Equipment List for Backpack Trips

Suggested Equipment List for Backpack Trips

The following equipment list is a guide to help you prepare for backpack trips. More items are listed than you will actually need to give you an idea of some of the equipment possibilities.

Dressing in layers is the best choice for outdoor activities. As you get warm you can take off layers, and as you cool down during breaks, you can put them back on. The term synthetics on the clothing lists, below, refers to materials such as pile, capilene, synchilla, lycra or polypropylene.

Note also that some of the items can be shared. The tent and stove can be split up among the party. Repair and first aid kits can also be shared. Feel free to make copies of this list and pass it out to the members in your party.

Clothing - Inner Layer

Synthetic underwear
Inner socks (wool or synthetic)
Swim suit

Clothing - Insulating Layer

Pile shirts or jackets
Down or synthetic fill jackets
Down or synthetic fill vest
Wool shirt
Wool sweater
Pants (preferably synthetic)
Hiking shorts & t-shirt
Wool or pile socks (2 pairs)
Wool stocking hat
If you expect cold weather: mittens or gloves (wool or pile)

Clothing - Protective Layer

Wind breaker or parka with hood
Rain jacket or poncho
Hat for sun protection

Other Clothing Items

Suspenders, belt or webbing
Bandana
Gaiters (if you'll be traveling through snow)

Pants Pockets

Matches (with striker in waterproof container)
Knife
Fire starter

Feet

Hiking boots
Sandals or Tennis Shoes (nice in camp or for river crossings.)
Insoles
Extra socks

Haulage

Pack
Stuff bags with toggles for clothing, food and gear
Day pack (if you plan to do day hikes from a base camp)

Bedroom

Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Bivouac bag
Tent (poles, snow stakes, fly, guy lines) OR Tarp and Groundcloth
Candle or candle lantern

Kitchen

Stove
Matches in stove
Fuel bottle (with gas)
Funnel
Pots
Pot gripper
Cup
Spoon
Corkscrew
Food
Water container(s) & water
Water purification system (filter & accessories, purification tablets)
Bear-proof food container (in bear country)

Repair Kit

Sewing needle
Nylon thread or dental floss
Duct tape
Vice grips (5" size)
Clevis pins (for external frame packs)
Bailing wire
Extra stove parts (gaskets for stove, fuel cap, etc.)

Emergency Kit

Matches (and striker in waterproof container)
Fire starter (solid fuel pellets, candle, pitch wood, etc.)
Compass
Map
Knife
Whistle
Nylon cord

First Aid Kit

Two gauze rolls (2" wide)
Moleskin for blisters
Chapstick
Sunblock
Two triangular bandages
Six sterile pads (4"x4")
Anti-acid tablets
Ace bandage
Bandaids-assorted sizes
Butterfly closures
Safety pins
Aspirin
Two-inch first aid tape
First aid book
Personal medications
Also see Lightweight First Aid Kit.

Personals

Lotion
Toothbrush/paste
Glasses or contacts
Comb
Mirror

Miscellaneous

Sunglasses
Sun block
Headlamp or flashlight (spare batteries and bulb)
Extra candles
Rope (particularly important in bear country to hoist food into a tree)
Watch
Notebook/pencil
Book
Wire saw
Thermometer
Toilet paper
Insect repellent

[END]

Revised 6/24/98. Compiled by R. Watters

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