Essential Items:
- Pack of some kind (framed no necessary, just big enough)
- Hydration pack (3L Camelpak, $30 at Dick’s, a critical item to have)
- Sleeping bag/blanket (pad optional)
- Broken-in hiking shoes/boots (heavy boots not necessary)
- Trowel ($2 shovel to dig a hole for crapping, a semi-personal item)
- Rope
- Toilet paper
- Rain gear of some kind (at the minium a 99 cent poncho, but not recommended)
- LED Headlamp ($15 - $40 depending on options) – you don’t need anything fancy – the brighter they are, the more bugs/bats you’ll attract
- Mess kit/pot and spork – don’t forget a sponge to clean with
- Trash bags (PACK IN, PACK OUT!)
Optional recommended items:
- Personal water filter or treatment (iodine) – let’s get more than one filter on the trip if we can
- Tent
- Pillow (a stuff sack with clothes works better in my opinion)
- Tarp
- Knife
- First aid
- Synthetic cloths (Under Armor is AWESOME!)
- Straw/light hat of some kind
- Moleskin
- Bug spray
- Duct tape
- High-quality socks
- Hand sanitizer / alcohol wipes
- Compass
- Watch
- Camp towel
- Lantern/candle
- Whistle
If you’re unsure about food here are some suggestions:
- Instant meals (rice, pasta, soups, etc.)
- Beef jerkey
- Semi-dried fruit
- Nuts
- GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts) or trail mix
- Stuffing
- Bags of meat (chicken, salmon, tuna) not in cans!
- Tortillas
- Power bars
- Cheeses
- Pop tarts
- PB & J
- Water flavoring or mixes (if you get sick of water only)
