Backpacking
- 2 x 2 Liter Bottles of Water (Weekend Trip).
- Canteen/Water Bottle.
- Acetal Plastic Bowl (Ziploc disposables are great.)
- Acetal Plastic Fork and Spoon.
- 6-10 Paper Towels to clean cookware/dinnerware (put in Ziploc for storage).
- Bio-Degradable Soap.
- Small Scrub Sponge - Combine the PT, soap and sponge in Ziploc bag as a kit.
- 2 Gallon Ziploc bag for personal trash. :Much easier than 1 large bag for entire group...Leave-No-Trace
- Compass (GPS if you're really Hi-Tech) OR whistle so the search party can find you.
- Contour map or Park map OR whistle so the search party can find you.
- Small Personal 1st Aid Kit with Mole Skin.
- Foul Weather Gear (rain gear - should be waterproof not water resistant).
- Talcum Powder (trial size).
- Strike Anywhere Matches.
- Waterproof Match Holder.
- Small, Lightweight Flashlight with extra batteries and a bulb.
- 1 Extra Under-Clothes.
- 2 Tee-Shirts (wear one, pack one).
- 2 Sock Liners.
- 2 WOOL Socks, NOT COTTON (wear one, pack one).
- 1 Long Pants for winter and Shorts for summer.
- 1 Hat with a brim - Ball caps are for ball games.
- 1 Long Johns - polypropylene or other that wick away moisture (Winter only).
- 1 Coat (Winter only).
- 1 Stocking Hat (Winter only).
- 1 Gloves (Winter only).
- 1 Hiking Shoes with ankle support and waterproof.
- 1 Lightweight Shoes (for traveling in car and around camp).
More
- Bandannas (use one pack one).
- Bug Repellent (Trial size - during hot months).
- Suntan Lotion (Trial size - during hot months).
- Deodorant (Trial size) Optional.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste (Trial size).
- Individual Toiletries (i. e. contact solution and case).
- Toilet Paper.
- Hand Cleaner - waterless type.
- Bed Roll or Sleeping Bag.
- Ground Pad.
- Plastic Ground Sheet or a light weight Tarp.
- Camping Pillow (optional).
- Backpacking Chair (optional).
- Backpack (either internal or external frame) - spare pins and clips, just in case.
- 50ft Cord for bear bag or un-expected repairs.
- Trekking Poles - 2 are best for balance and safety.
- Duct Tape.
Individual or Group Gear
- Light weight stove.
- Spare fuel.
- Cooking Pots/Utensils.
- Extra Water or a Water Filter/Purifier.
- Tent.
Tips
- Besides drinking just water, bring along some Gatorade and/or Kool-Aid mix.
- Wool keeps it's shape and insulation qualities when wet.
- Wool socks that you can buy today are a combination of both Wool and Fabric to wick moisture away from your feet.
- 100% Cotton is the worse fabric for hiking.
- Long Pants or Shorts are a hikers personal preference.
- I recommend that you never hike in blue jeans.
- Shirts and Under Garments: 100% Cotton is not the fabric of choice.