What to take on a backpacking trip (Spring/Summer)
PACKING FOR A BACKPACKING TRIP
What to take on Spring & Summer Adventures
Photo by Andrew Kornylak
Ever wonder what you’ll need for a few days in the wilderness? Ever come back from a trip wondering why you packed so much? The list below will guide you as you gear up for your journey and was prepared with Spring & Summer in mind so figure temperatures above 40 deg F. Don’t be afraid to add or omit items as appropriate for your trip but before adding items take minute to review what you’ve packed and see if you can’t find another item that can serve the same purpose. For example, instead of carrying a camping pillow try folding up your fleece in a stuff sack or just folding it up under your head at night.
MAIN ITEMS
o Backpack (50-70 liters)
o Pack Cover
o Tent
o Sleeping Bag (rated for 10 deg lower than the coldest temp you expect to encounter)
o Sleeping Pad (for insulation as well as comfort)
o Trekking Poles
CAMP KITCHEN
o Stove
o Cookpot (figure 0.5 liters per person)
o Collapsible Bowl (Just eat out of your cookpot if solo)
o Spork
o Paracord (50’)
o Stuff Sack (8 – 10 liters) for a food bag (Or a bear can where required)
o Plastic lid with a hole cut in the middle (To keep mice and chipmunks from climbing down into your food bag)
HYDRATION
o Water Filter
o 2 liter Reservoir
o 1 liter Water Bottle (Bring in addition to a reservoir and keep at least ½ liter for when reservoir runs out)
HYGEINE
o Cathole Trowel
o ½ Roll of Toilet Paper in a plastic bag
o Biodegradable soap
o Small size Body Glide or similar anti-chafe balm
o Sunscreen
o Bug Spray
o Personal Medications (Bring an extra day just in case)
o Fiber Gummies (After a few days of only carbs and protein you’ll thank me!)
SURVIVAL
o Lighter
o Waterproof Matches
o “Napalm Balls” – cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly for use as tinder
o Whistle
ESSENTIALS
o Small Knife (preferably serrated)
o Headlamp
o Small notepad
o Mechanical Pencil
o Duct Tape (small roll or about 4’ wrapped around your water bottle)
o First Aid Kit (Individual Size)
o Bandanas (2-3)
NAVIGATION
o Compass
o Map of your area
o Pages from guidebook that cover your area (only the section you need)
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
o Dry compression bag or Stuff Sack (8-10 liters) for the clothes you aren’t wearing
o Synthetic Pants or Shorts (2 Pair)
o Synthetic or Wool Shirts (2 Pair)
o Synthetic or Wool Underwear (2 Pair)
o Wool Socks (2 Pair)
o Sun hat/Ballcap
o Warm Hat (if needed)
o Liner Gloves (1 pair if needed)
o Rain Shell Jacket
o Rain Shell Pants
o Boots or Trail Shoes
o Crocs (or sandals with a backstrap) for crossing streams and getting out of boots at night