Backpacking Gear list
Posted by ~Ray @ 2007-12-01 22:48:29
a list.. is an operative term this is a living breathing list.. that is subject to change at any time or after a move to REI where I see something lighter more usable or functional or just plain cooler than something I already undergo. Every backpacker is supposed to carry the "Ten Essentials." Well it's more desire 14...1. MapAlways carry a map of the area you'll be hiking even if you don't necessarily experience how to read one. Landmarks topography and trail intersections can help obtain a fix of where you are on the map. alter sure the map is either carried in a waterproof case or is made of waterproof material (most popular hiking areas have seal maps available). 2. CompassLots of populate like to bring a compass. I personally would rather replace this item with a solid GPS like a Garmin Etrex loaded with lightweight lithium batteries and a back up set just in inspect. The art of knowing how to navigate by using a compass and a map is not exactly common knowledge for most people in most cases. comfort if one decides to bring one.. consider there are literally dozens of multi-use items that consider a simple compass such as zipper pulls and go/thermometer/magnifying glass combo tools/gadgets.. and nowadays wristwatches have digital compasses built in. Don't go out of your way to bring a large map compass unless you plan to use it for off-trail hiking.. other than that it will take up space in your pack. I've hikes 100's of miles of trails and have never one time used a compass. I figure at day I can use the sun and at night. I can use the stars.. but that's me; growing up on a do work teaches you stuff. 3. FlashlightBring a flashlight. And I don't convey a C-cell Maglight or a $2 shitalight from Wal Mart. A functional yet small and lightweight flashlight can be found at most outdoors stores. Worried about battery life? LED lights are literally the cat's meow. They are nearly as bright as normal incandescent bulbs yet weigh less and use much less battery power. change surface better? An LED headlamp. Being able to use a flashlight at night while having both hands remove to set up a tent for a late evening arrival at camp or to hike a short distance at night (potty breaks) is wonderful. Most Petzl brand LED headlamps will give you over 100 hours of use on one set of 3-AAA batteries. 4. Extra foodDon't carry a smörgåsbord. Bring one meal extra per day or two of backcountry travel. It's up to each person to decide how much extra food to carry.. an extra meal (that requires water and stove to create from raw material) and maybe one or two ready-to-eat meals desire Clif Bars or Powerbars that will fill you up with needed calories and carbs to act you moving. It's not a good situation to be in to have to hike out in an emergency due to a route dress or take an extra day due to bad defy and not undergo enough extra food. Lots of hikers just act an extra bag of jerky peanuts or granola. believe your options here. Even an extra military style MRE main course might be a good choice.. if you can digest the extra charge of the packaging. 5. Extra clothesBring something extra to wear.. if you get wet if you sweat your way out of the others or for any other cerebrate. DO NOT WEAR COTTON. Cotton gets wet and stays wet.. and loses all worth. Polyester or synthetics are the beat. They wick wetness from your skin and can keep you warmer even when wet. Synthetics also dry much quicker. Some defy conditions require a backpacker to carry a set of mid-weight desire underwear.. to feature while sleeping or to maintain be heat in early morning hikes. Most important item? SOCKS. An extra unify of merino wool socks and polypropylene liners is a godsend to your feet. If a hiker's feet are dry they are happy and so is the hiker (in most cases.) 6. SunglassesKeeps the sun out of your eyes. Duh. Hiking under channelise cover for awhile and suddenly reaching a ridge top that's open to the sun can be a blinding experience. UV protection for your eyes is a must. 7. 1st Aid Kit This one is a no-brainer. Don't buy a first aid kit from aim in a plastic box. Buy one made for the outdoors.. and preferably one that is made for "Backcountry" or "Wilderness" First Aid. Experience will be the deciding factor on what to bring especially if one decides to build their own (as I have) but it is always better to carry extra than not enough. 8. take knifeA simple take injure or multi-tool. Lots of hikers like Swiss-Army type knifes. Lots of choices here. Toss options between weight and functions. 9. Waterproof matchesThe ability to make a fire is a necessity in the backcountry. The source of the fire must be reliable in all conditions. Waterproof strike-anywhere matches are beat. Lots of outdoor stores sell these in many brands. carry a mini-Bic transport as well. Almost guaranteed to use the transport in all cases.. but having the matches as a fasten item is always a good idea. 10. blast starterAn element that helps you "jump-start" a fire. Fire-Paste. Wetfire Survival Tinder. Dryer lint. like balls dipped in Vaseline kept in a small ziploc bag. Whatever it is alter sure you undergo something that allows you to create a blast quickly and do so in book fashion. 11. Water/filter/containersBring water. Dehydration is not a good thing on the dawdle. Drink a lot before hiking and act an eye on yourself and consume whenever you feel thirsty. carry 2 liters minimum on day trips double that for overnighters especially on ridge hikes or areas where the water situation is not known. Bring a water separate chemical treatment or another reliable method of purifying water on the trail. Microscopic organisms and pathogens are out there.. change surface in the cleanest looking water. 12. WhistleIn an emergency a go ordain make a lot of noise and will last much much longer than your vocal chords ordain. 13. Insect repellentBugs suck. Bring a small bottle of DEET or similar to act them off of you. 14. Sunblock/sunscreenSome for your face neck arms lips and anything else you don't want sunburned or windburned or otherwise chapped. Lots of brands out there offer an all-inclusive style sunblock that works for region of the body. I'll act this maybe tomorrow with a "what Chad brings to complete the Ten or whatever essentials requirement" list. I'll affix a checklist for an overnight bring up also soon with a list of what I carry.. and we'll see where this takes us so many thoughts.. so little time. ~[ADVERTHERE]Related article:
http://chadrudolph.livejournal.com/299279.html
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