What To Pack
PACK RIGHT AND PACK LIGHT
The below items are needed to be successful in the backcountry. You should know, however, that people can spend lots of money on equipment, but this is not necessary. You can borrow a backpack, find clothes that do the job without buying new stuff. You can also borrow or rent boots. The most important thing is to make sure you have everything you need.
We will have a gear check in mid-June to go over what you have already and help you find the remaining items. But start early.
What follows are the list of items I have in my personal backpack for a 5 day High Sierra trip in the summer. The 10 essentials are indicated with a red dot. Remember-- the more you carry, the heavier your pack. Heavy = unhappy and sore. It’s a fun challenge to think through what you’ll take. Start packing! Your trail buddy, Andy
Packing List
WEARING
Backpack, 50-70 liter capacity. I use a Gregory Baltoro 75 with great hip and spine support. Whatever your pack, make sure it’s the correct size for you. REI can fit you nicely.
Underwear (pro move: start with a clean pair). If wearing garments, I like the mesh for easy drying and washing
Shorts (synthetic materials, no jeans/cotton)
Short Sleeve Shirt (synthetic)
Wool socks
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes (I prefer Zamberlan boots, but if you have a lighter pack and good feet, you can get some shoes for $80-140. Great quality boots last 10 years or more...but not if your feet are growing.)
Trekking poles (Old: yes. Young: not needed, but really helps me enjoy the trail. Great arm workout)
Hat: your hat is your signature
Sunscreen
Whistle
CLOTHING
[All clothing should be lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying (no cotton)]
Rain jacket Poncho also an option
Fleece jacket for cold evenings
Fleece pants for camp and for cold nights
Hiking pants, lightweight, not jeans
Long-sleeve shirt (sun + bugs), nice for evening when it’s cooler
1 extra Pair underwear (or garments)
3 extra Pair socks. Worst mistake I ever made was only bringing one pair of socks. Happy feet, happy me
Camp shoes- Closed toe water shoes as sandals can be dangerous. Could also take light tennis shoes
Pack cover or trash bag
SLEEP SYSTEM
Sleeping bag, down or lightweight bag. No cotton bags
Sleeping pad, either inflatable or solid foam type pad. I use a NeoAir but also like this one. For a more affordable option, this Nemo pad is awesome
HYDRATION
Four 16 oz Dasani water bottles (Dasani is the best water bottle that holds up for a week on the trail, 2 filled, 2 empty). Some like a Hydration reservoir, but it’s harder to fill each day.
Sawyer individual water purifier, 1 per person ($19). Each person needs one of these for clean safe water
ENTERTAINMENT
Book of Mormon, pocket size
Moleskine small notebook + 2 pens (in case I lose one)
Sketching pencils
Mini dice for liars dice
FIRST AID
Band-aids of various sizes
Duct tape for blisters
PERSONAL TOILETRIES
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF 15
Gold bond 1 oz: secret of the pros and your tent mates
Prescription medicines if you are taking
Contact lenses + supplies/glasses
Bug repellant This is the best stuff I have found.
Half roll of toilet paper or travel size tissue with small disposal bag to pack out, or biodegradable toilet paper.
Small comb
Hand sanitizer (if you must)
FOOD
Provisions - commonly between 2,500-3,500 calories per day (meals, snacks). These will be purchased the week before your trip with your backpacking group and leaders and divided per person. To include all the meals and snacks for the trails.
Bear canister 11.5 liter capacity. Nice seat for campfire. I bring one, but we also can rent at trailhead for some of the hikes.
GROUP KITCHEN
2-3 large canisters per pod of 4 on a 5 day trip
Cookpot + lid. This is the one I use, but may use #10 coffee can
Small lighter for stove
Biodegradable soap (optional)
Salt and pepper
Large Spoon for stirring food and serving
GROUP SHELTER
Tent and rainfly, 2-3 person tents to be shared with another 1-2 youth, with rope and stakes
Groundsheet for tent floor durability (optional)
GROUP SAFETY (provided by leaders)
Satellite Messenger/PLB (optional - for remote locations)
Check current weather before trip
Backpacking permits
Sleeping pad patch kit
Antibiotics, pain killers, decongestants, super glue, gauze
Rope for crossing streams if high water possible
FISHING GEAR
Rod
Flies, line etc
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Head Net (optional, for mosquitos)
Lotion (optional)
Book to read
Game ideas for group
NOT ALLOWED
Headphones (optional)
Illicit drugs
Inappropriate items not consistent with the spirit of the youth program
