For a while now I've been really into backpack hiking. I could say
it's my newly discovered love. There's something about being out there
in the wilderness by yourself, away from civilization, cars,
cell-phones, loud artificial sounds, hoards of people, that renews me
and fills me up with happiness and energy. For those who like to run,
they call it "the runner's high." I guess I have "the hiker's high," and
you can probably speak about similar highs with any other outdoors
activity. Whatever rocks your high boat!
I've
long wanted to make an extensive list of all the items I need to bring
with me when hiking, as there's always something I forget at home. The
list below was borrowed from my friend David Pilz and slightly
modified/expanded to suit my own packing needs.
Some
of the items on the list below are linking to my favorite camping
items/brands, but that doesn't mean they are the best, or that I am
endorsing a certain brand. They are just the items I've used and liked,
and a good recommendation starting point for anyone building a "hiking
kit" from scratch.
The
weight of your backpack with all the items inside it already should be
less than 25% of your body weight, so, keep that in mind when purchasing
new camping items, such as sleeping mat, tent or sleeping bag. Today,
you can find extremely light and compact camping gear. Some of it can be
expensive, but it's worth it, if you know you'll be hiking or camping a
lot. I've had my ultralight sleeping bag, mat and tent for years now,
have used them tons of times and never regret the investment.
The Essentials
- Backpack (60-80L)
- Rain cover for backpack (optional; only if you're know there's chances of rain)
- Hiking boots - I recommend real hiking boots, with good ankle support
- Trekking poles (optional; I don't use them, but they're nice to have on downhills)
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp (bring extra batteries!)
Clothes
- 2 tshirts
- 1 (fleece) hoodie - I hate fleece, but when you're cold and sweaty, it works like magic.
- Jacket (or windbreaker)
- 1 pair convertible pants
- 1 pair underpants/thermals
- Tevas
- 2 pairs hiking wool socks
- Underwear
- Swim suit /trunks
- Beanie (gloves optional)
- Girls: 1 heavy impact/yoga bra
- Rain gear (jacket and pants or poncho, depending on season and area)
Gadgets
- Camera (+ a spare battery + camera case + neck strap)
- Ipod + Headphones
- Kindle (or a real book, why not?) - I've used my Kindle a lot recently and really love it.
- GPS (optional)
- Maps
- Pen + tiny notebook
- Sunglasses
Toiletries
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Bug repellent
- Toilet paper
- Wet Towelettes
- Travel Towel
- contact lens liquid + case
- Girls: tampons
- a couple of q tips
- Deodorant (I personally never bring one when hiking, just use a wet towel)
First Aid Kit
- The essentials
- Moleskine + band aids + anti-blister gel
- Painkillers (Ibuprofen, Vicodin)
- Altitude-sickness pills (optional)
- Nasal decongestant
- Allergy pills (antihistamines)
- Poison oak soap (optional, if you know you're allergic to that shit)
Cooking Gear
- Mini stove + Gas
- 1 camping cooking pot
- 1 Bowl / 1 Mug / 1 Spork (the plastic accordion ones are really light and small)
- Utility Knife (or Swiss army knife)
- Matches and/or a lighter
- Kleen Kanteen water bottle
- Katadyn water filter (or water purification tablets)
- 1 small bottle of Castille Soap
- 1 small sponge
- 1 garbage bag
Food
- Oatmeal (+freeze-dried strawberries)
- Energy food (bars, chewables, gels)
- trail mix
- Tea bags / Coffee powder
- Tortellini / pasta / bagged pasta sauce
- Packaged camping food (This is expensive, so I avoid it, but if you can afford it, why not?)
- Other (whatever you're craving, as long as it's not too heavy and doesn't go bad.)
