Basic Three Season Gear Check List

Remember two things: (1) if you bring an item, you will carry for the trip, and (2) if you didn't bring an item, you won't have it during the trip.  I have a companion gear guide to provide more details and ideas as well as some notes about Getting Starting Backpacking.  I have also collected pointers to a number of folks gear checklists which you might find useful.

Clothing Wear
  • running shoes [hiking shoes, hiking boots, or sandals which are comfortable can also work]
  • wool, coolmax, or nylon socks.  If wearing inflexible boots, an inner liner and a thick wool outer sock a must
  • underwear (ideally not cotton): coolmax, capilene, etc
  • pants / shorts (ideally not cotton): such as the nylon "travel" pants, river shorts, unlined synthetic  "warm-up" or "running"
  • shirt (ideally not cotton): supplex nylon, silk weight long underwear, technical tee-shirt, or sports shirt (biking, soccer, etc)
  • day hat (for sun protection)
Home: Sleep and Storage
  • backpack
  • sleeping bag (appropriately warm)
  • foam pad or therm-a-rest

Essentials

  • water container (bottle(s) or hydration system)
  • whistle
  • pocket knife
  • hand cleaner
  • blistex or chapstick
  • sunscreen
  • flashlight, batteries for flashlight
  • sunglasses
 Clothing Carry
  • extra socks for hiking
  • light/mid weight long underwear: synthetic or merino wool [optional... maybe nice PJs and extra warmth]
  • insulating layer: 200/300 weight fleece, or vest / jacket insulated with polarguard, primaloft, down
  • rain and wind protection: either waterproof breathable jacket  (pants optional) -or- poncho made of waterproof fabric and windbreaker
  • warm fleece or wool hat

Kitchen

  • cup
  • eating utensils: at least a spoon
  • large bowl (if you don't want to eat and drink out of your cup)

Bathroom

  • toothbrush
  • small towel

Optional

  • camera
  • extra footwear for "camp" use and/or crossing streams.  Light sandals, crocs, etc.
  • "camp wear": extra shirt and pants
  • extra warm socks for sleeping in
  • gloves (if your hands get cold and you don't want to use extra socks as mittens
  		 Individual or Shared Items

The following items could be carried by each individual, or pooled as a group provided individuals don't get separated from the group:

  • water treatment
  • first-aid kit
  • lighter,  matches, firestarters
  • compass + map
  • bug repellent
  • bio-degradable soap
  • shovel (or use a stake)
  • toilet paper
  • trash bag
  • 50' of rope
Group Items

Each group will need to bring a number of items which will be shared between the group during the trip.  These items should be divided appropriately between people based on weight, size, and individuals abilities:

  • food
  • tent(s) or tarp(s)
  • stove
  • fuel for stove
  • cooking pot (1.5-4L) w/ lid
  • object to clean pot
  • bear canister(s) if appropriate
  • large water bag (optional)