Recommended Packing List for Backpacking

THINK LIGHT - YOU HAVE TO CARRY ALL OF THIS STUFF!!

1) Hiking Boots, Ankle Length - Sneakers will not do.  It is also recommended that you wear 2 pair of socks, one light weight and one heavy weight wool type sock.

2)  Clothing - take clothes for both warm and cold weather.  Light weight is better. Fleece instead of sweat shirts or sweters.  Also, bring the minimum amount possible (weight!).

Recommended list INCLUDES what you will be wearing on the first day:

  • 3 pair of socks
  • 2 pair of pants
  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 pairs of underwear
  • 1 pair of shorts (optional depending on weather)
  • Lightweight wind breaker
  • Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
  • Thermal Underwear

3)  Rain Gear - at least a rain coat or poncho that is light weight.  Rain pants are also recommended but not really necessary.

4)  Sleeping Bag - something that is rated to the temperature at night (colder than day!) You don't need a pillow - stuff clothes into a shirt for that purpose.

5)  Foam Sleeping Pad - required to maintain body temperature at night - a MUST

6) Small flash light - Best are LED lights with LONG battery life that strap to your head.

7)  Snacks - "Gorp" mix with M&Ms, peanuts etc. is good on the trail - mix into one zip lock bag.  Candy wrappers - you carry IN you carry OUT (goes for everything).

8)  WATER - At LEAST TWO (2)  1-quart/liter unbreakable leak proof bottles or canteens

9)  Backpack (duh!!) - make sure it fits you properly - check it out BEFORE the hike.

10) Toiletries like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste.  Remember, smaller, lighter = better.

11)  Towel, again smaller is better

12)  Compass - if you need it for advancement : bring it.  Always a good idea.  GPS OK if you have one.

13)  Pocket Knife, First Aid Kit, Moleskin (for blisters), Sunglasses, Hat

14) Toilet Paper & small shovel (use your imagination!)

15) Long rope to hang food at night - any food smell MUST be hung at nite

REMEMBER - You are carrying all of this stuff on your back, so lighter and smaller is BETTER.  Also, try to AVOID COTTON clothing if possible - Cotton is a POOR INSULATOR against the cold and it dries very slowly if it gets wet.  Wool is good.

DO NOT BRING RADIOS, CELL PHONES, etc. (adults excluded).

Adults will worry about FOOD, STOVES, MATCHES and ANY ELECTRONICS.  YOU don't need to!  We will break up TENTS for all to share! One has the poles, the other the tent, etc.