BACKPACKING - PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST

BACKPACK:

  • 1 backpack - external frame with a capacity of about 50 to 60 liters capacity (example: Kelty Yukon)
  • 1 small day pack (the day pack should be something that can be compressed and easily packed inside your big backpack)

THE 10 ESSENTIALS:

  • 1) Compass and map (map will be handed out at the start of the trip)
  • 2) Matches in waterproof container and fire starter material (dryer lint, candle, wax milk carton, etc.)
    [only if you have earned your Firem'n Chit card]
  • 3) Pocketknife or multitool
    [only if you have earned your Totin' Chit card]
  • 4) Poncho or rain suit. Rain jackets or rain suits are preferred.
  • 5) Two (2) 1-liter refillable water bottles - TO BE FILLED AT HOME
  • 6) Headlamp or small flashlight and extra batteries. Headlamps are preferred.
  • 7) Sun and Insect Protection
  • 8) First aid kit (see list of contents below)
  • 9) Extra Clothing (see list below)
  • 10) Extra Food (see section below)
  • 11) Whistle

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT (packed in a Ziploc bag):

  • 1 small tube of antibiotic ointment
  • 5 sterile alcohol swabs
  • 5 bandages (assorted sizes)
  • 1 moleskin pad 3" x 3" (for blisters)
  • 2 sterile gauze pads
  • 1 small roll adhesive medical tape
  • 2 safety pins
  • 1 pair of latex gloves

CLOTHING (this includes what you are going to be wearing on the hike):

  • 2 long sleeve shirts
  • 2 pairs of long pants
  • 2 pairs of underwear
  • 3 pairs of hiking socks
  • 1 pair of hiking boots (Absolutely NO sneakers)
  • 1 warm jacket suitable for anticipated weather conditions on the trip
  • 1 warm hat
  • 1 pair of gloves
  • Note: Cotton clothing should be avoided since cotton does not dry quickly and damp clothing up against your skin will make you colder. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester or polyester blends, dry quickly and permit perspiration to move away from the body, in that way keeping you warmer.

TOILETRIES (packed in a Ziploc bag):

  • 1 small bottle of liquid hand sanitizer
  • 1 small tube of toothpaste and toothbrush (packed in a plastic storage bag with your name on it)

BEDDING:

  • 1 sleeping bag (20° mummy bag with synthetic fill, NO down. The bag should weigh no more than 3-3.5 lbs.)
  • 1 pillow case or stuff sack to be filled with clothes to make a pillow
  • 1 sleeping pad for under the sleeping bag

MEALS:

  • 1 bowl (Do NOT bring your entire mess kit)
  • 1 fork or spoon
  • 1 insulated cup
  • 6 paper towels (folded and placed in a plastic sandwich bag)

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • 1 gallon Ziploc bag to be used for garbage
  • 1 heavy-duty trash bag (to be used as pack cover, emergency shelter, etc.)
  • 1 small "ditty" bag or stuff sack to contain all your "smellables"
  • 1 pencil and small pad
  • 1 small container of insect repellant
  • 1 50-feet of 1/8" nylon cord

FOOD: No peanut or Tree nut items.

  • Brown bag Saturday lunch (NO soda)
  • Trail snacks: granola, trail mix, energy bars, candy bars, cookies, crackers, cereal, fruit, carrots, etc.
  • Note: Minimize the amount of food packaging that you bring since there are NO garbage cans in the woods. Whatever you carry in, you will have to carry out including all trash.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Pack as light as you can and do not bring any more clothes or gear than are shown in this list.
  • Your pack should weigh approximately 25% to 30% of your body weight. (For example: If you weigh 100 lbs your pack should weigh about 25 - 30 lbs.)
  • Pack small items together in Ziploc bags to make them easier to find in your pack.
  • Besides your personal gear, everyone will be required to carry a share of the troop gear (tents, stoves, pots, etc.) and also food that we will need to bring. Troop gear and troop supplied food will be distributed on Saturday morning, the day of the trip, and it is very important that you leave some room for these things to fit into your pack.
  • DO NOT ATTACH ANYTHING TO YOUR PACK USING BUNGEE CORDS OR ANY TYPE OF ELASTIC STRAPS! Adjustable straps or rope are to be used to fasten items like both your sleeping bag and pad to the outside of your pack.
  • All of the items listed are to be packed inside your backpack including your day pack. DO NOT ARRIVE FOR THE TRIP WITH BOTH A SEPARATELY PACKED BACKPACK AND DAYPACK.

Backpacks and gear can be purchased from:

Backpacker magazine (backpacker.com) as well as most of the Online camping websites above provide information on how to select sleeping bags and other gear, fit backpacks properly, etc.