Backpacker's Check List

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Note: This is not a comprehensive list (for example, winter mountaineering requires technical gear) nor is it the minimum one needs (for example, camping from the car would not require a pack). It is meant to be a checklist so that one may not forget an item, and to suggest gear previously overlooked. An asterisk (*) indicates items recommended for day hikes.

[  ] Pack*
[  ] Pack Cover

KITCHEN
[  ] Food Bag(s) (Hang your food!)
[  ] Freeze Dried Food and Drinks
[  ] Lunch/Snack Foods*
[  ] Spices
[  ] Cook Set
[  ] Bowl, Cup, Utensils
[  ] Can Opener
[  ] Stove and Fuel
[  ] Plastic Garbage Bags* (Pack it all out!)
[  ] Scrub Pad

CLOSET (Dress appropriately for the weather--
be conservative!)
[  ] Boots*
[  ] Socks* (Thin synthetic layer and thick
wool or synthetic outer- at least two pair of each)
[  ] Sun Hat* (Broad brim)
[  ] Warm Hat (Wool or fleece)
[  ] Hiking T-Shirt*
[  ] Hiking Shorts
[  ] Underwear*
[  ] Wicking Layer (Synthetic underwear
to move perspiration from the skin)
[  ] Insulating Layer* (Wool or fleece)
[  ] Shell Layer* (Wind/water proof)
[  ] Gloves
[  ] Change of Clothes
[  ] Clothes Stuff Sacks

BASIC GEAR
[  ] Flashlight/Headlamp
[  ] Map and Compass
[  ] Knife*
[  ] Wind/Waterproof Matches or Lighter
[  ] Bandana
[  ] Water Bottles/Hydration System/Canteen*
(filled!)
[  ] Nylon Cord: 30-50' (Hang food, clothesline,
spare boot lace, etc.)
[  ] Water Filter/Tablets*

SHELTER
[  ] Sleeping Bag w/ Waterproof Stuff Sack
[  ] Sleeping Pad
[  ] Tent/Tarp
[  ] Extra Stakes
[  ] Ground Cloth

TOILETRIES
[  ] Toilet Paper in Plastic Bag*
[  ] Soap (biodegradable)
[  ] Small Towel/Washcloth
[  ] Toothbrush and Toothpaste
(hang with food)

SAFETY GEAR
[  ] Extra Food
[  ] First Aid Kit*
[  ] Personal Medication
[  ] Extra Matches/Lighter
[  ] Whistle*
[  ] Extra Flashlight Bulb/Batteries
[  ] Moleskin
[  ] Firestarter/Candle
[  ] Insect Repellent*
[  ] Sunscreen*
[  ] Repair Kit (needle, thread, duct
tape, etc.)
[  ] Pen and Paper
[  ] Extra Plastic Bags
[  ] Identification*
[  ] ATM Card*

OPTIONAL GEAR
[  ] Hiking Stick(s)
[  ] Water Bag
[  ] Gaiters
[  ] Camp Shoes
[  ] Swim Suit
[  ] Candle Lantern
[  ] Fishin' Gear
[  ] Camera and Film
[  ] Journal and Pen
[  ] Binoculars
[  ] Sit Pad/Chair Kit
[  ] Pillow
[  ] Sunglasses
[  ] Watch
[  ] Area Wildlife/Guide Books
[  ] Paperback Book
[  ] Walkman Type Radio
[  ] Ear Plugs
[  ] Playing Cards

<<Back  | The Rag Tag Rangers | Updated Dec 1, 2007 01:11:38