backpack 1
Backpacker's Reminder List       (printable)
  

For the newer Scout preparing for his first overnight backpack or the veteran as a reminder, here are the basics...
10 Essentials...
  • Map of the area
  • Compass
  • Flashlight, extra batteries, bulb
  • Extra Clothing (especially socks)
  • Extra Food (trail food) and Water
  • Sun Block- spf 40, sun glasses, lip balm
  • Waterproof matches/fire starter
  • Pocket Knife
  • First Aid Kit
  • Rain Gear with head covering
Personal Gear
  • Pack frame, adjusted to fit
  • Sleeping bag- water-proof compressor bag (not a plastic bag)
  • Straps to hold your sleeping bag to your pack, bungee cords are not acceptable
  • 50' of nylon rope/cord, 1/8-3/16"
  • Ground tarp
  • Matress pad, closed cell foam
  • Cooking Kit (suitable for what you plan to cook)... Scouring pad/sponge
  • Eating Kit (cup, bowl, fork & spoon)
  • 2 lrge garbage bags; freezer Ziplocks (for garbage and wet stuff, or to keep stuf dry)
  • Food & trail snacks
  • 1-2 quart (~900 cc) Water bottle(s) (more or less depending on water availability and weather)
  • Whistle/hand mirror
  • Hat/cap/stocking cap
  • Appropriate Clothing
    • Long pants/short pants (zip-off work well)
    • Good hiking boots
    • Light polypro inner socks
    • Heavy wool/poly outer socks
    • Changes of underwear & T-shirts
    • Shirts: long/short sleeves (polypro is better than cotton)
    • Warm Coat and/or sweater
    • Neckerchief/bandana (many uses:
      warm or wet-cool your neck, towel,
      hot pad, triangular bandage, head band...)
  • Toilet paper
  • Potty Trowel
  • Personal Toiletries
    • Towel (bandana)
    • Tooth brush & paste
    • Bug repellent
    • (sun block-lip balm)
    • soap

Gear that can be shared

  • Tent or rain fly
  • Tent Stakes
  • Camp stove & fuel
  • Cook kit
  • Water Purification

NOTES:
  1. First Aid: Do not expect someone else to carry First Aid supplies for "your" use.
  2. Rain Gear: try to have a parka that is multiple use: warm, water-proof, and hooded. Consider rain pants. Ponchos can work, but are less effective in the wind.
  3. Cold Weather: Wool is warm: shirt and/or sweater, pants. Poly-pro long-johns really are warmer than cotton. Gloves.
  4. Keep your feet dry while hiking, including from sweat; consider enough socks to change them at mid-day (very refreshing!).
  5. Sleeping in a stocking cap is very warming on cold nights.
  6. Extra-long boot laces make handy emergency cord.
  7. Use some common sense and bring equipment appropriate for the expected conditions (but be prepared for the unexpected).