
Field guide books
Air Splints
G.P.S.
Cell phone
Wallet. Cars left at trailheads can be broken into.
Car keys. Bring 2 sets. Carry one, and hide one on the vehicle.