Christopher F. Powell

Backpacking Gear

The Basics

• tent
• sleeping bag/pad/pillow
• stove (cleaning kit or maybe a spare stove on a real adventure)
• fuel (How much? Depends on what you're gonna cook, weather, stove. We always seem to carry enough to power a third-world country for a month.
• first aid kit
• water filter (also a good idea to have a spare, or purification tablets as a backup)
• cooking/eating gear
• large spoon/spatula for cooking
• rain gear/shell
• insulation layer
• clean socks, liners for every day (prevents blisters)
• boots
• extra boot laces
• topo map and compass
• cameras/film/lenses/tripod/extra batteries
• water bottles (carry more than you think you need)
• notepad and pen
• sunglasses
• flashlight and batteries
• hat
• bandannas (numerous uses)
• pack cover
• stuff sacks
• rope for hanging food
• toothbrush
• trash bags
• tarp to block wind,rain (If you feel like carrying it)
• day pack
• star map
• attitude adjustment (flask of wine, whiskey, or whatever floats your boat)

Summer Extras

• shorts,t-shirts
• sandals
• sunscreen
• fishing poles
• mosquito headnet
• DEET

Winter Specialties

• long underwear
• balaclava
• warm hat, gloves
• snow shovel
• snowshoes and ski poles
• pac boots
• sled for gear
• extra sleeping pad (essential)