Backpack, a good one with comfortable straps and a padded waist band. The waist band allows you to cart most of the pack weight on your hips instead of your shoulders. You will learn to appreciate this in a few short miles.Checklist |
Basic Backpacking |
greatfamilycamping.com |
Print this checklist for everyone who will be going on yur trip.
Check the Leaf Box when you have packed the item
Standard Items:
Backpack, a good one with comfortable straps and a padded waist band. The waist band allows you to cart most of the pack weight on your hips instead of your shoulders. You will learn to appreciate this in a few short miles.
Boots, a comfortable pair that has been broken in. Always comfort and fit before looks. Your feet will appreciate it.
Clothing (all conditions):
One change of underwear for each day plus one for unplanned events.
Two pairs of socks for each change (Wool or some other water wicking material).
Outer clothing appropriate for the conditions.
Hat (with visor)
Wool stocking hat (watch cap). You loose a tremendous amount of body heat through your head and scalp at night.
| Sleeping Bag |
Sleeping Pad |
Tent/poles/stakes |
| Ground Cloth |
Stuff Sacks |
Trash Bags |
| Flash Light |
Extra Batteries |
Water Bottle |
| Sun Glasses |
Small knife |
Lashing Cord |
| Camp Stove |
Extra Fuel |
Cooking Equipment |
| Eating Utensils |
Cup with handle |
Small Shovel/Spade |
| Essentials: | ||
| Compass |
Map |
Waterproof Matches/Lighter |
| First Aid Kit |
Extra Moleskin |
Water Filter |
| Personal: | ||
| Prescriptions |
Hygiene Supplies |
Tooth Brush |
| Tooth Paste |
Lip Balm |
Sun Block |
| Camera/Film |
Zip Lock Bags |
Hand Sanitizer |
| Pillow |
||
| Add for Spring/Fall | ||
| Clothing: | ||
| Long Underwear |
Poncho/Rain Gear |
Gloves/Mittens |
| Extra Socks |
Appropriate Jacket |
|
| Equipment: | ||
| Sleeping Bag Liner |
Tent Rain Fly |
Add for Winter:
Clothing:
Clothing appropriate for the climate you are going into. Every section of the country has its own requirements. Be sure you are layering rather than relying on a single heavy jacket in colder weather.
Extra underwear.
Extra socks.
Avoid cotton socks, wool or other water wicking material
Head covering is also important, especially at night. Wear a stocking cap at night to help keep you warm.
Equipment:
Sleeping bags appropriate for the temperature.
Add an exterior liner for additional warmth and especially for down bags to prevent them from getting wet.
Rain gear, again appropriate for your area.
Tent that will provide sufficient weather protection.
Sleeping pad with sufficient thermal protection
Food:
Here is where you need to plan carefully. The more days you are on the trail, the more food you will require. This will add weight and require space. Always add extra calories to your diet as you will be burning them up on the trail, especially if it is cold out. Don’t carry anything that can spoil because it will!
Plan to cook for breakfast and dinner at minimum. Consider using dehydrated food, commercial or homemade, as it will save you much weight even for a simple overnight trip. Avoid cans as much as you can. These add weight, use space and create garbage.
Plan your menus and establish a check list for every item. If you are dividing the food between packs, be sure you know who has what!
Carry snacks for breaks on the trail and at any time you want. Avoid chocolate, other than the few M&M type candies found in some trail mixes.
Carry out ALL trash with you. Please do not spoil the backcountry for others. Use the Zip Lock bags for that. Bring several large onse for this task.
Here is a base camping checklists.
greatfamilycamping.com
Leave the Backpacking Checklist and go to the Great Family Camping Homepage