PAUL GREEN's Backpacking/Camping List
CRUCIAL LARGE ITEMS:
sleeping bag
thermal underpad
hiking boots
tent w/fly
warm coat (down, wool, or fleece)
stove and fuel
waterproof matches/butane lighter
CRUCIAL SMALL ITEMS: Essentials that sometimes get left out.
quart canteen (2)
good maps/trail descriptions
flashlight (a headlamp is better!)
extra batteries
compass
sunglasses
pocket knife
water filter or chemical water purification
watch
WIDGETS and COMFORTS: You'll have your own ideas here. Some of these are indispensable. Better bring the rope, at least to hang food - not just from bears, but rodents! Just because you bring biodegradable soap doesn't mean fish like it. I mean, do YOU drink it? Please try to keep it out of streams and lakes. And (DUH!) if you packed it in, pack it out!
insect repellent
sunscreen
nylon rope (50ft+)
ground cover
pack cover (or)
large hefty bags
ziplock bags
toilet paper (biodegradable)
moleskin
1st aid tape/bandaids
antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
aspirin
scrubpad
spoon and fork
scissors
can opener
large collapsible water jug
Dr. Bronner's/biodegradable soap
toothbrush
binoculars
camera
wisk broom
spade/trowel
small pliers
superglue
DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOTHES: Avoid cotton! For serious cold weather, down is best, but the problem is it's useless wet! For merely chilly weather, fleece (that new fuzzy synthetic stuff, like polarfleece) or wool both retain their warmth even if wet. Fleece is best because it dries quickly! Layers are always the way to go, with water resistant shells on top! Always have long underwear. For your skivvies, fleece is best, then polypro. Cotton is good for about ten minutes until it gets wet or sweaty. After that it's dead weight.
warm hat
sun/rain hat
bandana
sneakers/sandals
rain suit
long cotton shirt and pants
wool/fleece sweater and pants
rag socks (1 per 2 days)
long johns (polypro or capilene)
liner socks (polypro or capilene)
underwear
shorts
tank tops
mittens
DON'T FORGET FOOD! Bring extra. If you need to diet, do it back home. If you get stuck, or it gets cold, or a racoon raids your pack, you'll be happy you lugged those extra bagels. In fact, all food tastes great outdoors, and you'll eat a lot more than usual, if you're working them quads.