Backpacking List

You want to cast off the burdens of society and go into the wild huh? Well my friend, you need to do a little planning first. First you want to decide where to go. Guide books are great and so is the web. Personally, I avoid any websites that require a paid membership to access the information. Yeah, detailed trip reports are ok, but wouldn't you rather experience the trail for yourself? A great resource is the US Forest Service. You can find all the nuts and bolts type information of a particular area or trail on their website. Did I mention the website is free??

I prefer to hike in areas managed by the US Forest Service. Why not a National Park? LESS STINKING RULES! I understand why the rules are there, but rules are the last thing I want to worry about when I am trying to relax! For the most part you can camp anywhere in a National Forest so long as you are following Leave No Trace. You can get more info on LNT here: http://www.lnt.org There are other regulations for National Forests like the distance campsites must be from water, roads and established campgrounds. Where I usually go the only distance regulations I need to worry about are for water. If you are just starting out do a web search for National Forests in your state. That should point you in the right direction.

Ok, you have your location determined. Now you need a map. Most places have a free map online. Usually these maps show the trail and other important info like trail heads, rivers, lakes, roads and Forest boundaries. These are not detailed topographic maps. I STRONGLY suggest that you know how to read and use a topo map before you take one into the field for the first time. Otherwise, it is useless. Plan a good route that is preferably a loop trail. That way you have a sense of beginning and ending.

With your destination planned and map obtained now its time to pack some gear. Below is a general list of things I take on any outing. I only change the clothing to fit the weather.

backpack: 4000 cu. inch to 6000 cu. inch
thermarest trail lite long
North Face sleeping bag rated to 20F
2- 50 foot lengths of para cord
gerber tool
sheath knife OR Malaysian parang
whisperlite stove OR Trangia alcohol stove and appropriate fuel
MSR fusion 2 tent with footprint
tarp with ropes and stakes
MSR mini works water filter
lighter
ferro rod with huge bar of magnesium
cook pot, stainless steel mug, folding spork, plastic bowl
U-Dig-It folding trowel and TP
hand sanitizer, Boy Scout folding toothbrush, paste
1 or 2 bandana's
Patagonia rain jacket and pants
Duofold quick dry t-shirt
Patagonia zip off nylon pants
hiking boots with liner socks and wool socks
Patagonia long john top and bottom
Patagonia fleece windproof vest
REALLY COLD WEATHER: US Military fleece pullover and fleece pants
extra pair wool socks
teva sandals or crocs for camp shoes
basic first aid kit and wilderness first responder field guide

Now that you are packed you have one final thing to do. TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL BE BACK! I always do this. Your cell phone can't always save your life.

So that is it folks! I hope you find this information useful. I have learned most of my backpacking skills from NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) and from much experience in woodland and alpine environments. Feel free to modify the list to suit your needs and/or environment. Happy Trails!