Backpackers Checklist

The Means of A Check List

Packing a backpack seems like a simple task, but are you really packing correctly and including the things that you should? If you plan to take a backpacking trip there are certain things to think about like the length of your trip, the weather etc. The information about your trip will then help you know what you need and how much you need to pack. Aside from understanding what you need, how much you need and how to pack everything into your backpack. Learning and understanding what items are of the upmost importance could in fact save your life if you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Backpacker's Basics Backpack Tent & Stakes Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad Day Pack Sunscreen Flashlight/Headlamp and Extra Batteries	Backpacker's Essentials Full 1 Qt. Water Bottle Matches or Lighter Compass and Map Basic First Aid Kit Whistle with neck cord 50 Ft. Nylon Cord Pocket Knife Emergency Blanket Energy Bar Sunglasses	Ski Accessories Waxes/skins Scraper Cork Skis Poles Boots Spare parts Tools
Clothing Boots, well sealed Camp shoes and sandals Liner Socks Hiking Socks T-Shirt Shorts Warm Shirt Pants Extra Underwear Thermal Underwear Warm Jacket/Fleece Rain Gear Gloves Fleece/Wool Hat with brim Warm Hat Clothes for drive home	Group Equipment Camping Stove Windscreen Small Lantern Fuel and Funnel Matches or Lighter Water Filter/Chemical Insect Repellent Toilet Paper and Towel Trash Bag Repair Kit Large Firs Aid Kit Water Storage Container Bear Canister Biodegradable Dish Soap Scrub Pad Dish Towel Large Utensils Pots and Fry Pan Small Cutting Board Pot Grip Drink Mixes Food Spices Snacks GPS 2-Way Radios	Winter Camp Equipment Avalanche probes, beacons Boot protection/sealant Snow Shovel Extra Dark Sunglasses/keeper Small piece of sleeping pad (ensolite) for stove Extra pot for melting snow Snow stakes Snow Shoes Crampons Ice Axe
Miscellaneous Camera and Film Binoculars Bowl and Plate Insulated Cup Spoon and Fork Personal Toiletries Medication Lip Balm and Lotion Lightweight towel Reading Material Note Pad and Pencil Lightweight Camp Chair Hiking Poles Bandanna Fishing Gear and License Stash Bags Extra Water Bottle or Hydration System

How to Pack

Start with your sleeping bag in the bottom for a solid foundation. Put the heaviest items like your clothing, food, and cooking gear in the main compartment, keeping the weight close to your back, nearest your center of gravity. For men, this is higher, and for women it tends to be lower, towards the small of the back. Top off your pack with lighter items like your tent, maps or guides and anything you may need quickly at any particular moment like cameras, or chap stick etc. If you are unsure if everything is packed correctly try it on and walk a few steps around and see how it feels. Remember that the heaviest part of your pack should be towards the center or small of your back.