What to pack for a Backpacking Trip
Every time I leave the pavement, I take along my trusty
hiking pack – even if I have no intention of hiking. Doing this
has become a habit rather than a conscious decision. My pack
goes with me when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even
when I drive out of town. I’ve been a boy scout and a United
States Marine so I suppose I have learned to be prepared for
almost anything. My pack is full of items I hope I will never
need.
What’s in Your Hiking Pack? As an outdoor enthusiast, you
have complete control over what you carry or what stays in the
car – such as a cell phone, do you carry one? I wouldn’t dare
go in the backcountry without all of the items listed below as
“Highly Recommend.” What’s in My Hiking Pack? Here is my list
split into two categories with the weight of each item in
ounces:
Highly Recommend: Cell Phone (5 ounces), First-Aid Kit (9),
Flashlight (4), Food - Beef Jerky (4), Insect Repellent (3),
Map & Compass (4), Multi-Tool (9), Pack (24), Signal Mirror
(1), Spare Vehicle Key (1), Sunglasses & Sunscreen (2),
Water, Waterproof matches (1), Waterproof windbreaker (24),
Whistle (1). Total weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces, not including
water. Nice to Have: Bandana (1), Binoculars
(12), Cash & ID (1), Disposable Camera (4), Emergency
Blanket (1), Extra Batteries (4), GPS Unit (10), Hand warmers
(1), Hunting knife (8), Lighter (1), Lip Balm (1),
Mini-Umbrella (10), Paper & Pen (1), Rangefinder (8), Road
Flare (4), 12 feet of rope (2), Saw (7), Toilet Paper (1),
Two-Way Radio (7), Work Gloves (2). Total weight: 5 pounds 2
ounces.
The total weight of my hiking pack not counting water, is 10
pounds 14 ounces. My pack has a shoulder harness system that
takes the weight off of my lower back and distributes it evenly
across my shoulders and upper back. I hardly notice my pack
when I’m wearing it. One last point, if you carry something –
make sure you know how to use it.
We’ve all heard quotes about being prepared, such as
“Chance favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur and “The
will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” –
Joe Paterno and “Chance fights ever on the side of the
prudent.” – Euripides. I suggest carrying a well thought out
pack is a good habit and a good outdoor life-skill. One day it
may save a family member, an outdoor companion or even you.
Plan ahead before you venture into our backcountry, even if
you plan to be gone only an hour or two. It makes good sense.
With just this small amount of planning you’ll get the most out
of your backcountry experiences. Use this information and
you’ll Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
About The Author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the President
of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing
backcountry specialty gear and educational information for
outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the
free newsletter "FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055. chuck@backcountrytoys.com
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