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Weekend Backpacking Trip

Packing List


 
Climate: Desert
Season: Summer
Duration: 1 to 3 Nights
Gender:

This list would be appropriate for a typical short term backpacking trip where you are with a group of people and typically not more than a few hours walking if help were needed. Possibility of fishing along the way.
Clothing
_____  Bandana or Handkerchief - Many uses, including first aid. *
_____  Change of Clothing - Leave in car so you can go home clean and dry. *
_____  Hat (Brim) - Wide brimmed hat to protect the skin from the sun.
_____  Hat (Knit) - Polypro hats work well. Not just for winter, good for cool evenings. *
_____  Hiking Boots - Gortex boots work well, no tennis shoes. Boots should be water treated.
_____  Hiking Pants (Long) - Hiking pants with removable legs are best. No Blue Jeans as they don't dry out well at all.
_____  Hiking Pants (Shorts) - If zipper pants are used, these are not needed. Long pants are always ok if you don't like shorts. *
_____  Jacket/Fleece - A fleece combined with a rain gear will eliminate the need for another jacket.
_____  Rain Gear - Breathable Top and bottom, stay away from ponchos, they don't hold up. Also server as outer layer to keep out wind. *
_____  Shirt (Heavy) - 1 heavy Polypro or wool for cool weather. *
_____  Shirt (Long Sleeve)
_____  Shirt (Short Sleeve, Wicking ) - 2-3 shirts should be brought. Excellent base layer to keep the skin dry.
_____  Shoes (lightweight) - It usually feels good to get out of your boots at the end of the day. *
_____  Sleeping Clothes - Only worn in sleeping bag. Helps keep sleeping bag clean. Shorts & Tee shirt work well. *
_____  Socks (Heavy) - 2 or 3 pair of Smartwool work well. Liners needed if wool socks are selected. No cotton socks.
_____  Socks (Liner) - May not be needed depending on heavy sock type. *
_____  Swim Suit - Trunks for boys, one piece for girls. *
_____  Underwear - Quick dry wicking variety better than cotton.
Gear
_____  Backpack - 3000-6000 cu in. Internal or External frame ok. Hip belt required.
_____  Backpack Cover - A garbage bag will work in a pinch. Always bring if there is a chance of rain or snow. *
_____  Books *
_____  Camera *
_____  Camera Tripod - Small (6") one for digital camera works great. *
_____  Compass
_____  Compression Sacks - For sleeping bag, clothing, etc. *
_____  Cup - Large unbreakable type also serves as bowl.
_____  Day Pack *
_____  Eating Utensils - Unbreakable type work best. Depending on the menu, a spoon is usually all you need.
_____  Fishing Equipment & License *
_____  Flashlight - With extra batteries and bulbs. Bring two if you don't pack a headlamp.
_____  Garbage Bags - 3 for Misc. use.
_____  Hand Sanitizer
_____  Head Lamp *
_____  Hiking Poles - Can be used for rain fly to reduce weight. *
_____  Hydration Bladder - Always bring if water sources are going to be scarce. 2 quart a good size.
_____  Knife - A small one is all you need.
_____  Lighter / Water Proof Matches - Piezoelectric lighters don't work well above 9,000 feet.
_____  Notebook & Pen/Pencil *
_____  Sleeping Bag - Down compresses better for an internal frame pack. Down or fiber both work with an external frame pack. Down must be kept dry!. Keep sleeping bag in a garbage bags to keep it dry.
_____  Sleeping Pad - Therma-rest™ works great.
_____  Soap - Biodegradable *
_____  Straps to Attach Sleeping Bag - Only needed when using external frame pack *
_____  Stuff Sacks - Small for misc. items, and medium for food. *
_____  Sun Glasses
_____  Tent - One man for adults, two man for boys. 2 boys can share. Screen interior walls not ideal if high wind or snow expected.
_____  Toilet Paper
_____  Water Bottle - 2 to 3 one quart Nalgene™ bottles work well. 2 usually sufficient if you bring a hydration bladder as well. More in dry areas.
_____  Zip Lock™ Bags - 3 large for food and garbage
Personal Items
_____  First Aid Kit (Small) - A small personal kit with blister control items.
_____  Food - The backpacking dinners "for 2" are usually about the right size for one person.
_____  Gold Bond Powder - To prevent Chafing *
_____  Lip Balm
_____  Pee Bottle (a.k.a. Thunder Jar)  (males only)  *
_____  Prescription Medications *
_____  Search & Rescue Card - If available in your state. Included on some fishing licenses. *
_____  Tampons/sanitary napkins  (females only)  *
_____  Toilet Kit - No deodorant on trail, it attracts bears. Include personal medications.
_____  Towel (Small) *
Group Gear
_____  Backpacking Stove - 1 per 2-3 hikers.
_____  Bear Bag - Waterproof bags are best, and it is not just bears that you worry about.
_____  Binoculars *
_____  Bucket (Collapsible) *
_____  Cooking Pots - 1 per stove.
_____  Emergency fire starter
_____  First Aid Kit (Large) - Sometimes one well stocked larger first aid kit is better than each team member packing their own.
_____  GPS - With extra batteries. (Mark car location!) *
_____  Insect Repellent - Know what bugs to expect where you are going. *
_____  Lantern (Small) *
_____  Maps - Not everyone needs a set of maps, but there should be at least two sets in case the group needs to split up for some reason.
_____  Rain Fly *
_____  Repair Kit - Include a small multi-tool in kit.
_____  Rope - 50 feet of parachute cord.
_____  Shovel (Small) - Small lightweight. 1 or 2 per group. Used in conjunction with toilet paper if permitted in area.
_____  Stove Fuel - Bring extra if cold temps expected, or you will be melting snow.
_____  Sunscreen
_____  Water Bladder (Large ) - Good when water is scarce. 3 quart or larger.
_____  Water Purification Tablets *
_____  Water Purifier - 1 per 2-3 hikers is sufficient.
* Optional Item
Please Note:  This is only a recommended minimum set of equipment based on the past experiences of many individuals. We do not guarantee that it is all inclusive or appropriate for the activities you are planning. The trip leader, and common sense should always dictate the equipment you actually pack.
List generated on 10/11/2008 11:03:18 AM

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