Backpacking

    Backpacking Gear Checklist

    by Dave

    Backpacking Gear Checklist — With an outdoor activity like backpacking, it is especially important to check your gear and make sure you have everything before you go.

     

    Equipment

    1. Fire: matches, knife

    2. Direction: map, compass, flashlight & batteries, scriptures

    3. Protection:

    clothes: waterproof jacket, long and short sleeved shirts, pants, fleece, extra socks and underwear, and hat.

    optional clothes: rain pants, camp shoes or moccasins. (For cooler weather you could add a parka, gloves, stocking cap and snow pants or gaiters.) Be prepared for rain or unexpected snow.

    first aid kit: bandages (assorted sizes), gauze, tape, tweezers, scissors, needle(s), safety pins, aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol, soap, benadryl, neosporin, other medications as needed, thermometer, pencil/paper, molefoam or moleskin, and coins

    food & water: water bottle, # day’s supply of food, and water filter, hip or day pack for side hikes

    sun protection: polarized sun glasses, sun block (15+), and hat

    4. Shelter: tent, cord/rope, space blanket or tarp

    5. Cooking: 1-2 pots/pans, cup, plate, spoon, fork, salt & pepper, 1 gallon water bag, plastic sheet, food/bear bag and cord

    6. Sleeping: sleeping bag, Thermarest or closed cell foam pad

    7. Personal Kit / Sanitation: soap/shampoo, toothpaste & brush, comb, dental floss, toilet paper, repair kit (wire, tape, etc.), small towel, tweezers, chapstick, water filter, scouring pads or dish soap, paper towels, mosquito repellent

    8. Pack, Backpack: add hip or day pack if going on hike or to a summit

    9. Stove & Fuel

    10. Fishing Gear & License if going fishing

     

    Sample Four Day Menu

    Day
    Breakfast
    Lunch
    Dinner
    1
    		 Cereal
    Milk, juice
    Sweet Roll    		 Sandwiches, chips, Carrots/celery
    Box drink/Kool-aid    		 Rice-a-Roni
    Rolls, butter
    Fruit punch
    2
    		 Scones
    Honey, jelly, butter
    Milk    		 Crackers
    Jerky, chips
    Dried fruit, nuts
    Candy bar    		 Spagetti/sauce/cheese
    French bread, garlic butter
    Pudding
    Lemonade
    3
    		 Cereal (any kind)
    Milk (powdered)
    Hot chocolate    		 French onion soup
    Crackers, chips
    Dried fruit, candy
    Grape Drink    		 Beef stroganoff/pasta
    Breadsticks
    Fruit punch
    4
    		 Granola Bars
    Hot chocolate    		 Candy bars, trail food
    Raspberry Lemonade    		 Urban Survival Food

     

    Sample Backpacking Cook Kit

    Many of the cooking items in the equipment list can be consolidated into a backpacking cook kit. Your cook kit would include equipment like:

    1. Stove w/fuel, 1-2 pots w/ lid, Spatula, Frying pan, Matches

    2. Cup, Plate, Spoon & Fork (don’t forget your pocket knife)

    3. Salt & Pepper, Cooking Oil, Other seasonings

    4. Dish soap or pads, Paper towels

    5. Butter or margarine, Honey, Jam and/or Jelly

    More Backpacking Info…