Packing: Backpacking

What to pack for a standard fall or spring trip.

The Ten Essentials

Combustion (carry at least two: lighters, waterproof matches, flint-and-steel; also: tinder)
Hydration (1–2 quart/liter-sized water bottles or Camelbak-style reservoir)
Nutrition (2–3 granola bars, energy bars, candy bars, GORP, whatever)
Navigation (compass, copy of map)
Illumination (headlamp or flashlight)
Insulation (extra clothing, fleece, warm hat, and rain jacket under “clothing” all count)
First-aid kit (the crew brings a kit, but carry a small one of your own, including personal medications—and you must advise adult leaders about any meds)
Tool and repair kit (pocket knife or Leatherman multitool; needle and thread; dental floss; duct tape wrapped around hiking pole or pencil)
Emergency shelter (space blanket/poncho)
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, UPF lip balm, hat with an all-around brim, long pants and long sleeves)

Other personal gear

Backpack
Pack cover or contractor bag
Sleeping bag (in waterproof sack or trash bag)
Sleeping pad (not air mattress; foam pad or Therm-a-Rest-type self-inflating)
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Trash bag (large)
Ziplock bags (3)
50 feet of thin rope
Pencil and paper
Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)
Cup
Bowl/plate
Spoon or spork
Bandana (this can be cotton)
Personal toilet paper (in zip lock bag)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)
Insect repellent

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

Long pants (1–2 pair)
Shorts (1 pair—or make one of the pairs of long pants zip-offs)
Short sleeve shirt (2)
Long sleeve shirt (1)
Underwear (2–3 pair; optional)
Socks (3–4 pairs)
Fleece or wool sweater
Long underwear (1 shirt, 1 pants; only in early spring/late fall)
Skull cap/warm knit hat
Brimmed hat (suggest all-around brim, for sun protection)
Rain jacket (waterproof)
Hiking boots (waterproofed)

Optional

Rain pants
Hiking poles
Day pack (tiny)
Small camp towel
Camera
Book
Cellphone (but you cannot use it to call, text, play games, or use Internet; it is for emergencies only—or as a camera)
Camp shoes (flip-flops are great: lightweight, and they won’t rub blistered heels)
Deodorant (not advised—especially in bear country)